Patent Publication Number: US-2023149199-A1

Title: Orthopedic brace having an adjustable spinal support extension and support harness

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of priority on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/279,650 filed Nov. 15, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     Embodiments of the disclosure relate to the field of medical devices. More specifically, one embodiment of the disclosure relates to an orthopedic brace and components thereof. 
     GENERAL BACKGROUND 
     The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
     Orthopedic braces (orthoses) usually need to be adjusted or customized in some manner to conform to the body part(s) being braced, and then properly positioned. A typical orthosis commonly has at least two portions, a rigid portion supporting a body part, and a flexible portion securing the orthosis to the body. One type of orthopedic brace is referred to as a “thoraco-lumbo-sacral orthosis” or by the acronym “TLSO.” 
     A TLSO is a brace that provides support from a mid-portion to a lower portion of the spine. In particular, a “TLSO” is a brace that limits movement in a wearer&#39;s spine from the thoracic area (mid-back area) to the wearer&#39;s sacrum (lower-back area). At the same time, the TLSO allows a wearer&#39;s neck to move freely. This type of brace is normally used to provide support and stabilization of the spine after a back injury and/or surgery, and in some cases, may be utilized to address spinal pathologies. 
     As compression fractures become more common, especially as our population ages, the use of TLSOs is becoming more prevalent. One common problem experienced by orthotists in connection with conventional TLSOs is that they can be difficult to adjust for wearers to ensure proper fit, where proper fit of the orthosis normally provides the wearer with improved pain reduction and promotes healing. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which: 
         FIG.  1    is an exemplary embodiment of a perspective rear view of an orthopedic brace with an adjustable, spinal support extension and an adjustable support harness. 
         FIG.  2    is an exemplary embodiment of a rear-facing view of the orthopedic brace of  FIG.  1    featuring a strap adjustment member of the support harness of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3 A  is an exemplary embodiment of a front-facing view of the belt brace being a component of the orthopedic brace of  FIG.  1    featuring a structural member for retention of the spinal support extension. 
         FIG.  3 B  is an exemplary embodiment of the front-facing view of the orthopedic brace of  FIG.  1    featuring a more detailed view of the structural member of  FIG.  3 A . 
         FIG.  4 A  is a first exemplary embodiment of a perspective view of the members forming an adjustable strut implemented as part of the spinal support extension of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4 B  is an exemplary embodiment of a plan view of the members forming the adjustable strut of  FIG.  4 A . 
         FIG.  4 C  is an exemplary embodiment of the adjustable strut of  FIG.  4 A  positioned in a default (non-extended) state. 
         FIG.  4 D  is an exemplary embodiment of the adjustable strut of  FIG.  4 A  positioned in an extended state. 
         FIGS.  4 E- 4 F  illustrate an exemplary embodiment for height (length) alteration of the adjustable strut of  FIG.  4 A  based on disengagement of both a release lever and posts mounted on a first strut member from locking apertures formed within a second strut member. 
         FIG.  5 A  is a second exemplary embodiment of a perspective view of the members forming an adjustable strut implemented as part of the spinal support extension of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  5 B  is an exemplary embodiment of a front perspective view of the first strut member of  FIG.  5 A  with the release lever of  FIG.  5 A  coupled to a tab formed at an upper edge of the first strut member. 
         FIG.  5 C  is an exemplary embodiment of a side view of the release lever of  FIG.  5 A . 
         FIG.  5 D  is an exemplary embodiment of a front perspective view of the adjustable strut of  FIG.  5 A  positioned in an extended state with the first strut member slidably coupled to the second strut member. 
         FIG.  5 E  is an exemplary embodiment of a back perspective view of the adjustable strut of  FIG.  5 A  positioned in an extended state with the first strut member slidably coupled to the second strut member. 
         FIG.  5 F  is an exemplary embodiment of the adjustable strut of  FIG.  5 A  with disengagement of the first strut member from the second strut member to allow for adjustment to the collective height of the adjustable strut. 
         FIGS.  6 A- 6 D  illustrate an exemplary embodiment for installation of the adjustable strut into a sleeve and insertion of the sleeved, adjustable strut forming the spinal support extension into the structural member. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to an orthopedic brace having an adjustable spinal support extension and a strap adjustment member, coupled to a posterior surface of the adjustable spinal support extension, for adjusting a support harness for improved comfort when worn. Herein, the orthopedic brace features a belt brace worn around a waist of a wearer, where the belt brace features a structural member located in a lumbar support region of the belt brace to secure a spinal support extension thereto. The spinal support extension, when secured by the structural member, is substantially orthogonal to an orientation of the belt brace. As a result, the orthopedic brace operates as a thoraco-lumbo-sacral orthosis (TLSO) brace with the spinal support extension positioned along a mid-sagittal plane. 
     More specifically, according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the orthopedic brace features a lumbar sacral orthosis (LSO) type belt brace to be worn around the waist. Oriented to reside within a traverse plane when worn, the belt brace includes a lumbar support disposed between a first lateral support and a second lateral support. The lumbar support is configured to extend across a sagittal plane and be applied to a lower back of the wearer. Each of the first and second lateral supports includes a plurality of fasteners and are configured to wrap around the waist of the wearer and fasten to one another at or near the abdomen. For this embodiment, the fasteners may be arranged as complementary hook and loop fasteners, although other suitable fasteners may be utilized such as snaps, buttons, clasps, or any other fasteners that allow for the belt brace to comfortably fit users of different shapes and sizes. 
