3M Innovative Properties Company

University of Cincinnati

Brace Technologies, Inc.

Edward S Grood

David L Butler

Steven D Hoffman

Steven Joseph May

Craig L Van Kampen

Frank R Noyes

Donald C Stouffer

David L Glos

D Michael Ledyard

This invention provides improved prosthetic devices for the replacement of a ligament or a tendon. The tension borne by the prosthetic ligament or tendon can be readily increased or decreased without disturbing the attachment of the device to bone and without removal of the prosthetic ligament or tendon from the other components of the device.

Tensioning means for prosthetic devices

A method of detecting axial force in human and animal fibrous tissue such as ligaments, tendons and muscle tissue employs an implantable force transducer or IFT which measures lateral compressive forces as axial force is applied to the fibrous tissue. The lateral compressive forces are proportional to the axial force. Preferably the device is a curved clip formed from a band of spring steel utilizing bonded strain gages. This device is connected to a Wheatstone bridge circuit to detect flexure of curved metal clip. The device is suitable for in vivo and in vitro use.

Method of measuring axial force in mammalian fibrous tissue and device

A knee brace for preventing abnormal anterior or posterior movement, and abnormal internal or external rotations, of the tibia relative to the femur includes a femoral cuff adapted for attachment to the thigh, a tibial cuff adapted for attachment to the calf and a pair of linkage assemblies interconnecting the cuffs. Each linkage assembly comprises a pair of link elements pivotally connected to one another, one of which is mounted to the femoral cuff and the other of which is slidable relative to the tibial cuff along an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tibia of the leg of a patient to prevent forces from being applied to the knee by the brace except in the anterior-posterior direction. The location of the hinge axis of the brace is adjustable relative to the flexion axis of the knee to impose an anterior or posterior force of variable magnitude on the tibia depending upon the ligament injury or deficiency.

Knee brace

Growing community of inventors

Cincinnati, OH, United States of America

Edward S Grood