Method for moving finger joints

• US 6,502,577 B1
• Filed: 09/18/2000
• Issued: 01/07/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 09/18/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bonutti Research Incorporated (Bonutti IP LLC)
• Original Assignee: The Bonutti 2003 Trust A
• Inventors: Bonutti, Peter M.
• Primary Examiner(s): WINAKUR, ERIC FRANK
• Assistant Examiner(s): Veniaminov, Nikita R
• Application Number:
  US09/664,922
• Time in Patent Office: 841 Days
• Field of Search: 601/33, 601/34, 602/16, 602/20, 602/22, 602/5, 602/36, 602/37, 128/898, 606/54, 606/55, 606/58, 606/59
• US Class Current: 128/898
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2005/0137 with two parallel pivots
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2005/0153 combining rotational and stretching movements
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/013 for the arms, hands or fingers A61F5/0118 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/05875 for fingers
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 1/0288 Fingers

Abstract

The same orthosis can be used to sequentially move joints of different fingers of a hand. A hand cuff of the orthosis is mounted on the hand. Mechanisms operable to move the joints are connected to the hand cuff at locations aligned with the fingers. The mechanisms are connected with the fingers. The joints of the fingers are moved by operating the mechanisms. The joints and first and second portions of the fingers define on one side of the joints outer sectors which decrease in angle as the joints are extended. Force is applied to the first and second portions of the fingers to move the joints by providing relative rotation between internally and externally threaded members disposed in the outer sectors. Actuator members connected with the internally or externally threaded members are moved along paths that extend through the joints.

Claims

1. A method of using one orthosis to sequentially move a first joint of a first finger of a hand and a second joint of a second finger of the hand, said method comprising the steps of mounting a hand cuff of the orthosis on the hand, connecting a first mechanism operable to move the first joint to the hand cuff at a first location aligned with the first finger, connecting the first mechanism with the first finger, moving the first joint of the first finger by operating the first mechanism, connecting a second mechanism operable to move the second joint of the hand cuff at a second location aligned with the second finger, connecting the second mechanism with the second finger, moving the second joint of the second finger by operating the second mechanism.

2. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of moving the first joint of the first finger by operating the first mechanism includes moving an actuator member disposed in the first mechanism along a path which extends through the first joint, said step of moving the second joint of the second finger by operating the second mechanism includes moving an actuator member disposed in the second mechanism along a path which extends through the second joint.

3. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of moving the first joint of the first finger by operating the first mechanism includes effecting relative rotation between internally and externally threaded members of the first mechanism along an axis extending through the first joint, said step of moving the second joint of the second finger by operating the second mechanism includes effecting relative rotation between internally and externally threaded members of the second mechanism along an axis extending through the second joint.

4. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of moving the first joint of the first finger by operating the first mechanism includes manually moving an input member of the first mechanism, said step of moving the second joint of the second finger by operating the second mechanism includes manually moving an input member of the second mechanism.

5. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of moving the first joint of the first finger by operating the first mechanism is performed by the person having the hand while the first mechanism is connected with the first finger, said step of moving the second joint of the second finger by operating the second mechanism is performed by the person having the hand while the second mechanism is connected with the second finger.

6. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of connecting the first mechanism with the first finger includes connecting a first cuff of the first mechanism with a first portion of the first finger connected to the first joint and connecting a second cuff of the first mechanism with a second portion of the first finger connected to the first joint, said step of connecting the second mechanism with the second finger includes connecting a first cuff of the second mechanism with a first portion of the second finger connected to the second joint and connecting a second cuff of the second mechanism with a second portion of the second finger connected to the second joint.

7. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of connecting the first mechanism with the first finger includes connecting a first cuff and a first cuff arm of the first mechanism with a first portion of the first finger connected to the first joint and connecting a second cuff and a second cuff arm of the first mechanism with a second portion of the first finger connected to the first joint, said step of moving the first joint of the first finger including moving one of the first and second cuffs along one of the first and second cuff arms.

8. A method as set forth in claim 7 wherein said step of moving one of the first and second cuffs along one of the first and second cuff arms includes transmitting force from an input member of the first mechanism to the one of the first and second cuffs to move the one of the first and second cuffs along the one of the first and second cuff arms under the influence of force transmitted from the input member to the one of the first and second cuffs while moving the first joint.

9. A method as set forth in claim 7 wherein said step of moving the first joint of the first finger includes moving the first cuff along the first cuff arm and simultaneously moving the second cuff along the second cuff arm while moving the first joint.

10. A method as set forth in claim 9 wherein said step of moving the first cuff along the first cuff arm and simultaneously moving the second cuff along the second cuff arm while moving the first joint includes moving the first and second cuffs toward the first joint under the influence of force transmitted to the first and second cuffs from the input member of the first mechanism.

11. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of connecting the first mechanism with the first finger includes connecting a first cuff and a first cuff arm of the first mechanism with a first portion of the first finger connected to the first joint and connecting a second cuff and a second cuff arm of the first mechanism with a second portion of the first finger connected to the first joint, said step of moving the first joint of the first finger includes transmitting force from an input member of the first mechanism to the first cuff arm to pivot the first cuff arm about an axis which is offset from the first joint on a side of the first joint toward a tip of the first finger.

12. A method as set forth in claim 11 wherein said step of moving the first joint of the first finger includes transmitting force from the input member of the first mechanism to the second cuff arm to pivot the second cuff arm about an axis which is offset from the first joint on a side of the first joint away from the tip of the first finger.

13. A method as set forth in claim 12 wherein said step of moving the first joint of the first finger includes transmitting force from the input member of the first mechanism to the first and second cuffs to simultaneously move the first and second cuffs along the first and second cuff arms.

14. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the first joint, a first portion of the first finger connected with the first joint, and a second portion of the first finger connected with the first joint define an outer sector of the first finger which decreases in angle as the first joint is moved in extension, the first mechanism being disposed in the outer sector of the first finger when the first mechanism is connected to the first finger, the second joint, a first portion of the second finger connected with the second joint, and a second portion of the second finger connected with the second joint define an outer sector of the second finger which decreases in angle as the second joint is moved in extension, the second mechanism being disposed in the outer sector of the second finger when the second mechanism is connected to the second finger.

15. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein. said step of moving the first joint of the first finger by operating the first mechanism includes operating the first mechanism to move the first joint in a direction away from an initial condition of the first joint, interrupting operation of the first mechanism for a period of time, and, thereafter, resuming operation of the first mechanism to further move the first joint in the direction away from the initial condition, said step of moving the second joint of the second finger by operating the second mechanism including operating the second mechanism to move the second joint in a direction away from an initial condition of the second joint, interrupting operation of the second mechanism for a period of time, and, thereafter, resuming operation of the second mechanism to further move the second joint in the direction away from the initial condition.

16. A method as set forth in claim 15 wherein said step of operating the first mechanism to move the first joint of the first finger in the direction away from the initial condition includes moving an actuator member in the first mechanism in a direction away from the first finger, said step of operating the second mechanism to move the second joint of the second finger in the direction away from the initial condition includes moving an actuator member in the second mechanism in a direction away from the second finger.

17. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of mounting the hand cuff of the orthosis on the hand includes mounting a first plate of the hand cuff on a palm of the hand and mounting a second plate of the hand cuff on a back of the hand opposite from the palm.

18. A method as set forth in claim 17 wherein said step of connecting the first mechanism to the hand cuff at the first location aligned with the first finger includes connecting the first mechanism to the second plate mounted on the back of the hand, said step of connecting the second mechanism to the hand cuff at the second location aligned with the second finger including connecting the second mechanism to the second plate.

19. A method as set forth in claim 18 wherein said step of connecting the first mechanism to the second plate includes connecting the first mechanism to the second plate at one of four locations on the second plate, said step of connecting the second mechanism to the second plate includes connecting the second mechanism to the second plate at another of the four locations on the second plate.

20. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of connecting the first mechanism to the hand cuff at the first location aligned with the first finger includes clamping a connecting portion of the first mechanism to the hand cuff, said step of connecting the second mechanism to the hand cuff at the second location aligned with the second finger includes clamping a connecting portion of the second mechanism to the hand cuff.

21. A method as set forth in claim 20 wherein said step of connecting the first mechanism to the hand cuff includes extending the connecting portion of the first mechanism into a first one of four cylindrical members connected to the hand cuff, said step of clamping the connecting portion of the first mechanism to the hand cuff includes threadably engaging a set screw with the first one of the four cylindrical members to clamp the connecting portion of the first mechanism with the first one of the four cylindrical members, said step of connecting the second mechanism to the hand cuff includes extending the connecting portion of the second mechanism into a second one of the four cylindrical members connected to the hand cuff, said step of clamping the connecting portion of the second mechanism to the hand cuff includes threadably engaging a set screw with the second one of the four cylindrical members to clamp the connecting portion of the second mechanism with the second one of the four cylindrical members.

22. A method of moving a joint between first and second portions of a finger on a hand of a patient, said method comprising the steps of positioning at least a portion of a base adjacent to of the hand of the patient at a location between the finger and a wrist connected with the hand, connecting a bending mechanism with the base, connecting the bending mechanism to the first portion of the finger with a first cuff and, connecting the bending mechanism to the second portion of the finger of the patient with a second cuff, and operating the bending mechanism to provide relative movement between the first and second cuffs.

