| 摘要 |
The invention is directed toward providing a method and a brace for supporting a knee joint to permit movement of the joint in first selected directions and to restrain movement in second selected directions. The brace comprises a flexible sheet and at least two enclosed inflatable chambers contained in the flexible sheet. The chamber is formed of a material which is light and flexible when uninflated but is relatively rigid when inflated. Each inflated chamber follows a path corresponding to that of one of the cruciate ligaments and together they support the joint and prevent unwanted movement of the portion to be restrained from movement. However, the material has sufficient flexibility and when coupled with the flexible sheet serves to prevent abrasion of the sensitive areas of the joint being confined. The flexible sheet, while very flexible, also protects against the transmission of shock to the joint.
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