     On an anterior side of the lumbar support of the brace, a structural member is provided to secure the adjustable spinal support extension as described below. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the structural member includes a partially-enclosed, recessed area sized to receive a first end of the spinal support extension. For instance, the structural member may include, but is not limited or restricted to a pocket formed by soft goods such as one or more layers of textiles, fabrics (inclusive of woven fabrics and/or non-woven fabrics), or other materials capable of being configured as a recessed area to secure and maintain the first end of the spinal support extension. Herein, the pocket may include a fastener at its opening to attach to an anterior surface of a sleeve including an adjustable strut forming the spinal support extension, as described below. 
     More specifically, the spinal support extension includes an adjustable strut that can be vertically (longitudinally) adjusted to increase or decrease its length based on the height of the wearer. One embodiment of the adjustable strut includes a second strut member configured to be slidably engaged with a first strut member. The second strut member includes a first portion located proximate to a first (upper) end of the adjustable strut and a second (lower) portion located proximate to a second end of the adjustable strut, where the first portion is constructed with a narrower width than the second portion. This narrowing is to allow the spinal support extension to rest comfortably between the shoulder blades of the wearer. Both the first strut member and the second strut member include apertures, which are formulated along their longitudinal center axes and are equivalent in size and shape to align when positioned adjacent to and partially overlapping each other. 
     After being set to a desired length, the adjustable strut may be partially inserted into the sleeve, namely a soft good having a partially-enclosed retention area. The partially-enclosed retention area includes an enclosed area to which a first end of straps for the harness are attached and an opening to receive and surround a significant portion of the adjustable strut. Depending on the selected length of the adjustable strut, a portion of that adjustable strut may extend from the sleeve prior to placement into (and covering by) the pocket. The sleeve includes a tab located on its anterior surface for insertion through aligned apertures of the first strut member and/or the second strut member (or under a bottom edge of the first strut member) and subsequent attachment to a posterior surface of the sleeve. The portion of the tab and corresponding portion of the posterior surface of the sleeve may include complementary fasteners, such as complementary hook and loop fasteners for example. 
     The strap adjustment member includes a multi-region panel including a center region disposed between lateral regions that are pivotally coupled to opposite edges of the center region. The pivotal couplings allow for either or both of these lateral regions to be folded toward the center region (or cut and remove) to reduce the sizing of the strap adjustment member to accommodate narrow-bodied wearers. Strap guides may include looped attachment members with a fastener positioned along an anterior surface of the fastener for attachment to a posterior surface of the multi-region panel. Each of the strap guides is adapted with an opening to enable a corresponding strap of the harness to pass through the strap guide so as to form a loop between a top region of the sleeve and the strap guide. Hence, the straps may be used as shoulder straps for the orthopedic brace. The straps continue to be propagated to the belt brace for coupling to a second pair of strap guides attached to the belt brace. 
     I. Terminology 
     In the following description, certain terminology is used to describe aspects of the invention. For example, the term “member” may be construed as a structural component of an orthopedic brace. In certain situations, a member may include a component covered by soft goods such as one or more textiles, one or more fabrics (woven fabrics and/or non-woven fabrics), leathers, and/or another covering material. These soft goods may feature “loop” type fasteners or other variants to which a “hook” type fastener may be attached. In other situations, the member may be soft goods attached to another structural component of the orthopedic brace such as a textile or fabric sewn to form a partially-enclosed retention area. 
     The term “partially-enclosed” may be applicable to a structure having a sealed or enclosed perimeter except for at least one opening at selected location along the periphery. As a result, a partially-enclosed retention area is a structure that is configured to encapsulate some of all of a member inserted therein, thereby operating as a pocket, a chamber, a cavity, a hollow area, a lumen, or the like. 
     The term “attach” and other tenses of the term (attached, attaching, etc.) may be construed as physically connecting a first member to a second member. A “fastener” may be construed as any physical component that is used to attach different members together. An illustrative example of different types of fasteners and fastening techniques may include, but are not limited or restricted to snaps, buttons, clasps, adhesives, sewing, heat sealing (or melting), gluing, knitting, or other physical coupling techniques such as a hook and loop connection. 
     The terms “rigid” or “rigidity” with respect to a member or portion of a member may be construed as the member being configured to at least partially resist bending or deformation. According to this definition, different lengths of a given structure and composition can be rigid at a shorter length, and flexible at a longer length. As used herein, the term “high rigidity” with respect to a member or portion of a member may be construed as the member will be permanently deformed if bent or twisted by at least 20° end to end. 
     Finally, the terms “or” and “and/or” as used herein are to be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. As an example, “A, B or C” or “A, B and/or C” mean “any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C.” An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive. The symbol “/” between two reference numerals references the presence of alternative structures that can be utilized in the same fashion. 
     As this invention is susceptible to embodiments of many different forms, it is intended that the present disclosure is to be considered as an example of the principles of the invention and not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described. 