23. A method as set forth in claim 22 wherein said step of operating the bending mechanism to provide relative movement between the first and second cuffs includes pivoting the first cuff and the first portion of the finger relative to the second portion of the finger and the second cuff about an axis extending transverse to a longitudinal central axis of the finger.

24. A method as set forth in claim 22 wherein said step of positioning a base adjacent to the hand of the patient includes positioning at least a portion of a plate adjacent to a back of the hand of the patient.

25. A method as set forth in claim 24 wherein said step of positioning the base adjacent to the hand of the patient includes the steps of positioning at least a portion of a plate adjacent to a palm of the hand of the patient and securing the plate positioned adjacent to the back of the hand of the patient and the plate positioned adjacent to the palm of the hand of the patient together to provide a base structure for the bending mechanism.

26. A method as set forth in claim 22 further including the step of moving the bending mechanism along the finger on the hand of the patient to position the first and second cuffs relative to the finger.

27. A method as set forth in claim 22 wherein said step of operating the bending mechanism includes providing relative rotation between internally and externally threaded members by moving an actuator member connected with one of the internally and externally threaded members.

28. A method as set forth in claim 22 wherein said step of operating the bending mechanism includes effecting relative rotation between internally and externally threaded members along an axis extending through the joint in the finger.

29. A method a set forth in claim 28 wherein said step of effecting relative rotation between the internally and externally threaded members includes manually moving an input member connected with one of the internally and externally threaded members.

30. A method as set forth in claim 22 wherein said step of operating the bending mechanism is performed by the person having the finger.

31. A method as set forth in claim 22 wherein said step of connecting the bending mechanism to the first portion of the finger of the patient includes connecting a first cuff arm to the first portion of the finger of the patient with the first cuff, said step of operating the bending mechanism includes effecting relative movement between the first cuff and the first cuff arm.

32. A method as set forth in claim 31 wherein said step of connecting the bending mechanism to the second portion of the finger of the patient includes connecting a second cuff arm to the second portion of the finger of the patient, said step of operating the bending mechanism includes effecting relative movement between the second cuff and the second cuff arm.

33. A method as set forth in claim 22 wherein the joint and first and second portions of the finger define on one side of the joint an inner sector which decreases in angle as the joint is flexed and define on an opposite side of the joint an outer sector which decrease in angle as the joint is extended, said step of operating the bending mechanism includes providing relative rotation between internally and externally threaded members disposed in the outer sector.

34. A method as set forth in claim 22 further including the steps of connecting a second bending mechanism with the base, connecting a second bending mechanism with a first portion of a second finger on the hand of the patient with a third cuff, connecting the second bending mechanism with a second portion of the second finger with a fourth cuff, and operating the second bending mechanism to provide relative movement between the third and fourth cuffs.

35. A method as set forth in claim 34 wherein said step of operating the second bending mechanism includes providing relative rotation between internally and externally threaded members.

36. A method as set forth in claim 35 wherein said step of providing relative rotation between internally and externally threaded members includes rotating one of the members about an axis extending through a joint in the second finger.

37. A method of moving a joint between first and second portions of a finger on a hand of a patient, said method comprising the steps of positioning at least a portion of a first base member adjacent to a back of the hand of the patient, positioning at least a portion of a second base member adjacent to a palm of the hand of the patient, interconnecting the first and second base members with at least a portion of the hand of the patient disposed between the first and second base members, connecting a bending mechanism with one of the base members, connecting the bending mechanism with the first and second portions of the finger on the hand of the patient, and operating the bending mechanism to apply force to the first and second portions of the finger on the hand of the patient to effect movement of the joint in the finger.

38. A method as set forth in claim 37 wherein said step of operating the bending mechanism includes transmitting force from the bending mechanism to the first portion of the finger of the patient at a location spaced from the first and second base members and transmitting force from the bending mechanism to the second portion of the finger of the patient at a location spaced from the first and second base members.

39. A method as set forth in claim 37 further including the step of moving the bending mechanism relative to the first and second base members to adjust the position of the bending mechanism relative to the finger.

40. A method as set forth in claim 37 wherein said step of operating the bending mechanism includes providing relative rotation between internally and externally threaded members by moving an actuator member connected with one of the internally and externally threaded members.

41. A method as set forth in claim 37 wherein said step of operating the bending mechanism includes effecting relative rotation between internally and externally threaded members along an axis extending through the joint.

42. A method as set forth in claim 37 wherein said step of connecting the bending mechanism with the first and second portions of the finger includes connecting the bending mechanism with one of the first and second portions of the finger with a cuff.

