Multiple fixed angle orthopaedic appliance

Abstract

An orthopaedic brace for articulated joints of the human body and the members of the body joined by such joints is comprised of support members for securement to respective body members on opposite sides of the joint and a hinge assembly connecting the support members and providing an axis of oscillation aligned with the axis of articulation of the joint; the hinge assembly including retention surfaces on one hinge member and a locking device on another hinge member cooperative with the retention surfaces for supporting the joint and the associated body members in any one of a plurality of fixed angle positions during normal activity; for quick release from the fixed position to a free-floating condition to enable the wearer to periodically engage the therapeutic and/or rehabilitative exercise of the joint without having to remove the brace; and for quick and facile return to the selected fixed angle position without having to engage in tedious readjustment of the brace following execise. In the preferred embodiment illustrated and described, the appliance comprises a lower leg and ankle walker for holding the foot and ankle in any one of a plurality of fixed positions and for release from the fixed position to a free floating condition to accomodate rehabilitative afrticulation of the ankle in both dorsiflexion and plantar flexion.