An elbow brace and a method for stabilizing the elbow

Abstract

The present invention provides an elbow brace (1) for stabilizing the elbow (E) of a user. The elbow brace (1) comprises a brace body (100) and a stabilization complex (200). The brace body (100) comprises a proximal portion (110), a distal portion (120) and a posterolateral portion (130). The stabilization complex (200) is configured to be securely attached to the posterolateral portion (130) of the brace body (100) and configured to apply a force in a medial and anterior direction to the proximal part of the radius of the user. The elbow brace (1) is configured to be put on the forearm (F) of the user such that the elbow brace (1) is positioned between the elbow (E) and the mid-forearm (F2) of the user and the stabilization complex (200) overlies the proximal part of the radius of the user.

Description

[0001] An elbow brace and a method for stabilizing the elbow

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to medical supplies and equipment, more specifically, to orthopedic supplies and equipment. In particular, the present invention relates to orthoses for the elbow. The present invention provides an elbow brace for stabilizing the elbow of a user, which may be used for treatment and / or prevention of elbow pathology in the user. In addition, the present invention relates to methods for stabilizing the elbow of a user.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is an overuse injury that results from eccentric overload of the common extensor tendon, particularly at the origin of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon. Tennis elbow primarily arises from repetitive activities that involve gripping and wrist extension under load. This condition involves tendinopathy, where microtears occur in the muscle fibers at their attachment point on the lateral epicondyle. These microtears can lead to tendon damage and irritation of the muscle attachments to the bone. Tennis elbow is commonly seen in individuals who play tennis, squash, badminton, or engage in activities involving repetitive wrist extension, radial deviation, or forearm supination.

[0006] Treatment for lateral epicondylitis is typically conservative, including physiotherapy, exercises, medications, injections, and bracing. The primary focus in treating tennis elbow is the muscle-tendon complex. Commonly used treatment methods include massage, trigger point therapy, friction therapy, stretching, and exercise therapy. However, solely treating the muscles and tendons often results in limited success and prolonged recovery times. While conservative treatment is preferred over surgery, surgical intervention may still be necessary in some cases.

[0007] Elbow braces are commonly used in the treatment of elbow problems, such as overuse syndromes or instability. They have also been used as postoperative or posttraumatic protection or as an aid to improve range of motion. Another use of elbow bracing is to prevent injury. (Hattori H, Akasaka K, Otsudo T, Hall T, Amemiya K, Mori Y. Use of an Elbow Brace During Repetitive Pitching Does Not Cause an Increased Mechanical Burden on the Throwing Arm. PM R. 2019; 11 (10):1070-6.) Many patients with lateral epicondylitis use a classic counterforce brace in daily life to reduce pain. Most tennis elbow braces are positioned below the elbow and function by applying counterforce to reduce the leverage of the extensor muscles. These braces can effectively decrease pain and improve function in the short term. Some braces extend over the elbow and may feature a sleeve design. However, most sleeves include a counterforce component, and the above-elbow design generally offers no additional benefit. More robust brace designs, such as dynamic elbow stabilizers, provide valgus-varus stability, but they do not offer a counterforce function and often restrict mobility due to crossing of the elbow crease. Additionally, these larger and heavier braces are impractical for daily use and are typically only worn for short periods of time. A more detailed overview of the currently available elbow braces is provided here below.

[0008] In 1966, llfeld and Field published on the use of a specific brace in the treatment of tennis elbow, (llfeld FW, Field SM. Treatment of tennis elbow. Use of a special brace. JAMA. 1966;195(2):67-70.) Many authors have published on the effect of bracing since and several designs have been used. A dynamic wrist brace has also been designed with potential theoretical advantages. (Faes M, van Elk N, de Lint JA, Degens H, Kooloos JG, Hopman MT. A dynamic extensor brace reduces electromyographic activity of wrist extensor muscles in patients with lateral epicondylalgia. J Orthop Sports Phys Then 2006;36(3):170-8., Faes M, van den Akker B, de Lint JA, Kooloos JG, Hopman MT. Dynamic extensor brace for lateral epicondylitis. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2006;442:149-57.). Elbow counterforce, arm sleeve and wrist braces have been more popular and all can be effective in decreasing pain and increasing function in the short term. (Akkurt HE, Kocabas H, Yilmaz H, Eser C, Sen Z, Erol K, et al. Comparison of an epicondylitis bandage with a wrist orthosis in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Prosthet Orthot Int. 2018;42(6):599-605., Sadeghi-Demneh E, Jafarian F. The immediate effects of orthoses on pain in people with lateral epicondylalgia. Pain Res Treat. 2013;2013:353597.) A tennis elbow brace with a Light Emiting Diode was custom made in one case report. The idea was to combine bracing and light therapy. Although the patient did well, the idea was never used on a larger scale. (Ahmadi Bani M, ArazpourM, Fardahi Tomaj Y. Design and construction of a tennis elbow brace with light-emitting diode in subjects with lateral epicondylitis. J Hand Then 2019;32(1):124- In 1986, Groppel and Nirschl showed positive biomechanical alterations of counterforce braces in tennis players. (Groppel JL, Nirschl RP. A mechanical and electromyographical analysis of the effects of various joint counterforce braces on the tennis player. Am J Sports Med. 1986;14(3):195-200.). US2018092782A1 , US20101 13996A1 , and US4299214A provide further examples of counterforce braces, aiming to relieve discomfort in tennis elbow by applying pressure on the muscles.

[0009] Both counterforce braces and sleeve orthosis have been shown to improve propriocepsis in asymptomatic individuals (Sevik Kacmaz K, Unver B. Immediate effects of elbow orthoses on elbow proprioception in asymptomatic individuals: A randomized sham-controlled single-blinded study. J Hand Then 2024.) as well as improvement in propriocepsis (Ng GY, Chan HL. The immediate effects of tension of counterforce forearm brace on neuromuscular performance of wrist extensor muscles in subjects with lateral humeral epicondylosis. J Orthop Sports Phys Then 2004;34(2):72-8.), pain scores and grip strength in patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy. (Barati H, Zarezadeh A, MacDermid JC, Sadeghi-Demneh E. The immediate sensorimotor effects of elbow orthoses in patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy: a prospective crossover study. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2019;28(1):e10- e7.) The central neurologic effect of this finding may have an impact on pain sensation in patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy as these patients have been shown to have cortical alterations in the brain. One study demonstrated that interhemispheric inhibition balance is correlated with pain and that regulating this imbalance can potentially decrease lateral elbow pain in patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy. (Sato Y, Takanaka S, Izumi SI. Alteration of Interhemispheric Inhibition in Patients With Lateral Epicondylalgia. J Pain. 2024;25(5):104440.) Patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy use coping mechanisms to obtain a satisfactory function. Electromyographic studies have shown that patients use different neuromuscular strategies when gripping with different wrist postures. (Manickaraj N, Bisset LM, Kavanagh JJ. Lateral epicondylalgia exhibits adaptive muscle activation strategies based on wrist posture and levels of grip force: a case-control study. J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact. 2018;18(3):323-32.) Decreased activation of the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis (ECRB) and increased activation of the Extensor Digitorum Communis (EDC) and was evident on electromyographic data in the affected elbow with increased activation of the EDC that was also recorded in the asymptomatic extremity. (Heales LJ, Vicenzino B, MacDonald DA, Hodges PW. Forearm muscle activity is modified bilaterally in unilateral lateral epicondylalgia: A case-control study. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2016;26(12):1382-90.)

[0010] Dynamic elbow stabilizers are often used following elbow trauma or reconstructive surgery. When compared to plaster immobilization, dynamic braces are better tolerated. The effect of braces on varus stability in the LCL deficient elbow is debatable. A cadaveric study showed no additional stabilizing effect with a custom- made orthosis. (Badre A, Axford DT, KotzerS, Johnson JA, King GJ. Stabilizing effect of an elbow orthosis with an adjustable hinge axis after lateral collateral ligament injury: A biomechanical study. Shoulder Elbow. 2024;16(2):193-9.) Another cadaveric study showed increased laxity in the non-activated state and no difference in laxity when the muscles were activated. (Manocha RH, King GJW, Johnson JA. In Vitro Kinematic Assessment of a Hinged Elbow Orthosis Following Lateral Collateral Ligament Injury. J Hand Surg Am. 2018;43(2):123-32.) When comparing the use of a postoperative hinged elbow orthosis to exercises alone, Cruz et al. found no difference in the outcome of patients that were operatively treated for a so-called terrible triad injury. (Cruz JP, Salazar B, van Niekerk M, Finlay AK, Van Rysselberghe NL, Goodnough LH, et al. The use of hinged elbow orthosis following surgical management of terrible triad injuries of the elbow. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2024;34(3):1675-81.)

[0011] To summarize, various types of elbow braces have been developed and used for chronic and acute elbow problems. Wearing an elbow brace may also be used in preventive treatment of elbow problems. However, currently available braces often have a limited effect. Counterforce braces can be worn daily, decrease pain and improve pain-free grip strength in short-term, but provide no stabilization. On the other hand, more robust stabilizing braces are impractical for daily use due to their large and heavy design, and due to crossing of the elbow crease which often significantly restricts the mobility. Due to these limitations, conservative treatment still often fails in patients with elbow problems such as lateral epicondylitis, leaving surgery as the only remaining option. The surgery however is an invasive and expensive procedure with its own risks, which still does not guarantee a complete relief of the symptoms. Thus, there is a need for a radical improvement in the conservative treatment options to improve the elbow function and reduce the pain in patients with elbow problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] To address the need for improved conservative treatment of elbow problems, in particular lateral epicondylitis, the inventors studied the contributing factors for therapeutic failure. In their patient group, the inventors identified a subset of patients who did not respond to conservative treatment. During surgery, they discovered that many of these refractory cases had instability in the lateral ligamentous complex. After a comprehensive evaluation of all patients with tennis elbow, including clinical and MRI investigations, they found that a significant number showed signs of instability. Their ongoing research indicates that the causes of this instability comprise various factors such as previous injection therapy, minor trauma, or long-standing complaints appearing to increase the risk.