43. A method as set forth in claim 37 wherein said step of connecting the bending mechanism with the first and second portions of the finger of the patient includes connecting the bending mechanism to the first portion of the finger with a first cuff and connecting the bending mechanism with the second portion of the finger with a second cuff.

44. A method as set forth in claim 37 wherein said step of connecting the bending mechanism with the first and second portions of the finger of the patient includes connecting a cuff and a cuff arm with first portion of the finger with the cuff extending at least part way around the first portion of the finger, said step of operating the bending mechanism includes effecting relative movement between the cuff and cuff arm.

45. A method a set forth in claim 37 wherein said step of connecting the bending mechanism with the first and second portions of the finger of the patient includes connecting a first cuff and a first cuff arm with the first portion of the finger of the patient and connecting a second cuff and a second cuff arm with the second portion of the finger of the patient, said step of operating the bending mechanism includes effecting relative movement between the first cuff and the first cuff arm and effecting relative movement between the second cuff and the second cuff arm.

46. A method as set forth in claim 37 wherein the joint and first and second portions of the finger define on one side of the joint an inner sector which decreases in angle as the joint is flexed and define on an opposite side of the joint an outer sector which decreases in angel as the joint is extended, said step of operating the bending mechanism includes providing relative rotation between internally and externally threaded members disposed in the outer sector.

47. A method as set forth in claim 37 further including the steps of connecting a second bending mechanism with one of the base members, connecting the second bending mechanism with first and second portions of a second finger on the hand of the patient, and operating the second bending mechanism to apply force to first and second portions of the second finger on the hand of the patient to effect movement of a joint in the second finger.

48. A method as set forth in claim 47 wherein the joint and first and second portions of the finger define on one side of the joint an inner sector which decreases in angle as the joint is flexed and define on an opposite side of the joint an outer sector which decreases in angle as the joint is extended, said step of providing relative rotation between internally and externally threaded members includes providing relative rotation between internally and externally threaded members disposed in the outer sector.

49. A method as set forth in claim 48 wherein said step of operating the bending mechanism includes transmitting force to the first and second finger cuffs.

50. A method of moving a joint between first and second portions of a finger on a hand of a patient, said method comprising the steps of positioning at least a portion of a base adjacent to the hand of the patient at a location between the finger and a wrist connected with the hand, connecting a bending mechanism with the base, connecting the bending mechanism with the finger, and operating the bending mechanism to provide relative movement between the first and second portions of the finger, said step of operating the bending mechanism includes providing relative rotation between internally and externally threaded members in the bending mechanism.

51. A method as set forth in claim 50 wherein said step providing relative rotation between internally and externally threaded members includes rotating one of the internally and externally threaded members about an axis extending through the joint.

52. A method as set forth in claim 50 wherein said step of connecting the bending mechanism with the base includes aligning a longitudinally extending connector member extending from the bending mechanism with the finger on the hand of the patient and securing an end portion of the connector member with the base.

53. A method as set forth in claim 50 wherein said step of connecting the bending mechanism with the finger includes connecting the bending mechanism to the first portion of the finger with a first cuff and connecting the bending mechanism with the second portion of the finger with a second cuff.

54. A method as set forth in claim 50 wherein said step of positioning the base adjacent to the hand of the patient includes positioning at least a portion of a first base member adjacent to a back of the hand of the patient, positioning at least a portion of a second base member adjacent to a palm of the hand of the patient, and interconnecting the first and second base members with at least a portion of the hand of the patient disposed between the first and second base members.

55. A method as set forth in claim 50 further including the steps of connecting a second bending mechanism with the base, connecting the second bending mechanism with a second finger on the hand of the patient, and operating the second bending mechanism to provide relative movement between first and second portions of the second finger, said step of operating the second bending mechanism includes providing relative rotation between internally and threaded members in the second bending mechanism.

56. A method of moving a joint between first and second portions of a finger on hand of a patient, said method comprising the steps of connecting a hand cuff with the hand of the patient, aligning a bending mechanism which extends from the hand cuff with the finger on the hand of the patient, connecting a first portion of the bending mechanism with the first portion of the finger on the hand of the patient, connecting a second portion of the bending mechanism with the second portion of the finger on the hand of the patient, and operating the bending mechanism to provide relative movement between the first and second portions of the finger on the hand of the patient.

57. A method as set forth in claim 56 wherein said step of connecting a first portion of the bending mechanism with the first portion of the finger on the hand of the patient includes at least partially enclosing the first portion of the finger with a first finger cuff, said step of connecting a second portion of the bending mechanism with the second portion of the finger on the hand of the patient includes at least partially enclosing the second portion of the finger with a second finger cuff.

58. A method as set forth in claim 56 wherein said step of operating the bending mechanism includes providing relative rotation between internally and externally threaded members in the bending mechanism.

