Patent Publication Number: US-11660221-B2

Title: Universal wrist brace with enhanced lacing

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIORITY APPLICATIONS 
     This application hereby claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/257,941 for a Universal Wrist Brace with Enhanced Lacing (filed Nov. 20, 2015) and U.S. Patent Application No. 62/400,382 for a Universal Wrist Brace with Enhanced Lacing (filed Sep. 27, 2016), each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     This application hereby incorporates by reference U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/355,587 (filed Nov. 18, 2016), now U.S. Pat. No. 10,772,753, including its appendices, and corresponding U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2017/0143526 A1 (published May 25, 2017). 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a wrist brace for immobilizing and protecting a patient&#39;s forearm, wrist, and hand. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Immobilizing a patient&#39;s forearm, wrist, and hand can promote healing of bone fractures and soft-tissue injuries (e.g., sprains), and so wrist braces and supports are often used for this purpose. Conventional wrist braces are designed to fit the typical patient with somewhat frustoconical forearms, whereby the arm tapers from the elbow to the wrist (i.e., narrower near the wrist and wider near the elbow). For patients with arm shapes that deviate from standard—especially obese patients or patients with muscular forearms—conventional wrist braces can provide a poor fit. If a patient with non-standard forearms tries to manipulate a conventional wrist brace to apply uniform pressure to the patient&#39;s forearm and wrist, straps for securing the wrist brace can wrap helically along—rather than circumferentially around—the patient&#39;s forearm, rendering ineffective the mechanism for securing the wrist brace to the patient. For example, hook-and-loop fasteners can become misaligned and thus ineffectual. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present wrist brace includes an advantageous lacing configuration that provides a cast-like compression on a patient&#39;s forearm, wrist, and hand to restrict flexion, extension, and lateral movement of the wrist joint. By pulling an improved lacing mechanism, tension in a lace equilibrates along the length of the wrist brace in a way that applies consistent compression to the patient&#39;s forearm and wrist. 
     Exemplary wrist braces (e.g., wrist-brace splints) include a support sleeve (e.g., a U-shaped support sleeve) and a connecting panel (e.g., a stretchable radius panel or a stretchable ulnar panel) that together form a closed wrist-brace sleeve, which is securely positioned around a patient&#39;s forearm. A tensioning strap, which extends from the support sleeve, is positioned between a patient&#39;s thumb and forefinger and is releasably secured to a size-adjustment panel positioned upon the closed wrist-brace sleeve. A lace is threaded through openings (e.g., eyelets) or other lace-redirection mechanisms positioned along one or more edges of the support sleeve, positioned on a lacing closure tab, and positioned on the size-adjustment panel. Regardless of the shape and girth of the patient&#39;s forearm, pulling the lacing closure tab circumferentially around the closed wrist-brace sleeve and thereupon releasably securing the lacing closure tab to the size-adjustment panel achieves a cast-like compression of the wrist brace to the patient&#39;s forearm and wrist. 
     In an exemplary wrist-brace embodiment, the wrist brace includes a U-shaped support sleeve having a dorsal section, a palmar section, and an ulnar section positioned between the dorsal section and the palmar section. The U-shaped support sleeve may be formed from flexible, low-stretch material to help stabilize the patient&#39;s forearm, wrist, and hand. One or more palmar lace-redirection mechanisms (e.g., palmar eyelets) are positioned at or near the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section. A radius panel, which is typically stretchable and/or elastic, is secured to the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section and the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section so that together the U-shaped support sleeve and the radius panel form a closed wrist-brace sleeve. An adjustable, outer dorsal panel is releasably affixed to the U-shaped support sleeve on or near the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section. One or more dorsal-panel lace-redirection mechanisms are positioned at or near the adjustable, outer dorsal panel. The wrist brace further includes at least one lacing closure tab having one or more closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms (e.g., closure-tab eyelets). A lace, which has a first end fixed to the adjustable, outer dorsal panel nearer the adjustable, outer dorsal panel&#39;s proximal end and a second end fixed to the adjustable, outer dorsal panel nearer the adjustable, outer dorsal panel&#39;s distal end, is freely threaded through the respective dorsal-panel lace-redirection mechanisms, palmar lace-redirection mechanisms, and closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms. This exemplary wrist-brace may include an oblique palmar-tensioning strap that extends from the distal end of the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section. The oblique palmar-tensioning strap is positioned between a patient&#39;s thumb and forefinger and is releasably affixed to the U-shaped support sleeve and/or the adjustable, outer dorsal panel when the wrist brace is secured to the patient&#39;s wrist and forearm. 
     In another exemplary wrist-brace embodiment, the wrist brace includes a U-shaped support sleeve having a dorsal section, a palmar section, and a radius section positioned between the dorsal section and the palmar section. The U-shaped support sleeve may be formed from flexible, low-stretch material to help stabilize the patient&#39;s forearm, wrist, and hand. One or more palmar lace-redirection mechanisms (e.g., palmar eyelets) are positioned at or near the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section. An ulnar panel, which is typically stretchable and/or elastic, is secured to the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section and the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section so that together the U-shaped support sleeve and the ulnar panel form a closed wrist-brace sleeve. An adjustable, outer dorsal panel is releasably affixed to the U-shaped support sleeve on or near the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section. One or more dorsal-panel lace-redirection mechanisms are positioned at or near the adjustable, outer dorsal panel. The wrist brace further includes at least one lacing closure tab having one or more closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms (e.g., closure-tab eyelets). A lace, which has a first end fixed to the adjustable, outer dorsal panel nearer the adjustable, outer dorsal panel&#39;s proximal end and a second end fixed to the adjustable, outer dorsal panel nearer the adjustable, outer dorsal panel&#39;s distal end, is freely threaded through the respective dorsal-panel lace-redirection mechanisms, palmar lace-redirection mechanisms, and closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms. This exemplary wrist-brace may include a thumb-tensioning strap that extends from the distal end of the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s radius section. The thumb-tensioning strap is positioned between a patient&#39;s thumb and forefinger, wrapped around the patient&#39;s thumb, and then securely and releasably affixed to the U-shaped support sleeve and/or the adjustable, outer dorsal panel when the wrist brace is secured to the patient&#39;s wrist and forearm. 
     The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplary objectives and/or advantages of the invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, are further explained within the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings and photographs. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS.  1 - 5    are perspective views of an exemplary wrist-brace embodiment having an advantageous lacing configuration. 
         FIGS.  6 - 7    are perspective views of another exemplary wrist-brace embodiment having an advantageous lacing configuration. 
         FIGS.  8 - 12    are perspective views of yet another exemplary wrist-brace embodiment having an advantageous lacing configuration. 