[0013] Subsequently, during conservative treatment for tennis elbow, the inventors observed that stabilizing the elbow often reduced recognizable pain. They experimented with different methods of stabilizing the lateral ligamentous complex and found that applying a force to the radial head in a medial and anterior direction alleviated symptoms in patients with signs of instability on MRI. Posterior sagging of the radial head can occur after trauma. The lateral ligamentous complex acts as a "hammock" behind the radial head. An injury to this “hammock” may explain the sagging of the radial head. Applying a force to the radial head counters this sagging, which may explain the positive effect.

[0014] Given the potential to manually eliminate instability temporarily, the inventors sought more durable solutions. The first approach was a taping technique, involving the application of sports tape over the radial head and extending it across the forearm in two or more strips from lateral to medial. This allows the ligament and tendon injuries to heal leading to a higher rate of success of conservative treatment. This was reflected in a success rate of 90% in patients with proven ligament injuries in combination with lateral epicondylitis. However, this technique required recurrent professional application, making it cumbersome and more expensive for the patient.

[0015] The inventors therefore devised an elbow brace.

[0016] In a first aspect, the current invention provides an elbow brace for stabilizing the elbow of a user, the elbow brace comprising: a brace body comprising: - a proximal portion configured to fit circumferentially over the proximal part of the forearm of the user adjacent to the elbow,

[0017] - a distal portion configured to fit circumferentially over the proximal to middle part of the forearm of the user, and

[0018] - a posterolateral portion configured to be positioned along the posterolateral side of the forearm of the user; and a stabilization complex configured to be securely attached to the posterolateral portion of the brace body and configured to apply a force in a medial and anterior direction to the proximal part of the radius of the user; wherein the elbow brace is configured to be put on the forearm of the user such that the elbow brace is positioned between the elbow and the mid-forearm of the user and the stabilization complex overlies the proximal part of the radius of the user.

[0019] It is an advantage that the innovative stabilization function of the provided elbow brace has been proven to increase the success rate of conservative treatment of patients with refractory lateral epicondylitis based on instability. The added stabilization protects the ligamentous structures in the event of injury, relieves strain on tendons and muscles, and reduces the forces acting on the elbow, promoting healing. By temporarily improving the instability with the developed brace, the inventors created an opportunity to strengthen the muscle-tendon complex in a pain-free manner. In patients with an instability aspect in lateral epicondylitis, the stabilizing support allows to strengthen extensor musculature whilst wearing the brace. This then leads to a faster increase in strength. Thus, the elbow brace can be used as an integral part of the rehabilitation of lateral epicondylitis, in particular tennis elbow, and significantly decrease pain during daily living activities as well as in rest.

[0020] Furthermore, the elbow brace can be self-applied by the patients. Therefore, it also improves compliance, in particular when compared to taping.

[0021] In a particular embodiment, the elbow brace is configured to be positioned between the elbow crease and the mid-forearm of the user. Braces that cross the elbow may be impractical for daily use and are typically only worn for short periods. The elbow brace according to the invention offers a stabilizing function in a below elbow design. As the brace does not cross the elbow there is no restriction of movement, such that the brace is suitable for almost all activities and can also be worn for a longer period of time. Thus, the elbow brace is very comfortable to wear, irrespective of the activity status of the user. This improves compliance in patients.

[0022] In a particular embodiment, the brace body comprises a circular band. In a further particular embodiment, the brace body comprises a stretchable circular band. This allows a comfortable application of the brace whilst keeping the functional complex(es) at the working location. Thus, the elbow brace can be put on in a faster and more convenient manner, and the risk of error is minimized. This further improves compliance in patients and the beneficial effect on the pain and the functionality of the elbow.

[0023] In a particular embodiment, the proximal portion of the brace body is configured to be positioned more distally on the anterior side of the forearm than on the posterior side of the forearm of the user. It is an advantage that the elbow crease remains free when the elbow brace is worn, allowing full function of the elbow. This further improves comfort and compliance in patients.

[0024] In a particular embodiment, the stabilization complex is further configured to apply a force in a medial and anterior direction to the head of the radius of the user. It is an advantage that application of the force to the head of the radius of the user maximizes the stabilization effect of the brace. Thus less force needs to be applied to achieve maximal effect. This further increases the comfort of the brace and the beneficial effect on the pain and the functionality of the elbow.

[0025] In a particular embodiment, the stabilization complex comprises a stabilization pad. It is an advantage that the effect of the elbow brace can be achieved with a simple and inexpensive component. In a further particular embodiment, the stabilization pad has a round, elliptic, oval, rectangular or irregular shape.

[0026] In a further particular embodiment, the stabilization pad of the stabilization complex is made from an elastomeric material, such as silicone. It is an advantage of elastomeric material, such as silicone, that it is durable, comfortable and affordable. In a further particular embodiment, the stabilization pad of the stabilization complex has a length of at least 5 mm and / or at most 100 mm. For example, the stabilization pad has a length of 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, 70 mm, 75 mm, 80 mm, 85 mm, 90 mm, 95 mm or 100 mm.

[0027] In a further particular embodiment, the stabilization pad of the stabilization complex has a width of at least 5 mm and / or at most 100 mm. For example, the stabilization pad has a length of 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, 70 mm, 75 mm, 80 mm, 85 mm, 90 mm, 95 mm or 100 mm.

[0028] In a further particular embodiment, the stabilization pad of the stabilization complex has a height of at least 2 mm and / or at most 50 mm, preferably at least 4 mm and / or at most 15 mm.

[0029] The described dimensions of the stabilization pad enable achieving optimal force application on the radius of the user for stabilizing the elbow joint, while maintaining the comfort and the adaptability of the elbow brace for individuals of different statures and with different elbow pathologies.

[0030] In a particular embodiment, the elbow brace further comprises a stabilization adjustment system configured to adjust the magnitude of the force applied by the stabilization complex to the proximal part of the radius of the user. It is an advantage that the forces applied to the radius of the user can further be modulated, in accordance with the preference of the user and / or the necessity in the view of the underlying elbow pathology.

[0031] In a further particular embodiment, the stabilization adjustment system comprises a stabilization adjustment strap. It is an advantage that the applied force can be adjusted in a simple, fast and effective manner, which is also easy and affordable to manufacture.

[0032] In a particular embodiment, the elbow brace further comprises a lateral portion configured to be positioned along the lateral side of the forearm of the user.

[0033] In a further particular embodiment, the elbow brace further comprises a compression complex configured to be securely attached to the lateral portion of the brace body and configured to apply a pressure to at least one of the forearm extensor muscles, wherein the elbow brace is further configured to be put on the forearm of the user such that the compression complex overlies at least one of the forearm extensor muscles. It is an advantage that the compression complex provides a counterforce offloading support to the extensor muscle mass, thereby offloading the common extensor tendon insertion. The combination of offloading / counterforce / compression properties with stabilization of the elbow joint further amplifies the beneficial effect of the elbow brace on the elbow function.

[0034] In a further particular embodiment, the compression complex comprises a compression pad. It is an advantage that the effect of the elbow brace can be achieved with a simple and inexpensive component. In a further particular embodiment, the compression pad has a round, elliptic, oval, rectangular or irregular shape.

[0035] In a further particular embodiment, the compression pad of the compression complex is made from an elastomeric material, such as silicone.

[0036] In a further particular embodiment, the compression pad of the compression complex has a length or a diameter of at least 5 mm and / or at most 100 mm. For example, the stabilization pad has a length of 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, 70 mm, 75 mm, 80 mm, 85 mm, 90 mm, 95 mm or 100 mm.

[0037] In a further particular embodiment, the compression pad of the compression complex has a width of at least 5 mm and / or at most 100 mm. For example, the stabilization pad has a length of 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, 70 mm, 75 mm, 80 mm, 85 mm, 90 mm, 95 mm or 100 mm.

[0038] In a further particular embodiment, the compression pad of the compression complex has a height of at least 2 mm and / or at most 50 mm, preferably at least 4 mm and / or at most 15 mm.

[0039] The described dimensions of the compression pad enable achieving optimal pressure application on the forearm extensor muscles for offloading of the tendon, while maintaining the comfort and the adaptability of the elbow brace for individuals of different statures and with different elbow pathologies. In a particular embodiment, the elbow brace further comprises a compression adjustment system configured to adjust the magnitude of the pressure applied by the compression complex to the at least one of the forearm extensor muscles of the user. It is an advantage that pressure application on the forearm extensor muscles of the user can further be modulated, in accordance with the preference of the user and / or the necessity in the view of the underlying elbow pathology.