59. A method as set forth in claim 58 wherein said step of providing relative rotation between internally and externally threaded members includes rotating one of the members about an axis extending through the joint.

60. A method as set forth in claim 56 wherein said step of connecting a hand cuff with the hand of the patient includes positioning at least a portion of a first base member adjacent to a back of the hand of the patient, positioning at least a portion of a second base member adjacent to a palm of the hand of the patient, and interconnecting the first and second base members with at least portion of the hand of the patient disposed between the first and second base members.

61. A method as set forth in claim 56 wherein the joint and first and second portions of the finger define on one side of the joint an inner sector which decreases in angle as the joint is flexed and define on an opposite side of the joint an outer sector which decreases in angle as the joint is extended, said step of aligning the bending mechanism with the finger includes positioning at least a portion of the bending mechanism in the outer sector.

62. A method as set forth in claim 56 further including the step of aligning a second bending mechanism which extends from the hand cuff with a second finger on the hand of the patient, connecting a first portion of the second bending mechanism with a first portion of the second finger on the hand of the patient, connecting a second portion of the second bending mechanism with a second portion of the second finger on the hand of the patient, and operating the second bending mechanism to provide relative movement between the first and second portions of the second finger on the hand of the patient.

63. A method as set forth claim 56 wherein said step of connecting the first portion of the bending mechanism with the first portion of the finger on the hand of the patient includes connecting a cuff and a cuff arm with the first portion of the finger, said step of operating the bending mechanism includes effecting relative movement between the cuff and cuff arm.

64. A method as set forth in claim 56 wherein said step of connecting the first portion of the bending mechanism with the first portion of the finger on the hand of the patient includes connecting a first cuff and a first cuff arm with the first portion of the finger, said step of connecting the second portion of the bending mechanism with the second portion of the finger on the hand of the patient includes connecting a second cuff and a second cuff arm with the second portion of the finger, said step of operating the ending mechanism includes effecting relative movement between the first cuff and the first cuff arm and effecting relative movement between the second cuff and the second cuff arm.

65. A method of moving a joint between first and second portions of a finger on a hand of a patient, wherein the joint and first and second portions of the finger define on one side of the joint an inner sector which decreases in angle as the joint is flexed and define on the opposite side of the joint an outer sector which decreases in angle as the joint is extended, said method comprising the steps of connecting a bending mechanism with the first portion of the finger with a first finger cuff, said step of connecting the bending mechanism with the first portion of the finger with a first finger cuff includes tensioning a strap of the first finger cuff with the bending mechanism disposed in the outer sector, connecting the bending mechanism with the second portion of the finger with a second finger cuff, said step of connecting the bending mechanism with the second portion of the finger with a second finger cuff includes tensioning a strap of the second finger cuff with the bending mechanism disposed in the outer sector, and operating the bending mechanism to provide relative movement between the first and second finger cuffs and the first and second portions of the finger, said step of operating the bending mechanism is performed with the bending mechanism disposed in the outer sector and includes moving an actuator member in the outer sector.

66. A method as set forth in claim 65 wherein said step of operating the bending mechanism includes providing relative rotation between internally and externally threaded members disposed in the outer sector under the influence of force transmitted from the actuator member.

67. A method as set forth in claim 65 further including the steps of connecting a hand cuff with the hand of the patient and aligning the first and second finger cuffs with the finger on the hand of the patient while the bending mechanism is in the outer sector, said step of operating the bending mechanism being performed while the bending mechanism is connected with the hand cuff.

68. A method as set forth in claim 67 wherein said step of connecting the hand cuff with the hand of a patient includes positioning at least a portion of a first base member adjacent to a back of the hand of the patient, positioning at least a portion of a second base member adjacent to a palm of the hand of the patient, and interconnecting the first and second base members with at least a portion of the hand of the patient disposed between the first and second base members.

69. A method of moving a joint between first and second portions of a finger, said method comprising applying force to the first and second portions of the finger, said step of applying force to the first and second portions of the finger including providing relative rotation between internally and externally threaded members and transmitting force from the internally and externally threaded members to the first and second portions of the finger, said step of providing relative rotation between the internally and externally threaded members includes moving an actuator member connected with one of the internally and externally threaded members along a path which extends through the joint, said step of applying force to the first and second portions of the finger includes connecting a first cuff of an orthosis with the first portion of the finger and connecting a second cuff of the orthosis with the second portion of the finger.

70. A method as set forth in claim 69 wherein the joint and first and second portions of the finger define on one side of the joint an inner sector which decreases in angle as the joint is flexed and define on the opposite side of the joint an outer sector which decreases in angle as the joint is extended, said step of moving an actuator member includes moving the actuator member with the actuator member disposed in the outer sector.