     II. Brace Architecture 
     Referring device to  FIG.  1   , an exemplary embodiment of a perspective view of an orthopedic brace  100  with an adjustable spinal support extension  140  and a strap adjustment member  150 , which is coupled to a posterior surface  142  of a sleeve portion of the adjustable spinal support extension  140  for adjustment of a support harness  180 , is shown. Herein, the orthopedic brace  100  features a belt  110  that is oriented to generally reside within a traverse plane when worn around a waist of a wearer (hereinafter referred to as a “belt brace  110 ”). The belt brace  110  features a structural member (not shown), which is disposed on a lumbar support  112  of the belt brace  110  and configured to secure the spinal support extension  140 . The spinal support extension  140 , when secured by the structural member, is oriented to be substantially orthogonal to the traverse plane inclusive of the belt brace  110 . As a result, the orthopedic brace  100  may operate as a thoraco-lumbo-sacral orthosis (TLSO) brace with the spinal support extension  140  positioned along a sagittal plane, such as the mid-sagittal plane for this embodiment. 
     More specifically, the belt brace  110  includes the lumbar support  112  disposed between a first lateral support  114  and a second lateral support  116 . The lumbar support  112  is configured to extend across a sagittal plane and be applied to a lower back of the wearer. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the first lateral support  114  may include one or more fasteners  115  positioned on a posterior side  118  of the belt brace  110  while the second lateral support  116  may include one or more fasteners  117  positioned on an anterior side  119  of the belt brace  110 . The first and second lateral supports  114  and  116  are configured to wrap around the waist of the wearer and fasten to one another at or near the abdomen. According to this embodiment, the fastener(s)  115  may be attached to a portion of the second lateral support  116  along the anterior side  119  of the belt brace  110  and the fastener(s)  117  may be attached to a portion of the first lateral support  114  along the posterior side  118  of the belt brace  110 . 
     Alternatively, it is contemplated that both of the fastener(s)  115  and  117  may be positioned on the posterior side  118  of the first lateral support  114  and the second lateral support  116 , respectively. For this alternative embodiment, the fastener(s)  115  and  117  may be arranged as complementary fasteners, such as complementary loop and hook fasteners for example, which become attached when the first and second lateral supports  114  and  116  are wrapped around the waist of the wearer. 
     The belt brace  110  further features a first and second cords  120  and  122  that are threaded through a tightening mechanism (e.g. cord guides, pulleys, etc.) disposed on the lumbar support  112  and/or lateral supports  114 / 116  of the brace belt  100 . Coupled to the tightening mechanism (not shown), the first cord  120  can be pulled in a direction A to tighten the brace belt  110  when worn. Similarly, the second cord  122 , coupled to the tightening mechanism (not shown), can be pulled in a direction B to tighten the brace belt  110  when worn. These cords  120  and  122  may be pulled concurrently (i.e., at least partially overlapping in time) to tighten the belt brace  110  by shortening an exposed length of the lumbar support  112 . Once a desired level of tightness is achieved, fasteners of the pull tabs  130  and  132  may engage complementary fasteners on the lateral supports  114  and  116 . The complementary fasteners may be positioned at selected areas on the posterior side  118  of the belt brace  110 . 
     As shown, the spinal support extension  140  extends longitudinally from the lumbar support  112  of the belt brace  110  along a sagittal plane. The spinal support extension  140  includes a first end  144  and a second end  147  (see  FIG.  3 B ). The first end  144  of the spinal support extension  140  is attached to the support harness  180 , namely a first strap member  182  and a second strap member  184 . Both the first and second strap members  182  and  184  extend from opposite lateral edges  145  and  146  of the first end  144 . Herein, according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the first and second strap members  182  and  184  may be configured as knit tubes composed of a light weight, elastic material. As an illustrative example, the light weight, elastic material may include foam and a light, flexible synthetic or polyolefin resin such as high density polyethylene (HDPE). In particular, for this example, the light weight, elastic material may be comprised of foam and 1/32-inch HDPE. This composition is selected to provide a comfortable, breathable strap that retains a raised shape and contour even when not in use. 
     The first and second strap members  182  and  184  are attached to a third strap member  186  and a fourth strap member  188 , respectively. As one attachment scheme, a first edge  183  of the first strap member  182  may be attached (e.g., sewn) to a first end  187  of the third strap  186 . Additionally, a first edge  185  of the second strap member  184  may be attached (e.g., sewn) to a first end  189  of the fourth strap member  188  as shown in detail in  FIG.  3 B . The third and fourth strap members  186  and  188  may be configured as nylon straps with double-sided loop surfaces, which possesses a different material composition and lesser thickness than the first and second strap members  182  and  184  comprised of foam and HDPE. The third and fourth strap members  186  and  188  are inserted through respective strap guides  151  and  152  (e.g., D-rings, O-rings, etc.) being part of the strap adjustment member  150 . 
     The strap adjustment member  150  includes a multi-region panel  153 , which includes a center panel  154  disposed between lateral panels  158  and  159 . The lateral panels  158  and  159  are pivotally attached to opposite edges  155  and  156  of the center panel  154 . These lateral panels  158  and  159  are trimmable based on these pivotal attachments, which enable either or both of these lateral panels  158  and/or  159  to be folded toward the center panel  154  and attached thereto (or cut and removed). This construction provides an effective and efficient customization scheme for orthotists to reduce the sizing of the strap adjustment member  150  to accommodate more narrowly-bodied wearers. 
