US2582930A - Surgical brace - Google Patents

Description

E. L. JEWETT SURGICAL BRACE Jan. 15, 1952 2 SHEETS-SHEET 1 Filed May 5, 1949 INVENTOR fuss/v5 L. Jan 77.

Jan. 15, 1952 JE'WETT 2,582,930

SURGICAL BRACE Filed"May 5, 1949 1 SHEETS-SHEET 2 INVENTOR. 50 5/ Z Jewsrf.

" ATTORNEY Patented Jan. 15, 1952 suaorcar. nnaca' Eugene L. .lewettfMaitland, Fla, assignor to Blair; Braces, Inc., Orlando, Fla., a corporation of Florida Application May 5, 1949. Serial No. 91,559

11 Claims.

The invention relates to surgical braces, more particularly a back brace embodying the threepoint leverage principle. The brace is especially (though not restrictively) intended for use in maintaining desired degrees of hyperextension of the lower dorsal and'lumbar portions of the spine, following reduction of compression or wedged fractures ofone or more of the vertebral bodies respective of whether the variances be in the vertical dimension only, the side to side dimension only, or in differing combinations of such and/or other dimensions.

Among the objects of the invention are reduction of weight and bulk of brace parts, provision of desired lumbar support without resort to 'posterior rigid bars or pla-tes minimization of parts opaque to Xrays in the affected area, advantageous distribution of'pressure applied by the support surfaces. readyfacility for putting on and taking off the brace and conforming its fit to changes in bodily weight and proportions, and provision for freedom of bodily movement, particularly in the regions of the groins-and armpits during-sitting and risingand in-the areas affected by breathing and the ingestion of food.

Further vohjects'include the designation of materials which are resistant to bodilyex'cretions and yet provide lightness of weight together with resilient rigidity of framework.

Still further objects will become apparent hereinbelow.

In the drawings (which are intended as diagrammatlc only. unless otherwise apparent) Fig. 1 is a perspective of 'the right side and a portion of the front of a brace forminga presently preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective of the left side and-a portion of the front of the brac of Fig. 1;

' Figs. 3-'5 respectively are rear,'fron't, and right side elevations of the brace of Fig. l;

Figs. 6-7 respectively are front and side views of the'more fully shown one of the two stemal pad support bars'appearing in Fig. 2, before the 2 support bars appearing in Fig. 2, before the'flnal twisting and bending in its fabrication;

Figs. 12-13 respectively are front and side views of the bar of Figs. 10-11 after final twisting and bending;

Referring to the drawings in detail:

The brace unitarily represented in Figs. l-5 comprises right and left torso side contacting pads I and 2, stemal and pubic pads 3 and l, a relatively flexible lumbar support pad 5, and substantially non-stretchable multi-apertured bands 6 and I. These bands are respectively aflixed, at their left ends, to left side pad 2 by screws 8 and 9 (Fig. 2) which penetrate a rigid plate (understood) which is inside and imparts rigidity to the forward portion of said pad, and threaded at their right ends into tightening mechanisms I0 and I I (best seen in Fig. 5). These multi-apertured bands and tightening mechanisms may be those of the hose clamps of U. S. P. 1,397,508; 1,776,850; 2,386,629; or 2,395,273; but for a detailed description of them and their functioning in the presently most preferred form of the brace reference should be made to the disclosure of the last cited patent, particularly its clamping band-2i, holding and tightenin screw 28. and the parts associated with them, said members "2I and 28" of the patent being respectively the same as members 61 and I0II of the brace of Figs. 1-5.

The tightening mechanisms Ill and II are fixedlv carried by lumbar band anchors I2 and I3 (Figs. 1, 5) which are afllxed to right side pad I by screws I4 and I5 penetrating a, rigid plate (understood) which is inside and imparts rigidity to the forward portion of said pad.

Inside of and substantially co-extensive with stemal and pubic pads 3 and I are rigid plates (understood) which serve to impart rigidity to them.