71. A method as set forth in claim 69 wherein said step of providing relative rotation between the internally and externally threaded members includes rotating one of the internally and externally threaded members about an axis extending through the joint.

72. A method as set forth in claim 69 wherein said step of providing relative rotation between the internally and externally threaded members includes manually moving an input member connected with one of the internally and externally threaded members.

73. A method as set forth in claim 69 wherein said step of providing relative rotation between the internally and externally threaded members includes rotating the internally and externally threaded members relative to each other to move the joint in a direction away from an initial condition of the joint, interrupting relative rotation between the internally and externally threaded members for a period of time, and, thereafter, resuming relative rotation between the internally and externally threaded members to further move the joint in the direction away from the initial condition.

74. A method of moving a joint between first and second portions of a finger, said method comprising applying force to the first and second portions of the finger, said step of applying force to the first and second portions of the finger including providing relative rotation between internally and externally threaded members and transmitting force from the internally and externally threaded members to the first and second portions of the finger, said step of providing relative rotation between the internally and externally threaded members includes moving an actuator member connected with one of the internally and externally threaded members along a path which extends through the joint, said step of applying force to the first and second portions of the finger includes connecting a first cuff and a first cuff arm of an orthosis with the first portion of the finger and connecting a second cuff and a second cuff arm of the orthosis with a second portion of the finger, said step of providing relative rotation between the internally and externally threaded members includes moving one of the first and second cuffs along one of the first and second cuff arms.

75. A method as set forth in claim 74 wherein said step of moving one of the first and second cuffs along one of the first and second cuff arms includes transmitting force from one of the internally and externally threaded members to the one of the first and second duffs to move the one of the first and second cuffs along the one of the first and second cuff arms under the influence of force transmitted from the one of the internally and externally threaded members to the one of the first and second cuffs while the joint.

76. A method as set forth in claim 74 wherein said step of providing relative rotation between the internally and externally threaded members includes moving the first cuff along the first cuff arm and simultaneously moving the second cuff along the second cuff arm while moving the joint.

77. A method as set forth in claim 76 wherein said step of moving the first cuff along the first cuff arm and simultaneously moving the second cuff along the second cuff arm while moving the joint includes simultaneously moving the first and second cuffs toward the joint under the influence of force transmitted to the first and second cuffs from one of the internally and externally threaded members.

78. A method of moving a joint between first and second portions of a finger, said method comprising applying force to the first and second portions of the finger, said step of applying force to the first and second portions of the finger including providing relative rotation between internally and externally threaded members and transmitting force from the internally and externally threaded members to the first and second portions of the finger, said step of providing relative rotation between the internally and externally threaded members includes moving an actuator member connected with one of the internally and externally threaded members along a path which extends through the joint, said step of applying force to the first and second portions of the finger includes connecting a first cuff and a first cuff arm of an orthosis with the first portion of the finger and connecting a second cuff and a second cuff arm of the orthosis with the second portion of the finger, said step of providing relative rotation between the internally and externally threaded members includes transmitting force from one of the internally and externally threaded members to the first cuff arm to pivot the first cuff arm about an axis which is offset from the joint on a side of the joint toward a tip of the finger.

79. A method as set forth in claim 78 wherein said step of providing relative rotation between the internally and externally threaded members includes transmitting force from one of the internally and externally threaded members to the second cuff arm to pivot the second cuff arm about an axis which is offset from the joint on a side of the joint away from the tip of the finger.

80. A method as set forth in claim 78 wherein said step of providing relative rotation between the internally and externally threaded members includes transmitting force from one of the internally and externally threaded members to the first and second cuffs to simultaneously move the first and second cuffs along said first and second cuff arms.

81. A method as set forth in claim 78 wherein said step of providing relative rotation between the internally and externally threaded members includes rotating the internally and externally threaded members relative to each other to move the joint in a direction away from an initial condition of the joint, interrupting relative rotation between the internally and externally threaded members for a period of time, and, thereafter, resuming relative rotation between the internally and externally threaded members to further move the joint in the direction away from the initial condition.

82. A method of moving a joint between first and second portions of a finger, said method comprising applying force to the first and second portions of the finger, said step of applying force to the first and second portions of the finger including providing relative rotation between internally and externally threaded members and transmitting force from the internally and externally threaded members to the first and second portions of the finger, said step of providing relative rotation between the internally and externally threaded members includes moving an actuator member connected with one of the internally and externally threaded members along a path which extends through the joint, said method further includes mounting a first plate of a hand cuff on a palm of a hand having the finger and mounting a second plate of the hand cuff on a back of the hand opposite from the palm.

83. A method as set forth in claim 82 further including connecting a mechanism operable to apply force to the first and second portions of the finger to the second plate mounted on the back of the hand at a location aligned with the finger.