[0040] In a further particular embodiment, the compression adjustment system comprises a compression adjustment strap.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the elbow brace for stabilizing the elbow of a user comprises: a brace body comprising:

[0042] - a proximal portion configured to fit circumferentially over the proximal part of the forearm of the user adjacent to the elbow,

[0043] - a distal portion configured to fit circumferentially over the proximal to middle part of the forearm of the user,

[0044] - a posterolateral portion configured to be positioned along the posterolateral side of the forearm of the user, and

[0045] - a lateral portion configured to be positioned along the lateral side of the forearm of the user; a stabilization complex configured to be securely attached to the posterolateral portion of the brace body and configured to apply a force in a medial and anterior direction to the proximal part of the radius of the user; and a compression complex configured to be securely attached to the lateral portion of the brace body and configured to apply a pressure to at least one of the forearm extensor muscles; a stabilization adjustment system configured to adjust the magnitude of the force applied by the stabilization complex to the proximal part of the radius of the user; and a compression adjustment system configured to adjust the magnitude of the pressure applied by the compression complex to the at least one of the forearm extensor muscles of the user; and wherein the elbow brace is configured to be put on the forearm of the user such that the elbow brace is positioned between the elbow and the mid-forearm of the user, the stabilization complex overlies the proximal part of the radius of the user, and the compression complex overlies at least one of the forearm extensor muscles.

[0046] In a further aspect, the current invention provides a method for stabilizing an elbow of a user, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing an elbow brace; b) putting the elbow brace on the forearm of the user such that:

[0047] • the elbow brace is positioned between the elbow and the midforearm of the user,

[0048] • the proximal portion of the brace body fits circumferentially over the proximal part of the forearm of the user adjacent to the elbow,

[0049] • the distal portion of the brace body fits circumferentially over the proximal to middle part of the forearm of the user, and

[0050] • the posterolateral portion of the brace body is positioned along the posterolateral side of the forearm of the user; and c) fitting the elbow brace such that the stabilization complex is securely attached to the posterolateral portion of the brace body, wherein the stabilization complex overlies the proximal part of the radius of the user and applies a force in a medial and anterior direction to the proximal part of the radius of the user.

[0051] It is an advantage that this method enables the user to put on the elbow brace in a fast and easy manner. This improves the compliance and minimizes errors, leading to a better effect.

[0052] In a particular embodiment of the method: step a) comprises providing an elbow brace comprising a compression complex; step b) further comprises putting the elbow brace on the forearm of the user such that the lateral portion of the brace body is positioned along the lateral side of the forearm of the user; and step c) further comprises fitting the elbow brace such that the compression complex is securely attached to the lateral portion of the brace body, wherein the compression complex overlies at least one of the forearm extensor muscles of the user and applies a pressure to the at least one of the forearm extensor muscles of the user.

[0053] In a particular embodiment of the method: step a) comprises providing an elbow brace comprising a stabilization adjustment system; and the method further comprises the step of: a) adjusting the force applied by the stabilization complex to the proximal part of the radius of the user.

[0054] In a particular embodiment of the method: step a) comprises providing an elbow brace comprising a compression complex and a compression adjustment system; and the method further comprises the step of: d) adjusting the force applied by the compression complex to the at least one of the forearm extensor muscles of the user.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the method for stabilizing an elbow of a user comprises the steps of: a) providing an elbow brace comprising a brace body, a stabilization complex, a stabilization adjustment system, a compression complex and a compression adjustment system; b) putting the elbow brace on the forearm of the user such that:

[0056] • the elbow brace is positioned between the elbow and the midforearm of the user,

[0057] • the proximal portion of the brace body fits circumferentially over the proximal part of the forearm of the user adjacent to the elbow,

[0058] • the distal portion of the brace body fits circumferentially over the proximal to middle part of the forearm of the user,

[0059] • the posterolateral portion of the brace body is positioned along the posterolateral side of the forearm of the user, and • the lateral portion of the brace body is positioned along the lateral side of the forearm of the user; and c) fitting the elbow brace such that the stabilization complex is securely attached to the posterolateral portion of the brace body, wherein the stabilization complex overlies the proximal part of the radius of the user and applies a force in a medial and anterior direction to the proximal part of the radius of the user, and such that the compression complex is securely attached to the lateral portion of the brace body, wherein the compression complex overlies at least one of the forearm extensor muscles of the user and applies a pressure to the at least one of the forearm extensor muscles of the user; and d) adjusting the force applied by the stabilization complex to the proximal part of the radius of the user, and by adjusting the force applied by the compression complex to the at least one of the forearm extensor muscles of the user.

[0060] In a particular embodiment, step b) of the method comprises putting the elbow brace on the forearm of the user such that the elbow brace is positioned between the elbow crease and the mid-forearm of the user.

[0061] In a particular embodiment, step b) and step c) are performed simultaneously.

[0062] Particular and preferred aspects of the invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features from the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims and with features of other dependent claims as appropriate and not merely as explicitly set out in the claims.

[0063] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.

[0064] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] FIG. 1 illustrates three different embodiments of the elbow brace 1 , which is put on the forearm F of a user, the elbow brace 1 comprising a brace body 100, a stabilization complex 200 and optionally a stabilization adjustment system 300 (FIGs. 1 B and 1 C).

[0066] FIG. 2 illustrates an unfolded (FIGs. 2A and 2B) and a folded (FIGs. 2C and 2D) view of an embodiment of the elbow brace 1 . In the illustrated embodiment of the elbow brace 1 , the brace body 100 comprises a juncture 150 on the posterior side of the elbow brace 1 , and the compression adjustment system 500 is configured to be securely attached to the brace body 100 underneath the stabilization adjustment system 300.

[0067] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the elbow brace 1 , which is put on the forearm F of a user and a corresponding embodiment of the method 900 for stabilizing an elbow E of a user. FIG. 3A shows the steps of providing 910 the elbow brace 1 , putting 920 the elbow brace 1 on the forearm F of the user, and fitting 930 the elbow brace 1. FIG. 3B shows the step of adjusting 940-2 the pressure applied by the compression complex 400 to the at least one of the forearm extensor muscles of the user. FIG. 3C shows the step of adjusting 940-1 the force applied by the stabilization complex 200 to the proximal part of the radius of the user. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment of the elbow brace 1 , the compression adjustment system 500 is configured to be securely attached to the brace body 100 underneath the stabilization adjustment system 300.

[0068] FIG. 4 illustrates an unfolded (FIG. 4A) and a folded (FIG. 4B) view of an embodiment of the elbow brace 1 . In the illustrated embodiment of the elbow brace 1 , the brace body 100 comprises a juncture 150 on the anterior side of the elbow brace 1 , and the compression adjustment system 500 is configured to be securely attached to the brace body 100 on top of the stabilization adjustment system 300.

[0069] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the elbow brace 1 , which is put on the forearm F of a user and a corresponding embodiment of the method 900 for stabilizing an elbow E of a user. FIG. 5A shows the steps of providing 910 the elbow brace 1 , putting 920 the elbow brace 1 on the forearm F of the user, and fitting 930 the elbow brace 1 . FIG. 5B shows the step of adjusting 940-1 the force applied by the stabilization complex 200 to the proximal part of the radius of the user. FIG. 5C shows the step of adjusting 940-2 the pressure applied by the compression complex 400 to the at least one of the forearm extensor muscles of the user. Thus, the illustrated embodiment of the elbow brace 1 , the compression adjustment system 500 is configured to be securely attached to the brace body 100 on top of the stabilization adjustment system 300.

[0070] FIG. 6 illustrates several different embodiments of the method 900 for stabilizing an elbow E of a user comprising the steps of providing 910 an elbow brace 1 , putting 920 an elbow brace 01 on the forearm F of the user, and fitting 930 the elbow brace 1 .

[0071] FIG. 7 illustrates several different embodiments of the method 900 for stabilizing an elbow E of a user comprising the steps of providing 910 an elbow brace 1 , putting 920 an elbow brace 01 on the forearm F of the user, fitting 930 the elbow brace 1 , and adjusting 940 the elbow brace 1 .

[0072] Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope.

[0073] In the different drawings, the same reference signs refer to the same or analogous elements.

[0074] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0075] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

[0076] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[0077] Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[0078] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0079] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0080] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. The terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and the embodiments of the invention can operate in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0081] The term "substantially" comprises variations of + / - 10% or less, preferably + / - 5% or less, more preferably + / - 1 % or less, and even more preferably + / - 0.1 % or less, of the specified state, as far as the variations are applicable to function in the present invention. It is to be understood that the term "substantially A" is intended to include "A".

[0082] Definitions

[0083] As used herein, the term “muscle” refers to any part of the muscle, including the muscle belly, the muscle tendon, and the musculotendinous junction. As used herein, the term “user” refers to a living creature having an elbow comprising a radius bone. Preferably, the user is a mammal. More preferably, the user is a human.

[0084] As used herein, the term “proximal part of the forearm” refers to the proximal third of the forearm.

[0085] As used herein, the terms “middle part of the forearm” and “mid-forearm” are used interchangeably and refer to the middle third of the forearm.

[0086] As used herein, the term “proximal forearm” refers to the proximal part of the forearm, as opposed to the “distal forearm”. The “proximal forearm” comprises the proximal part of the forearm and the proximal mid-forearm.

[0087] As used herein, the terms “elbow” and “elbow joint” are used interchangeably and refer to the joint between the upper arm (comprising the humerus bone) and the forearm (comprising the radius and the ulna bones).