         FIGS.  13 - 14    are perspective views of yet another exemplary wrist-brace embodiment having an advantageous lacing configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present wrist braces with improved lacing are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, which depict exemplary wrist-brace embodiments that should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, the exemplary wrist-brace embodiments are provided so this disclosure will be thorough and complete to convey to those having ordinary skill in the art the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, like numbers refer to like elements. 
     As described herein, the terms “interior surface” and “inner surface” refer to a planar side closest to the patient&#39;s hand, and the terms “exterior surface” and “outer surface” refer to a planar side farthest from the patient&#39;s hand (i.e., an outer surface is opposite an inner surface). 
     The term “section” refers in context to a portion or an area of the wrist-brace sleeve. The term “dorsal” refers to the topside of the wrist brace or hand. The term “palmar” refers to the underside of the wrist brace or hand (i.e., the palm). The term “radius” refers to the inner side of the wrist brace, hand, and/or wrist (i.e., the thumb side of the forearm). The term “ulnar” refers to the outer side of the wrist brace, hand, and/or wrist (i.e., the side of the forearm opposite the thumb). The term “proximal” refers to the part of the wrist brace or hand that is closer to the patient&#39;s elbow, and the term “distal” refers to the part of the wrist brace or hand farther from the patient&#39;s elbow. 
     The terms “positioned” or “positioning” are used conventionally to embrace one element being fixed or releasably secured to another element. For example, a first element may be positioned against a second element (or positioned between second and third elements) by sewing, by hook-and-loop fasteners, or by other known mechanisms for physically attaching physical elements to each other. The terms “fixed,” “affixed,” and “secured” may include sewn, made integral with, adhered with adhesive, or bonded (e.g., fused with heat). 
     The terms “freely threaded” and “freely interlaced” are used herein in accordance with the wrist-brace embodiments depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 14    to refer to a lace that is moveably connected to a lace-redirection mechanism, such as an eyelet, rather than fixedly attached to a lace-redirection mechanism. For example, as described herein, a lace that is “freely threaded” through a closure-tab lace-redirection mechanism, which is positioned on or otherwise formed through a lacing closure tab, can facilitate movement of the lacing closure tab along the lace. 
       FIGS.  1 - 5    depict an exemplary wrist-brace embodiment that can be readily adjusted to accommodate different patient forearm sizes.  FIGS.  6 - 7    depict similar, but longer, exemplary wrist-brace embodiment that can be readily adjusted to accommodate different patient forearm sizes. Each wrist brace is configured for either a left forearm, wrist, and hand or a right forearm, wrist, and hand. Those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that a left-hand orientation is a mirror image of a right-hand orientation.  FIGS.  1 - 7    illustrate a right-hand orientation. Appendix I includes photographs of an exemplary prototype of the universal wrist brace depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 5   , and Appendix II includes photographs of an exemplary prototype of the longer universal wrist brace depicted in  FIGS.  6 - 7   . The description of the shorter wrist-brace embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 5    typically applies to the longer wrist-brace embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  6 - 7   , except as noted in the supporting description, figures, and photographs. 
     With reference to the exemplary wrist brace  10  depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 5    (and, as noted, the related, longer exemplary wrist brace  10 ′ depicted in  FIGS.  6 - 7   ), the wrist brace  10  includes a closed wrist-brace sleeve  12  defining an interior surface and an exterior surface. The closed wrist-brace sleeve  12  is formed by a stretchable radius panel  14  connected to a U-shaped support sleeve  20 , which might also be considered a C-shaped support sleeve. 
     The U-shaped support sleeve  20  includes a topside dorsal section  22 , an ulnar section  24 , and an underside palmar section  26 . The ulnar section  24  is contiguously positioned between the dorsal section  22  and the palmar section  26  to define the U-shaped support sleeve  20 . The topside dorsal section  22  is positioned opposite the underside palmar section  26 , and the ulnar section  24  is positioned opposite the stretchable radius panel  14 . Typically, the U-shaped support sleeve  20 , which opens to a patient&#39;s forearm radius, is substantially inelastic (e.g., formed from flexible, low-stretch material) to help stabilize the patient&#39;s wrist and hand. 
     As used herein, the term “elastic” generally refers to material that can be readily stretched or expanded, and then can return to its initial shape (i.e., elastic materials resist deformation by stretching), and the term “inelastic” generally refers to material that resists stretching and elongation. The U-shaped support sleeve  20  may be constructed of lightweight suede-like polymeric materials or other lightweight fabrics (e.g., nylon or PVC) having excellent strength and durability. The interior surface of the U-shaped support sleeve  20  may be enhanced with nonwoven polymeric materials (e.g., nonwoven polyolefins), such as felt fabric, to provide cushioning and support. 
     The stretchable radius panel  14 , which may be cushioned for the patient&#39;s comfort, is affixed to both the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section  22  and the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section  26 , thereby closing the gap in the U-shaped support sleeve  20  to form the closed wrist-brace sleeve  12 . In addition, the stretchable radius panel  14  is typically positioned within the gap in the U-shaped support sleeve  20  to define both an outer dorsal strip  23  and an outer palmar strip  27 . More specifically, the outer dorsal strip  23  is defined by the stretchable radius panel  14  and an adjacent outer edge of the U-shaped support sleeve  20 , and the outer palmar strip  27  is defined by the stretchable radius panel  14  and an adjacent outer edge of the U-shaped support sleeve  20 . 
     Exemplary wrist braces according to the present invention can include one or more size-adjustment panels to accommodate different patient forearm shapes and sizes. For example, as depicted in the exemplary wrist braces depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 7   , an adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50  (e.g., a size-adjustment panel) is positioned upon the U-shaped support sleeve  20  at or near the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section  22 . Typically, the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50  is releasably affixed to the exterior surface of the U-shaped support sleeve  20  (e.g., via hook-and-loop fasteners, such as VELCRO-brand fasteners). Patients can readily change the positioning of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50  upon the U-shaped support sleeve  20  to accommodate different forearm sizes. For example, in the exemplary wrist braces depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 7   , positioning the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50  laterally toward the patient&#39;s index finger functionally enlarges the wrist-brace fitting size, whereas positioning adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50  laterally toward the patient&#39;s ring finger functionally reduces the wrist-brace fitting size. To facilitate this, one or more dorsal-panel eyelets  52  (or similar openings, such as reinforced holes and/or slots, or other dorsal-panel lace-redirection mechanisms, such as loops, hooks, folded webbing, and/or buckles) are formed through or otherwise positioned at or near (e.g., positioned upon) the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50 . 
