Importance

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Abstract

An orthopedic brace for spinal applications is formed from a plurality of relatively rigid hollowed-out parallelepiped portions adjacent pairs of which are joined along a relatively thin web of flexible material common to the two portions to provide pivotal motion between the two adjacent portions. Relative pivotal movement between the two adjacent portions is selectively restricted by an elongated threaded rod which is pivotably affixed at one end to one of the parallelepiped portions and extends through a portion of the other parallelepiped portion with a nut threadedly engaging the rod for adjustment therealong to selectively pull the other parallelepiped portion angularly toward the one parallelepiped portion. The nut engages a resilient washer to provide a limited yielding between the portions. The number of such portions joined together is arbitrary. In the preferred back brace form, there are numerous parallelepiped portions each joined to another to form a pair by a relatively thin web and each pair having a threaded rod and nut for selectively restricting pivotal movement between the portions of the pair. In a preferred form, the brace is for exterior posterior application to a human patient by a pair of shoulder straps, a waist strap, and forehead and chin straps.

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First Claim