[0088] As used herein, the terms “elbow crease” refers to a transition area between the upper arm and the forearm, which is located on the anterior surface of the elbow joint. It is also known as the (ante)cubital fossa and comprises a triangular-shaped depression with three borders and with the apex of the triangle pointing distally. The three borders are: the lateral border (the medial border of the brachioradialis muscle), the medial border (the lateral border of the pronator teres muscle) and the superior border (an imaginary line between the epicondyles of the humerus).

[0089] As used herein, the terms related to anatomical location (including “anterior”, “posterior”, “medial”, “lateral”, “superior”, “inferior”, “proximal”, “distal”, and the like) and the naming of anatomical structures (including “lateral ligamentous complex”, “radius”, “the head of radius”, “the neck of radius”, “olecranon”, “forearm extensor muscles”, “extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle”, “common extensor tendon of the elbow”, “musculotendinous junction”, “muscle belly”, and the like) are used in their standard medical meaning.

[0090] As used herein, the terms “below” and “above”, when related to anatomical location, are to be interpreted as “distally of” and “proximally of” respectively.

[0091] As used herein, the term “rigid” is to be interpreted as rigid or semi-rigid. The elbow brace

[0092] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to an elbow brace 1 for stabilizing the elbow E of a user, comprising a brace body 100 and a stabilization complex 200. By way of illustration and not limited thereto, embodiments of standard and optional components of the elbow brace 1 are depicted in FIGs. 1 -5. In a particular embodiment, the elbow brace 1 further comprises a stabilization adjustment system 300. In a particular embodiment, the elbow brace 1 further comprises a compression complex 400. In a further particular embodiment, the elbow brace 1 further comprises a compression adjustment system 500. In preferred embodiment, the elbow brace 1 comprises a brace body 100, a stabilization complex 200 and a compression complex 400. In a more preferred embodiment, the elbow brace 1 comprises a brace body 100, a stabilization complex 200, a stabilization adjustment system 300, a compression complex 400, and a compression adjustment system 500.

[0093] In a particular embodiment, the elbow brace 1 stabilizes the elbow E dynamically. In another particular embodiment, the elbow brace 1 stabilizes the elbow E in rest. In a preferred particular embodiment, the elbow brace 1 stabilizes the elbow E dynamically and in rest.

[0094] The elbow brace 1 is configured to be put on the forearm F, preferably the proximal forearm F3 of the user, as illustrated in FIGs. 1 , 3 and 5. In a particular embodiment, the elbow brace is configured to be positioned between the elbow E and the mid-forearm F2, preferably between the elbow crease E1 and the mid-forearm F2, of the user. In a particular embodiment, the elbow brace 1 is configured to be positioned below the elbow E, preferably below the elbow crease E1 , of the user. In a preferred embodiment, the elbow brace 1 is configured to be positioned below the elbow crease E1 on the anterior side of the forearm F, and configured to be positioned below the olecranon E2 on the posterior side of the forearm F of the user.

[0095] In a preferred embodiment, the elbow brace 1 is configured to be put on the forearm F of the user below the elbow E, preferably below the elbow crease E1 , of the user. In a further preferred embodiment, the elbow brace 1 is configured to be put on the forearm F of the user below the elbow crease E1 on the anterior side of the forearm F, and configured to be positioned below the olecranon E2 on the posterior side of the forearm F of the user. In another preferred embodiment, the elbow brace 1 is configured to be put on the forearm F of the user between the elbow E and the mid- forearm F2, preferably between the elbow crease E1 and the mid-forearm F2, of the user.

[0096] In a preferred embodiment, the elbow brace 1 is configured to be put on the forearm F of the user such that the elbow brace 1 is positioned between the elbow E and the mid-forearm F2 of the user. In a further preferred embodiment, the elbow brace 1 is configured to be put on the forearm F of the user such that the elbow brace 1 is positioned between the elbow crease E1 and the mid-forearm F2 of the user. In a further preferred embodiment, the elbow brace 1 is configured to be put on the proximal forearm F3 of the user such that the elbow brace 1 is positioned between the elbow crease E1 and the mid-forearm F2 of the user. In a further preferred embodiment, the elbow brace 1 is configured to be put on the proximal forearm F3 of the user below the elbow crease E1 on the anterior side of the forearm F, below the olecranon E2 on the posterior side of the forearm, and on or above the mid-forearm F2 of the user.

[0097] In a particular embodiment, the elbow brace 1 is side-specific. This means that a right-sided elbow brace and a left-sided elbow brace are not identical. It is an advantage of a side-specific design that the elbow brace 1 can be put on the arm of the user in a quick, simple and reliable manner, with minimal need for adjustments of the elbow brace.

[0098] The brace body

[0099] By way of illustration and not limited thereto, embodiments of standard and optional components of the brace body 100 are depicted in FIGs. 1 -5.

[0100] The brace body 100 is configured to fit circumferentially the forearm F of the user, in particular the proximal forearm F3 of the user.

[0101] The brace body 100 comprises a posterolateral portion 130 configured to be positioned along the posterolateral side of the forearm F of the user. The posterolateral portion 130 of the brace body 100 is configured to enable secure attachment of the stabilization complex 200 to the brace body 100.

[0102] In a particular embodiment, the brace body 100 comprises a proximal portion 1 10 configured to fit circumferentially over the proximal part F1 of the forearm of the user adjacent to the elbow E. In a further particular embodiment, the proximal portion 110 of the brace body 100 is configured to be positioned more distally on the anterior side of the forearm F than on the posterior side of the forearm F of the user. In a further particular embodiment, the proximal portion 110 of the brace body comprises a cutout 11 1 on the anterior side of the proximal portion 1 10. In a preferred embodiment, the proximal portion 1 10 of the brace body is configured to be positioned below the elbow crease E1 on the anterior side of the forearm F, and configured to be positioned below the olecranon E2 on the posterior side of the forearm F of the user. This design ensures optimal non-restricted mobility of the elbow joint when the user is wearing the elbow brace.

[0103] In a particular embodiment, the brace body 100 comprises a distal portion 120 configured to fit circumferentially over the proximal F1 to middle part F2 of the forearm of the user. In a particular embodiment, the brace body 100 comprises a distal portion 120 configured to fit circumferentially over the proximal part F1 of the forearm of the user, distally from the proximal portion 110 of the brace body 100. In another particular embodiment, the brace body 100 comprises a distal portion 120 configured to fit circumferentially over the middle part F2 of the forearm of the user.

[0104] In a particular embodiment, the brace body 100 comprises a lateral portion 140 configured to be positioned along the lateral side of the forearm F of the user, as illustrated in FIGs. 2-5. The lateral portion 140 of the brace body 100 is configured to enable secure attachment of the compression complex 400 to the brace body 100.

[0105] In a particular embodiment, the brace body comprises an outside area 160 configured to face the environment. In a particular embodiment, the brace body 100 comprises an inside area 170 configured to face the forearm F of the user. This is illustrated in FIGs. 2, 3 and 4.

[0106] In a particular embodiment, the brace body 100 comprises a proximal portion 1 10, a distal portion 120, a posterolateral portion 130 and a lateral portion 140. In a further particular embodiment, the brace body further comprises an inside area 170 and an outside area 160.

[0107] In a particular embodiment, the brace body 100 comprises a band 101 , as illustrated in FIGs. 2 and 4. The band 101 is configured to fit circumferentially the forearm F of the user, in particular the proximal forearm F3 of the user.

[0108] In a further particular embodiment, the band 101 is a straight band. The straight band 101 is configured to be wrapped circumferentially over the forearm F of the user. In another further particular embodiment, the band 101 is a circular band, as illustrated in FIGs. 2 and 4. The circular band 101 is also referred to as a sleeve. Therefore, in a particular embodiment, the brace body 100 comprises a sleeve 101.

[0109] In a particular embodiment, the brace body 100, in particular the band 101 , comprises a juncture 102. For example, the juncture 102 may enable easy fabrication of a circular band 101 from a straight band, as depicted in FIGs. 2 and 4. In a particular embodiment, the juncture 102 is positioned on the posterior side of the band 101 , as illustrated in FIG. 2. In another particular embodiment, the juncture 102 is positioned on the anterior side of the band 101 , as illustrated in FIG. 4. In a particular embodiment, the juncture is a seam.

[0110] In a preferred embodiment, the brace body 100, in particular the band 101 , is stretchable.

[0111] The stabilization complex

[0112] By way of illustration and not limited thereto, embodiments of standard and optional components of the stabilization complex 200 are depicted in FIGs. 1 -5.

[0113] The stabilization complex 200 is configured to be securely attached to the posterolateral portion 130 of the brace body 100. In a preferred embodiment, the stabilization complex 200 is configured to be securely attached to the proximal part of the posterolateral portion 130 of the brace body 100. It is an advantage that in the proximal posterolateral portion 130 of the brace body 100, the stabilization complex 200 is securely attached in the position of the head of the radius and / or the neck of the radius, which leads to a better stabilization of the elbow joint. In an alternative particular embodiment, the stabilization complex 200 is configured to be securely attached to the distal part of the posterolateral portion 130 of the brace body 100.

[0114] The stabilization complex 200 is configured to apply a force, preferably a force in a medial and anterior direction, to the radius of the user. In a particular embodiment, the stabilization complex 200 is configured to apply the force to the proximal part of the radius of the user. In a further particular embodiment, the stabilization complex 200 is configured to apply the force to the head of the radius and / or to the neck of the radius of the user. In a preferred embodiment, the stabilization complex 200 is configured to apply the force to the head of the radius of the user. In another preferred embodiment, the stabilization complex 200 is configured to apply the force to the neck of the radius of the user. The stabilization complex 200 is configured to apply the said force when the elbow brace 1 is put on the forearm F of the user.

