Patent Abstract:
A method is provided for securely fitting an orthopedic brace to the body by means of a plurality of straps, strap locks, strap attachment members, and strap connection members. The method retains the close fit of the brace to the body without the need for substantial readjustment of the fit even after repeated removal and remounting of the brace on the body. The method also enables repositioning the brace on the body without requiring removal of the brace from the body or substantial readjustment of the fit.

Full Description:
[0001]     This a continuation of Ser. No. 11/039,056, filed on Jan. 12, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to orthopedic braces, and more particularly to a method for securely fitting an orthopedic brace to the body.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Orthopedic braces are worn on the body of a user either to support a healthy skeletal joint that is at risk of injury or to stabilize a skeletal joint that has been destabilized by an injury or other condition. Orthopedic braces generally include rigid structural components to support or stabilize the skeletal joint. Frequently, although not necessarily, the rigid structural components are dynamically linked together by one or more hinges enabling controlled pivotal movement of the skeletal joint during user activity or rehabilitative therapy. The orthopedic brace is mounted on the body such that the hinges traverse the skeletal joint, while the rigid components are secured to the body above and below the skeletal joint by one or more straps. It is desirable to closely fit the orthopedic brace to the body on which the brace is mounted so that the orthopedic brace is maintained in a fixed position relative to the body even during periods of physical activity.  
         [0004]     A close fit is typically enabled by tightening the straps of the orthopedic brace around the body to shorten the length of the straps. The shortened length of the straps is then set to maintain the fit of the orthopedic brace on the body thereafter. However, it is frequently desirable to remove the orthopedic brace from the body after a period of wearing the orthopedic brace. For example, removal of the brace may be desirable when the user anticipates a period of relative inactivity. The user remounts the orthopedic brace on the body when a period of physical activity is contemplated again.  
         [0005]     Removal of the orthopedic brace from the body frequently requires the user to loosen the straps by lengthening them. Thus, it is necessary to refit the orthopedic brace to the body by readjusting the length of the straps when the user remounts the orthopedic brace on the body. Readjustment of the fit of an orthopedic brace to the body every time the orthopedic brace is removed and subsequently remounted on the body can be time-consuming and tedious. In addition, the probability of the user achieving a repeatable close fit with each readjustment diminishes with each removal and remounting sequence. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for fitting an orthopedic brace to the body of a user. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for closely fitting an orthopedic brace to the body of a user, wherein the close fit is readily repeatable after removing the orthopedic brace from the body and remounting the orthopedic brace on the body any number of times. It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for closely fitting an orthopedic brace to the body of a user, wherein the orthopedic brace can be repositioned relative to the body without removing the orthopedic brace from the body or altering the fit of the orthopedic brace to the body. These objects and others are accomplished in accordance with the invention described hereafter.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     The present invention is characterized as a method for fitting an orthopedic brace to a body section of a user and subsequently readjusting the position of the orthopedic brace on the body section of the user. The method includes providing an orthopedic brace including a first longitudinal brace assembly, a second longitudinal brace assembly, a first strap, and a second strap. Each of the first and second straps has a first end and a second end and is segmented into a first side segment on a first side of the orthopedic brace and a second side segment on a second side of the orthopedic brace. The first side segments connect the first and second longitudinal brace assemblies to one another on the first side of the orthopedic brace. A body section is positioned between the first and second longitudinal brace assemblies and the second side segments connect the first and second longitudinal brace assemblies to one another about the body section on the second side of the orthopedic brace.  
         [0007]     The first and second straps are releasably fixably connected to the first longitudinal brace assembly, thereby fixing the first and second side segments to desired fixed lengths corresponding to one or more dimensions of the body section. Fixable connection of the first and second straps to the first longitudinal brace assembly is released thereafter and the first longitudinal brace assembly or the second longitudinal brace assembly is repositioned relative to the body section. The first and second straps are then fixably reconnected to the first longitudinal brace assembly.  
         [0008]     In accordance with a specific embodiment of the present characterization, the orthopedic brace is a knee brace and the body section is a leg having a lateral side and a medial side and having an upper leg, a lower leg and a knee joint. The first longitudinal brace assembly is a lateral longitudinal brace assembly including a lateral upper support arm positioned adjacent the upper leg on the lateral side, a lateral central joint positioned adjacent the knee joint, and a lateral lower support arm positioned adjacent the lower leg on the lateral side after positioning the body section between the lateral and medial longitudinal brace assemblies. The second longitudinal brace assembly is a medial longitudinal brace assembly including a medial upper support arm positioned adjacent the upper leg on the medial side, a medial central joint positioned adjacent the knee joint on the medial side, and a medial lower support arm positioned adjacent the lower leg on the medial side likewise after positioning the body section between the lateral and medial longitudinal brace assemblies.  
         [0009]     The first side segment is preferably a posterior segment and the second side segment is preferably an anterior segment. The first strap is preferably an upper strap connecting the lateral and medial longitudinal brace assemblies to one another above the knee joint and the second strap is preferably a lower strap connecting the lateral and medial longitudinal brace assemblies to one another below the knee joint.  
         [0010]     In accordance with another specific embodiment of the present characterization, the first and second longitudinal brace assemblies each has a first support arm, a second support arm, a central joint rotatably joining the first and second support arms, a first housing telescopingly displaceable relative to the central joint along the first support arm and a second housing telescopingly displaceable relative to the central joint along the second support arm. The method further comprises displacing the first housing relative to the central joint and/or displacing the second housing relative to the central joint after positioning the body section between the first and second longitudinal brace assemblies.  
         [0011]     Another characterization of the present invention is a method for fitting a knee brace to a leg of a user and subsequently repositioning the orthopedic brace on the leg of the user. The method includes providing a knee brace including a first essentially rigid support member, a second essentially rigid support member, and a strap. The first support member is positioned on a first side of a leg above or below a knee joint and the second support member is positioned on a second side of the leg above or below the knee joint. The strap engages the first and second support members and the leg is encircled with an encircling segment of the strap. The encircling segment of the strap is tightened about the leg and the strap is fixably connected to the first and second support members, thereby fixing the encircling segment at a desired fixed length in correspondence with one or more dimensions of the leg to retain the first and second support members in position on the leg.  
         [0012]     The strap is disconnected from the first support member while maintaining engagement with the first support member and maintaining the desired fixed length of the encircling segment. The first support member is repositioned on the first side of the leg or the second support member is repositioned on the second side of the leg while maintaining the desired fixed length of the encircling segment. The strap is then fixably reconnected to the first support member.  
         [0013]     In accordance with a specific embodiment of the present characterization, the support member is a first support arm attached to a first rotatable hinge and the second support member is a second support arm attached to a second rotatable hinge. The first side of the leg is a lateral side and the second side of the leg is a medial side.  