All four of said rigid plates respectively inside pads I-4 are detachably but rigidly interconnected by resilient non-torso-contacting framework consisting of right and left'sternal support bars I6 and I1 and right and left pubic support bars I8 and I9, which, through the media of vertically alined screws series 20 (Figs. 1, 5), 2i (Fig. 2), 22 (Figs. 1, 5), 23 (Fig. 2), and horizontally alined screws series 24-41 (Figs. 1, 2, 4) are rigidly afllxed to, and in turn interconnected by, said plates. Outwardly-from-the-torso facing surfaces of pads I-4 consist of leather coverings, and inwardly, toward-the-torso ones of plastic coverings, said coverings overlying the plates inside the pads. These leather and plastic coverings are united, as by stitching, along the edges of the rigid plates, though in the case of side pads |-2 the covering fabrics continue rearwardly from the stitching at the rear edges of the plates (such stitching being depicted by dash lines 23 and 29 in Figs. 1, 2, to now enclose cushioning (understood) rather than rigid plates, and thus provide torso-side-contacting flaps 30 and 3| (Figs. 1, 2, 5)

Both vertical faces of the lumbar pad. comprise plastic compostion, e. g. with a relatively thin layer 01' cushioning enclosed between them, except that leather stripping 32 additionally is aflixed, as by stitching, to the posterior face to provide sleeves or channels 33 and 34 for lumbar band members 6 and I.

In assembling the brace the relative elevation of the sternal pad is determined by selectively alining series 20 and 2| screw holes in stemal bars I6 and H with complementarily vertically spaced screw holes (understood) in the upper portions of the plates inside. pads and 2, and then fastening the bars to the plates by screws inserted through the pairs of holes thus brought into alinement. Similarly, the relative elevation of the pubic pad is determined by selectively alining series 22 and 23 screw holes in pubic bars l8 and 19 with complementarlly vertically spaced screw holes (understood) in the lower portions of said plates inside pads and 2, and again tastening bars to plates by screws, etc.

Setting of the relative side-to-side dimensions of the brace is done on the same general principles. That is, selective alinement of series 24-25 and/or series 26--2| screw holes in, respectively, the horizontal upper portions of sternal bars l6 and I1 and/or the horizontal lower portions of pubic bars l8 and I9, ismade with complementraily horizontally spaced holes (understood) in the plates inside the sternal and/or pubic pads, and fastening through pairs of holes thus brought into alinement effected by screws as before.

It will be noted that the-aforesaid relative elevations and dimensions optionally can each be individually selected and set, independently of any one or more of the others; also, that no varying of a front-to-rear dimension is concomitantly necessary.

Equally independent is the similar setting of the relative elevations of the individual lumbar bands. That is, the height of lumbar band 6 will vary according as which of the vertically alined fastener screws passing through screw holes in, respectively, series 2| and 20 are used for aiflxation at its left end and of anchor |2 (with which its right end is connected by tightening mechanism I0). Likewise, as regards the height of lumbar band and selection of which of the vertically alined fastener screws passing through screw holes in, respectively, series 23 and 22, are to be used for aflixation of its left end and of anchor I3 (with which its right end is connected by tightening mechanism I I) Variation of the effective overall length of either or both lumbar bands may be similarly independently determined, through the choosing of which of the horizontal series of holes 35 in band 6 and (36 in band 1 (Fig. 2) are to be used in the afllxation of the bands to the plate inside pad 2 (e. g. as illustrated in the case of screws 8 and 9, in Fig. 2). Supplementarily, however, tightening mechanisms l0 and II may be used for further regulating, in as fine gradations as desired, said efiective length, via taking up or letting out on the right end portions of bands 6 and 1 which run posteriorly from the points of their afllxation to the plate inside pad 2 and partly engird the torso side and rear until gripped by tightening mechanisms l0 and II, respectively.

