Kevin J O'Neill

US Patent:

20020147422, Oct 10, 2002

Filed:

Feb 8, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/779726

Inventors:

Thomas Darcey - Mooresville NC, US
Kevin O'Neill - Davidson NC, US

International Classification:

A61F013/00

US Classification:

602/062000, 602/061000

Abstract:

A custom-moldable patellar support product for improved patella tracking in the femoral groove and relief of associated patella femoral pain syndrome, and including an outer container formed of moisture-impervious material and an initially-moldable, patellar support positioned in the container in substantially moisture-free conditions and sealed therein against entry of moisture until use. The support includes a substrate and a reactive system impregnated into or coated onto the substrate. The system remains stable when maintained in substantially moisture-free conditions and hardens upon exposure to moisture to form a rigid, self supporting structure. A flexible protective pad is positioned on one side of the substrate along its length to provide a cushioning barrier between the substrate and the skin of a patient when the patella support is in use. An outer cover covers the substrate on the side opposite the protective pad. The substrate, protective pad and outer cover are connected together into a unitary structure for being urged against the knee and into a position whereby the patella is repositioned into a therapeutic location relative to the femur for improved tracking in the femoral groove, and molded while flexible to the knee with the patella in the repositioned location. Several different types of retention devices, such as straps or bandages, may be used for retaining the patellar support on the knee in its molded location for maintaining the patella in the repositioned location.