Patent ID: 7473236

Claim:
An orthopedic brace providing active resistance to axial rotation and translation in a joint comprising at least one circumferentially spiraling, length-adjustable, longitudinally inelastic bracing member having a proximal terminal end positioned on one side of a joint, a distal terminal end positioned on the other side of the joint along a longitudinal axis formed through the joint and a circumferentially spiraling distance extending between said proximal terminal end and said distal terminal end defining a circumference oriented about the joint from said proximal terminal end to said distal terminal end, active resistance to axial rotation and translation of the joint being provided by a change in said circumference responsive to a change in the position of said proximal terminal end relative to said distal terminal end, and being structured with a length adjustment device positioned between said proximal end and said terminal end of said at least one circumferentially spiraling bracing member to provide increased resistance to axial rotation and translation in the joint by selectively adjusting the length of said at least one circumferentially spiraling bracing member when said proximal end and said distal end are fixed in a selected position relative to each other.