         [0014]     Another characterization of the present invention is a method for fitting an orthopedic brace to a body section of a user. The method includes providing an orthopedic brace having a first longitudinal brace assembly, a second longitudinal brace assembly, a first strap, a second strap, a third strap, a fourth strap, a first strap attachment member, a second strap attachment member, a third strap attachment member, and a fourth strap attachment member. Each of the first, second, third and fourth straps has a first end and a second end and is segmented into a first side segment on a first side of the orthopedic brace, a second side segment on a second side of the orthopedic brace, and a second end segment. The first longitudinal brace assembly has a first strap guide member, a second strap guide member, a third strap guide member and a fourth strap guide member. Each of the first, second, third and fourth strap guide members has a strap lock mounted thereon. The second longitudinal brace assembly has a first strap connection member, a second strap connection member, a third strap connection member and a fourth strap connection member.  
         [0015]     The first side segment of each of the first, second, third and fourth straps is slidably engaged with each of the first, second, third and fourth strap guide members, respectively, and each of the first side segments is fixably attached to each of the first, second, third and fourth strap connection members, respectively, to set an arbitrary length of each of the first side segments and to connect the first and second longitudinal brace assemblies to one another by means of the first side segments.  
         [0016]     The second side segment of each of the first, second, third and fourth straps is slidably engaged with each of the first, second, third and fourth strap guide members, respectively. Each of the second side segments is attached to each of the first, second, third and fourth strap attachment members to set an arbitrary length of each of the second side segments, while maintaining each of the second side segments disconnected from each of the first, second, third and fourth strap connection members, respectively. The strap lock of each of the first, second, third and fourth strap guide members is maintained in an open position so that each of the strap locks is disengaged from each of the first, second, third and fourth straps, respectively.  
         [0017]     A body section is positioned between the first and second longitudinal brace assemblies. Each of the first, second, third and fourth strap attachment members is coupled with each of the first, second, third and fourth strap connection members, respectively, so that the second side segments connect the first and second longitudinal brace assemblies to one another about the body section. The second side segments is displaced to slide each of the first, second, third and fourth straps through each of the first, second, third and fourth strap guide members, respectively, to render the first side segments more taut. Each of the strap locks is transitioned from the open position to a closed position, thereby changing each of the first side segments from the arbitrary length to a desired fixed length. The second end segments are displaced to slide each of the first, second, third and fourth straps through each of the first, second, third and fourth strap attachment members, respectively, to render the second side segments more taut and change the second side segments from the arbitrary length to a desired fixed length.  
         [0018]     In accordance with a specific embodiment of the present characterization, the method further comprises uncoupling each of the first, second, third and fourth strap attachment members from each of the first, second, third and fourth strap connection members, respectively, so that the first and second longitudinal brace assemblies are disconnected from one another on the second side of the orthopedic brace. The first and second longitudinal brace assemblies are removed from about the body section while maintaining the first side segments and second side segments at the desired fixed lengths. The specific embodiment still further comprises repositioning the body section between the first and second longitudinal brace assemblies and recoupling each of the first, second, third and fourth strap attachment members with each of the first, second, third and fourth strap connection members, respectively, so that the second side segments connect the first and second longitudinal brace assemblies to one another, while maintaining the first side segments and second side segments at the desired fixed lengths during the repositioning and recoupling steps.  
         [0019]     In accordance with another specific embodiment of the present characterization, the body section is a leg having a lateral side and a medial side and having an upper leg, a lower leg and a knee joint, further wherein the orthopedic brace is a knee brace, the first longitudinal brace assembly is a lateral longitudinal brace assembly including a lateral upper support arm positioned adjacent the upper leg on the lateral side, a lateral central joint positioned adjacent the knee joint, and a lateral lower support arm positioned adjacent the lower leg on the lateral side and the second longitudinal brace assembly is a medial longitudinal brace assembly including a medial upper support arm positioned adjacent the upper leg on the medial side, a medial central joint positioned adjacent the knee joint on the medial side, and a medial lower support arm positioned adjacent the lower leg on the medial side after positioning the body section between the lateral and medial longitudinal brace assemblies.  
         [0020]     The first side segment is a posterior segment and the second side segment is an anterior segment. The first strap is an upper distal strap, the second strap is an upper proximal strap, the third strap is a lower proximal strap, and the fourth strap is a lower distal strap. The first strap attachment member is an upper distal strap attachment member, the second strap attachment member is an upper proximal strap attachment member, the third strap attachment member is a lower proximal strap attachment member, and the fourth strap attachment member is a lower distal strap attachment member. The first strap guide member is an upper distal strap guide member, the second strap guide member is an upper proximal strap guide member, the third strap guide member is a lower proximal strap guide member, the fourth strap guide member is a lower distal strap guide member. The first strap connection member is an upper distal strap connection member, the second strap connection member is an upper proximal strap connection member, the third strap connection member is a lower proximal strap connection member and the fourth strap connection member is a lower distal strap connection member.  
         [0021]     In accordance with a still another specific embodiment of the present characterization, the first and second longitudinal brace assemblies each has a first support arm, a second support arm, a central joint rotatably joining the first and second support arms, a first housing telescopingly displaceable relative to the central joint along the first support arm and a second housing telescopingly displaceable relative to the central joint along the second support arm. The method further comprises displacing the first housing relative to the central joint and/or displacing the second housing relative to the central joint after positioning the body section between the first and second longitudinal brace assemblies. Alternatively, the method further comprises displacing the first housing relative to the central joint and/or displacing the second housing relative to the central joint after coupling the second and third strap attachment members with the second and third strap connection members, respectively, but before coupling the first and fourth strap attachment members with the first and fourth strap connection members, respectively.  
         [0022]     In accordance with yet another specific embodiment of the present characterization, the method further comprises transitioning the strap locks from the closed position to the open position, readjusting the positioning of the body section relative to the first longitudinal brace assembly or the second longitudinal brace assembly, and transitioning the strap locks from the open position to the closed position.  
         [0023]     The present invention will be further understood from the drawings and the following detailed description. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0024]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of an orthopedic brace mountable on the leg of a user in accordance with the fitting method of the present invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 2  is a lateral view of the orthopedic brace of  FIG. 1  mounted on the leg of a user following the present fitting method.  
         [0026]      FIG. 3  is a medial view of the orthopedic brace of  FIG. 1  mounted on the leg of a user following the present fitting method.  
         [0027]      FIG. 4  is a front view of the orthopedic brace of  FIG. 1  in a laid out position following a laying out step of the present fitting method.  