     A first strap guide  151  may be removably attached to the multi-region panel  153  via a secondary strap  160  having at least an anterior side  161  with a “hook” type fastener (not shown) for attachment to a posterior side  162  of the first lateral panel  158  and/or a posterior side  163  of the center panel  154  with a “loop” type fastener. The secondary strap  160  is inserted through the first strap guide  151  and folded back for attachment. Similarly, a second strap guide  152  may be removably attached to the multi-region panel  153  via a secondary strap  164 , which includes a “hook” type fastener (not shown). In particular, the second strap guide  152  may be configured to be removably attached to a posterior side  165  of the second lateral panel  159  and/or the posterior side  163  of the center panel  154 . The secondary strap  164  may be inserted through an opening of the second strap guide  152  and folded back before attachment to the posterior side  165  of the second lateral panel  159  and/or the posterior side  163  of the center panel  154 . 
     Furthermore, as shown in  FIG.  1   , each of the strap guides  151  and  152  is adapted with an aperture to enable corresponding third and fourth strap members  186  and  188  of the support harness  180  to be threaded there through and form loops  190  and  192  between a top region  148  of the spinal support extension  140  to their respective strap guides  151  and  152 . Hence, the first and second strap members  182  and  184 , which are attached to the third and fourth strap members  186  and  188 , may be used as shoulder straps for the orthopedic brace  100 . The third and fourth strap members  186  and  188  continue to propagate to a second pair of strap guides  170  and  175  (e.g., dual D-rings, etc.), where the strap members  186  and  188  are passed through first aperture  171  and  176  of the strap guides  170  and  175 , folded onto themselves, and affixed by alligator end portions  172  and  177 , respectively. Secondary straps  173  and  178  for securing the strap guides  170  and  175  to the belt brace  110  are looped through a second aperture  174  and  179  of the strap guides  170  and  175  and folded back for attachment to the brace belt  110 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  2   , an exemplary embodiment of a rear-facing view of the orthopedic brace  100  of  FIG.  1   , featuring the strap adjustment member  150  of the support harness  180 , is shown. The strap adjustment member  150  operates as an interface to provide proper guidance between portions of the strap members  182 / 186  and  184 / 188  positioned on the anterior side  119  of the belt  110  and the strap members  186  and  188  positioned on the posterior side  118  of the belt  110 . 
     As shown, the strap adjustment member  150  may be repositioned along a longitudinal (vertical) direction  200  to expand or restrict the diameter of the strap loops  190  and  192 . Longitudinal movement of the strap adjustment member provides for vertical adjustability of the straps  182 / 186  and  184 / 188  to customize positioning of the straps to avoid impinging the axilla of the wearer. Similarly, the strap adjustment member  150  may be repositioned in a lateral (horizontal) direction  210  to effectuate change in the first strap loop  190  and inverse change in the second strap loop  192 . For example, by shifting a center point  220  of the strap adjustment member  150  (located at the center panel  154 ) towards a first edge  230  of the spinal support extension  140 , the lateral range of the first strap loop  190  is increased while the lateral range of the second strap loop  192  is decreased. Similarly, by shifting the center point  220  of the strap adjustment member towards a second edge  240  of the spinal support extension  140 , the lateral range of the second strap loop  192  is increased while the lateral range of the first strap loop  190  is decreased. This second adjustment provides another means for positioning the straps to avoid impinging the axilla of the wearer. 
     Additionally, the secondary strap  160  associated with the first strap guide  151  may be removably attached to the center panel  154  and/or the first lateral panel  158  as the secondary strap  160  features its anterior side  161  with a “hook” type fastener (not shown) for attachment to the posterior side  162  of the first lateral panel  158  and/or a posterior side  163  of the center panel  154  having “loop” type fasteners. This ease in repositioning of the first strap guide  151  allows for further customization of the first strap loop  190  relative to its lateral (horizontal) positioning independent of the second strap loop  192 . 
     Similarly, the secondary strap  164  associated with the second strap guide  152  may be removably attached to the center panel  154  and/or the second lateral panel  159  as the secondary strap  164  features its anterior side (not shown) with a “hook” type for attachment to the posterior side  165  of the second lateral panel  159  and/or the posterior side  163  of the center panel  154  having “loop” type fasteners. This ease in repositioning of the second strap guide  152  further allows customization of the second strap loop  192  without impinging on the first strap loop  190 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  3 A , an exemplary embodiment of a front-facing view of the belt brace  110  deployed within the orthopedic brace  100  of  FIG.  1    is shown, where the belt brace  110  features the structural member  300 , which is disposed on the lumbar support  112  of the belt brace  110  and configured to secure the spinal support extension  140 . According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the structural member  300  is formed by two planar members  310  and  320  collectively forming a partially-enclosed, recessed area  330  between these planar members  310  and  320 . As an illustrative example, each of the planar members  310  and  320  may include, but is not limited or restricted portions of soft goods that collectively form the partially-enclosed recessed area  330  as a pocket sized to receive the second end  147  of the spinal support extension  140  as shown in  FIG.  3 B . The soft goods forming the pocket  330  may corresponding to one or more layers of textiles, fabric (inclusive of woven fabrics and/or non-woven fabrics), or another material. 