[0115] The elbow brace 1 is configured to be put on the forearm F of the user such that the stabilization complex 200 overlies a part of the radius, in particular the proximal part of the radius, more in particular the head of the radius and / or the neck of the radius, of the user. In a preferred embodiment, the stabilization complex 200 of the elbow brace 1 is configured to be put on the forearm F of the user such that the stabilization complex 200 overlies the head of the radius of the user. In another preferred embodiment, the stabilization complex 200 of the elbow brace 1 is configured to be put on the forearm F of the user such that the stabilization complex 200 overlies the neck of the radius of the user. In a particular embodiment, the said part of the radius is the posterior part of the radius, in particular the posterior proximal part of the radius, more in particular the posterior part of the head of the radius and / or the posterior part of the neck of the radius, of the user.

[0116] The stabilization complex 200 comprises one or more components. In a particular embodiment, the stabilization complex 200 comprises one or more stabilization pads 201 , as indicated in FIGs. 1 and 2. In a preferred embodiment, the stabilization complex 200 comprises one stabilization pad 201. In a particular embodiment, the stabilization pads 201 have a round shape, an elliptic shape, an oval (e.g. stadium) shape, a polygonal shape, or an irregular shape. The polygonal shape comprises, but is not limited, to a triangular shape, a rectangular shape, or a rhomboid shape. In a further particular embodiment, the stabilization pads 201 have a round, elliptic, oval, rectangular or irregular shape. Preferably, the stabilization pads 201 with a polygonal shape have rounded angles (FIG. 1 C). In a particular embodiment, one or more of the stabilization pads 201 have a rectangular shape (FIG. 1 C). In another particular embodiment, one or more of the stabilization pads 201 have an elliptic shape (FIG. 1 B). In another particular embodiment, one or more of the stabilization pads 201 have an oval shape (FIG. 1 A). In a preferred embodiment, one or more stabilization pads 201 have a rectangular shape or an oval shape.

[0117] In a particular embodiment, the stabilization pads 201 have a length of at least 5 mm, preferably at least 20mm, and / or at most 100 mm, preferably at most 80 mm. For example, the stabilization pads may have a length of 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, 70 mm, 75 mm, 80 mm, 85 mm, 90 mm, 95 mm or 100 mm.

[0118] In a particular embodiment, the stabilization pads 201 have a width of at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10mm, and / or at most 100 mm, preferably at most 30 mm. For example, the stabilization pads 201 have a length of 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, 70 mm, 75 mm, 80 mm, 85 mm, 90 mm, 95 mm or 100 mm.

[0119] For an elliptic or an oval shape, the said length is equivalent to the long axis, and the width is equivalent to the short axis. For a round shape, the said length and width are equivalent to the diameter. The dimensions of the stabilization pads 201 affect the contact surface with the posterolateral forearm of the user. Smaller dimensions decrease the contact surface, which increases the concentrated force applied in the corresponding area of the posterolateral forearm. By the contrary, larger dimensions increase the contact surface, which increases the comfort for the user.

[0120] In a particular embodiment, the stabilization pads 201 have a height of at least 2 mm, preferably at least 4 mm, and / or at most 50 mm, preferably at most 15 mm.

[0121] In a preferred embodiment, the stabilization complex 200 comprises one or more elastomeric stabilization pads 201 , such as silicone stabilization pads 201 .

[0122] In a particular embodiment, the one or more stabilization pads 201 are fortified. In further particular embodiment, the one or more stabilization pads 201 comprise a rigid part. In a preferred embodiment, the rigid part is incorporated inside the one or more stabilization pads 201. In an alternative embodiment, the rigid part is mounted on the surface of the one or more stabilization pads 201 .

[0123] In a particular embodiment, one or more components of the stabilization complex 200, in particular one or more stabilization pads 201 , are configured to be securely attached to the inside area 170 of the brace body 100 and / or to the outside area 160 of the brace body 100. In another particular embodiment, one or more components of the stabilization complex 200 and the brace body 100 are configured to enable secure attachment of one or more components of the stabilization complex 200 within the brace body 100 between the inside area 170 and the outside area 160 of the brace body 100. In a particular embodiment, one or more components of the stabilization complex 200 and the brace body 100 are configured to enable secure attachment of one or more components of the stabilization complex 200 to the inside area 170 of the brace body 100 and / or to the outside area 160 of the brace body 100 and / or within the brace body 100 between the inside area 170 and the outside area 160 of the brace body 100. The attachment position of the stabilization complex 200 , in particular the stabilization pads 201 , with respect to the inside area 170 and the outside area 160 of the brace body 100 influences the area wherein the force is applied by the stabilization complex 200 to the radius of the user, as well as the amount of the applied force. Secure attachment of the stabilization complex 200 to the inside area 170 of the brace body 100 leads to a larger force which is being applied in a smaller area, whereas secure attachment of the stabilization complex 200 to the outside area 160 of the brace body 100 increases the comfort for the user. Flexibility in the attachment position of the (different components of the) stabilization complex 200 to the brace body 100 in turn enables a more personalized approach for an individual patient.

[0124] In a particular embodiment, the stabilization complex 200, in particular one or more stabilization pads 201 , are configured to be securely attached to the brace body 100 at multiple possible locations relative to the posterolateral side of the forearm F of the user. In a particular embodiment, the stabilization complex 200, in particular one or more stabilization pads 201 , are configured to be securely attached to the brace body at multiple possible angles relative to the axis of the forearm F of the user. In a preferred embodiment, the stabilization complex 200, in particular one or more stabilization pads 201 , are configured to be securely attached to the brace body 100 at multiple possible locations relative to the posterolateral side of the forearm F of the user, and at multiple possible angles relative to the axis of the forearm F of the user. In other words, the position and the angle of the stabilization complex 200, in particular one or more stabilization pads 201 , relative to the forearm F of the user can be varied. This enables a more personalized approach.

[0125] In a further particular embodiment, the stabilization complex 200, in particular one or more stabilization pads 201 , are configured to be releasably securely attached to the brace body 100. The releasable secure attachment may be provided by means of hook-and-loop fasteners, such as Velcro; magnets; buttons; snaps; or any other suitable fastening means known to a skilled person. In a preferred embodiment, the releasable secure attachment of the stabilization complex 200 to the brace body 100 is provided by means of hook-and-loop fasteners. The stabilization adjustment system

[0126] In a particular embodiment, the elbow brace 1 comprises a stabilization adjustment system 300. The stabilization adjustment system 300 is configured to adjust the magnitude of the force applied by the stabilization complex 200 to the radius of the user.

[0127] By way of illustration and not limited thereto, embodiments of standard and optional components of the stabilization adjustment system 300 are depicted in FIGs. 1 -5.

[0128] The stabilization adjustment system 300 comprises one or more components. The one or more components of the stabilization adjustment system 300 comprise, but are not limited to, straps, ratchets, hook-and-loop components, elastic components, pump mechanisms, buckles, lacing components, strap-and-loop components, buttons, snap fasteners, magnetic fasteners, and combinations thereof. In a particular embodiment, the stabilization adjustment system 300 comprises one or more stabilization adjustment straps 301 , as indicated in FIG. 2.

[0129] In a particular embodiment, the stabilization adjustment system 300, in particular the one or more stabilization adjustment straps 301 , are configured to be securely attached to the brace body 100. In a further particular embodiment, the stabilization adjustment system 300 is configured to be securely attached to the brace body 100 such that the stabilization adjustment system 300 overlies the stabilization complex 200. In a further particular embodiment, one or more stabilization adjustment straps 301 are configured to be securely attached to the brace body 100 such that the one or more stabilization adjustment straps 301 overlie the stabilization complex 200, in particular the one or more stabilization pads 201 , as illustrated in FIGs. 3C and 5B. The secure attachment of the stabilization adjustment system 300, in particular the one or more stabilization adjustment straps 301 , to the brace body 100 may be provided by means of hook-and-loop fasteners, such as Velcro; hooks; magnets; buttons; snaps; laces; buckles, such as click buckles; or any other suitable fastening means known to a skilled person. In a preferred embodiment, the secure attachment of the stabilization adjustment system 300, in particular the one or more stabilization adjustment straps 301 , to the brace body 100 is provided by means of a hook-and-loop fastener 310, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In a particular embodiment, at least one part of the one or more stabilization adjustment straps 301 is fixed to the brace body 100. For example, one end of the stabilization adjustment strap 301 may be fixed to the brace body 100, such as being sewn onto the brace body 100, as illustrated in FIGs. 2 and 4. In a particular embodiment, the stabilization adjustment system 300, in particular the one or more stabilization adjustment straps 301 , are sewn to the posterior side of the brace body 100, as illustrated in FIGs. 2 and 4.

[0130] In a preferred embodiment, the stabilization adjustment system 300 comprises one or more stretchable stabilization adjustment straps 301. In a further preferred embodiment, the stabilization adjustment system 300 comprises one or more stretchable hook-and-loop stabilization adjustment straps 301 .

[0131] The compression complex

[0132] By way of illustration and not limited thereto, embodiments of standard and optional components of the compression complex 400 are depicted in FIGs. 2-5.

