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Abstract

An orthosis and method for treating knee contractures in leg amputees includes a pair of upper splints with a thigh band extending therebetween, and a pair of lower splints with a calf band extending therebetween with opposite sides and a space therebetween for receiving a residual limb. Dial-lock hinges pivotally and lockably connect the upper and lower splints so that the relative angular position of the splints can be varied. Straps and padding are provided on the bands to comfortably restrain the leg. A removable calf liner pads the residual limb and has extra padding below the patient's patella for cushioning the tendons from pressure. An optional removable cover mounts over the space on the calf band, providing diametrical adjustability and access to the residual limb. The method for treating leg amputee knee contractures includes providing the orthosis, positioning the leg in the orthosis, restraining the leg therein, selecting an angle between the splints and locking the hinges so as to apply passive tension, maintaining such tension for a prescribed period, and repeating the selecting, locking, and maintaining steps to increase the tension in increments until the contracture is corrected.

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