         [0028]      FIG. 5  is a front view of the orthopedic brace of  FIG. 1  in a leg engaged position following a leg engaging step of the present fitting method.  
         [0029]      FIG. 6  is a front view of the orthopedic brace of  FIG. 1  in a length adjusted position following a length adjusting step of the present fitting method.  
         [0030]      FIG. 7  is a front view of the orthopedic brace of  FIG. 1  in a strap connected position following a strap connecting step of the present fitting method.  
         [0031]      FIG. 8  is a lateral view of the orthopedic brace of  FIG. 1  in a posterior segment tensioned position following a posterior segment tensioning step of the present fitting method.  
         [0032]      FIG. 9  is a lateral view of the orthopedic brace of  FIG. 1  in a strap locked position following a strap locking step of the present fitting method.  
         [0033]      FIG. 10  is a medial view of the orthopedic brace of  FIG. 1  in an anterior segment tensioned position following a anterior segment tensioning step of the present fitting method.  
         [0034]      FIG. 11  is a lateral view of the orthopedic brace of  FIG. 1  in a strap end secured position following a strap end securing step of the present fitting method. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0035]     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , an orthopedic brace is shown and generally designated  10 , which has utility in a method of the present invention. There are a number of relative terms defined below which are used in the following description to distinguish various elements of the orthopedic brace  10  from one another, but which are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. The relative terms “medial” and “lateral” characterize certain elements of the orthopedic brace  10  and, in particular, describe the relative proximity of the given element to the central longitudinal axis of the body of the user when the brace  10  is mounted thereon. A “medial” element is closer to the central longitudinal axis of the body, while a “lateral” element is further from the central longitudinal axis of the body.  
         [0036]     The terms “proximal” and “distal” characterize certain elements of the brace  10 , which are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the brace  10 . The terms describe the relative proximity of the given element to the central joint of the brace  10 . A “proximal” element is closer to the central joint of the brace  10 , while a “distal” element is further from the central joint of the brace  10 . The terms “upper” and “lower” likewise characterize certain elements of the brace  10 , which are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the brace  10 . However, the terms describe the position of the given element as being either above or below a horizontal plane running through the central joint of the brace  10 . In particular, an “upper” element is above the horizontal plane running through the central joint of the brace  10 , while a “lower” element is below the horizontal plane running through the central joint of the brace  10 .  
         [0037]     The relative terms “posterior” and “anterior” characterize certain elements of the orthopedic brace  10  and, in particular, describe the orientation of the given element relative to the central longitudinal axis of the body of the user when the brace  10  is mounted thereon. A “posterior” element is positioned behind the central longitudinal axis of the body in correspondence with the posterior of the body, while an “anterior” element is positioned in front of the central longitudinal axis of the body in correspondence with the posterior of the body.  
         [0038]     The orthopedic brace  10  comprises a lateral central joint  12   a , a lateral upper support assembly  14   a  and a lateral lower support assembly  16   a , which in combination define a lateral longitudinal brace assembly  18   a . The lateral upper support assembly  14   a  includes a lateral upper support arm  20   a  and a lateral upper housing  22   a . The lateral lower support assembly  16   a  similarly includes a lateral lower support arm  24   a  and a lateral lower housing  26   a , having a construction essentially similar to the lateral upper support arm  20   a  and lateral upper housing  22   a , respectively. The lateral central joint  12   a  connects the lateral upper support assembly  14   a  with the lower support assembly  16   a  such that the lateral upper and lower support assemblies  14   a ,  16   a  extend radially from the lateral central joint  12   a . Details of the lateral upper and lower support assemblies  14   a ,  16   a  are described below in association with the length-adjusting and locking mechanisms of the present invention.  
         [0039]     The lateral central joint  12   a  is preferably a dynamic joint, which dynamically connects the lateral upper and lower support assemblies  14   a ,  16   a , and is more preferably a rotational hinge, which rotationally connects the lateral upper and lower support assemblies  14   a ,  16   a . The lateral central joint  12   a  is most preferably a releasably locking rotational hinge with adjustable rotation limits as shown herein. The releasably locking rotational hinge includes a flexion rotation stop  28 , an extension rotation stop  30  and a lock actuator  31 . Further details of the structure and operation of the releasably locking rotational hinge are disclosed in a commonly-owned copending patent application Ser. No. 11/039,448 filed on Jan. 12, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference.  
         [0040]     Notwithstanding the above, it is understood that the lateral central joint  12   a  is not limited to any one specific construction or type of joint. Thus, most conventional hinges for orthopedic braces, which enable rotation of the lateral upper longitudinal support assembly  14   a  and/or the lateral lower longitudinal support assembly  16   a  about the hinge, are alternatively employed as the lateral central joint  12   a  of the orthopedic brace  10 . Exemplary prior art hinges are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 401,933; 4,481,941; 5,672,152; and 5,827,208. In yet another alternative, not shown, the lateral central joint  12   a  is a static joint which does not enable rotation of the lateral upper longitudinal support assembly  14   a  and/or the lateral lower longitudinal support assembly  16   a  about the joint. In accordance with this embodiment, the positions of the lateral upper support assembly  14   a , lateral lower support assembly  16   a , and lateral central joint  12   a  are all fixed relative to one another and the resulting orthopedic brace  10  functions solely as a splint.  
         [0041]     The lateral upper support arm  20   a  is telescopingly fitted within the lateral upper housing  22   a  and the lateral lower support arm  24   a  is telescopingly fitted within the lateral lower housing  26   a  such that the lateral upper and lower housings  22   a ,  26   a  are slidably displaceable relative to the lateral central joint  12   a  along the length of the lateral upper and lower support arms  20   a ,  24   a , respectively. This construction provides a length-adjusting mechanism which enables the practitioner to adjust the length of the lateral upper and lower support assemblies  14   a ,  16   a  in correspondence with the dimensions of a user on which the orthopedic brace  10  is to be mounted. The lateral upper and lower support arms  20   a ,  24   a  are each provided with a plurality of graduated length markers  32 , which enable the user to determine the selected length of the lateral upper and lower support assemblies  14   a ,  16   a . The lateral upper and lower housings  22   a ,  26   a  are further each provided with a locking mechanism which includes a lock lever  33 . The lock levers  33  are selectively transitionable between a closed or locked position shown in  FIG. 1  and an open or unlocked position. When the lock levers  33  are in the closed position, the locking mechanisms essentially prevent slidable displacement of the lateral upper and lower housings  22   a ,  26   a  along the length of the lateral upper and lower support arms  20   a ,  24   a , respectively. When the lock levers  33  are in the open position, the locking mechanisms do not inhibit the user from slidably displacing the lateral upper and lower housings  22   a ,  26   a.    