[0133] The compression complex 400 is configured to be securely attached to the lateral portion 140 of the brace body 100. In a preferred embodiment, the compression complex 400 is configured to be securely attached to the middle to distal part of the lateral portion 140 of the brace body 100. It is an advantage that in the middle to distal lateral portion 140 of the brace body 100, the compression complex 400 is securely attached overlying the muscle belly and / or the musculotendinous junction of the forearm extensor muscles, which leads to a better offloading of the common extensor tendon of the elbow. In a further preferred embodiment, the compression complex 400 is configured to be securely attached to the distal part of the lateral portion 140 of the brace body 100. In an alternative particular embodiment, the compression complex 400 is configured to be securely attached to the proximal part of the lateral portion 140 of the brace body 100.

[0134] The compression complex 400 is configured to apply a pressure to at least one of the forearm extensor muscles of the user. In a particular embodiment, the compression complex 400 is configured to apply the pressure to at least the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle of the user. In a particular embodiment, the compression complex 400 is configured to apply the pressure to the muscle tendon and / or the muscle belly and / or the musculotendinous junction, preferably the muscle belly and / or the musculotendinous junction, of at least one of the forearm extensor muscles of the user. In a particular embodiment, the compression complex 400 is configured to apply the pressure to the muscle belly of at least one of the forearm extensor muscles of the user. In another particular embodiment, the compression complex 400 is configured to apply the pressure to the musculotendinous junction of at least one of the forearm extensor muscles of the user. In another particular embodiment, the compression complex 400 is configured to apply the pressure to the tendon of at least one of the forearm extensor muscles, in particular the common extensor tendon of the elbow, of the user. The compression complex 400 is configured to apply the said pressure when the elbow brace 1 is put on the forearm F of the user.

[0135] The elbow brace 1 is configured to be put on the forearm F of the user such that the compression complex 400 overlies at least one of the forearm extensor muscles, such as at least the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle, of the user. In a particular embodiment, the elbow brace 1 is configured to be put on the forearm F of the user such that the compression complex 400 overlies the muscle tendon and / or the muscle belly and / or the musculotendinous junction, preferably the muscle belly and / or the musculotendinous junction, of at least one of the forearm extensor muscles of the user.

[0136] The compression complex 400 comprises one or more components. In a particular embodiment, the compression complex 400 comprises one or more compression pads 401 , as indicated in FIG. 2. In a preferred embodiment, the compression complex 400 comprises one compression pad 401. In a particular embodiment, the compression pads 401 have a round shape, an elliptic shape, an oval (e.g. stadium) shape, a polygonal shape, or an irregular shape. The polygonal shape comprises, but is not limited, to a triangular shape, a rectangular shape, or a rhomboid shape. Preferably, the compression pads 401 with a polygonal shape have rounded angles, analogous to the stabilization pads 201. In a particular embodiment, one or more of the compression pads 401 have a rectangular shape. In another particular embodiment, one or more of the compression pads 401 have an elliptic shape. In another particular embodiment, one or more of the compression pads 401 have a stadium shape. In a preferred embodiment, one or more compression pads 401 have a round shape.

[0137] In a particular embodiment, the compression pads 401 have a length of at least 5 mm and / or at most 100 mm. For example, the stabilization pads may have a length of 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, 70 mm, 75 mm, 80 mm, 85 mm, 90 mm, 95 mm or 100 mm.

[0138] In a particular embodiment, the compression pads 401 have a width of at least 5 mm and / or at most 100 mm. For example, the compression pads 401 may have a length of 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, 70 mm, 75 mm, 80 mm, 85 mm, 90 mm, 95 mm or 100 mm.

[0139] For an elliptic or an oval shape, the said length is equivalent to the long axis, and the width is equivalent to the short axis. For a round shape, the said length and width are equivalent to the diameter. Analogous to the stabilization pads 201 , the dimensions of the compression pads 401 affect the contact surface with the posterolateral forearm of the user, and herewith the concentrated forces and the comfort.

[0140] In a particular embodiment, the compression pads 401 have a height of at least 2 mm, preferably at least 4 mm, and / or at most 50 mm, preferably at most 15 mm.

[0141] In a preferred embodiment, the compression complex 400 comprises one or more elastomeric compression pads 401 , such as silicone compression pads 401 .

[0142] In a particular embodiment, the one or more compression pads 401 are fortified. In further particular embodiment, the one or more compression pads 401 comprise a rigid part. In a preferred embodiment, the rigid part is incorporated inside the one or more compression pads 401. In an alternative embodiment, the rigid part is mounted on the surface of the one or more compression pads 401 .

[0143] In a particular embodiment, one or more components of the compression complex 400, in particular one or more compression pads 401 , are configured to be securely attached to the inside area 170 of the brace body 100 and / or to the outside area 160 of the brace body 100. In another particular embodiment, one or more components of the compression complex 400 and the brace body 100 are configured to enable secure attachment of one or more components of the compression complex 400 within the brace body 100 between the inside area 170 and the outside area 160 of the brace body 100. In a particular embodiment, one or more components of the compression complex 400 and the brace body 100 are configured to enable secure attachment of one or more components of the compression complex 400 to the inside area 170 of the brace body 100 and / or to the outside area 160 of the brace body 100 and / or within the brace body 100 between the inside area 170 and the outside area 160 of the brace body 100. Analogous to the stabilization complex 200, the attachment position of the compression complex 400 with respect to the inside area 170 and the outside area 160 of the brace body 100 influences the area wherein the pressure is applied by the compression complex 400 to the forearm extensor muscles of the user, as well as the amount of the applied force.

[0144] In a particular embodiment, the compression complex 400, in particular one or more compression pads 401 , are configured to be securely attached to the brace body 100 at multiple possible locations relative to the lateral side of the forearm F of the user. In a particular embodiment, the compression complex 400, in particular one or more compression pads 401 , are configured to be securely attached to the brace body at multiple possible angles relative to the axis of the forearm F of the user. In a preferred embodiment, the compression complex 400, in particular one or more compression pads 401 , are configured to be securely attached to the brace body 100 at multiple possible locations relative to the lateral side of the forearm F of the user, and at multiple possible angles relative to the axis of the forearm F of the user. In other words, the position and the angle of the compression complex 400, in particular one or more compression pads 401 , relative to the forearm F of the user can be varied. This enables a more personalized approach.

[0145] In a further particular embodiment, the compression complex 400, in particular one or more compression pads 401 , are configured to be releasably securely attached to the brace body 100. The releasable secure attachment may be provided by means of hook-and-loop fasteners, such as Velcro; magnets; buttons; snaps; or any other suitable fastening means known to a skilled person. In a preferred embodiment, the releasable secure attachment of the compression complex 400 to the brace body 100 is provided by means of hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0146] The compression adjustment system

[0147] In a particular embodiment, the elbow brace 1 comprises a compression adjustment system 500. The compression adjustment system 500 is configured to adjust the magnitude of the force applied by the compression complex 400 to the one or more of the forearm extensor muscles of the user. By way of illustration and not limited thereto, embodiments of standard and optional components of the compression adjustment system 500 are depicted in FIGs. 2-5.

[0148] The compression adjustment system 500 comprises one or more components. The one or more components of the compression adjustment system 500 comprise, but are not limited to, straps, ratchets, hook-and-loop components, elastic components, pump mechanisms, buckles, lacing components, strap-and-loop components, buttons, snap fasteners, magnetic fasteners, and combinations thereof. In a particular embodiment, the compression adjustment system 500 comprises one or more compression adjustment straps 501 , as indicated in FIG. 2.

[0149] In a particular embodiment, the compression adjustment system 500, in particular the one or more compression adjustment straps 501 , are configured to be securely attached to the brace body 100. In a further particular embodiment, the compression adjustment system 500 is configured to be securely attached to the brace body 100 such that the compression adjustment system 500 overlies the compression complex 400. In a further particular embodiment, one or more compression adjustment straps 501 are configured to be securely attached to the brace body 100 such that the one or more compression adjustment straps 501 overlie the compression complex 400, in particular the one or more compression pads 401 , as illustrated in FIGs. 3B and 5C. The secure attachment of the compression adjustment system 500, in particular the one or more compression adjustment straps 501 , to the brace body 100 may be provided by means of hook-and-loop fasteners, such as Velcro; hooks; magnets; buttons; snaps; laces; buckles, such as click buckles; or any other suitable fastening means known to a skilled person. In a preferred embodiment, the secure attachment of the compression adjustment system 500, in particular the one or more compression adjustment straps 501 , to the brace body 100 is provided by means of a hook-and-loop fastener 510, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In a particular embodiment, at least one part of the one or more compression adjustment straps 501 is fixed to the brace body 100. For example, one end of the compression adjustment strap 501 may be fixed to the brace body 100, such as being sewn onto the brace body 100, as illustrated in FIGs. 2 and 4. In a particular embodiment, the compression adjustment system 500, in particular the one or more compression adjustment straps 501 , are sewn to the posterior side of the brace body 100, as illustrated in FIGs. 2 and 4. In a particular embodiment, the compression adjustment system 500, in particular the one or more compression adjustment straps 501 , are configured to be securely attached to the brace body 100 on top of the stabilization adjustment system 300, in particular on top of the one or more stabilization adjustment straps 301 . This is illustrated in FIG. 5. In another particular embodiment, the compression adjustment system 500, in particular the one or more compression adjustment straps 501 , are configured to be securely attached to the brace body 100 underneath the stabilization adjustment system 300, in particular underneath the one or more stabilization adjustment straps 301 . This is illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0150] In a preferred embodiment, the compression adjustment system 500 comprises one or more stretchable compression adjustment straps 501. In a further preferred embodiment, the compression adjustment system 500 comprises one or more stretchable hook-and-loop compression adjustment straps 501 .

