Patent ID: 6592584
Filing Date: 2003-07-15
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A device for attachment to a human finger having proximal, middle, and distal phalanxes, and proximal interphalangeal and metacarpal phalangeal joints, to correct range of motion disorders of said proximal interphalangeal joint by application of a torque biasing said joint toward extension, said apparatus comprising:proximal and distal support beams joined together in pivotal relation around a pivot axis; means for rigidly securing said distal support beam to said middle phalanx with said pivot axis dorsal to said finger; a torque-producing member engaging said proximal support beam and said distal support beam in a manner causing a torque to be applied to said proximal interphalangeal joint, said torque-producing member and said pivot axis defining a moment arm whose change in length relative to increases in said torque is less than or equal to zero; and means for limiting the displacement of said proximal support beam from said proximal phalanx and said metacarpal phalangeal joint, thereby maintaining said torque when said torque-producing member produces torque.