Absence of rigid supports oi substantial vertical extent in or in conjunction with the lumbar pad 8 is to be particularly noted, together with the fact that no force other than that or the flexible bands 3 and 1, operating through flexible lumbar pad 5, bears against the region of the back that overlies the creator spinae group of lumbar muscles.

A desired form-fitting degree of rearward tilt can be imparted to sternal pad 3 by fashioning its support bars i6 and I! in the manner represented by Figs. 6-9. Thus, a piece of ductile strap metal having two series of alined holes such as series 2| and 25 hereinabove described, and having an elbow angle of, say, about -110 (or' approximately as shown in Fig. 6, for average cases) between the respective alinements, extended, oi. said series (such alinements being shown in Fig. 6 as coinciding with the respective axes of the corresponding portions 01' the piece of strap metal) can be twisted 90 about the axis of the portion carryin the series 2| holes, besides being bent (conveniently concomitantly) in the region of the elbow, to reduce the 105' angle to 90 as well as accomplish the further changes in front view outline shown in Fig. 8 (as contrasted with that in Fig. 6) and in side view outline shown in Fig. 9 (as contrasted with that in Fig. 7). The result, when embodied in each of the stemal bars of the assembled brace, is reflected in a desired degree of tilt oi the stemal pad 3 as exemplified in Figs. 1, 2, 5.

Applying a related procedure, represented by Figs. 1013, substantial clearance between pubic bars l8 and i9 and the wearer's groins during bodily motion, e. g. sitting down or rising, can be insured.- Thus, a piece of ductile strap metal having two series of alined holes such as series 23 and 21 hereinabove described, and having an elbow angle of 90 between the respective alinements, extended, 01' said series (such alinements being shown in Fig. 10 as coinciding with the respective axes of the corresponding portions of the piece of strap metal), and also being upwardly bow-shaped in its mid-portion as designated by 31 in Fig. 10, can be twisted 90 about the axis of the portion carrying the series 23 holes, besides being bent (conveniently concomitantly) in the region of the elbow, to accomplish the changes in front view outline shown in Fig. 12 (as contrasted with that in Fig. 10) and in side view outline shown in Fig. 13 (as contrasted with that in Fig. 11). The result, when embodied in each 01 the pubic bars of the assembled brace, is reflected in upwardly bow-shaped contours in the vicinity of the wearer's groins, as designated by 38 and 39 in. e. g., Figs. 1, 2, 4.

One of the particular advantages of the foregoing method of fabricating the sternal and pubic connector bars is that no edge-bending is required, but only flat-bending of a mid-portion oi the work, i. e. coupled with axial twisting of the vertical one of its two terminal portions.

Although the brace 01 this invention can be supplemented, if desired, by auxiliary supports such as shoulder or other straps (e. g. where the wearer particularly dislikes pressure on the symphysis pubis or lower lumbar regions) or crutchlike appendages and/or a pelvic band annexed to its framework to prevent lateral motion or collapse of any part of the spine, the brace characteris'ticaily-derives essentially its 8014! support from self-cancellingpressure interaction of the five above mentioned support portions, 1. e.-the

'sternal, pubic,lumbar, and two-side pads. Since they- 'are all substantially vertically disposed H (except for slight components of obliquity in'the f case of the first two), they'exert essentially-horizontal components. of pressure onlyL' This makes it especially'desirable, in the interest otcomf'ort in wear", that the shapes and sizes of 'the pressive alined in mutually parallel fcenter-side" reiationship, with the areasof the faces of the rigid plate containing portions of each about equally divided, ahterio'rlyand poster'iorly of the midaxillary line. This conduces to a direct counterbalancing' of their pressures on the sides of the torso, f besides helping to counteract rotative stresses. In addition, the verticalextent of each of said portions desirably may be at least about (better /3, still better the overall top-tobottom dimension'of the brace, and the front-torear horizontal width, m'dway of said dimension, at least about /5 (better /4, still better $4,) such vertical extent (or, in actual measurement, e. g., at least about 1% (better 1%, still better 2) inches).