[0151] In a particular embodiment, the stabilization adjustment system 300 and the compression adjustment system 500 form together a common adjustment system. In a particular embodiment, the common adjustment system comprises one common adjustment strap, which is configured to adjust the magnitude of the force applied by the stabilization complex 200 to the proximal part of the radius of the user and the pressure applied by the compression complex 400 to the at least one of the forearm extensor muscles of the user. In another particular embodiment, the common adjustment system comprises a compression adjustment system 500 which is fixed to a stabilization adjustment system 300. In a further particular embodiment, the common adjustment system, in particular a common adjustment strap, is fixed to the brace body 100.

[0152] A universal elbow brace

[0153] In a particular embodiment, the elbow brace 1 is universal. This means that the same brace can be used for either the left arm or the right arm. It is an advantage of a universal design that the same elbow brace can be put on any arm of the user. This is financially beneficial for the manufacturing of the brace as well as for the purchasing the brace by the user. In this embodiment, the present functional parts (the stabilization complex 200, the stabilization adjustment system 300, the compression complex 400 and / or the compression adjustment system 500) are configured to be releasably securely attached to the brace body 100. The releasable secure attachment of these functional parts to the brace body 100 may be provided by means of hook-and-loop fasteners, such as Velcro; magnets; buttons; snaps; or any other suitable fastening means known to a skilled person. In a preferred embodiment, the releasable secure attachment to the brace body 100 is provided by means of hook-and-loop fasteners. In a particular embodiment, each of the present functional parts and the brace body 100 are configured to enable releasable secure attachment of the present functional parts to the inside area 170 of the brace body 100 and / or to the outside area 160 of the brace body 100 and / or within the brace body 100 between the inside area 170 and the outside area 160 of the brace body 100. The releasable secure attachment between the inside area 170 and the outside area 160 of the brace body may for example be achieved by means of one or more pockets in the brace body 100, configured to accommodate the functional parts.

[0154] Materials

[0155] The elbow brace 1 is made from one or more biocompatible materials. In a particular embodiment, the elbow brace 1 is made from one or more skin friendly materials. In a particular embodiment, the elbow brace 1 is made from one or more hypoallergenic materials.

[0156] In a particular embodiment, the brace body 100 and / or the stabilization adjustment complex 300 and / or the compression adjustment complex 500 are made from one or more materials selected from the list of cotton, nylon, silk, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHDPHE), polyester, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), and polyether ketone (PEKK). In a further particular embodiment, the band 101 of the brace body and / or the stabilization adjustment straps 301 and / or the compression adjustment straps 501 are made from these materials. In a further particular embodiment, the said materials are in form of woven fabrics. In a further particular embodiment, the said materials are in form of elastic fabrics. In a preferred embodiment, the said materials are in form of woven elastic fabric. In a particular embodiment, one or more stabilization pads 201 and / or one or more compression pads 401 are made from one or more elastomeric materials. In a particular embodiment, the elastomeric materials comprise one or more materials selected from the list of silicone, rubber, polyethylene (PE), acrylic resins, polyurethanes, polypropylene (PP) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). In a preferred embodiment, the one or more stabilization pads 201 and / or the one or more compression pads 401 are made from silicone.

[0157] In a particular embodiment, one or more stabilization pads 201 and / or one or more compression pads 401 are fortified. It is an advantage of fortifying the pads that fortification can optimize the direction and the magnitude of the forces and / or pressure transferred by the brace to the forearm of the user. In further particular embodiment, one or more stabilization pads 201 and / or one or more compression pads 401 comprise a rigid part. The rigid part may be made from one or more rigid materials. Rigid materials comprise, but are not limited to, thermoplastics, metals, composite materials. Thermoplastics comprise, but are not limited to, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), kydex (acrylic-PVC blend), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG). Metals comprise, but are not limited to, aluminum alloys, stainless steel, titanium. Composite materials comprise, but are not limited to, carbon fiber-epoxy composites.

[0158] Method

[0159] In a further aspect of the present invention, the invention relates to a method 900 for stabilizing an elbow E of a user, comprising the steps of a) providing 910 an elbow brace 1 according to the embodiments of the present invention; b) putting 920 the elbow brace 1 on the forearm B of the user; c) fitting 930 the elbow brace 1 . In a preferred embodiment, the method 900 further comprises the step of d) adjusting 940 the elbow brace 1 .

[0160] By way of illustration and not limited thereto, embodiments of standard and optional components of the method 900 are depicted in FIGs. 3, 5, 6 and 7.

[0161] Step c) 930 comprises substep c1 ) fitting 930-1 the elbow brace 1 such that the stabilization complex 200 is securely attached to the brace body 100. In a particular embodiment, step c) 930 further comprises substep c2) fitting 930-2 the elbow brace 1 such that the compression complex 400 is securely attached to the brace body 100.

[0162] In the embodiments, wherein step c) comprises both substep c1 ) 930-1 and substep c2) 930-2, depending on the embodiment of the elbow brace 1 , substep c1 ) 930-1 may be performed before substep c2) 930-2, after substep c2) 930-2, or simultaneously with substep c2) 930-2, as shown in FIGs. 6A and 7A. Substep c1 ) 930-1 and substep c2) 930-2 may for example be performed simultaneously in case the stabilization complex 200 and the compression complex 400 are connected to each other, or fixed to the brace body 100.

[0163] Step d) 940 comprises substep d1 ) adjusting 940-1 the force applied by the stabilization complex 200 to the radius of the user and / or substep d2) adjusting 940-2 the pressure applied by the compression complex 400 to the at least one of the forearm extensor muscles of the user. In the embodiments, wherein step d) comprises both substep d1 ) 940-1 and substep d2) 940-2, depending on the embodiment of the elbow brace provided in step a), substep d1 ) 940-1 may be performed before substep d2) 940-2 (illustrated in FIG. 5), after substep d2) 940-2 (illustrated in FIG. 3), or simultaneously with substep d2) 940-2, as shown in FIG. 7A. Substep d1 ) 940-1 and substep d2) 940-2 may for example be performed simultaneously in case of a common adjustment system. In a preferred embodiment, substep d1 ) 940-1 is performed before substep d2) 940-2 ( as illustrated in FIG. 5). In a particular embodiment, this means that the stabilization adjustment strap 301 is securely fixed to the brace body 100 before the compression adjustment strap 501 is securely fixed to the body 100.

[0164] In a particular embodiment, the method 900 for stabilizing the elbow E of the user comprises the steps of: a) providing 910 an elbow brace 1 according to the embodiments of the present invention; b) putting 920 the elbow brace 1 on the forearm F of the user such that:

[0165] • the elbow brace 1 is positioned between the elbow E and the midforearm F2 of the user,

[0166] • the proximal portion 110 of the brace body 100 fits circumferentially over the proximal part F1 of the forearm of the user adjacent to the elbow E, • the distal portion 120 of the brace body 100 fits circumferentially over the proximal F1 to middle part F2 of the forearm F of the user, and

[0167] • the posterolateral portion 130 of the brace body 100 is positioned along the posterolateral side of the forearm F of the user; and c) fitting 930 the elbow brace 1 such that the stabilization complex 200 is securely attached to the posterolateral portion 130 of the brace body 100, wherein the stabilization complex 200 overlies the proximal part of the radius of the user and applies a force in a medial and anterior direction to the proximal part of the radius of the user, also referred to as substep c1) 930-1.

[0168] In a further particular embodiment, the present invention relates to the method 900, wherein: step a) 910 comprises providing an elbow brace 1 comprising a compression complex 400; step b) 920 further comprises putting the elbow brace 1 on the forearm B of the user such that the lateral portion 140 of the brace body 100 is positioned along the lateral side of the forearm B of the user; and step c) 930 further comprises fitting the elbow brace 1 such that the compression complex 400 is securely attached to the lateral portion 140 of the brace body 100, wherein the compression complex 400 overlies at least one of the forearm extensor muscles of the user and applies a pressure to the at least one of the forearm extensor muscles of the user, also referred to as substep c2) 930-2.

[0169] In a further particular embodiment, the present invention relates to the method 900, wherein: step a) 910 comprises providing an elbow brace 1 comprising a stabilization adjustment system 300; and wherein the method further comprises the step of: d) adjusting 940 the force applied by the stabilization complex 200 to the proximal part of the radius of the user, also referred to as substep d1 ) 940-1. In a further particular embodiment, the present invention relates to the method 900, wherein: step a) 910 comprises providing an elbow brace 1 comprising a compression adjustment system 500; and wherein the method further comprises the step of: d) adjusting 940 the force applied by the compression complex 400 to the at least one of the forearm extensor muscles of the user, also referred to as substep d2) 940-2.

[0170] In a preferred embodiment, step b) 920 comprises putting the elbow brace 1 on the proximal part F1 of the forearm.

[0171] In a preferred embodiment, in step b) 920, the elbow brace 1 is positioned between the elbow crease E1 and the mid-forearm F2 of the user. In a further preferred embodiment, in step b) 920, the elbow brace 1 is positioned below the elbow E, in particular below the elbow crease E1 , of the user. In a further preferred embodiment, in step b) 920, the elbow brace 1 is positioned below the elbow crease E1 on the anterior side of the forearm F, and below the olecranon E2 on the posterior side of the forearm F of the user. In a further preferred embodiment, the elbow brace 1 is positioned below the elbow crease E1 on the anterior side of the forearm F, below the olecranon E2 on the posterior side of the forearm, and on or above the mid-forearm F2 of the user.