         [0042]     The orthopedic brace  10  further comprises a medial central joint  12   b , a medial upper support assembly  14   b  and a medial lower support assembly  16   b , which in combination define a medial longitudinal brace assembly  18   b . The construction of the medial longitudinal brace assembly  18   b  is essentially the same as the lateral longitudinal brace assembly  18   a . As such, the medial upper support assembly  14   b  includes a medial upper support arm  20   b  and a medial upper housing  22   b  and the medial lower support assembly  16   b  similarly includes a medial lower support arm  24   b  and a medial lower housing  26   b . The medial central joint  12   b  connects the medial upper support assembly  14   b  with the medial lower support assembly  16   b  such that the medial upper and lower support assemblies  14   b ,  16   b  extend radially from the medial central joint  12   b.    
         [0043]     The medial upper support arm  20   b  is telescopingly fitted within the medial upper housing  22   b  and the medial lower support arm  24   b  is telescopingly fitted within the medial lower housing  26   b  such that the medial upper and lower housings  22   b ,  26   b  are slidably displaceable relative to the medial central joint  12   b  along the length of the medial upper and lower support arms  20   b ,  24   b , respectively. This construction provides a length-adjusting mechanism which enables the practitioner to adjust the length of the medial upper and lower support assemblies  14   b ,  16   b  in the same manner as the lateral upper and lower support assemblies  14   a ,  16   a . The medial upper and lower support arms  20   b ,  24   b  are similarly each provided with the graduated length markers  32 , which enable the user to determine the selected length of the medial upper and lower support assemblies  14   b ,  16   b . The medial upper and lower housings  22   b ,  26   b  are further each provided with the locking mechanism having the lock lever  33  selectively transitionable between the closed or locked position and the open or unlocked position. When the lock levers  33  are in the closed position, the locking mechanisms essentially prevent slidable displacement of the medial upper and lower housings  22   a ,  26   a . When the lock levers  33  are in the open position, the locking mechanisms do not inhibit the user from slidably displacing the medial upper and lower housings  22   a ,  26   a.    
         [0044]     The orthopedic brace  10  additionally comprises an upper distal strap retention assembly  34   a  and an upper proximal strap retention assembly  36   a , both of which are associated with the lateral and medial upper support assemblies  14   a ,  14   b . The upper distal strap retention assembly  34   a  includes an upper distal strap guide member  38   a  integral with a distal end  40   a  of the lateral upper housing  22   a  and an upper distal strap connection member  42   a  integral with a distal end  40   b  of the medial upper housing  22   b . The upper distal strap guide member  38   a  has a strap guide loop  44  and a rotationally-connected strap lock  46  positioned adjacent to the strap guide loop  44 . The upper distal strap connection member  42   a  has a strap anchor loop  48  and a strap connection hook  50  positioned on opposite sides of the upper distal strap connection member  42   a.    
         [0045]     The upper distal strap guide and connection members  38   a ,  42   a  are preferably fabricated from a relatively rigid material, such as a high-strength plastic, and have an arcuate configuration, which corresponds to the contours of the body of the user. The upper distal strap retention assembly  34   a  further includes an upper distal strap attachment member  52   a  likewise preferably fabricated from a relatively rigid high-strength plastic. The upper distal strap attachment member  52   a  has a strap attachment loop  54  and a strap connection loop  56  positioned on opposite sides of the upper distal strap attachment member  52   a.    
         [0046]     The upper proximal strap retention assembly  36   a  includes an upper proximal strap guide member  58   a  attached to a proximal end  60   a  of the lateral upper support arm  20   a  by fasteners  62 , such as rivets, and an upper proximal strap connection member  64   a  attached to a proximal end  60   b  of the medial upper support arm  20   b  likewise by fasteners  62 . The upper proximal strap retention assembly  36   a  further includes an upper proximal strap attachment member  66   a . The upper proximal strap guide member  58   a , upper proximal strap connection member  64   a , and upper proximal strap attachment member  66   a  have essentially the same construction as the upper distal strap guide member  38   a , upper distal strap connection member  42   a , and upper distal strap attachment member  52   a , respectively. Accordingly, components common to corresponding members are designated by the same reference characters.  
         [0047]     The orthopedic brace  10  still further comprises a lower distal strap retention assembly  34   b  and a lower proximal strap retention assembly  36   b , each of which is associated with both the lateral and medial lower support assemblies  16   a ,  16   b . The lower distal strap retention assembly  34   b  is essentially the same as the upper distal strap retention assembly  34   a . As such, the lower distal strap retention assembly  34   b  includes a lower distal strap guide member  38   b  integral with a distal end  68   a  of the lateral lower housing  26   a , a lower distal strap connection member  42   b  integral with a distal end  68   b  of the medial lower housing  26   b , and a lower distal strap attachment member  52   b.    
         [0048]     The lower proximal strap retention assembly  36   b  is essentially the same as the upper proximal strap retention assembly  36   a . As such, the lower proximal strap retention assembly  36   b  includes a lower proximal strap guide member  58   b  attached to a proximal end  70   a  of the lateral lower support arm  24   a  by fasteners  62 , a lower proximal strap connection member  64   b  attached to a proximal end  70   b  of the medial lower support arm  24   b  by fasteners  62 , and a lower proximal strap attachment member  66   b . The lower distal and lower proximal strap guide members  38   b ,  58   b , lower distal and lower proximal strap connection members  42   b ,  64   b , and lower distal and lower proximal strap attachment members  52   b ,  66   b  have essentially the same construction as the upper distal and upper proximal strap guide members  38   a ,  58   a , upper distal and upper proximal strap connection members  42   a ,  64   a , and upper distal and upper proximal strap attachment members  52   a ,  66   a , respectively. Accordingly, components common to corresponding members are designated by the same reference characters.  
         [0049]     A pad  72  is preferably provided in association with each upper and lower distal strap guide and connection member  38   a ,  38   b ,  42   a ,  42   b  and each upper and lower proximal strap guide and connection member  58   a ,  58   b ,  64   a ,  64   b . The pads  72  are affixed to the inner face of each of the members  38   a ,  38   b ,  42   a ,  42   b ,  58   a ,  58   b ,  64   a ,  64   b  by fastening means (not shown), such as hook and loop fasteners commonly termed VELCRO. The pads  72  cushion the body of the user from the relatively hard, rigid surfaces of the orthopedic brace  10  when the orthopedic brace  10  is mounted on the body.  
         [0050]     For purposes of illustration, the orthopedic brace  10  is a specific type of orthopedic brace commonly termed a post-operative knee brace. Full utility of the orthopedic brace  10  is achieved when the orthopedic brace  10  is mounted on the leg of a user. Referring additionally to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the orthopedic brace  10  is shown mounted on the right leg  74 , which is characterized as having an upper leg  76 , a lower leg  78 , and a knee joint  80  rotationally connecting the upper and lower legs  76 ,  78 . It will be apparent to the skilled artisan that the post-operative knee brace  10  is likewise adaptable for mounting on the left leg (not shown) of the user.  