     In alternative embodiments, an adjustable, outer palmar panel (e.g., a size-adjustment panel) can be employed instead of (or in addition to) an adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50 . An adjustable, outer palmar panel (not shown) is positioned upon the U-shaped support sleeve  20  at or near the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section  26 . Typically, the adjustable, outer palmar panel, which can include a conforming palmar-panel stay, is releasably affixed to the exterior surface of the U-shaped support sleeve  20  (e.g., via hook-and-loop fasteners, such as VELCRO-brand fasteners). Patients can adjust the positioning of the adjustable, outer palmar panel upon the U-shaped support sleeve  20  to accommodate different forearm sizes. Similarly, an adjustable, outer ulnar panel (not shown) can be positioned upon the U-shaped support sleeve  20  at or near the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s ulnar section  24 . 
     An oblique palmar-tensioning strap  16  extends from the distal end of the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section  26 . The oblique palmar-tensioning strap  16  is positioned between the patient&#39;s thumb and forefinger (i.e., near the thenar space) and then securely and releasably affixed to the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section  22  and/or adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50  (e.g., via hook-and-loop fasteners, such as VELCRO-brand fasteners). The oblique palmar-tensioning strap  16  helps to position and secure the wrist brace  10  to the patient&#39;s wrist and forearm. An optional palmar pad  18 , which is positioned at the transition between the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section  26  and the oblique palmar-tensioning strap  16 , provides the patient with enhanced comfort and support. 
     The U-shaped support sleeve  20  and the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50  can include stabilizing members to limit flexion and extension. In the exemplary wrist-brace embodiments depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 5    and  FIGS.  6 - 7   , a longitudinal stiffening dorsal-panel stay  54  is internally secured within outer dorsal panel  50 , and a longitudinal stiffening palmar stay  29  is internally secured within the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section  26 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , the palmar stay  29  conforms to the shape of the patient&#39;s forearm, wrist, and palm. In some wrist-brace embodiments, such as depicted in  FIG.  3   , a longitudinal stiffening dorsal stay  28  may be internally secured within the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section  22 . In addition, a longitudinal ulnar stay (not shown) can be internally secured within the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s ulnar section  24 . Including stays on two or more sides of the wrist brace (e.g., a wrist brace having a palmar stay, a dorsal stay, and an ulnar stay) protects against impact forces and helps reduce the likelihood of reinjuring the patient&#39;s wrist and hand. 
     The stabilizing members (i.e., stays) may be formed from metals, alloys, plastics, or other materials providing sufficient rigidity to resist movement and retain a desired shape while maintaining adequate adjustability for wear on the forearm, wrist, and hand. Typically, the stabilizing members are made of aluminum. In some embodiments, the stabilizing members can be manually adjusted to conform to the shape of the patient&#39;s forearm, wrist, and/or palm. Adjustable stabilizing members are sufficiently rigid to resist movement of the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s distal end relative to the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s proximal end and are sufficiently strong to provide protection against forces acting against the wrist brace (e.g., impact forces). The stabilizing members (i.e., stays) may be permanently secured within the wrist brace (e.g., an internally secured permanent stay) or may be positioned within pockets formed in the U-shaped support sleeve to facilitate placement and removal of the stays (e.g., an internally secured removable stay). Alternatively, the stabilizing members might be externally secured to the U-shaped support sleeve. 
     Palmar eyelets  37  (or similar openings, such as reinforced holes and/or slots, or other palmar lace-redirection mechanisms, such as loops, hooks, folded webbing, and/or buckles) are formed through or otherwise positioned at or near (e.g., positioned upon) the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section  26  (e.g., at the outer palmar strip  27 ). The shorter exemplary wrist brace  10  depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 5    includes four palmar eyelets  37   a ,  37   c ,  37   e ,  37   g . The longer exemplary wrist brace  10 ′ depicted in  FIGS.  6 - 7    includes six palmar eyelets  37   a ,  37   c ,  37   e ,  37   g ,  37   i ,  37   k . Though not depicted in these embodiments, one or more dorsal eyelets (or similar openings, such as reinforced holes and/or slots, or other dorsal lace-redirection mechanisms, such as loops, hooks, folded webbing, and/or buckles) can be formed through or otherwise positioned at or near (e.g., positioned upon) the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section  22  (e.g., at the outer dorsal strip  23 ). Those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that exemplary wrist braces according to the present invention may employ any lace-redirection mechanisms (e.g., reinforced openings, or external loops, hooks, folded webbing, and/or buckles) in addition to or instead of eyelets. 
     The shorter exemplary wrist brace  10  depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 5    includes a lacing closure tab  30  through which one or more closure-tab eyelets  31  are formed. The longer exemplary wrist brace  10 ′ depicted in  FIGS.  6 - 7    includes multiple lacing closure tabs  30 ′ and  30 ″ through which one or more closure-tab eyelets  31  are formed. More generally, closure-tab eyelets  31  (or similar openings, such as reinforced holes and/or slots, or other closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms, such as loops, hooks, folded webbing, and/or buckles) may be formed through or otherwise positioned at or near (e.g., positioned upon) the lacing closure tab(s)  30 . Each lacing closure tab  30  includes a mechanism, such as a hook-and-loop fastener, to releasably secure the lacing closure tab  30  to another part of the wrist brace  10 . In the shorter exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 5   , two closure-tab eyelets  31   b ,  31   f  are formed through or otherwise positioned upon the lacing closure tab  30 . In the longer exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  6 - 7   , one closure-tab eyelet  31   b  is formed through or otherwise positioned upon the proximal lacing closure tab  30 ′ and two closure-tab eyelets  31   f ,  31   j  are formed through or otherwise positioned upon the distal lacing closure tab  30 ″. The closure-tab eyelets  31  help to ensure that each lacing closure tab  30  remains centered on the U-shaped support sleeve  20  as the lacing closure tab  30  is pulled over and around the closed wrist-brace sleeve  12 . 
     A lace  40  is freely threaded (or otherwise interlaced) through the respective dorsal-panel eyelet(s)  52 , palmar eyelets  37 , and closure-tab eyelets  31 . The lace  40 , which typically resists excessive stretching, can move freely to accommodate the typical non-cylindrical anatomy of a patient&#39;s forearm in which the arm tapers from the elbow to the wrist (e.g., a frustoconical shape). This free movement of the lace  40  facilitates consistent tension along the lace  40 . This even tension is transferred to the respective dorsal-panel eyelet(s)  52 , palmar eyelets  37 , and closure-tab eyelets  31  through which the lace  40  is interlaced. 