Generally it will be found desirable to give each of the side pads enlarged front-to-rear breadth in the region of its m d-height, as well as an overall area of at least about (better still be ter /z) that of the pubic pad.

For reasons analogous to those in the case of the side pads, the horizontal extents of the rigid sternal and pubic torso contacting support portions (whether or not equal to each other) advantageously are each at least. about (better ,5, still better the overall side-to-side width of the brace, taken at a level midway therebe tween; and their top-to-bottom breadths, midway of said'width, advantageously are at least about /7 (better still better /5) the overall top-to-bottom dimension of the brace.

Even if applied to the pubic support only, the preferred ranges and ratios in the next preceding paragraph will be found useful, since desirability of distributing apads pressive contact over an ter still better that of the'rigid pubc support pad, and the area of the latter greater than that of the rigid portions of either side pad. as well.

In contradistinction to the four said members of the subject group of five pads, the ilfthor lumbar one advantageously has markedly less rigidity, even though it nevertheless is called upon to counterbalance the combined front-to-rear pressures of the sternal and pubic pads. Consequently, besides being located at least substantially entirely between the level of the mid-portion of the lower horizontal periphery of the former and that of the mid-portion of the upper horizontal periphery of the latter, it advantageously has a torso contacting area in excess of that of either of them (or, as well, horizontal and vertical dimensions each respectively in excess of those of either of them) In addition, as shown e. g. in Figs. 1, 2, 5, its lateral edges normally are insuch close proximity to the rear edges of posterior "flaps a and II that-they and it together furnish anapproiiimation of a very broad posterior half-belt.

1 The pliancy or fiexibilityof' the 'lumbarpad may well be about that of the-average soles of ladies leather-shoes. or of the walls of an average leather brief case, or of ta'rpaulin; or the like,

:but the {flaps may-well-have substantially more flexibility than that.

"In general the sum of the areas of all'flve of the subject torso contacting padglincludin'gm'ith the areas of the side padsthos'e of their respective-flaps) will advantageouslybe at least-about two-thirdsas great as that of a rectangle bounded by sides equal respectively to the overall topalso any discontinuities in rigid members inside the pads.

With the breadths or widths of said members and their interconnective framework structure of the proportions above indicated, it becomes readily 'possible'to give them correspondingly less thickness. E. g;- (assuming appropriate selection of materials from among those commonly available) the thicknesses of said rigid members can be kept less than about A; (or, say, even 3!) inch. with the result that the overall thickness of substantially the whole of each torso contacting portion can be less than, say, a out 1 5 (better still better inch. Qualitiesof streamlinedness (so to speak) and nonbulki'ness thus will be enhanced.

' On this score it will be noted that in the Figs. 1-5 embodiment of the inventionall exposed (i. e. non-covered) rigid framework structure (as e.-g. of-metal) will be entirely out of contact with the torso during normal wear.

When a pair of lumbar bands are used they advantageously may be about V2 to 1% inch in width inch having proved particularly "desirable from the standpoint of optimum support combined with minimum interference with the X-raying of an affected area) and spaced from each other a distance at least aboutequel to such width; Also, as presently preferred, the'distance between the upper edge'of a toplumbar band and the lower edge of a bottom lumbar band will be about A to (better. the maximum distance" between thev upper edge of the lumbar pad and its lower edge.