         [0051]     The orthopedic brace  10  is further provided with a plurality of straps which engage the strap retention assemblies to retain the orthopedic brace  10  on the leg  74  during use. In particular, an upper distal strap  82   a  engages the upper distal strap retention assembly  34   a  and an upper proximal strap  84   a  engages the upper proximal strap retention assembly  36   a . A lower distal strap  82   b  similarly engages the lower distal strap retention assembly  34   b  and a lower proximal strap  84   b  engages the lower proximal strap retention assembly  36   b.    
         [0052]     Engagement of the upper distal strap  82   a  with the upper distal strap retention assembly  34   a  is effected by anchoring a first end  86  of the upper distal strap  82   a  to the strap anchor loop  48  of the upper distal strap connection member  42   a  by relatively permanent fastening means, such as sewing. The second end  88  of the upper distal strap  82   a  is threaded through the strap guide loop  44  of the upper distal strap guide member  38   a  to define a posterior segment  90  of the upper distal strap  82   a , which extends between the upper distal strap connection member  42   a  and upper distal strap guide member  38   a . As such, the posterior segment  90  posteriorly connects the lateral and medial longitudinal brace assemblies  18   a ,  18   b.    
         [0053]     The second end  88  of the upper distal strap  82   a  passes through the upper distal strap guide member  38   a  and is threaded into the strap attachment loop  54  of the upper distal strap attachment member  52   a  to define an anterior segment  92  of the upper distal strap  82   a  which extends between the upper distal strap guide member  38   a  and upper distal strap attachment member  52   a . A second end segment  91  of the upper distal strap  82   a  is correspondingly defined, which is the segment of the upper distal strap  82   a  which extends from the upper distal strap attachment member  52   a  to the free second end  88  of the upper distal strap  82   a.    
         [0054]     The strap connection loop  56  of the upper distal strap attachment member  52   a  is coupled with the strap connection hook  50  of the upper distal strap connection member  42   a  so that the anterior segment  92  of the upper distal strap  82   a  anteriorly connects the lateral and medial longitudinal brace assemblies  18   a ,  18   b . Thus, the posterior and anterior segments  90 ,  92  of the upper distal strap  82   a  in combination (exclusive of the second end segment  91 ) completely encircle the leg  74  when the orthopedic brace  10  is mounted on the leg  74 . The posterior and anterior segments  90 ,  92  of the upper distal strap  82   a  in combination are termed the encircling segment. A fastening tab  94  is releasably attached to the second end  88  and provides fastening means, such as hook and loop fasteners, for releasably fastening the free second end  88  extending from the strap attachment loop  54  back onto the upper distal strap  82   a.    
         [0055]     Engagement of the lower distal strap  82   b  with the lower distal strap retention assembly  34   b , the upper proximal strap  84   a  with the upper proximal strap retention assembly  36   a , and the lower proximal strap  84   b  with the lower proximal strap retention assembly  36   b  is effected in an essentially similar manner as described above with respect to the upper distal strap  82   a  and upper distal strap retention assembly  34   a . As such, the upper distal strap  82   a , lower distal strap  82   b , upper proximal strap  84   a , and lower proximal strap  84   b  closely secure the orthopedic brace  10  to the leg  74  of the user.  
         [0056]     When the orthopedic brace  10  is properly mounted on and closely secured to the leg  74 , the lateral central joint  12   a  is positioned adjacent to the lateral side of the knee joint  80  and the medial central joint  12   b  is positioned adjacent to the medial side of the knee joint  80 . The lateral upper longitudinal support assembly  14   a  is positioned adjacent to the lateral side of the upper leg  76  is longitudinally aligned with the lateral side of the upper leg  76 . The medial upper longitudinal support assembly  14   b  is positioned adjacent to the medial side of the upper leg  76  and is longitudinally aligned with the medial side of the upper leg  76 . The lateral lower longitudinal support assembly  16   a  is similarly positioned adjacent to the lateral side of the lower leg  78  and is longitudinally aligned with the lateral side of the lower leg  78 . The medial lower longitudinal support assembly  16   b  is positioned adjacent to the medial side of the lower leg  78  and is longitudinally aligned with the medial side of the lower leg  78 .  
         [0057]     Although the brace components have been described above for purposes of illustration as applying to a post-operative knee brace, it is apparent from the foregoing that the above-recited brace components are readily adaptable to other types of orthopedic braces for the knee or other joints or regions of the body in addition to post-operative knee braces. It is additionally noted that each set of upper support arm, central joint, and lower support arm in the embodiment of the post-operative knee brace described above is a series of discrete interconnected components. However, in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention not shown, either the upper support arm or the lower support arm can be integrally formed with the central joint as a continuous structure, which cooperatively functions with the remaining non-integrated support arm.  
         [0058]     In accordance with another alternate embodiment of the present invention not shown, the position of any housing and correspondingly paired support arm can be reversed so that the upper housing and/or lower housing is more proximal to the central joint than the correspondingly paired upper and/or lower support arm. As such the housing, rather than the correspondingly paired support arm, is attached to or integral with the central joint. However, the support arm remains slidably displaceable within the housing. In accordance with yet another alternate embodiment of the present invention not shown, the upper support arm, central joint, and lower support arm (or alternatively upper housing, central joint, and lower housing) can be integrally formed together as a single continuous static structure, wherein the resulting orthopedic brace functions as a rigid splint having support assemblies with an adjustable length.  
         [0059]     A method for fitting the orthopedic brace  10  to the leg  74  of a user is described below with reference to  FIGS. 4-11 . The method is initiated by a laying out step.  FIG. 4  shows the orthopedic brace  10  in a laid out position after completion of the laying out step. The practitioner has slidably engaged the anterior segments  92  with the associated strap guide members  38   a ,  38   b ,  58   a ,  58   b  and attached the anterior segments  92  of the straps  82   a ,  82   b ,  84   a ,  84   b  to the strap attachment members  52   a ,  52   b ,  66   a ,  66   b  to set the anterior segments  92  at an arbitrary length. Attachment is effected by threading the second ends  88  of each strap  82   a ,  82   b ,  84   a ,  84   b  into the strap attachment loop  54  of the associated strap attachment members  52   a ,  52   b ,  66   a ,  66   b , threading the second end  88  around a strap post  100  extending across the strap attachment loop  54 , and threading the second end  88  back out the strap attachment loop  54 .  