     Each lacing closure tab  30  is moveably connected to the lace  40 . When the lacing closure tab  30  is not releasably secured to another part of the wrist brace (e.g., releasably affixed to the closed wrist-brace sleeve  12 ), the lacing closure tab  30  can move substantially freely along the lace  40 . The shorter exemplary wrist brace  10  depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 5    does not fixedly attach the one lace  40  to the lacing closure tab  30 , either fully or partially. Similarly, the longer exemplary wrist brace  10 ′ depicted in  FIGS.  6 - 7    does not fixedly attach the one lace  40  to the respective closure tabs  30 ′ and  30 ″, either fully or partially. Rather, in these exemplary wrist-brace embodiments, the lace  40  may pass substantially freely through each of the closure-tab eyelets  31 . As depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 7   , each strand of lace  40  from a palmar eyelet  37  to a closure tab  30  is freely threaded through a closure-tab eyelet  31 . This “free-floating” closure-tab design enables the patient to readily equilibrate lace tension through the various eyelets (i.e., the palmar eyelets  37  and the dorsal-panel eyelet(s)  52 ) positioned along the length of the wrist brace in a way that applies substantially consistent compression to the patient&#39;s forearm and wrist. The lace  40  and each moveably attached lacing closure tab  30  wrap circumferentially around—rather than helically along—the patient&#39;s forearm in a way that uniformly closes and tensions the closed wrist-brace sleeve  12 . 
     Typically, one lace  40  has a first end fixed to the proximal end of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50  and a second end fixed to the distal end of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50 . In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more dorsal-panel eyelets  52  (or similar openings, such as loops, or other lace-redirection mechanisms), such as hooks are positioned between the lace&#39;s first fixed end and the lace&#39;s second fixed end. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  3 - 5    in which the ends of lace  40  are fixed to the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50 , pulling the lacing closure tab  30  away from the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section  26  (and over and around the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section  22  and the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50 ) uniformly closes and tensions the closed wrist-brace sleeve  12  by drawing together the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section  26  and the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section  22 . These same considerations apply to wrist-brace embodiments that include multiple lacing closure tabs, such as the proximal lacing closure tab  30 ′ and the distal lacing closure tab  30 ″ illustrated in  FIGS.  6 - 7   . 
     Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the closing mechanisms will differ for wrist-brace embodiments that employ either an adjustable, outer palmar panel or an adjustable, outer ulnar panel instead of an adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50 . For example, wrist-brace embodiments that employ an adjustable, outer palmar panel will also typically employ dorsal eyelets. For such wrist-brace embodiments, pulling the lacing closure tab away from the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section (and over and around the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section and the adjustable, outer palmar panel) uniformly closes and tensions the closed wrist-brace sleeve by drawing together the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section and the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section. 
     Moreover, it is within the scope of the present wrist-brace invention to include one or more external flaps (not shown) on the exterior of the U-shaped support sleeve to facilitate redirection of the lace. For example, in a wrist-brace embodiment employing an outer dorsal panel, a palmar flap having eyelets or other lace-redirection mechanisms can be positioned upon the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section (e.g., near the stretchable radius panel), and the lace may be guided through the palmar flap&#39;s lace-redirection mechanisms (e.g., eyelets), the closure-tab eyelets (or other closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms), and the dorsal-panel eyelets (or other dorsal-panel lace-redirection mechanisms) to promote even closure of the closed wrist-brace sleeve and to achieve cast-like compression on a patient&#39;s forearm, wrist, and hand. Alternatively, in a wrist-brace embodiment employing an outer palmar panel, for example, a dorsal flap having eyelets or other lace-redirection mechanisms can be positioned upon the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section (e.g., near the stretchable radius panel), and the lace may be guided through the dorsal flap&#39;s lace-redirection mechanisms (e.g., eyelets), the closure-tab eyelets (or other closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms), and the palmar-panel eyelets (or other palmar-panel lace-redirection mechanisms) to promote even closure of the closed wrist-brace sleeve and to achieve cast-like compression on a patient&#39;s forearm, wrist, and hand. 
     In the shorter exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  3 - 5   , a single lace  40  has (i) a first proximal end fixed to the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50  nearer the adjustable, outer dorsal panel&#39;s proximal end (i.e., a proximal fixation  41   p  toward the proximal end of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50 ) and (ii) a second distal end fixed to the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50  nearer the adjustable, outer dorsal panel&#39;s distal end (i.e., a distal fixation  41   d  toward the distal end of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50 ). In the shorter exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  3 - 5   , one dorsal-panel eyelet  52   d  is centrally formed through or otherwise positioned upon the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50  between the lace&#39;s proximal fixation  41   p  and the lace&#39;s distal fixation  41   d , and four palmar eyelets  37   a ,  37   c ,  37   e ,  37   g  are formed along outer palmar strip  27 . 
     As illustrated in the exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  3 - 5   , the wrist brace  10  includes a compression-enhancing lacing configuration that readily equilibrates (e.g., simultaneously evens) the tension in the lace  40  as the lacing closure tab  30  is extended from the closed wrist-brace sleeve  12 . From the proximal end of the wrist brace  10  to the distal end of the wrist brace  10 , the lace  40  passes from its proximal fixation  41   p  to and through an outer proximal palmar eyelet  37   a , to and through a proximal closure-tab eyelet  31   b , to and through an inner proximal palmar eyelet  37   c , and to and through a dorsal-panel eyelet  52   d . The lace  40  then passes from the dorsal-panel eyelet  52   d  to and through an inner distal palmar eyelet  37   e , to and through a distal closure-tab eyelet  31   f , to and through an outer distal palmar eyelet  37   g , and to the distal fixation  41   d.    
     In the longer exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  6 - 7   , a single lace  40  has (i) a first proximal end fixed to the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50  nearer the adjustable, outer dorsal panel&#39;s proximal end (i.e., a proximal fixation  41   p  toward the proximal end of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50 ) and (ii) a second distal end fixed to the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50  nearer the adjustable, outer dorsal panel&#39;s distal end (i.e., a distal fixation  41   d  toward the distal end of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50 ). In the longer exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  6 - 7   , two dorsal-panel eyelets  52   d ,  52   h  are formed through or otherwise positioned upon the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50  between the lace&#39;s proximal fixation  41   p  and the lace&#39;s distal fixation  41   d , and six palmar eyelets  37   a ,  37   c ,  37   e ,  37   g ,  37   i ,  37   k  are formed along outer palmar strip  27 . 