     In particular, as shown in  FIG.  3 A , the pocket  330  is formed by aligning the first planar member  320  with the second planar member  330  and sealing their perimeter to leave an opening  340  at an upward facing portion of the perimeter unsealed. Proximate to the opening  340  of the pocket  330 , a flap  350  may include a fastener  355  (e.g., a hook and loop fastener) to secure itself to a fastener located on an anterior surface  362  of a sleeve  360  of the spinal support extension  140  of  FIG.  3 B . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  3 B , an exemplary embodiment of the front-facing view of the orthopedic brace  100  of  FIG.  1    is shown, with the belt brace  110  featuring the complementary pocket  330  for retaining the spinal support extension  140 . As shown in detail in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 F , the spinal support extension  140  includes an adjustable strut positioned within the sleeve  360  having a contour in accordance with the shape of the adjustable strut. In particular, an upper portion  364  of the sleeve  360  (and adjustable strut), which is part of a top portion  370  of the spinal support extension  140  inclusive of the first end  144 , has a narrower width than a lower portion  366  of the sleeve  360  (and adjustable strut), which is part a bottom portion  375  of the spinal support extension  140 . The bottom portion  375  includes the second end  147  of the spinal support extension  140 . This narrowing in width is designed to add comfort as the first end  144  of the spinal support extension  140  will reside between shoulder blades of the wearer. 
     After the adjustable strut has been set to a desired length and partially inserted into the sleeve  360 , the bottom portion  375  of the spinal support extension  140  is at least partially inserted into the pocket  330 . As a result, most (if not all) of the top portion  370  of the spinal support extension  140  resides outside of the pocket  330 . A rigid ledge member  380  may be positioned within the pocket  330  to physically support the spinal support extension  140  (inclusive of an adjustable strut  400  or  500  and its corresponding sleeve  360 ) to avoid tearing of the soft goods forming the pocket  330 . 
     III. Adjustable Strut—First Embodiment 
     Referring now  FIG.  4 A , a first exemplary embodiment of a perspective view of the members forming an adjustable strut  400  implemented as part of the spinal support extension  140  of  FIG.  1    is shown. Herein, according to this embodiment of the disclosure, the adjustable strut  400  includes a first strut member  410 , a second strut member  430  and a release lever  450 . With the general construction of the first strut member  410  being substantially equivalent to a first portion  445  of the second strut member  430  (e.g., same width with outer panels and center aperture series aligned), the first strut member  410  and the second strut member  430  may be slidably engaged, as shown in detail in  FIGS.  4 C- 4 D . The first strut member  410  and the second strut member  430  may be made of a rigid or highly rigid material, including a metal (e.g., aluminum, titanium, steel, etc.), hardened plastic, carbon fiber, or a composition of materials. 
     As shown in  FIG.  4 A , the first strut member  410  includes a channel  412  disposed between a first outer panel  414  and a second outer panel  416 . A first plurality of lateral bands  418  are formed and extend over the channel  412  between the first outer panel  414  and the second outer panel  416 , which produces a second plurality of apertures  420 . This particular construction, inclusive of the channel  412  and lateral bands  418  to interconnect the first outer panel  414  and the second outer panel  416 , is selected to reduce a total weight of the spinal support extension  140  as well as introduce slight lateral flexibility while still restricting lateral movement. Additionally, one or more fasteners (e.g., posts)  422  extend from and are mounted to each of the first outer panel  414  and the second outer panel  416 . The posts  422  may be engaged with selected locking apertures  442  of the second strut member  430  when these strut members  410  and  430  are aligned in order to couple the first strut member  410  to the second strut member  430  and set the adjustable strut  400  to a desired length. 
     According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the second plurality of apertures  420  may be lesser in number than the first plurality of lateral bands  418 . Also, according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the lateral bands  418  may be configured with an angular (arc) curvature so that, when aligned with lateral bands  438  of the second strut member  430 , an engagement region (lip)  455  of the release lever  450  is capable of securing together one of the plurality of lateral bands  418  along with its corresponding (and aligned) lateral band  438 . 
     Referring still to  FIG.  4 A , the second strut member  430  includes a channel  432  disposed between a third outer panel  434  and a fourth outer panel  436 . A third plurality of lateral bands  438  are formed and extend over the channel  432  between the third outer panel  434  and the fourth outer panel  436 , which produces a fourth plurality of apertures  440 . The fourth plurality of apertures  440  may be lesser in number than the third plurality of lateral bands  438 . This particular construction is similar to the first strut member  420 , except for, inter alia, (i) a different contour and (2) deployment of locking apertures  442  within the first portion  445  of the second strut member  430  in lieu of post(s)  422 . 
     As shown, each of the locking apertures  442  may correspond to keyhole apertures, each of which includes a first aperture area  443  of a first prescribed area and a second aperture area  444  of a second prescribed area. As the second prescribed area is lesser in diameter than the first prescribed area, a post  422  may be oriented to extend with the first prescribed area  443 , and thereafter, is slidably engaged within a surface of the third outer panel  434  or the fourth outer panel  436  surrounding the second prescribed area  444 . Also, while the width of the channel  432  remain the same as the channel  412  of the first strut member  410 , the widths of the third and fourth outer panels  434  and  436  change. In particular, within the first portion  445  of the second strut member  430 , the outer panels  434  and  436  are sized with a width consistent with the outer panels  414  and  416  of the first strut member  410 . Between the first portion  445  and the second portion  446  of the second strut member  430 , however, the widths of the outer panels  434  and  436  transition to a second (and lesser) width. The entire width of the second portion  446  of the second strut member  430  is configured to be lesser in distance than a distance is less than the shoulder blade of the wearer. 
     The release lever  450  includes the engagement lip  455  extends generally orthogonal from the release lever  450 . The release lever  450  is mounted longitudinally onto one or more of the lateral bands  438  spanning the channel  432 , with a first end  452  of the release lever  450  featuring the engagement lip  455  being directed away from a second portion  446  of the second strut member  430 . Hence, the first end  452  of the release lever  450  is oriented downward while a second end  454  of the release lever  450  is oriented upward. 
