Orthopedic brace for animals

摘要

Orthopedic braces and splints for use on a limb of an animal, that provide stability for unstable joints and limbs for short or long term support and function. These orthoses are designed to prevent the occurrence of, or reduce the severity of, a joint injury. These braces and splints can also be fitted immediately after corrective surgery, and can support and stabilize the joint while assisting or restricting the range of motion. Various embodiments of the orthoses are modular, thermoformable and may include an adjustable tensioning system, which in combination provide a custom fit for a wide variety of animals and injuries.

主权项

1. An orthopedic apparatus for animals, comprising:
a first portion configured to wrap at least partially circumferentially around a portion of a limb of an animal; a second portion configured to wrap at least partially circumferentially around another portion of the limb of the animal; a connection structure coupled between the first portion and the second portion, the connection structure including a hinge portion and a means for adjusting a distance between the first portion and the second portion; and an adjustable closure system coupled to at least one of the first portion and the second portion, the adjustable closure system configured to circumferentially tighten the portion about the limb of the animal, wherein the at least one of the first portion and the second portion comprises a composite material construction having: an outer layer configured to face away from the limb of the animal; and
an intermediate polymer layer that is thermoformable within a target temperature range and substantially rigid at temperatures below 130 degrees Fahrenheit, wherein the at least one of the first portion and the second portion comprises a first thermoformable section and a second thermoformable section, wherein the first thermoformable section and the second thermoformable section are separable from each other and together circumferentially surround and support the limb of the animal, wherein the adjustable closure system is releasably attachable to an outer surface of the first thermoformable section, wherein the adjustable closure system comprises:
a first attachment member having a plurality of hook elements;a second attachment member having a plurality of hook elements;at least one guide element affixed to the second thermoformable section;at least one guide element affixed to the second attachment member;a tightening mechanism affixed to the first attachment member; andan elongated flexible member inserted through the at least one guide element affixed to the second thermoformable section and the at least one guide element affixed to the second attachment member and engaged with the tightening mechanism, and wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the first thermoformable section comprises unbroken loop fabric for releasably attaching the first attachment member and the second attachment member.