     As illustrated in the exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  6 - 7   , the wrist brace  10 ′ includes a compression-enhancing lacing configuration that readily equilibrates the tension in the lace  40  as the lacing closure tabs  30 ′,  30 ″ are extended from the closed wrist-brace sleeve  12 . From the proximal end of the wrist brace  10 ′ to the distal end of the wrist brace  10 ′, the lace  40  passes from its proximal fixation  41   p  to and through an outermost proximal palmar eyelet  37   a , to and through a closure-tab eyelet  31   b  formed in the proximal lacing closure tab  30 ′, to and through a central proximal palmar eyelet  37   c , and to a proximal dorsal-panel eyelet  52   d . The lace  40  then passes through the proximal dorsal-panel eyelet  52   d  to and through an inner proximal palmar eyelet  37   e , to and through a first distal closure-tab eyelet  31   f  formed in the distal lacing closure tab  30 ″, to and through an inner distal palmar eyelet  37   g , and to a distal dorsal-panel eyelet  52   h . The lace  40  then passes through the distal dorsal-panel eyelet  52   h , to and through a central distal palmar eyelet  37   i , to and through a second distal closure-tab eyelet  31   j  formed in the distal lacing closure tab  30 ″, to and through an outermost distal palmar eyelet  37   k , and to the distal fixation  41   d.    
     Optionally, the lace  40  passes through one or more lacing channels  42 , which may be secured to or otherwise formed in the stretchable radius panel  14 . In the shorter exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  3 - 5   , the lace  40  passes through one lacing channel  42  secured to the stretchable radius panel  14  as the lace  40  passes from the outer distal palmar eyelet  37   g  to the distal fixation  41   d . In the longer exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  6 - 7   , the lace  40  passes through one lacing channel  42  secured to the stretchable radius panel  14  as the lace  40  passes from the outermost distal palmar eyelet  37   k  to the distal fixation  41   d . As will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art, each lacing channel  42  should be positioned to facilitate passage of the lace  40  between the outer palmar strip  27  and the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50  (or between the outer palmar strip  27  and the outer dorsal strip  23  if dorsal eyelets are formed through or otherwise positioned upon the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section  22  at the outer dorsal strip  23 ). For example, positioning lacing channel(s)  42  at either the distal end or the proximal end of the stretchable radius panel  14 , or both the distal end and the proximal end of the stretchable radius panel  14 , helps to maintain the proper positioning of stretchable radius panel  14  against the patient&#39;s forearm. In practice, securing the lace  40  to the stretchable radius panel  14  via one or more lacing channels  42 , typically at the distal end and/or proximal end of a cushioned, stretchable radius panel  14 , reduces patient discomfort by preventing the lace  40  from migrating beyond the end of the stretchable radius panel  14  when the wrist brace  10  is compressively and securely applied to the patient&#39;s wrist and forearm. 
     As illustrated in the exemplary wrist-brace embodiments depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 5    and  FIGS.  6 - 7   , hook-and-loop fasteners  45  are secured to the surfaces of the wrist brace  10  to facilitate closure of the wrist brace  10  to the patient&#39;s forearm, wrist, and hand. For example, loop-fasteners  46  (e.g., loop-fastener strips) can be secured to the outer surfaces of the U-shaped support sleeve  20 , typically at the topside dorsal section  22 , the ulnar section  24 , and the underside palmar section  26 , and to the outer surface of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50 . Hook-fasteners  47  are provided elsewhere on the wrist brace  10 , such as on the inner surface of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50 , on an inner surface of each lacing closure tab  30 , and on a surface at the end of the oblique palmar-tensioning strap  16 . For example, hook-fasteners  47  applied to the inner surface of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50  facilitate releasable affixation to the loop-fastener  46  secured to the outer surfaces of the U-shaped support sleeve  20  (e.g., the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50  can be releasably affixed to the topside dorsal section  22  and/or the ulnar section  24  via hook-and-loop fasteners). Loop-fasteners  46  applied to the outer surface of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50  and the outer surfaces of the U-shaped support sleeve  20  facilitate releasable affixation by each lacing closure tab  30  and the oblique palmar-tensioning strap  16 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 5    and  FIGS.  6 - 7   , the patient may secure the wrist brace  10  to his forearm, wrist, and hand by pulling a lacing closure tab  30  perpendicularly away from the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section  26  and over and around the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section  22  and the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50 . This evenly closes and tensions the closed wrist-brace sleeve  12  by drawing together the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section  26  and the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section  22 . Depending on the girth of the patient&#39;s forearm, the hook-fasteners  47  on a surface of the lacing closure tab  30  will engage one or more loop-fasteners  46  positioned upon the outer surface of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50  and/or the respective outer surfaces of the dorsal section  22 , the ulnar section  24 , and/or the palmar section  26 . The hook-fastener  47  at the end of the oblique palmar-tensioning strap  16  can be releasably secured to the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  50  and/or the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section  22  or ulnar section  24 . 
       FIGS.  8 - 12    depict an exemplary wrist-brace embodiment that can be readily adjusted to accommodate different patient forearm sizes.  FIGS.  13 - 14    depict a similar, but longer, exemplary wrist-brace embodiment that can be readily adjusted to accommodate different patient forearm sizes. 
     Each of these wrist braces includes more substantial thumb support as compared with the wrist-brace embodiments depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 7   . As with the wrist-brace embodiments depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 7   , the wrist brace embodiments depicted in  FIGS.  8 - 14    are configured for either a left forearm, wrist, and hand or a right forearm, wrist, and hand. Those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that a left-hand orientation is a mirror image of a right-hand orientation.  FIGS.  8 - 14    illustrate a right-hand orientation. Appendix III includes photographs of an exemplary prototype of the universal wrist brace depicted in  FIGS.  8 - 12   , and Appendix IV includes photographs of an exemplary prototype of the longer universal wrist brace depicted in  FIGS.  13 - 14   . The description of the shorter wrist-brace embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  8 - 12    typically applies to the longer wrist-brace embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  6 - 7   , except as noted in the supporting description, figures, and photographs. 
     With reference to the exemplary wrist brace  110  depicted in  FIGS.  8 - 12    (and, as noted, the related, longer exemplary wrist brace  110 ′ depicted in  FIGS.  13 - 14   ), the wrist brace  110  includes a closed wrist-brace sleeve  112  defining an interior surface and an exterior surface. The closed wrist-brace sleeve  112  is formed by a stretchable ulnar panel  124  connected to a U-shaped support sleeve  120 . 
     The U-shaped support sleeve  120  includes a topside dorsal section  122 , a radius section  114 , and an underside palmar section  126 . The radius section  114 , which is designed to extend to the base of a patient&#39;s thumb, is contiguously positioned between the dorsal section  122  and the palmar section  126  to define the U-shaped support sleeve  120 . The topside dorsal section  122  is positioned opposite the underside palmar section  126 , and the radius section  114  is positioned opposite the stretchable ulnar panel  124 . Typically, the U-shaped support sleeve  120 , which opens to a patient&#39;s forearm radius, is substantially inelastic (e.g., formed from flexible, low-stretch material) to help stabilize the patient&#39;s wrist and hand. 