         [0060]     The practitioner has maintained all the strap connection loops  56  on the strap attachment members  52   a ,  52   b ,  66   a ,  66   b  uncoupled from their associated strap connection hooks  50  on the strap connection members  42   a ,  42   b ,  64   a ,  64   b . In addition, all the strap locks  46  mounted on the strap guide members  38   a ,  38   b ,  58   a ,  58   b  are maintained in an open or unlocked position so that the strap locks  46  are disengaged from their associated straps  82   a ,  82   b ,  84   a ,  84   b . The lock levers  33  are conversely maintained in the closed position. (Note that the strap connection hooks  50 , strap connection members  42   a ,  42   b ,  64   a ,  64   b , strap locks  46 , and strap guide members  38   a ,  38   b ,  58   a ,  58   b  are not visible in the view of  FIG. 4 , but are visible in the view of  FIG. 5  which is described below.)  
         [0061]     The practitioner has spread out the orthopedic brace  10  with the inner faces of the lateral and medial central joints  12   a ,  12   b  and the inner faces of the pads  72  fastened to the strap guide members  38   a ,  38   b ,  58   a ,  58   b  and strap connection members  42   a ,  42   b ,  64   a ,  64   b  exposed. The lateral and medial longitudinal brace assemblies  18   a ,  18   b  are posteriorly connected to one another by the posterior segments  90  of the straps  82   a ,  82   b ,  84   a ,  84   b , which slidably engage the associated strap guide members  38   a ,  38   b ,  58   a ,  58   b  and which are fixably attached to the associated strap connection members  42   a ,  42   b ,  64   a ,  64   b  at the first end  86  to set the posterior segments  90  at an arbitrary length.  
         [0062]     Although the anterior segments  92  slidably engage the associated strap guide members  38   a ,  38   b ,  58   a ,  58   b  as recited above, the anterior segments  92  are disconnected from the associated strap connection members  42   a ,  42   b ,  64   a ,  64   b  so that the lateral and medial longitudinal brace assemblies  18   a ,  18   b  are anteriorly disconnected from one another. The second end segments  91  and anterior segments  92  of the straps  82   a ,  82   b ,  84   a ,  84   b  are unfurled and the second ends  88  of the straps  82   a ,  82   b ,  84   a ,  84   b  are free. The lateral and medial longitudinal brace assemblies  18   a ,  18   b  are essentially parallely positioned a spaced distance apart from one another, which approximates the width of the leg  74 . The leg  74  is anteriorly positioned (relative to the posterior segments  90 ) between the lateral and medial longitudinal brace assemblies  18   a ,  18   b  and the knee joint  80  is aligned with the lateral and medial central joints  12   a ,  12   b.    
         [0063]     The present fitting method further comprises a leg engaging step.  FIG. 5  shows the orthopedic brace  10  in a leg engaged position after completion of the leg engaging step. The practitioner has rotated the lateral longitudinal brace assembly  18   a  about the posterior segments  90  of the straps  82   a ,  82   b ,  84   a ,  84   b  in the clockwise direction of arrow A toward the leg  74  and similarly rotated the lateral longitudinal brace assembly  18   b  about the posterior segments  90  in the counter-clockwise direction of arrow B. Rotation of the lateral and medial longitudinal brace assemblies  18   a ,  18   b  toward the leg  74  brings the pads  72  affixed to the upper distal and proximal strap guide members  38   a ,  58   a  into close-fitting engagement with the lateral side of the upper leg  76 , the pads  72  affixed to the upper distal and proximal strap connection members  42   a ,  64   a  into close-fitting engagement with the medial side of the upper leg  76 , the pads  72  affixed to the lower distal and proximal strap guide members  38   b ,  58   b  into close-fitting engagement with the lateral side of the lower leg  78 , and the pads  72  affixed to the lower distal and proximal strap connection members  42   b ,  64   b  into close-fitting engagement with the medial side of the lower leg  78 . The lateral central joint  12   a  is also positioned adjacent to the lateral side of the knee joint  80  and the medial central joint  12   b  is positioned adjacent to the medial side of the knee joint  80 . Although not shown, condyle pads may be affixed to the inner faces of the lateral and medial central joints  12   a ,  12   b , which close-fittingly engage the lateral and medial sides of the knee joint  80 , respectively.  
         [0064]     The present fitting method further comprises a length adjusting step.  FIG. 6  shows the orthopedic brace  10  in a length adjusted position after completion of the length adjusting step. The practitioner has drawn the second ends  88  of the upper and lower proximal straps  84   a ,  84   b  in the clockwise direction of arrows C across the anterior of the leg  70  proximally above and below the knee joint  80  until the upper and lower proximal strap attachment members  66   a ,  66   b  are adjacent to the upper and lower proximal strap connection members  64   a ,  64   b , respectively. The strap connection loops  56  of the upper and lower proximal strap attachment members  66   a ,  66   b  have been coupled with the strap connection hooks  50  of the upper and lower proximal strap connection members  64   a ,  64   b , respectively, so that the anterior segments  92  of the upper and lower proximal straps  84   a ,  84   b  loosely anteriorly connect the lateral and medial longitudinal brace assemblies  18   a ,  18   b  to one another proximal to the knee joint  80 .  
         [0065]     It is noted that the present method is not limited to a specific sequence of coupling the individual strap connection loops  56  with their respective strap connection hooks  50 . Thus, it is within the scope of the present method to simultaneously couple the strap connection loops  56  of the upper and lower proximal strap attachment members  66   a ,  66   b  with the strap connection hooks  50  of the upper and lower proximal strap connection members  64   a ,  64   b . Alternatively, it is within the scope of the present method to first couple the strap connection loop  56  of the upper proximal strap attachment member  66   a  with the strap connection hook  50  of the upper proximal strap connection member  64   a  and thereafter couple the strap connection loop  56  of the lower proximal strap attachment member  66   b  with the strap connection hook  50  of the lower proximal strap connection member  64   b . In another alternative, it is within the scope of the present method to first couple the strap connection loop  56  of the lower proximal strap attachment member  66   b  with the strap connection hook  50  of the lower proximal strap connection member  64   b  and thereafter couple the strap connection loop  56  of the upper proximal strap attachment member  66   a  with the strap connection hook  50  of the upper proximal strap connection member  64   a.    
         [0066]     Once the lateral and medial longitudinal brace assemblies  18   a ,  18   b  are anteriorly proximally connected to one another, the length adjusting step proceeds by transitioning the lock levers  33  from the closed position to the open position and adjusting the length of the lateral and medial upper and lower support assemblies  14   a ,  14   b ,  16   a ,  16   b  upward or downward in the direction of arrows D as desired in correspondence with the dimensions of the leg  74  of the user. The lock levers  33  are then returned to the closed position.  
