Orthopedic brace and method of use

Abstract

An orthopedic brace may include a main panel made of a flexible, breathable elastic fabric, such as perforated neoprene or AIRPRENE.® The main body panel includes a a fastening implement, such as hook-and-loop fasteners to secure the main body panel in an encircling position on or near a subject area of the human body. The brace may a shank embedded in the main panel to add rigidity in one or more areas. At least two adjustable strap loops may cooperate with the shank to provide targeted and precise compressive forces to the treatment area when the brace is installed. The strap loops may be anchored at one end to the main panel, extend through sliding rings and may be provided with fasteners at another end to adjustably engage corresponding fastening pads on the main body panel. The adjustable strap loops, rings and shank cooperate to provide for the targeted and precise application and distribution of pressure force to the treatment area.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to, co-pending application Ser. No. 14 / 690,294 titled “ORTHOPEDIC BRACE AND METHOD OF USE,” filed on Apr. 17, 2015, U.S. Pat. No. 9,308,111, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Technical Field[0003]The disclosure relates to orthopedic braces for stabilizing and / or protecting and preventing injury to an area of interest, such as an injured ankle, on a human subject.[0004]2. Prior Art[0005]Various brace and ankle brace configurations are known in the prior art for the treatment of injuries, such as lateral ankle sprains, which are the most common form of ankle injury experienced by athletes and others. Such device are typified by U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,202,249; 7,753,865 and 7,267,656, for example.[0006]New research is indicating that traditional treatments for injuries, such as ankle injuries, involving rest / idleness of the joint as well as thermal (ice) th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]According to one aspect, the brace may include a main panel comprised of a flexible, breathable elastic fabric, such as perforated neoprene or AIRPRENE.® The main body panel may be provided with a fastening implement, such as hook-and-loop fasteners to secure the main body panel in an encircling position on or near a subject area of the human body. The brace may include at least one rigid or semi-rigid member or shank embedded or otherwise cooperatively associated with the main panel to add rigidity in one or more areas. At least two adjustable strap loops may cooperate with the shank to provide targeted and precise compressive forces to the treatment area when the brace is installed. The strap loops may be anchored at one end to the main panel, extend through sliding rings and may be provided with fasteners at another end to adjustably engage corresponding fastening pads on the main body panel. The adjustable strap loops, rings and shank cooperate to provide for the targeted and precise application and distribution of pressure force to the treatment area.

[0012]The orthopedic braces according to aspects of the invention may thus provide an adjustable and ideal constant pressure to a treatment area, which may result in pain relief to the human subject. In the case of an ankle brace, for example, the shank position and strap loops length may be selected to implement pressure therapies that are consistent with the MWM methods, such as providing for constant and optimal pressure in in an area of the leg just above the ankle while the brace is being worn, resulting in immediate pain relief and increased range of motion to the human subject even immediately following ankle sprain.

[0013]According to another aspect, the strap loop adjustment system and particular orientation of the adjustment straps and nature of the fasteners provides for quick and easy installation, removal and adjustment and allows the human subject to deploy the brace to the treatment area and to adjust the brace pressure without assistance from another person.

[0014]According to another aspect of the invention, an orthopedic brace may be used preventatively and may provide improved support to the treatment areas in order to protect the treatment area and to prevent injury, such as an ankle sprain.

Problems solved by technology

New research is indicating that traditional treatments for injuries, such as ankle injuries, involving rest / idleness of the joint as well as thermal (ice) therapy may not be as effective as mobilization and movement of the joint and pumping action of the associated muscles immediately following injury.

Yet another challenge in the art is to provide brace configurations that are easy to deploy (install) and remove, and which do not require the attention of a person besides the user for adjustment and or installation / removal.

Yet another challenge is to provide orthopedic braces that may provide therapeutic effects, such as MWM or like effects, to the area of interest while being worn by a human subject.

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