     The stretchable ulnar panel  124 , which may be cushioned for the patient&#39;s comfort, is affixed to both the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section  122  and the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section  126 , thereby closing the gap in the U-shaped support sleeve  120  to form the closed wrist-brace sleeve  112 . In addition, the stretchable ulnar panel  124  is typically positioned within the gap in the U-shaped support sleeve  120  to define both an outer dorsal strip  123  and an outer palmar strip  127 . More specifically, the outer dorsal strip  123  is defined by the stretchable ulnar panel  124  and an adjacent outer edge of the U-shaped support sleeve  120 , and the outer palmar strip  127  is defined by the stretchable ulnar panel  124  and an adjacent outer edge of the U-shaped support sleeve  120 . 
     Exemplary wrist braces according to the present invention can include one or more size-adjustment panels to accommodate different patient forearm shapes and sizes. For example, as depicted in the exemplary wrist braces depicted in  FIGS.  8 - 14   , an adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150  (e.g., a size-adjustment panel) is positioned upon the U-shaped support sleeve  120  at or near the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section  122 . Typically, the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150  is releasably affixed to the exterior surface of the U-shaped support sleeve  120  (e.g., via hook-and-loop fasteners, such as VELCRO-brand fasteners). Patients can readily change the positioning of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150  upon the U-shaped support sleeve  120  to accommodate different forearm sizes. For example, in the exemplary wrist braces depicted in  FIGS.  8 - 14   , positioning the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150  laterally toward the patient&#39;s index finger functionally reduces the wrist-brace fitting size, whereas positioning adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150  laterally toward the patient&#39;s ring finger functionally enlarges the wrist-brace fitting size. To facilitate this, one or more dorsal-panel eyelets  152  (or similar openings, such as reinforced holes and/or slots, or other dorsal-panel lace-redirection mechanisms, such as loops, hooks, folded webbing, and/or buckles) are formed through or otherwise positioned at or near (e.g., positioned upon) the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150 . 
     In alternative embodiments, an adjustable, outer palmar panel (e.g., a size-adjustment panel) can be employed instead of (or in addition to) an adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150 . An adjustable, outer palmar panel (not shown) is positioned upon the U-shaped support sleeve  120  at or near the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section  126 . Typically, the adjustable, outer palmar panel, which can include a conforming palmar-panel stay, is releasably affixed to the exterior surface of the U-shaped support sleeve  120  (e.g., via hook-and-loop fasteners, such as VELCRO-brand fasteners). Patients can adjust the positioning of the adjustable, outer palmar panel upon the U-shaped support sleeve  120  to accommodate different forearm sizes. Similarly, an adjustable, inner radius panel (not shown) can be positioned upon the U-shaped support sleeve  120  at or near the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s radius section  114 . 
     A thumb-tensioning strap  117  extends from the distal end of the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s radius section  114 . The thumb-tensioning strap  117  is positioned between the patient&#39;s thumb and forefinger, wrapped around the patient&#39;s thumb, and then securely and releasably affixed to the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s radius section  114  (e.g., via hook-and-loop fasteners, such as VELCRO-brand fasteners) and/or the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150 . The thumb-tensioning strap  117  not only helps to position and secure the wrist brace  110  to the patient&#39;s wrist and forearm, but also helps to position and secure the support sleeve&#39;s radius section  114  against the base of the patient&#39;s thumb. Optional padding  118 , which is positioned near the thumb-tensioning strap  117 , such as upon the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section  126  and/or the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s radius section  114 , provides the patient with enhanced comfort and support. More generally, padding may be applied to the interior surfaces of the closed wrist-brace sleeve  112  to help engage the patient&#39;s wrist and hand and to improve patient comfort. 
     The U-shaped support sleeve  120  and the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150  can include stabilizing members to limit flexion and extension. In the exemplary wrist-brace embodiments depicted in  FIGS.  8 - 12    and  FIGS.  13 - 14   , a longitudinal stiffening dorsal-panel stay  154  is internally secured within the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150 , a longitudinal stiffening radius stay  115  is internally secured within the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s radius section  114 , and a longitudinal stiffening palmar stay  129  is internally secured within the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section  126 . As shown in  FIG.  8   , the radius stay  115  conforms to the shape of the patient&#39;s forearm, wrist, and thumb. As shown in  FIG.  9   , the palmar stay  129  conforms to the shape of the patient&#39;s forearm, wrist, and palm. In some wrist-brace embodiments such as depicted in  FIG.  10   , a longitudinal stiffening dorsal stay  128  may be internally secured within the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section  122 . Including stays on two or more sides of the wrist brace (e.g., a wrist brace having a dorsal stay, a radius stay, and a palmar stay) protects against impact forces and helps reduce the likelihood of reinjuring the patient&#39;s wrist and hand. 
     Palmar eyelets  137  (or similar openings, such as reinforced holes and/or slots, or other palmar lace-redirection mechanisms, such as loops, hooks, folded webbing, and/or buckles) are formed through or otherwise positioned at or near (e.g., positioned upon) the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section  126  (e.g., at the outer palmar strip  127 ). The shorter exemplary wrist brace  110  depicted in  FIGS.  8 - 12    includes four palmar eyelets  137   a ,  137   c ,  137   e ,  137   g . The longer exemplary wrist brace  110 ′ depicted in  FIGS.  13 - 14    includes six palmar eyelets  137   a ,  137   c ,  137   e ,  137   g ,  137   i ,  137   k . Though not depicted in these embodiments, one or more dorsal eyelets (or similar openings, such as reinforced holes or slots, or other dorsal lace-redirection mechanisms, such as loops, hooks, folded webbing, and/or buckles) can be formed through or otherwise positioned at or near (e.g., positioned upon) the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section  122  (e.g., at the outer dorsal strip  123 ). Those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that exemplary wrist braces according to the present invention may employ any lace-redirection mechanisms (e.g., reinforced holes and slots, or external loops, hooks, folded webbing, and/or buckles) in addition to or instead of eyelets. 
     The shorter exemplary wrist brace  110  depicted in  FIGS.  8 - 12    includes a lacing closure tab  130  through which one or more closure-tab eyelets  131  are formed. The longer exemplary wrist brace  110 ′ depicted in  FIGS.  13 - 14    includes multiple lacing closure tabs  130 ′ and  130 ″ through which one or more closure-tab eyelets  131  are formed. More generally, closure-tab eyelets  131  (or similar openings, such as reinforced holes and/or slots, or other closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms, such as loops, hooks, folded webbing, and/or buckles) may be formed through or otherwise positioned at or near (e.g., positioned upon) the lacing closure tab(s)  130 . Each lacing closure tab  130  includes a mechanism, such as a hook-and-loop fastener, to releasably secure the lacing closure tab  130  to another part of the wrist brace  110 . In the shorter exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  8 - 12   , two closure-tab eyelets  131   b ,  131   f  are formed through or otherwise positioned upon the lacing closure tab  130 . In the longer exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  13 - 14   , one closure-tab eyelet  131   b  is formed through or otherwise positioned upon the proximal lacing closure tab  130 ′ and two closure-tab eyelets  131   f ,  131   j  are formed through or otherwise positioned upon the distal lacing closure tab  130 ″. The closure-tab eyelets  131  help to ensure that each lacing closure tab  130  remains centered on the U-shaped support sleeve  120  as the lacing closure tab  130  is pulled over and around the closed wrist-brace sleeve  112 . 