         [0067]     The present fitting method further comprises a strap connecting step.  FIG. 7  shows the orthopedic brace  10  in a strap connected position after completion of the strap connecting step. The practitioner has drawn the second ends  88  of the upper and lower distal straps  82   a ,  82   b  in the clockwise direction of arrows E across the anterior of the leg  70  distally above and below the knee joint  80  until the upper and lower distal strap attachment members  52   a ,  52   b  are adjacent to the upper and lower distal strap connection members  42   a ,  42   b , respectively. The strap connection loops  56  of the upper and lower distal strap attachment members  52   a ,  52   b  have been coupled with the strap connection hooks  50  of the upper and lower distal strap connection members  42   a ,  42   b , respectively, so that the anterior segments  92  of the upper and lower distal straps  82   a ,  82   b  loosely anteriorly connect the lateral and medial longitudinal brace assemblies  18   a ,  18   b  to one another distal to the knee joint  80  in essentially the same manner that the upper and lower proximal straps  84   a ,  84   b  connect the lateral and medial longitudinal brace assemblies  18   a ,  18   b  proximal to the knee joint  80 .  
         [0068]     In accordance with an alternate embodiment not shown, the length adjusting and strap connecting steps recited above are modified to change the overall sequence of anteriorly connecting the lateral and medial longitudinal brace assemblies  18   a ,  18   b  to one another and adjusting the length of the lateral and medial upper and lower support assemblies  14   a ,  14   b ,  16   a ,  16   b . In particular, the alternate length adjusting step omits the actions of drawing the second ends  88  of the upper and lower proximal straps  84   a ,  84   b  across the anterior of the leg  70  and coupling the strap connection loops  56  of the upper and lower proximal strap attachment members  66   a ,  66   b  with the strap connection hooks  50  of the upper and lower proximal strap connection members  64   a ,  64   b . The alternate length adjusting step comprises transitioning the lock levers  33  from the closed position to the open position, adjusting the length of the lateral and medial upper and lower support assemblies  14   a ,  14   b ,  16   a ,  16   b  upward or downward as desired, and returning the lock levers  33  to the closed position, while all the anterior segments  92  of the upper and lower distal and proximal straps  82   a ,  82   b ,  84   a ,  84   b  remain disconnected from the medial longitudinal brace assembly  18   b.    
         [0069]     The alternate strap connecting step includes the actions omitted from the alternate length adjusting step recited above. In particular, the alternate strap connecting step comprises drawing the second ends  88  of the upper and lower proximal straps  84   a ,  84   b  across the anterior of the leg  70  and coupling the strap connection loops  56  of the upper and lower proximal strap attachment members  66   a ,  66   b  with the strap connection hooks  50  of the upper and lower proximal strap connection members  64   a ,  64   b . The alternate strap connecting step further comprises likewise drawing the second ends  88  of the upper and lower distal straps  82   a ,  82   b  across the anterior of the leg  70  and coupling the strap connection loops  56  of the upper and lower distal strap attachment members  52   a ,  52   b  with the strap connection hooks  50  of the upper and lower distal strap connection members  42   a ,  42   b . As noted above, the present method is not limited to a specific sequence of coupling the individual strap connection loops  56  with their respective strap connection hooks  50 . Thus, it within the scope of the present method to connect the strap connection loops  56  of the upper and lower distal and proximal strap attachment members  52   a ,  52   b ,  66   a ,  66   b  with the corresponding strap connection hooks  50  of the upper and lower distal and proximal strap connection members  42   a ,  42   b ,  64   a ,  64   b , simultaneously or in essentially any sequence.  
         [0070]     In any case, the present fitting method further comprises a posterior segment tensioning step.  FIG. 8  shows the orthopedic brace  10  in a posterior segment tensioned position after completion of the posterior segment tensioning step. The practitioner has drawn the anterior segments  92  of the upper and lower distal and proximal straps  82   a ,  82   b ,  84   a ,  84   b  in the outward direction of arrow F away from the anterior of the leg  70  without substantially displacing the lateral and medial longitudinal brace assemblies  18   a ,  18   b  relative to the leg  70 . The upper and lower distal and proximal straps  82   a ,  82   b ,  84   a ,  84   b  have been slid through the upper and lower distal and proximal strap guide members  38   a ,  38   b ,  58   a ,  58   b , respectively, while the first ends  86  of the upper and lower distal and proximal straps  82   a ,  82   b ,  84   a ,  84   b  remain anchored to the strap anchor loops  48  of the upper and lower distal and proximal strap connection members  42   a ,  42   b ,  64   a ,  64   b . As a result, the posterior segments  90  of the upper and lower distal and proximal straps  82   a ,  82   b ,  84   a ,  84   b  have been pulled taut against the posterior of the leg  70 .  
         [0071]     The present fitting method further comprises a strap locking step.  FIG. 9  shows the orthopedic brace  10  in a strap locked position after completion of the strap locking step. The practitioner has transitioned each of the strap locks  46  mounted on the strap guide members  38   a ,  38   b ,  58   a ,  58   b  from the open position to a closed or locked position, thereby changing the posterior segment  90  of each upper and lower distal and proximal strap  82   a ,  82   b ,  84   a ,  84   b  from the arbitrary length and essentially fixing the posterior segment at a desired fixed length. The closed position of the strap locks  46  has been effected by rotating each strap lock  46  in the clockwise direction of arrows G until the strap lock  46  engages the outer face of its associated upper and lower distal and proximal strap  82   a ,  82   b ,  84   a ,  84   b . The strap locks  46  are releasably fastened to the upper and lower distal and proximal straps  82   a ,  82   b ,  84   a ,  84   b  by hook and loop fasteners mounted on the inner face of each strap lock  46  and on the outer face of each upper and lower distal and proximal strap  82   a ,  82   b ,  84   a ,  84   b.    
         [0072]     The present fitting method further comprises an anterior segment tensioning step.  FIG. 10  shows the orthopedic brace  10  in an anterior segment tensioned position after completion of the anterior segment tensioning step. The practitioner has drawn the second ends  88  of the upper and lower distal and proximal straps  82   a ,  82   b ,  84   a ,  84   b  in the counter-clockwise direction of arrow H across the anterior of the leg  70 . The anterior segments  92  of the upper and lower distal and proximal straps  82   a ,  82   b ,  84   a ,  84   b  have been slid around the strap posts  100  in the strap attachment loops  54  of the upper and lower distal and proximal strap attachment members  52   a ,  52   b ,  66   a ,  66   b , respectively, while the strap connection loops  56  remain coupled with the strap connection hooks  50  of the upper and lower distal and proximal strap connection members  42   a ,  42   b ,  64   a ,  64   b . As a result, the anterior segments  92  of the upper and lower distal and proximal straps  82   a ,  82   b ,  84   a ,  84   b  have been pulled taut against the anterior of the leg  70 . Each anterior segment  92  has been changed from the arbitrary length and essentially fixed at a desired fixed length. Since the length of the posterior segments  90  has been previously fixed in the strap locking step, the length of the encircling segment  90 ,  92  is likewise fixed by the anterior tensioning step.  