[0172] In a preferred embodiment, step c) 930 comprises fitting the elbow brace 1 , wherein the stabilization complex 200 overlies the head of the radius and / or the neck of the radius of the user and applies a force in a medial and anterior direction to the head of the radius and / or the neck of the radius of the user.

[0173] In a particular embodiment, step c) 930 comprises fitting the elbow brace 1 , wherein the compression complex 400 overlies the muscle tendon and / or the muscle belly and / or the musculotendinous junction of at least one of the forearm extensor muscles of the user and applies a pressure to the muscle tendon and / or the muscle belly and / or the musculotendinous junction of at least one of the forearm extensor muscles of the user. In a particular embodiment, the tendon is the common extensor tendon of the elbow. In a preferred embodiment, step b) 920 and step c) 930 are performed simultaneously, as illustrated in FIGs. 3A, 5A, 6B and 7B.

[0174] In a preferred embodiment, the stabilization adjustment system 300 comprises one or more stabilization adjustment straps 301. In a preferred embodiment, the compression adjustment system 500 comprises one or more compression adjustment straps 501 .

[0175] Elbow pathology

[0176] Embodiments of the elbow brace 1 according to the present invention can be used in treatment and / or prevention of various types of elbow pathology. The various types of elbow pathology are known to those skilled in the art, and comprise elbow pathology due to, but not limited to, overload, instability, wear and tear and post- traumatic or postoperative injuries. Furthermore, embodiments of the elbow brace 1 according to the present invention can be used to prevent injuries. In a preferred embodiment, the elbow brace 1 according to the present invention is used in treatment and / or prevention of lateral epicondylitis pathology, such as tennis elbow.

[0177] User

[0178] As defined above, the term user may be any living creature having an elbow E comprising a radius bone. In particular, any living creature which may develop elbow pathology and may benefit from additional stabilization and / or support of the elbow. More in particular, any living creature which is capable of doing pronation and supination of the forearm. Preferably, the user is a mammal. The mammal may in particular be a primate or a domesticated animal. More preferably, the user is a human. Most preferably, the user is a human suffering from or at risk of elbow pathology, such as lateral epicondylitis pathology.

[0179] Embodiments of the elbow brace 1 according to the present invention can be provided in different sizes. In this manner, the elbow brace 1 can fit the users of different species and different statures. The recited dimensions of the elbow brace 1 are suitable for the human, and for other living creatures with comparable dimensions of the elbow E.

[0180] In a particular embodiment, embodiments of the elbow brace 1 according to the present invention are suitable for people of different statures, such as for example less muscular or more muscular, shorter or taller, skinnier or larger people. In a further particular embodiment, the elbow brace 1 according to the invention comprises a brace body 100 with an adjustable size. In another further particular embodiment, the elbow brace 1 according to the invention comprises a brace body 100 in different sizes. Likewise, the stabilization complex 200, the stabilization adjustment system 300, the compression complex 400, and / or the compression adjustment system 500 may have an adjustable size, or may come in different sizes.

[0181] Embodiments of the elbow brace 1 according to the present invention can be used by users in different state of activity, such as, but not limited to, in rest, during daily activities, during a light workout, during an extensive workout.

[0182] In a particular embodiment, the user is an individual who engages in activities involving repetitive wrist extension, radial deviation, or forearm supination. In a further particular embodiment, the user is an individual who practices a racket sport or a bat- and-ball sport. Racket sport includes, but is not limited to, tennis, squash, badminton, and padel. Bat-and-ball sport includes, but is not limited to, baseball and cricket. In a preferred embodiment, the user is an individual who practices a racket sport.

Claims

39CLAIMS1. An elbow brace (1 ) for stabilizing the elbow (E) of a user, the elbow brace comprising: a brace body (100) comprising:- a proximal portion (110) configured to fit circumferentially over the proximal part (F1 ) of the forearm of the user adjacent to the elbow,- a distal portion (120) configured to fit circumferentially over the proximal (F1 ) to middle part (F2) of the forearm of the user, and- a posterolateral portion (130) configured to be positioned along the posterolateral side of the forearm (F) of the user; and characterized in that the elbow brace (1 ) comprises a stabilization complex (200) configured to be securely attached to the posterolateral portion (130) of the brace body (100) and configured to apply a force in a medial and anterior direction to the proximal part of the radius of the user; wherein the elbow brace (1 ) is configured to be put on the forearm (F) of the user such that the elbow brace (1 ) is positioned between the elbow (E) and the mid-forearm (F2) of the user and the stabilization complex (200) overlies the proximal part of the radius of the user.

2. The elbow brace (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the elbow brace (1 ) is configured to be positioned between the elbow crease (E1 ) and the mid-forearm (F2) of the user.

3. The elbow brace (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the brace body (100) comprises a circular band (101 ).

4. The elbow brace (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the proximal portion (1 10) of the brace body (100) is configured to be positioned more distally on the anterior side of the forearm (F) than on the posterior side of the forearm (F) of the user.

405. The elbow brace (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the stabilization complex (200) is further configured to apply a force in a medial and anterior direction to the head of the radius of the user.

6. The elbow brace (1 1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the stabilization complex (200) comprises a stabilization pad.

7. The elbow brace (1 1 ) according to claim 6, wherein the stabilization pad of the stabilization complex (200) is made from an elastomeric material, such as silicone.

8. The elbow brace (1 ) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the stabilization pad of the stabilization complex (200) has a length of at least 5 mm and / or at most 100 mm.

9. The elbow brace (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the elbow brace (1 ) further comprises a stabilization adjustment system (300) configured to adjust the magnitude of the force applied by the stabilization complex (200) to the proximal part of the radius of the user.

10. The elbow brace (1 ) according to claim 9, wherein the stabilization adjustment system (300) comprises a stabilization adjustment strap.

11. The elbow brace (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, further comprising a lateral portion (140) configured to be positioned along the lateral side of the forearm (F) of the user.

12. The elbow brace (1 ) according to claim 1 1 , wherein the elbow brace (1 ) further comprises a compression complex (400) configured to be securely attached to the lateral portion (140) of the brace body (100) and configured to apply a pressure to at least one of the forearm extensor muscles, wherein the elbow brace (1 ) is further configured to be put on the forearm (F) of the user such that the compression complex (400) overlies at least one of the forearm extensor muscles.4113. The elbow brace (1 ) according to claim 12, wherein the compression complex (400) comprises a compression pad, preferably a round compression pad.

14. The elbow brace (1 ) according to claim 13, wherein the compression pad of the compression complex (400) is made from an elastomeric material, such as silicone.

15. The elbow brace (1 ) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the compression pad of the compression complex (400) has a length or a diameter of at least 5 mm and / or at most 100 mm.

16. The elbow brace (1 ) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the elbow brace (1 ) further comprises a compression adjustment system (500) configured to adjust the magnitude of the pressure applied by the compression complex (400) to the at least one of the forearm extensor muscles of the user.

17. The elbow brace (1 ) according to claim 16, wherein the compression adjustment system (500) comprises a compression adjustment strap.

18. A method (900) for stabilizing an elbow (E) of a user, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing (910) an elbow brace (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 17; b) putting (920) the elbow brace (1 ) on the forearm (F) of the user such that:- the elbow brace (1 ) is positioned between the elbow (E) and the midforearm (F2) of the user,- the proximal portion (1 10) of the brace body (100) fits circumferentially over the proximal part (F1 ) of the forearm of the user adjacent to the elbow (E),- the distal portion (120) of the brace body (100) fits circumferentially over the proximal (F1 ) to middle part (F2) of the forearm of the user, and- the posterolateral portion (130) of the brace body is positioned along the posterolateral side of the forearm of the user; and characterized in that the method comprises the step of:c) fitting (930) the elbow brace (1 ) such that the stabilization complex (200) is securely attached to the posterolateral portion (130) of the brace body (100), wherein the stabilization complex (200) overlies the proximal part of the radius of the user and applies a force in a medial and anterior direction to the proximal part of the radius of the user.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: step a) (910) comprises providing the elbow brace (1 ) comprising a compression complex (400) ; step b) (920) further comprises putting the elbow brace (1 ) on the forearm (F) of the user such that the lateral portion (140) of the brace body (100) is positioned along the lateral side of the forearm (F) of the user; and step c) (930) further comprises fitting the elbow brace (1 ) such that the compression complex (400) is securely attached to the lateral portion (140) of the brace body (100), wherein the compression complex (400) overlies at least one of the forearm extensor muscles of the user and applies a pressure to the at least one of the forearm extensor muscles of the user.

20. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 19, wherein: step a) (910) comprises providing the elbow brace (1 ) comprising a stabilization adjustment system (300); and wherein the method further comprises the step of: d) adjusting (940) the force applied by the stabilization complex (200) to the proximal part of the radius of the user.21 . The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein: step a) (910) comprises providing the elbow brace (1 ) comprising a compression complex and a compression adjustment system (500); and wherein the method further comprises the step of: d) adjusting (940) the pressure applied by the compression complex (400) to the at least one of the forearm extensor muscles of the user.

22. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 21 , wherein step b) (920) comprises putting the elbow brace (1 ) on the forearm (F) of the user such that the elbow brace (1 ) is positioned between the elbow crease (E1 ) and the mid-forearm (F2) of the user.

23. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein: step b) (920) and step c) (930) are performed simultaneously.

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