Orthopedic device
An orthopedic device has a rigid or semi-rigid frame element defining opposed first and second sides, and is adapted to extend about at least a portion of a limb. The device includes straps formed from a variety of segments having stretchable and substantially inelastic segments. The straps adjustably secure to the frame element, and stretch relative thereto. The device also includes a central strap pad arranged to connect two straps together such that a first strap of the two straps is movable relative to a second strap, and the first and second straps are maintained diagonal relative to one another.
1. An orthopedic device, comprising:
a rigid or semi-rigid frame element having opposed first and second sides, the frame element adapted to extend about at least a portion of a limb;
a first strap connected to the first and second sides of the frame element, the first strap having a first end defined by a rigid or substantially rigid strap tab secured to the first side of the frame element, an elastic segment having a first end secured to the strap tab, and an inelastic spanning segment connected to a second end of the elastic segment and defining a second end of the first strap, the spanning segment adjustably secured to the frame element second side such that the spanning segment is adjustable in length relative to the frame element second side.
2. The orthopedic device according to claim 1 , wherein a flexible handle portion extends from the strap tab.
3. The orthopedic device according to claim 1 , wherein the frame element is arranged for placement on the anterior side of the lower leg, the first strap configured for extending laterally about and over a gastroc region of the lower leg.
4. The orthopedic device according to claim 1 , wherein the second side of the frame element defines a slot such the spanning segment secures to the frame element via the slot and the second end of the spanning segment secures to a second surface of the spanning segment.
5. The orthopedic device according to claim 1 , further comprising a pad removably secured to a first surface of the spanning segment.
6. The orthopedic device according to claim 5 , wherein the pad is arranged to extend over a gastroc region of a lower leg, thereby creating pressure against the gastroc region of the lower leg.
7. The orthopedic device according to claim 1 , wherein the strap tab has an insert removably engaging a slot formed on the first side of the frame element.
8. An orthopedic device, comprising:
a rigid or semi-rigid frame element having opposed first and second sides, the frame element adapted to extend about at least a portion of a limb;
a first strap connected to the first and second sides of the frame element, the first strap having a first end defined by a strap tab secured to the first side of the frame element, a first flexible segment removably secured to the strap tab, an elastic segment having a first end releasably secured to the first flexible segment and a second flexible segment releasably secured to a second end of the elastic segment, the second flexible segment adjustably secured to the frame element second side such that the second flexible segment is adjustable in length relative to the flame element second side.
9. The orthopedic device according to claim 8 , wherein the frame element is arranged for placement on an anterior side of an upper leg, the first strap configured for extending laterally about and over a posterior thigh region of the upper leg.
10. The orthopedic device according to claim 8 , wherein the second side of the frame element defines a slot about which the second flexible segment secures.
11. The orthopedic device according to claim 8 , wherein the first flexible segment is substantially inelastic.
12. The orthopedic device according to claim 8 , wherein the second flexible segment is substantially inelastic.
13. The orthopedic device according to claim 8 , further comprising a pad removably secured to a first surface of the elastic segment.
14. The orthopedic device according to claim 8 , wherein the strap tab defines a diagonal portion oriented diagonally relative to the first strap, a force strap secured at one end to the diagonal portion.
15. A knee brace, comprising:
a rigid or semi-rigid upper frame element adapted to extend about at least a portion of a limb of a wearer of the brace;
a rigid or semi-rigid lower frame element adapted to extend about at least a portion of a limb of a wearer of the brace;
an upper pad connected to the upper frame element, the upper pad having an exterior surface adjacent to the upper frame element and an interior surface opposed from the exterior surface, the interior surface being smooth to human touch so as to provide low resistance to movement when pressed against skin of a wearer of the brace;
a lower pad connected to the lower frame element, the lower pad having an exterior surface adjacent to the lower frame element and an interior surface opposed from the exterior surface, the interior surface having a frictional coating providing substantially more resistance to movement than the interior surface of the upper pad when pressed against skin of a wearer of the brace.