     It is contemplated that the architecture of the first strut member  410  and the second strut member  430  is selected where the load between the struts members  410  and  430  is anticipated to be in compression. As a result, the compressive forces drive the posts  422  into the second prescribed area  444  (narrow end) of the keyhole apertures  442 , further securing the attachment of the these strut members against sagittal plane loading by the lip on the posts (number) while resisting compression between these strut members  410  and  430 . 
     However, if the load between the two strut members  410  and  430  is in tension as shown in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 F , the keyhole apertures  442  would be inverted (e.g., rotated 180 degrees) so that the second prescribed area  444  (narrow end) of the keyhole apertures  442  is facing downward and the release lever  450  would be re-oriented 180 degrees with its engagement lip facing upward. Upwardly directed tension forces would be managed by the posts  422  being pulled into the second prescribed areas  444  (narrow ends) of the keyhole apertures  442  thereby securing the two strut members  410  and  430  while resisting sagittal plane loading by the lips on the posts  422 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  4 B , an exemplary embodiment of a plan view of the members forming the adjustable strut of  FIG.  4 A . Herein, each of the second plurality of apertures  420  is identical or substantially consistent in shape and sizing as each of the fourth plurality of apertures  440 . Moreover, the outer panels  414  and  416  of the first strut member  410  are identical or substantially consistent in shape (concur) and sizing a portion of the outer panels  434  and  436  of the second strut member  430 . 
     Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the release lever  450  may be configured with pre-drilled apertures  458  into which a fastening member (e.g., screw, bolt, post, etc.) may be inserted for coupling to one or more of the lateral bands  438  of the second strut member  430 . This may necessitate the generation of apertures in selected lateral band(s)  438  to receive the fastening member(s) as well. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  4 C , an exemplary embodiment of the adjustable strut  400  of  FIG.  4 A  positioned in a default (non-extended) state is shown. The adjustable strut  400  features the second strut member  430  aligned with and overlaying at least a portion of the first strut member  410 . Both the apertures  420  of the first strut member  410  and the apertures  440  of the second strut member  430  are equivalent in size and shape as well as are arranged along their longitudinal center axes  460 . As a result, when the second strut member  430  overlays the first strut member  410 , the apertures  420  are aligned with a subset of the apertures  440 . 
     After being set to a desired length, the posts  422  of the first strut member  410  are oriented to engage with a first subset  470  of the locking apertures  442 . This subset  470  is located at the topmost of the locking apertures  442  so that the overall height (length) of the adjustable strut  400  is minimized. Herein, the release lever  450  is engaged with an aperture  480  of the fourth plurality of apertures  440  closest to a bottom edge  481  of the second strut member  430  and a second closest aperture  482  of the second plurality of apertures  420  to a bottom edge  483  of the first strut member  410 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  4 D , an exemplary embodiment of the adjustable strut  400  of  FIG.  4 A  positioned in an extended state is shown. Herein, the adjustable strut  400  features the second strut member  430  aligned with and overlaying at least a portion of the first strut member  410 . Both the apertures  420  of the first strut member  410  and a subset of the apertures  440  of the second strut member  430  are aligned. 
     After being set to a desired length, the posts  422  of the first strut member  410  are oriented to engage with a second subset  475  of the locking apertures  442 . The second subset of locking apertures  475  is located closest to the bottom edge  481  of the second strut member  430 . As a result, the overall height (length) of the adjustable strut  400  is maximized as a greatest portion of the first strut member  410  is not overlayed by the second strut member  430 . Herein, the release lever  450  is engaged with the aperture  480  of the fourth plurality of apertures  440  and an aperture  485  of the second plurality of apertures  420  further from the bottom edge  483  of the first strut member  410  than as illustrated in  FIG.  4 C  (e.g. sixth aperture from bottom edge  483 ). 
     Referring to both  FIGS.  4 E- 4 F , an exemplary embodiment for height (length) alteration of the adjustable strut of  FIG.  4 A  based on disengagement of both (i) the release lever  450  and (ii) the posts  422  mounted on the first strut member  410  from the locking apertures  442  is shown. Herein, in response to upward forces being applied to the first end  452  of the release lever  450 , the engagement lip  455  disengages from a lateral band  490  of the lateral bands  438  associated with the second strut member  430  and a lateral band  492  of the lateral bands  418  associated with the first strut member  410 . After disengaging, the second strut member  430  may be slid upward as represented by arrow  494  as shown in  FIG.  4 F , and thereafter, readjusted. 
     IV. Adjustable Strut—First Embodiment 
     Referring now  FIG.  5 A , a second exemplary embodiment of a perspective view of members forming a second embodiment of the adjustable strut, referred to as “adjustable strut  500 ” and would be implemented as part of the spinal support extension  140  of  FIG.  1   , is shown. Herein, according to this embodiment of the disclosure, the adjustable strut  500  includes a first strut member  510 , a second strut member  530  and a release lever  550 . With the general construction of the first strut member  510  being substantially equivalent to a first portion  545  of the second strut member  530  (e.g., same general width with outer panels and center aperture series aligned), the first strut member  510  and the second strut member  530  may be slidably engaged, as shown in detail in  FIGS.  5 D- 5 F . The first strut member  510  and the second strut member  530  may be made of a rigid or highly rigid material, including a metal (e.g., aluminum, titanium, steel, etc.), hardened plastic, carbon fiber, or a composition of materials. 
