Therapeutic limb brace

Abstract

A therapeutic limb brace for gradually extending flexion contractures of a patient's knee or elbow, and for increasing dorsiflexion of the foot. Upper and lower frames of the brace are incrementally adjustable in both length and lateral spacing for fitting limbs of various proportions, the frames having side members that are comfortably spaced apart from the limb. Control of knee joint movement, for example, is provided by one or more tension springs that can be selectively hooked in parallel between the upper and middle frames for dynamic therapy, a stop member for preventing hyperextension, and a plurality of index holes that can be used in static therapy for locking the frames in fixed angular relation or for limiting movement to a selected angular range. A turnbuckle substituted for one of the springs provides gradual movement at high mechanical advantage. A cable and sheave tackle assembly having series-connected springs can replace the direct parallel spring connections for simplifying the wearing and adjustment of the brace by the user. A lower frame for controlled foot support has a padded base, front and rear blocks for lateral confinement, and adjustable front, instep and heel straps for holding the foot in place, the heel strap having a cup member for holding the heel down .A plurality of tension spring connections between the middle and lower frames permits dynamic inducement of dorsiflexion; static control is provided by a substituted turnbuckle. An ankle strap provides controlled prevention of either inversion or eversion as needed.