         [0073]     The present fitting method further comprises a strap end securing step.  FIG. 11  shows the orthopedic brace  10  in a strap end secured position after completion of the strap securing step. The practitioner has fastened the second end  88  of each upper and lower distal and proximal strap  82   a ,  82   b ,  84   a ,  84   b  onto its associated anterior segment  92  by means of the fastening tab  94 . The fastening tabs  94  are Y-shaped, each having a primary segment  102 , a first bifurcated segment  104 , and a second bifurcated segment  106 . The fastening tab  94  has been fastened to the second end  88  by placing the second end  88  between the separated first and second bifurcated segments  104 ,  106  of the fastening tab  94  and pressing the first and second bifurcated segments  104 ,  106  together in the direction of arrows I against the opposite faces of the second end  88 . Hook and loop fasteners are provided on the inner faces of the first and second bifurcated segments  104 ,  106  and the opposite faces of the second end  88  to retain the contacted faces in engagement with one another.  
         [0074]     The fastening tab  94  has been fastened to the anterior segment  92  of each associated upper and lower distal and proximal strap  82   a ,  82   b ,  84   a ,  84   b  by pressing the inner face of the primary segment  102  against the outer faces of the anterior segment  92 . Hook and loop fasteners are provided on the inner face of the primary segment  102  and the outer face of the anterior segment  92  to retain the contacted faces in engagement with one another. It is apparent from  FIG. 11  that the practitioner can optionally fold over the second end  88  in the direction of arrow J as shown before fastening the second end  88  to the fastening tab  94  to shorten the length of the second end segment  91  as desired.  
         [0075]     The fitting method of the present invention is described above as a sequence of steps, each of which can include of a number of actions. However, not every step or action recited above is necessary to the practice of the fitting method. For example, the fitting method can be practiced in the absence of adjusting the length of the lateral and medial upper and lower support assemblies  14   a ,  14   b ,  16   a ,  16   b  and/or in the absence of securing the second ends  88  of the upper and lower distal and proximal straps  82   a ,  82   b ,  84   a ,  84   b . In addition, the fitting method is not limited to performing the steps and/or their inclusive actions in the specific sequence recited above.  
         [0076]     The present fitting method is particularly advantageous because it enables the practitioner to remove the orthopedic brace  10  from the leg  74  of the user and remount the orthopedic brace  10  on the same leg  74  at a later time without changing the length of the encircling segment  90 ,  92  of any of the straps  82   a ,  82   b ,  84   a ,  84   b . As a result, once the orthopedic brace  10  has been initially fitted on the leg  74  in accordance with the above-recited method, the necessity of readjusting the strap lengths every time the orthopedic brace  10  is removed and remounted on the leg  74  is generally avoided.  
         [0077]     Removal of the orthopedic brace  10  from the leg  74  while the orthopedic brace  10  is in the strap end secured position is readily effected simply by uncoupling each of the strap connection loops  56  of the upper and lower distal and proximal strap attachment members  52   a ,  52   b ,  66   a ,  66   b  from the strap connection hooks  50  of the upper and lower distal and proximal strap connection members  42   a ,  42   b ,  64   a ,  64   b . The orthopedic brace  10  is then placed in the laid out position without altering the length of any of the encircling segments  90 ,  92  and the leg  74  is withdrawn from the orthopedic brace  10 .  
         [0078]     Remounting the orthopedic brace  10  on the leg  74  is readily effected simply by placing the orthopedic brace  10  in the leg engaging position and recoupling each of the strap connection loops  56  of the upper and lower distal and proximal strap attachment members  52   a ,  52   b ,  66   a ,  66   b  with the strap connection hooks  50  of the upper and lower distal and proximal strap connection members  42   a ,  42   b ,  64   a ,  64   b . Thus, the orthopedic brace  10  is returned to the strap end secured position without having altered the length of any of the encircling segments  90 ,  92  during remounting of the orthopedic brace  10 .  
         [0079]     The present fitting method is additionally advantageous because it enables the practitioner to readjust the position of the orthopedic brace  10  on the leg  74  while the orthopedic brace  10  remains mounted on the leg  74  and without anteriorly disconnecting the lateral and medial longitudinal brace assemblies  18   a ,  18   b  from one another or without changing the length of the encircling segment  90 ,  92  of any of the straps  82   a ,  82   b ,  84   a ,  84   b . This position readjusting step has particularly utility when the dimensions of the leg  74  are variable over time due to increased or decreased swelling of the leg  74  or due removal or application of bandages to the leg  74 . The position readjusting step is enabled because the straps  82   a ,  82   b ,  84   a ,  84   b  are never directly attached to the lateral longitudinal brace assembly  18   a , but are only indirectly fixably connected to the lateral longitudinal brace assembly  18   a  by means of the releasably closed strap locks  46 , which are in turn rotatably attached to the lateral longitudinal brace assembly  18   a.    
         [0080]     If the practitioner wishes to modify the position of the lateral and medial longitudinal brace assemblies  18   a ,  18   b  relative to the leg  74 , the practitioner performs the position readjusting step simply by rotating the strap locks  46  from the closed to the open position. The practitioner can then freely displace either the lateral longitudinal brace assembly  18   a , the medial longitudinal brace assembly  18   b , or both assemblies  18   a ,  18   b  about the leg  74 , preferably in a rotational direction, independent of the straps  82   a ,  82   b ,  84   a ,  84   b  to a more desired position while the orthopedic brace  10  remains mounted on the leg  74 . It is noted that although the length of each encircling segment  90 ,  92  of the straps  82   a ,  82   b ,  84   a ,  84   b  remains unchanged during the position readjusting step, the individual desired fixed length of each posterior and anterior segment  90 ,  92  of the straps  82   a ,  82   b ,  84   a ,  84   b  is changed to a readjusted fixed length during the position readjusting step.  
         [0081]     While the forgoing preferred embodiments of the invention have been described and shown, it is understood that alternatives and modifications, such as those suggested and others, may be made thereto and fall within the scope of the invention. For example, although the present invention has been described above for purposes of illustration as a method for fitting a post-operative knee brace to the leg, it is apparent from the teaching herein that the present method is readily adaptable for fitting an orthopedic brace to other limbs or regions of the body.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0