'Inaddition, just as symmetry is a preferred characteristic of the brace of the invention in respect of the front-to-rear plane passing through its: vertical axis (as inspection of Figs. 1-5'wili have shown), so the lumbar band or bands pre- 'ferredly will be disposed atan elevation suchas Let 'x' and y be the respective distances -taken on the .front of the torso but with the back in hyperexte'nsion. from the stemal notch tothe umbilicus (to give :2:) and from there to the bottom of the symphysis pubis (to give 1/); Then make the overall top-to-bottom dimension of the braces plus 1:; in which case the'approximate locus, during wear, of the topmost int of the sternal pad will be brought to about one inch (more or less) below the V-point of the stemal notch by fixing the horizontal axis (or midheight line) of the lumbar pad in the same horizontal plane with that of the meeting point of :c and 11. Next, for the side-to-side dimensions, take the projected (taut-tape") distances crosswise of the torso between its side extremity points at, respectively, the level of the top point of a: and that of the mid-height center point of the pubis bone. Finally, take a fairly representative center-side" to center-side measurement across the front of the torso at any appropriate height, and let that measurement be the approximate length of the lumbar band or bands. 1. e. from their anchor screws in one side pad to those in the other.

Generally the stemal pad will contribute comparatively more support per unit of area than the other pads, i. e, acting in conjunction with the lumbar pad (which itself will tend to seek its own level during wear). In any case, however, (and despite the above described upwardly bow-shaped contours of the pubic bars l8 and I9) contacting of the upper thigh margins or groins by the bottom of the pubic pad during the motion of sitting down will be apt to cause a slight upward excursion of the brace. This will ordinarily not be more than an inch or so however, and will likely be found not only unobjectionable in itself, but actually beneficial, as helping to alleviate points of pressure between support pads and body.

Even through the brace lends itself to easy installation and removal from the torso, hygienic fatcors as a rule will make it advisable that underwear (advantageously cotton) be worn between the brace pads and the body. In fact, materials generally inert to perspiration, sebaceous products, etc. are preferably used in all the parts of the brace.

For the rigid parts of the brace aluminum a1- loys of the sort known as 248T have proven especially satisfactory. That particular alloy is understood to be 93.4% aluminum, 4.5% copper, 1.5% magnesium, and 0.6% manganese. In formation as to its preparation, including suitable heat treatment etc., is contained in Federal Specification QQ-A-355a dated November 28, 1941.

Alternative choice of equivalent or substitute alloys, metals, or other products will depend on characteristics of ductility, resilience, strength, weight, corrosion resistance. etc. E. g. at a sacrifice of susceptibility to being bent into optimum final body fit after installation on the torso (whether e. g. by special techniques or merely by self-molding in response to stresses during wear) stainless steel might be used.

The ductile form of titanium may be found particularly advantageous, in view of its ready workability, high corrosion resistance, and excellent strength-to-weight ratio (40% lighter than stainless steel yet having a tensile strength upwards of 80,000 lbs./in. at room temperature).

Plastics of appropriate thermoplasticity for the heat of the body during wear to induce a desired degree of self-molding (but without unwanted distortion) also may be used. And material such as nylon injection-molded from melt (e. g. in view of its low weight (density= about 1), high strength, inertness, etc.) similarly come into consideration, e. g. if reinforced with reticular fabric or network of ductile metal em- 8 bedded in them, and/or provided with rigidizing ribs.

Stainless steel is presently preferred for the lumbar band or bands (of which there usually are not over two), although for reasons aforesaid titanium may be found especially suitable.

A material particularly adapted for serving the function of the leather and plastic composition coverings referred to in the description of Figs. 1-5 is the product (provided with a special protective coating or flock adapting it for personal wear next or near the skin) which is described in U. S. P. 2,290,685.

Also of special utility for the same function is fabric such as described in U. S. P. 2,210,774, as well as the leatherette material" of Example II of U. S. P. 2,322,779. which is therein described as "remarkably resistant to perspiration."

If desired, corrosion and bodily excretion resistance can be supplied by inert metal coatings, e. g. thin layers of rare metal electrodeposited on aluminum alloy with known techniques, or by the use of stainless steel or rubber-surfaced aluminum alloys prepared, respectively, as in U. S. P. 2,171,040 or 2,320,999. Or any of a wide variety of commercially available leather, leatherlike or plastic coverings or coatings may be found suitable.

