Dynamic tension system for orthopedic device

An orthopedic device comprising:

• an upper frame element securable to an upper leg;
• a lower frame element securable to a lower leg;
• a hinge assembly connecting the upper and lower frame elements;
• a dynamic tension system located between the lower frame element and the hinge assembly, the dynamic tension system having a base shell contoured and adapted to be positioned over an upper and fleshy portion of a calf, and at least one cable engaging the base shell, the at least one cable extending to the lower frame element and extending to terminate at the hinge assembly;
• upper and lower struts connecting to the upper and lower frame elements, respectively, the upper and lower struts securing to the hinge assembly and spacing the upper and lower frame elements apart from one another;
• a guide secured to the lower strut, the guide having a channel directing the at least one cable from a direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal extension of the lower frame element and along the lower strut toward the hinge assembly;
• a hinge plate including an opening for receiving the at least one cable and a slot arranged to receive an anchored portion of the at least one cable, the slot located between first and second pins belonging to the hinge assembly and connecting to the upper and lower struts, respectively, such that the at least one cable does not extend upwardly past the hinge plate;
• a femoral shell arranged to secure to an anterior side of the upper leg and connecting generally perpendicularly to a longitudinal extension of the upper strut, and a tibial shell arranged to secure to an anterior side of the lower leg and connecting generally perpendicularly to a longitudinal extension of the lower strut, the upper frame element arranged to secure to the posterior side of the upper leg and the lower frame element arranged to secure to a posterior side of the lower leg.

An orthopedic device comprising:

• an upper frame element securable to an upper leg;
• a lower frame element securable to a lower leg;
• a hinge assembly connecting the upper and lower frame elements;
• a dynamic tension system located between the lower frame element and the hinge assembly, the dynamic tension system having a base shell contoured and adapted to be positioned over an upper and fleshy portion of a calf, and at least one cable engaging the base shell, the at least one cable extending to the lower frame element and extending to terminate at the hinge assembly;
• upper and lower struts connecting to the upper and lower frame elements, respectively, the upper and lower struts securing to the hinge assembly and spacing the upper and lower frame elements apart from one another;
• a guide secured to the lower strut, the guide having a channel directing the at least one cable from a direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal extension of the lower frame element and along the lower strut toward the hinge assembly;
• a hinge plate including an opening for receiving the at least one cable and a slot arranged to receive an anchored portion of the at least one cable, the slot located between first and second pins belonging to the hinge assembly and connecting to the upper and lower struts, respectively, such that the at least one cable does not extend upwardly past the hinge plate;
• a femoral shell arranged to secure to an anterior side of the upper leg and connecting generally perpendicularly to a longitudinal extension of the upper strut, and a tibial shell arranged to secure to an anterior side of the lower leg and connecting generally perpendicularly to a longitudinal extension of the lower strut, the upper frame element arranged to secure to a posterior side of the upper leg and the lower frame element arranged to secure to a posterior side of the lower leg;
• a flexible support upon which the base shell is supported and coupling the base shell to the lower frame element, the flexible support arranged to circumferentially secure about the lower leg, the flexible support including a posterior main support extending beyond a footprint of the base shell, a lower portion extending downwardly from the posterior main support to lateral and medial portions of the lower frame element, side strap portions extending to the lateral and medial portions of the lower frame element to form a strap with the posterior main support so the flexible support circumferentially fits about the lower leg;
• wherein the side strap portions secure to the lower frame element at the lateral and medial portions, and the flexible support extends along an inside portion of the lower frame element.