     A lace  140  is freely threaded (or otherwise interlaced) through the respective dorsal-panel eyelet(s)  152 , palmar eyelets  137 , and closure-tab eyelets  131 . The lace  140  can move freely to accommodate the typical non-cylindrical anatomy of a patient&#39;s forearm in which the arm tapers from the elbow to the wrist (e.g., a frustoconical shape). This free movement of the lace  140  facilitates consistent tension along the lace  140 . This even tension is transferred to the respective dorsal-panel eyelet(s)  152 , palmar eyelets  137 , and closure-tab eyelets  131  through which the lace  140  is interlaced. 
     Each lacing closure tab  130  is moveably connected to the lace  140 . When the lacing closure tab  130  is not releasably secured to another part of the wrist brace (e.g., releasably affixed to the closed wrist-brace sleeve  112 ), the lacing closure tab  130  can move substantially freely along the lace  140 . The shorter exemplary wrist brace  110  depicted in  FIGS.  8 - 12    does not fixedly attach the one lace  140  to the lacing closure tab  130 , either fully or partially. Similarly, the longer exemplary wrist brace  110 ′ depicted in  FIGS.  13 - 14    does not fixedly attach the one lace  140  to the respective closure tabs  130 ′ and  130 ″, either fully or partially. Rather, in these exemplary wrist-brace embodiments, the lace  140  may pass substantially freely through each of the closure-tab eyelets  131 . As depicted in  FIGS.  8 - 14   , each strand of lace  140  from a palmar eyelet  137  to a closure tab  130  is freely threaded through a closure-tab eyelet  131 . This “free-floating” closure-tab design enables the patient to readily equilibrate lace tension through the various eyelets (i.e., the palmar eyelets  137  and the dorsal-panel eyelet(s)  152 ) positioned along the length of the wrist brace in a way that applies substantially consistent compression to the patient&#39;s forearm and wrist. The lace  140  and each moveably attached lacing closure tab  130  wrap circumferentially around—rather than helically along—the patient&#39;s forearm in a way that uniformly closes and tensions the closed wrist-brace sleeve  112 . 
     Typically, one lace  140  has a first end fixed to the proximal end of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150  and a second end fixed to the distal end of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150 . In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more dorsal-panel eyelets  152  (or similar openings, such as loops, or other lace-redirection mechanisms) are positioned between the lace&#39;s first fixed end and the lace&#39;s second fixed end. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  10 - 12    in which the ends of lace  140  are fixed to the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150 , pulling the lacing closure tab  130  away from the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section  126  (and over and around the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section  122  and the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150 ) uniformly closes and tensions the closed wrist-brace sleeve  112  by drawing together the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section  126  and the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section  122 . These same considerations apply to wrist-brace embodiments that include multiple lacing closure tabs, such as the proximal lacing closure tab  130 ′ and the distal lacing closure tab  130 ″ illustrated in  FIGS.  13 - 14   . 
     Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the closing mechanisms will differ for wrist-brace embodiments that employ either an adjustable, outer palmar panel or an adjustable, inner radius panel instead of an adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150 . For example, wrist-brace embodiments that employ an adjustable, outer palmar panel will also typically employ dorsal eyelets. For such wrist-brace embodiments, pulling the lacing closure tab away from the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section (and over and around the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section and the adjustable, outer palmar panel) uniformly closes and tensions the closed wrist-brace sleeve by drawing together the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section and the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section. 
     Moreover, it is within the scope of the present wrist-brace invention to include one or more external flaps (not shown) on the exterior of the U-shaped support sleeve to facilitate redirection of the lace. For example, in a wrist-brace embodiment employing an outer dorsal panel, a palmar flap having eyelets or other lace-redirection mechanisms can be positioned upon the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section (e.g., near the stretchable ulnar panel), and the lace may be guided through the palmar flap&#39;s lace-redirection mechanisms (e.g., eyelets), the closure-tab eyelets (or other closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms), and the dorsal-panel eyelets (or other dorsal-panel lace-redirection mechanisms) to promote even closure of the closed wrist-brace sleeve and to achieve cast-like compression on a patient&#39;s forearm, wrist, and hand. Alternatively, in a wrist-brace embodiment employing an outer palmar panel, for example, a dorsal flap having eyelets or other lace-redirection mechanisms can be positioned upon the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section (e.g., near the stretchable ulnar panel), and the lace may be guided through the dorsal flap&#39;s lace-redirection mechanisms (e.g., eyelets), the closure-tab eyelets (or other closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms), and the palmar-panel eyelets (or other palmar-panel lace-redirection mechanisms) to promote even closure of the closed wrist-brace sleeve and to achieve cast-like compression on a patient&#39;s forearm, wrist, and hand. 
     In the shorter exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  8 - 12   , a single lace  140  has (i) a first proximal end fixed to the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150  nearer the adjustable, outer dorsal panel&#39;s proximal end (i.e., a proximal fixation  141   p  toward the proximal end of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150 ) and (ii) a second distal end fixed to the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150  nearer the adjustable, outer dorsal panel&#39;s distal end (i.e., a distal fixation  141   d  toward the distal end of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150 ). In the shorter exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  8 - 12   , one dorsal-panel eyelet  152   d  is centrally formed through or otherwise positioned upon the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150  between the lace&#39;s proximal fixation  141   p , and the lace&#39;s distal fixation  141   d  and four palmar eyelets  137   a ,  137   c ,  137   e ,  137   g  are formed along outer palmar strip  127 . 
     As illustrated in the exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  8 - 12   , the wrist brace  110  includes a compression-enhancing lacing configuration that readily equilibrates (e.g., simultaneously evens) the tension in the lace  140  as the lacing closure tab  130  is extended from the closed wrist-brace sleeve  112 . From the proximal end of the wrist brace  110  to the distal end of the wrist brace  110 , the lace  140  passes from its proximal fixation  141   p  to and through an outer proximal palmar eyelet  137   a , to and through a proximal closure-tab eyelet  131   b , to and through an inner proximal palmar eyelet  137   c , and to and through a dorsal-panel eyelet  152   d . The lace  140  then passes from the dorsal-panel eyelet  152   d  to and through an inner distal palmar eyelet  137   e , to and through a distal closure-tab eyelet  131   f , to and through an outer distal palmar eyelet  137   g , and to the distal fixation  141   d.    