Removable pad covers, to be slipped on or 01! during wear (and equipped e. g. with zipper fasteners so disposed as to be insulated from the body by the brace parts) also may be provided in place of permanently adherent coatings or facings.

Generally speaking, the same plastics which are suitable as coverings for the rigid portions of the pads (including materials such as nylon) are also suitable for the lumbar pad, when molded in the form of semi-rigid sheets of appropriate thickness. And they characteristically undergo self-molding into conformity with the wearer's particular spinal curvature, as a result of the constant pressure of the lumbar bands or band across the back.

As a cushioning filler for the lumbar pad and/ or side flaps (such as 30 and 3|), cotton, felt,

feathers, or etc. can be used.

For rigid parts whose subjection to flexing stresses would be sufliciently slight, certain categories of high strength-to-weight materials developed in comparatively recent research in aircraft or like fields may be considered. Cf. e. g. the multi-ply balsa wood core products described in U. S. P. 2,414,125 (col. 5), the metal-faced sandwich material" with balsa-core" (i. e. Metalite") or the honeycomb-cored material publicized in 19 Machine Design (March 1947) at pages 142-6, or ,the composite sheet metal product described in U. S. P. 2,423,870.

Irrespective of the nature of the materials used, however, the cumulative effect of a number of design variations, minor in themselves, may lead to a considarble saving in weight, with consequent minimization of any discomfort in wear. Thus, up to a certain point, increase in the number of apertures in a brace member (e. g. holes for screws, lacings, or other fasteners) reduces weight without sacrifice of strength in equal proportion (besides effecting a saving in the amount of alloy or other material used, a d Dl'oviding increased number of air vents for ventilation). And diminution in the size of lumbar band adjustors or tightenin mechanisms such as Ill and H (i. e. even without making them or their keys separately portable) contributes its modicum of weight reduction. Likewise,las to the omission of accessories such as straps, belts, rigid lumbar support bars, and the like.

On the other hand, decreasing of weight should not be carried to the point of e. g. cutting down the support pads breadth of bearing surfaces to the point of impairing their performance of the function of counteracting any tendency of the brace to slide up and down or to rotate on the trunk 01' the body.

Alternative devices for serving the purpose of the above described and presently preferred forms of lumbar bands, tightening mechanisms and adjusters include, e. g. ordinary belts and buckles, bands with turnbuckle or right and left screw link means for adjusting them, com plementary sliding segments (whether serrated or merely smooth surfaced) with set screw, clamp, toggle and cotter pin, or other means for securing them in fixed adjustment; substantial absence of stretchability being preferred in all cases, however.

Where the adjusters are operated by scre action it may be desired to prevent accidental or unwanted change in their adjustment by making them turn so hard as to be operable only by a special tool; or resort may be had to the common expedient of using two nuts in place of one, the outer one being a locking nut.

In the appended claims references to the length, breadth, thickness or corresponding dimensions of the brace have reference, respectively, to the dimensions of the longitudinal, sideto-side, and front-to-rear axes of the brace, said axes being taken as those of animaginary oblong whose top and bottom faces lie in horizontal planes passing respectively through the highest and lowest points of the brace (assuming it in place on an erect torso, e. g. disposed as in Figs. 5, 3 and 4), whose side faces lie in parallel vertical planes passing through the rightmost and leftmost points of the brace, and whose front and rear faces lie in parallel vertical planes passing through the frontmost and rearmost points of the brace, all six of said faces being rectangular. Similarly, expressions such as upper, lower, vertical, horizontal, level, downward, upward, forward, rearward, etc. are intended as relative and to be interpreted on the basis of the positions of the parts of the brace when it is in place on an erect torso.

It will be apparent that minor changes in the physical embodiments of the invention and its novel aspects may be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim: i

l. A body brace comprising right and left torso side contacting rigid support portions, sternal and pubic rigid support portions, a non-stretching lumbar support portion having continuous flexibility across the region overlying the erector spinae group of lumbar muscles, framework rigid throughout interconnecting said rigid support portions, said brace also comprising means carried by said framework to sustain said lumbar support portion, said means bein loosenable to facilitate installation and tie-installation of the brace.

