CA2209951A1 - Dynamic patella brace with floating patella pad - Google Patents

Abstract

A dynamic patella brace (10) useful for both diagnosis and treatment of patella subluxation, wherein the position of a patella bracing pad (15) is allowed to float to be automatically dynamically repositionable depending upon the amount of flexion and movement of the knee and the amount of tension and pressure applied is provided. The brace (10) includes an elastic sleeve (20) having an aperture (21) for registration and alignment of the knee therein. Additionally, the brace (10) includes a strap assembly (30) to which a plurality of elastic arm members (17, 18, 19) and a patella bracing pad (15) are attached. The strap also includes an anchor which serves to isolate the patella bracing pad from a counterarm member (19) to allow the dynamic repositioning of the pad (15) when the knee is flexed. The patella brace (10) may be used to facilitate positive diagnosis of patella subluxation whose symptoms may mimic other pathological problems of the knee and, therefore, lead to an erroneous diagnosis. The brace (10) may also be used for treatment and/or to delay or avoid the need for corrective surgery.