84. A method as set forth in claim 83 wherein said step of connecting the mechanism to the second plate includes connecting the mechanism to the second plate at one of four locations on the second plate.

85. A method as set forth in claim 84 wherein said step of connecting the mechanism to the second plate includes clamping a connecting portion of the mechanism to the second plate.

86. A method as set forth in claim 85 wherein said step of connecting the mechanism to the second plate includes extending the connecting portion of the mechanism into one of four cylindrical members connected to the second plate, said step of clamping the connecting portion of the mechanism to the second plate includes threadably engaging a set screw with the one of the four cylindrical members to clamp the connecting portion of the mechanism with the one of the four cylindrical members.

87. A method of moving a joint between first and second portions of a finger on a hand of a patient, said method comprising the steps of connecting a cuff with a hand of the patient, connecting a bending mechanism which extends from the cuff with a finger on the hand of the patient, said step of connecting the bending mechanism with a finger on the hand of the patient includes connecting a first portion of the bending mechanism with the first portion of the finger on the hand of the patient and connecting a second portion of the bending mechanism with the second portion of the finger on the hand of the patient, operating the bending mechanism in a first direction to provide relative movement between the first and second portions of the finger on the hand of the patient, interrupting operation of the bending mechanism for a period of time, and, thereafter, resuming operating of the bending mechanism in the first direction.

88. A method as set forth in claim 87 wherein said step of connecting a cuff with a hand of a patient includes positioning at least a portion of a base at a location between the finger and a wrist connected with the hand.

89. A method as set forth in claim 87 wherein said steps of connecting a first portion of the bending mechanism with the first portion of the finger on the hand of the patient and connecting the second portion of the bending mechanism with the second portion of the finger on the hand of the patient include connecting the first portion of the bending mechanism with the first portion of the finger with a first cuff and connecting the second portion of the bending mechanism with the second portion of the finger with a second cuff.

90. A method as set forth in claim 87 wherein said step of connecting a cuff with a hand of a patient includes positioning at least a portion of a first base member adjacent to a back of the hand of the patient and positioning at least a portion of a second base member adjacent to a palm of the hand of the patient.

91. A method as set forth in claim 87 wherein a plurality of connectors are disposed on the cuff connected with the hand, each of the connectors being associated with one of the fingers on the hand of the patient, said method further includes connecting the bending mechanism with a connector which is associated with the finger having the joint between first and second portions of the finger.

92. A method as set forth in claim 87 wherein said step of operating the bending mechanism in the first direction includes providing relative rotation between internally and externally threaded members in the bending mechanism.

93. A method as set forth in claim 87 wherein said step of connecting a first portion of the bending mechanism with the first portion of the finger on the hand of the patient includes engaging the first portion of the finger on the hand of the patient with a first cuff and tensioning a first strap to grip the first portion of the finger on the hand of the patient with the first cuff, said step of connecting a second portion of the bending mechanism with the second portion of the finger on the hand of the patient includes engaging the second portion of the finger on the hand of the patient with a second cuff and tensioning a second strap to grip the second portion of the finger on the hand of the patient with the second cuff.

94. A method as set forth in claim 87 further including the step of adjusting the position of the bending mechanism relative to the finger on the hand of the patient by moving the first and second portions of the bending mechanism together relative to the cuff connected with the hand of the patient.

95. An apparatus as set forth in claim 87 wherein said step of operating the bending mechanism in the first direction includes moving a member along an axis extending through the joint.

96. A method of moving a joint between first and second portions of a finger on a hand of a patient, said method comprising the steps of connecting a cuff with a hand of the patient, changing a position of a bending mechanism relative to the finger and the cuff to a position a first portion of the bending mechanism adjacent to the first portion of the finger and to position a second portion of the bending mechanism adjacent to the second portion of the finger, connecting the first portion of the bending mechanism to the first portion of the finger, connecting the second portion of the bending mechanism to the second portion of the finger, and operating the bending mechanism to provide relative movement between the first and second portions of the bending mechanism.

97. A method as set forth in claim 96 wherein said step of changing the position of the bending mechanism includes moving a connector member connected with the bending mechanism relative to the cuff and securing the connector member to the cuff when the bending mechanism is in a desired position relative to the cuff.

98. A method as set forth in claim 96 wherein said step of operating the bending mechanism to provide relative movement between the first and second portions of the bending mechanism includes moving the first portion of the bending mechanism and the first portion of the finger relative to the second portion of the bending mechanism and the second portion of the finger.

99. A method as set forth in claim 96 wherein said step of operating the bending mechanism includes operating the bending mechanism in a first direction to provide relative movement between first and second portions of the finger on the hand of the patient, interrupting operation of the bending mechanism for a period of time, and, thereafter, resuming operation of the bending mechanism in the first direction.