2. The brace of claim 1 in which said lumbar support portion comprises a flexible horizontal substantially nonstretchable band with means allowing the adjustment of its effective length and a lumbar back contacting pliant fabric whose vertical dimension is substantially in excess of that of said band and which comprises a flexible sleeve for slip-fittingly receiving said band.

3. 1A 3-point hyperextension back brace comprising right and left torso sidecontacting rigid pads and sternal and pubicrigid pads, and a flexible lumbar pad, said rigid pads being rigidly interconnected by framework comprising means allowing the adjustment of solely thebreadth of the brace and means allowing the adjustment of solely the length of the brace, each of said means being optionally operable independently of the other.

4. The brace of claim 3 in which the horizontal dimensions of said sternal and pubic rigid pads are each at least about the width of the brace, and their top-to-bottom dimensions midway of said width are at least about A, the length of the brace.

5. The brace of claim 4 in which the vertical dimension of each of said torso side contacting rigid pads is at least about A the length of the brace, and the front-to-rear horizontal dimension of each of them, midway of said vertcal dimension, is at least about /5 the latter.

6. In the brace of claim 2, spiral-threaded means, for gradualy efiecting said adjustment of the efiect've length of said band.

7. The brace of claim 1 which comprises means for varying the distance between said sternal pad and said pubic pad while retaining unchanged the fixed angle between the up. and down axes, respectively extended, of said sternal and pubic pads; said means being comprised in and operable at the sides of said framework.

8. A body brace comprising right and left torso side contacting rigid support portions of enlarged front-to-rear dimension in the region of their mid-heights, sternal and pubic rigid support portions, a lumbar support portion, and resilient rigid framework supporting said portions, said brace also comprising means for varying the fixed breadth of the brace, said means being comprised in and operable at the sternal and pubic portions of said framework.

' 9. A 3-point. suspension back brace comprisin a pair of rigid side plates whose vertical dimensions are greater than their front-to-rear dimensions, an upper anterior pad, a lower an terior pad, a lumbar band, upper anterior pad supporting bars plus means immovably but detachably affixing them to said side plates, lower anterior pad supporting bars plus means immovably but detachably aflixing them to said side plates, and lumbar band anchor portions plus means immovably but detachably afiixing them to said side plates, each of said means being optionally operable, independently of the others, to vary the brace dimensions.

10. A 3-point hyperextension back brace comprising rigid sternal and rigid pubic support portions and a lumbar pad having continuous flexibility across the region overlying the erector spinae group of lumbar muscles, the overall sideto-side and top-to-bottom dimensions of said pad being in excess of those of each of said sternal and pubic rigid support portions; said brace also having torso-contacting flexible flaps affixed to its sides and extending posteriorly therefrom toward and approximately to the respectively adjacent ends of said lumbar pad, the maximum overall thickness of substantially the whole of each of said rigid portions of the brace as well as that of substantially the whole of said lumbar pad and said flaps being less than about inch, the weight of the brace being less than about 11 8% poun and rigid portions of the brace being formed of aluminum alloy 243T or similar light weight resiliently rigid material.

11. A back brace comprising right and left torso side contacting rigid support portions. stemal and pubic rigid support portions, and nexible lumbar cushioning, said cushioning being carried by at least a pair of thin horizontal stainless steel bands respectively about V to 1% inch in width, each of said bands being anchored to the sides of the brace. each of said bands being slip-nttingly sleeved through a flexible channel in said cushioning. and each of said hands being provided with screw means for adjusting its eiiective length independently of that oi the other; said brace also comprising means for m Number 12 selectively adjusting the iixed elevation of and vertical spacing between said bands.

- EUGENE L. JEWE'I'I.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

m Griswold, Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery."

pages 784-8, July 1938.

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