     In the longer exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  13 - 14   , a single lace  140  has (i) a first proximal end fixed to the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150  nearer the adjustable, outer dorsal panel&#39;s proximal end (i.e., a proximal fixation  141   p  toward the proximal end of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150 ) and (ii) a second distal end fixed to the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150  nearer the adjustable, outer dorsal panel&#39;s distal end (i.e., a distal fixation  141   d  toward the distal end of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150 ). In the longer exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  13 - 14   , two dorsal-panel eyelets  152   d ,  152   h  are formed through or otherwise positioned upon the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150  between the lace&#39;s proximal fixation  141   p  and the lace&#39;s distal fixation  141   d , and six palmar eyelets  137   a ,  137   c ,  137   e ,  137   g ,  137   i ,  137   k  are formed along outer palmar strip  127 . 
     As illustrated in the exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  13 - 14   , the wrist brace  110 ′ includes a compression-enhancing lacing configuration that readily equilibrates the tension in the lace  140  as the lacing closure tabs  130 ′,  130 ″ are extended from the closed wrist-brace sleeve  112 . From the proximal end of the wrist brace  110 ′ to the distal end of the wrist brace  110 ′, the lace  140  passes from its proximal fixation  141   p  to and through an outermost proximal palmar eyelet  137   a , to and through a closure-tab eyelet  131   b  formed in the proximal lacing closure tab  130 ′, to and through a central proximal palmar eyelet  137   c , and to a proximal dorsal-panel eyelet  152   d . The lace  140  then passes through the proximal dorsal-panel eyelet  152   d  to and through an inner proximal palmar eyelet  137   e , to and through a first distal closure-tab eyelet  131   f  formed in the distal lacing closure tab  30 ″, to and through an inner distal palmar eyelet  137   g , and to a distal dorsal-panel eyelet  152   h . The lace  140  then passes through the distal dorsal-panel eyelet  152   h , to and through a central distal palmar eyelet  137   i , to and through a second distal closure-tab eyelet  131   j  formed in the distal lacing closure tab  130 ″, to and through an outermost distal palmar eyelet  137   k , and to the distal fixation  141   d.    
     Optionally, the lace  140  passes through one or more lacing channels  142 , which may be secured to or otherwise formed in the stretchable ulnar panel  124 . In the shorter exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  9 - 12   , the lace  140  passes through one lacing channel  142  secured to the stretchable ulnar panel  124  as the lace  140  passes from the outer distal palmar eyelet  137   g  to the distal fixation  141   d . In the longer exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  13 - 14   , the lace  140  passes through one lacing channel  142  secured to the stretchable ulnar panel  124  as the lace  140  passes from the outermost distal palmar eyelet  137   k  to the distal fixation  41   d . As will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art, each lacing channel  142  should be positioned to facilitate passage of the lace  140  between the outer palmar strip  127  and the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150  (or between the outer palmar strip  127  and the outer dorsal strip  123  if dorsal eyelets are formed through or otherwise positioned upon the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section  122  at the outer dorsal strip  123 ). For example, positioning lacing channel(s)  142  at either the distal end or the proximal end of the stretchable ulnar panel  124 , or both the distal end and the proximal end of the stretchable ulnar panel  124 , helps to maintain the proper positioning of stretchable ulnar panel  124  against the patient&#39;s forearm. In practice, securing the lace  140  to the stretchable ulnar panel  124  via one or more lacing channels  142 , typically at the distal end and/or proximal end of a cushioned, stretchable ulnar panel  124 , reduces patient discomfort by preventing the lace  140  from migrating beyond the end of the stretchable ulnar panel  124  when the wrist brace  10  is compressively and securely applied to the patient&#39;s wrist and forearm. 
     As illustrated in the exemplary wrist-brace embodiments depicted in  FIGS.  8 - 12    and  FIGS.  13 - 14   , hook-and-loop fasteners  145  are secured to the surfaces of the wrist brace  110  to facilitate closure of the wrist brace  110  to the patient&#39;s forearm, wrist, and hand. For example, loop-fasteners  146  (e.g., loop-fastener strips) can be secured to the outer surfaces of the U-shaped support sleeve  120 , typically at the topside dorsal section  122 , the radius section  114 , and the underside palmar section  126 , and to the outer surface of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150 . Hook-fasteners  147  are provided elsewhere on the wrist brace  110 , such as on the inner surface of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150 , on an inner surface of each lacing closure tab  130 , and on a surface at the end of the thumb-tensioning strap  117 . For example, hook-fasteners  147  applied to the inner surface of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150  facilitate releasable affixation to the loop-fastener  146  secured to the outer surfaces of the U-shaped support sleeve  120  (e.g., the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150  can be releasably affixed to the topside dorsal section  122  and/or the radius section  114  via hook-and-loop fasteners). Loop-fasteners  146  applied to the outer surface of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150  and the outer surfaces of the U-shaped support sleeve  120  facilitate releasable affixation by each lacing closure tab  130  and the thumb-tensioning strap  117 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  8 - 12    and  FIGS.  13 - 14   , the patient may secure the wrist brace  110  to his forearm, wrist, and hand by pulling a lacing closure tab  130  perpendicularly away from the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section  126  and over and around the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section  122  and the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150 . This evenly closes and tensions the closed wrist-brace sleeve  112  by drawing together the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section  126  and the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s dorsal section  122 . Depending on the girth of the patient&#39;s forearm, the hook-fasteners  147  on a surface of the lacing closure tab  130  will engage one or more loop-fasteners  146  positioned upon the outer surface of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel  150  and/or the respective outer surfaces of the dorsal section  122 , the radius section  114 , and/or the palmar section  126 . The hook-fastener  147  at the end of the thumb-tensioning strap  117  can be releasably secured to either the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s radius section  114  or the U-shaped support sleeve&#39;s palmar section  126 . 
     To supplement the present disclosure, this application incorporates entirely by reference the following commonly assigned patent applications: U.S. Patent Application No. 62/257,933 for a Wrist Brace with Enhanced Lacing (filed Nov. 20, 2015); U.S. Patent Application No. 62/400,343 for a Wrist Brace with Enhanced Lacing (filed Sep. 27, 2016); and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/355,463 for a Wrist Brace with Enhanced Lacing (concurrently filed Nov. 18, 2016), now U.S. Pat. No. 10,966,857. 
     In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of the wrist-brace invention have been disclosed. The present wrist-brace invention is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.