     As shown in  FIG.  5 A , the first strut member  510  includes a channel  512  disposed between a first outer panel  514  and a second outer panel  516 . A first plurality of lateral bands  518  are formed and extend over the channel  512  between the first outer panel  514  and the second outer panel  516 , which produces a second plurality of apertures  520 . This particular construction, inclusive of the channel  512  and lateral bands  518  to interconnect the first outer panel  514  and the second outer panel  516 , is selected to reduce a total weight of the spinal support extension  140  of  FIG.  1    as well as introduce slight lateral flexibility while still restricting lateral movement. Additionally, one or more posts  522  extend from and are mounted to each of the first outer panel  514  and the second outer panel  516  via post fastening apertures  521 . The posts  522  may be engaged with selected locking apertures  542  of the second strut member  530  when these strut members  510  and  530  are aligned in order to couple the first strut member  510  to the second strut member  530  and set the adjustable strut  500  to a desired length. 
     According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the second plurality of apertures  520  may be lesser in number than the first plurality of lateral bands  518 . Also, according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the lateral bands  518  may be configured with an angular (arc) curvature so that, when aligned with lateral bands  538  of the second strut member  530 , a first engagement region  555  and a second engagement region  556  of the release lever  550  are collectively capable of securing together one of the plurality of lateral bands  518  along with its corresponding (and aligned) lateral band  538  as shown in  FIGS.  5 D- 5 E . 
     Referring still to  FIG.  5 A , the second strut member  530  includes a channel  532  disposed between a third outer panel  534  and a fourth outer panel  536 . A third plurality of lateral bands  538  are formed and extend over the channel  532  between the third outer panel  534  and the fourth outer panel  536 , which produces a fourth plurality of apertures  540 . The fourth plurality of apertures  540  may be lesser in number than the third plurality of lateral bands  538 . This particular construction is similar to the first strut member  520 , except for, inter alia, (i) a different contour and (2) deployment of locking apertures  542  within the first portion  545  of the second strut member  530  in lieu of post(s)  522 . 
     As shown, each of the locking apertures  542  may correspond to inverted keyhole apertures, each of which includes a first aperture area  543  with a first prescribed area and a second aperture area  544  with a second prescribed area lesser in diameter than the first prescribed area. The first aperture area  543  is positioned above the second aperture area  544 . As the second aperture area  544  is lesser in diameter than the first aperture area  543 , the post  522  may be oriented to extend with the first prescribed area  543 , and thereafter, is slidably engaged within a surface of the third outer panel  534  or the fourth outer panel  536  surrounding the second prescribed area  544 . Also, while the width of the channel  532  remain the same as the channel  512  of the first strut member  510 , the widths of the third and fourth outer panels  534  and  536  change. In particular, within the first portion  545  of the second strut member  530 , the outer panels  534  and  536  are sized with a width consistent with the outer panels  514  and  516  of the first strut member  510 . Between the first portion  545  and the second portion  546  of the second strut member  530 , however, the widths of the outer panels  534  and  536  transition to a second (and lesser) width. The entire width of the second portion  546  of the second strut member  530  is configured to be lesser in distance than a distance is less than the shoulder blade of the wearer. 
     The release lever  550  includes the first engagement region  555 , which operates as a flange extending from a back surface  551  of a first end portion  552  of the release lever  550 . The release lever  550  is mounted longitudinally onto a tab  525  extending generally orthogonal from a topmost lateral band  518 , with the first end portion  552  of the release lever  550  featuring the second engagement region  555  to engage with a lower edge  539  of a selected lateral band of the third plurality of lateral bands  538 , which functions as a top edge of a selected aperture of the fourth plurality of apertures  540  formed within the second strut member  530  to receive the first end portion  552 . Hence, the first end portion  552  of the release lever  550  is oriented downward to extend through one of the second plurality of apertures  520  (e.g., aperture  523 ) for engagement with an edge of a lateral band forming a lower edge of the aperture  523  and an edge of one of the lateral bands  538  associated with an upper edge of a selected aperture of the fourth plurality of apertures  540 . A second end portion  554  of the release lever  550  is oriented upward to be fixedly coupled to the tab  525  of the first strut member  510 . 
     It is contemplated that the architecture of the first strut member  510  and the second strut member  530  is selected where the load between the struts members  510  and  530  is anticipated to be in tension. As a result, forces drive the posts  522  into the second prescribed area  544  (narrow end) of the inverted keyhole apertures  542 , further securing the attachment of the these strut members while resisting sagittal plane loading by the lips on the posts  522 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  5 B , an exemplary embodiment of a front perspective view of the first strut member  510  of  FIG.  5 A  is shown, where the release lever  550  is coupled to the tab  525  formed at an upper edge  560  of the first strut member  510 . As shown, the second end portion  554  of the release lever  550  is positioned under and aligned with the tab  525 . The coupling of the release lever  550  to the tab  525  may be accomplished by fasteners  527  inserted through apertures  557  within the release lever  550  and apertures  526  within the tab  525 . 