100. A method as set forth in claim 96 wherein said step of connecting a cuff with a hand of the patient is performed with the bending mechanism disconnected from the cuff, said method further includes connecting the bending mechanism with the cuff.

101. A method as set forth in claim 96 wherein said step of changing the position of the bending mechanism relative to the finger and the cuff includes moving the bending mechanism along a path which extends along the finger.

102. A method as set forth in claim 96 wherein said step of connecting a cuff with a hand of a patient includes positioning at least a portion of a base at a location between the finger and a wrist connected with the hand.

103. A method as set forth in claim 96 wherein said steps of connecting the first portion of the bending mechanism with the first portion of the finger and connecting the second portion of the bending mechanism with the second portion of the finger include connecting the first portion of the bending mechanism with the first portion of the finger with a first cuff and connecting the second potion of the bending mechanism with the second portion of the finger with a second cuff.

104. A method as set forth in claim 96 wherein said step of connecting a cuff with a hand of a patient includes positioning at least a portion of a first base member adjacent to a back of the hand of the patient and positioning at least a portion of a second base member adjacent to a palm of the hand of the patient.

105. A method as set forth in claim 96 wherein a plurality of connectors are disposed on the cuff connected with the hand and with each of the connectors associated with one of the fingers on the hand of the patient, said method further includes connecting the bending mechanism with a connector which is associated with the finger having a joint between first and second portions of the finger.

106. A method as set forth in claim 96 wherein said step of operating the bending mechanism in the first direction includes providing relative rotation between internally and externally threaded members in the bending mechanism.

107. A method as set forth in claim 96 wherein said step of connecting a first portion of the bending mechanism with the first portion of the finger includes engaging the first portion of the finger with a first cuff and tensioning a first strap to grip the first portion of the finger with the first cuff, said step of connecting a second portion of the bending mechanism with the second portion of the finger includes engaging the second portion of the finger with a second cuff and tensioning a second strap to grip the second portion of the finger with the second cuff.

108. An apparatus for use in moving a joint between first and second portions of a finger on a hand of a patient, said apparatus comprising a cuff which can be connected with the hand of the patient, a bending mechanism connected with said cuff, said bending mechanism includes a first portion which is connectable with the first portion of the finger, a second portion which is connectable with the second portion of the finger, and a force transmitting assembly which is connected with the first and second portions of the bending mechanism and is operable to effect relative movement between the first and second portions of the bending mechanism to bend the joint disposed between the first and second portions of the finger.

109. An apparatus as set forth in claim 108 wherein said cuff includes a base portion which is disposed adjacent to a back of the patient'"'"'s hand when the cuff is connected with the hand of the patient, said bending mechanism being connected with said base portion of said cuff.

110. An apparatus as set forth in claim 108 wherein said first portion of the bending mechanism includes a first cuff which is enactable with the first portion of the finger and a second cuff which is engagable with the second portion of the finger, said force transmitting assembly being connected with said first and second cuffs.

111. An apparatus as set forth in claim 108 wherein said bending mechanism includes an internally threaded member and an externally threaded member, one of said threaded members being movable along a path which extends between said first and second portions of said bending mechanism.

112. An apparatus as set forth in claim 108 wherein said bending mechanism include a first and second cuff arms, said first portion of said bending mechanism includes a first cuff which is connected to said first cuff arm and is movable relative to said first cuff arm during operation of said bending mechanism, said second portion of said bending mechanism includes a second cuff which is connected to said second cuff arm and is movable relative to said second cuff arm during operation of the bending mechanism.

113. An apparatus as set forth in claim 112 further including an elongated connector member which is connected with said cuff and extends along the finger on the hand of the patient, said bending mechanism being connected to an end portion of said elongated connector member.

114. An apparatus as set forth in claim 108 wherein said cuff includes a base portion which is disposed adjacent to a back of the patient'"'"'s hand when said cuff is connected with the patient'"'"'s hand, a plurality of connectors being disposed on said base portion of said cuff, and an elongated member which is engagable by a selected one of said connectors on said base portion of said cuff to align said elongated member with the finger on the patient'"'"'s hand, said bending mechanism being pivotally connected to an end portion of said elongated member.

115. An apparatus as set forth in claim 108 wherein said cuff includes a first rigid base member which is disposed adjacent to a back of the patient'"'"'s hand when said cuff is connected with the patient'"'"'s hand, a second rigid base member which is disposed adjacent to a palm of the patient'"'"'s hand when said cuff is connected with the patient'"'"'s hand, and a flexible element which extends between said first and second base members, said bending mechanism being connected with said first rigid base member.