     According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the release lever  550  is fixedly coupled to the tab  525  of the first strut member  510 . The first engagement region  555  of the release lever  550  is configured to extend through the aperture  523  for engagement with a lower edge of one of the selected lateral bands  538 . The second engagement region  556  is configured to rest against an edge of a lateral band  519  being selected (based on the sizing of the release lever  550 ) from the lateral bands  518 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  5 C , an exemplary embodiment of a side view of the release lever  550  of  FIG.  5 A  is shown. Herein, the release lever  550  includes the first end portion  552  and the second end portion  554 . The second end portion  554  is a planar segment coupled to the first end portion  552 . The second end portion includes the apertures  557  sized for receipt of fasteners  527  of  FIG.  5 B  for attachment to the tab  525  of the first strut member  510 . 
     As further shown, the first end portion  552  includes the first engagement region  555  and the second engagement region  556 . The first engagement region  555  operates so that an area between the back surface  551  and a first protruding (flange) portion  558  is shaped to receive an edge of a lateral band  538  of the second strut member  530  as represented by dashed lines (see also  FIGS.  5 D &amp;  5 F ). Downward-biasing of the release lever  550  allows the first engagement region  555  to disengage from the second strut member  530  when a force is applied to a top surface  553  of the first end portion  552 . The second engagement region  556  features a second protruding portion  559  to engage with an edge of a selected one of the lateral bands  518  (e.g., lateral band  519 ), which assists in securing the release lever  550  and preventing unwanted movement of the second strut member  530  relative to the first strut member  510 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  5 D , an exemplary embodiment of a front perspective view of the adjustable strut  500  of  FIG.  5 A  positioned in an extended state is shown, where the first strut member  510  is slidably coupled to the second strut member  530 . As shown, the adjustable strut  500  features the second strut member  530  aligned with and overlaying at least a portion of the first strut member  510 . Both the apertures  520  of the first strut member  510  and the apertures  540  of the second strut member  530  are equivalent in size and shape as well as are arranged along shared longitudinal center axes. As a result, when the second strut member  530  overlays the first strut member  510 , the apertures  520  are aligned with a subset of the apertures  540 . 
     After being set to a desired length, the posts  522  associated with the first strut member  510  are oriented to engage with a first subset  570  of the locking apertures  542 . For this illustrative embodiment, the subset  570  is located at the topmost of the locking apertures  542  so that the overall height (length) of the adjustable strut  500  is minimized. Herein, the release lever  550  is engaged with an aperture  575  of the fourth plurality of apertures  540  and the aperture  523  of the second plurality of apertures  520 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  5 E , exemplary embodiment of a back perspective view of the adjustable strut  500  of  FIG.  5 E  is shown. The fasteners  527  extend through the tab  425  and are affixed thereto. The posts  522  are affixed to the first outer panel  514  and the second outer panel  516  of the first strut member  510 . The second engagement region  556  is positioned to rest against the selected lateral band  519 . A majority of the release lever  550  is positioned under a backside of the first strut member  510 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  5 F , an exemplary embodiment of the adjustable strut  500  of  FIG.  5 A  is shown, with operations for disengagement of the first strut member  510  from the second strut member  530  to allow for adjustment to the collective height of the adjustable strut  500 . Downward-biasing of the release lever  550  allows the first engagement region  555  to disengage from the second strut member  530  and the second engagement region  556  (not shown) to disengage from support by the lateral band  519  when a force is applied to the top surface  553  of the first end portion  552 . This allows for further slidable adjustment in the length of the adjustable strut  500 . 
     V. Orthopedic Brace with Adjustable Strut 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  6 A- 6 D , an exemplary embodiment associated with an installation of the adjustable strut  400  into the sleeve  360  and subsequent insertion into the pocket  330  arrange with the lumbar support  112  of the belt brace  110  is shown. According to  FIG.  6 A , the adjustable strut  400 / 500 , namely the collection of the second strut member  430 / 530  overlaying and attached to the first strut member  410 / 510  (See  FIGS.  4 C- 4 D  and/or  FIGS.  5 D- 5 E ), is inserted into the sleeve  360 . Given that the second strut member  430 / 530  has a contour that substantially encompassing the contour of the first strut member  410 / 510 , the contour  600  of the sleeve  360  is consistent with the contour of the second strut member  430 / 530 . 
     After being set to the desired length, the adjustable strut  400 / 500  may be partially inserted into the sleeve  360 . Depending on the selected length, a portion of the adjustable strut  400 / 500 , namely a portion  610  of the first strut member  410 / 510 , may extend from the sleeve  360  prior to placement into (and covering by) the pocket  330 . As shown, the sleeve  360  includes a tab  620  located on an anterior surface  630  of the sleeve  360  for insertion through at least an aperture of the first strut member  410 / 510  proximate to an edge  640  of the sleeve  360  or around the bottom edge  181  of the first strut member  410 / 510 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  6 B , the tab  620  may be inserted through an aperture of the first strut member  410 / 510  (or around the bottom edge  181  of the first strut member  410 / 510 ) and attached to a posterior surface  650  of the sleeve  360 . A portion of the tab  620  and a corresponding portion of the posterior surface  650  of the sleeve  360  may include complementary fasteners, such as complementary hook and loop fasteners for example. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  6 C , the spinal support extension  140 , including the adjustable strut  400 / 500  positioned within the sleeve  360 , is placed within the pocket  330  positioned on the anterior side  119  of the belt brace  110 . After insertion of the spinal support extension  140  into the pocket  330 , the fastener  355  positioned on an inner surface of the flap  350  is attached to the anterior surface  630  of the sleeve  360 . As a result, the brace belt  110  has been converted into a TLSO brace  100  as shown in  FIG.  6 D . 
     In the foregoing description, the invention is described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. However, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.