Apparatus and method for stabilizing a human anatomical joint

A garment formed from a matrix material of stretchable fabric or mixes of elastic and other fibers and configured for enveloping at least in part an articulating joint of a human body, the articulating joint having at least one natural ligament, the garment comprising:

• at least one stabilizing portion formed from a substantially inextensible fabric;
• and
• at least one pair of linear tension member segments each disposed to move freely in its longitudinal direction with respect the garment fabric along a corresponding predetermined curved three-dimensional spatial path within or on the garment, spatially relating the at least one pair of linear tension member segments to the at least one natural ligament;
• wherein the stabilizing portion is disposed to extend in tension between the pair of linear tension member segments when the linear tension member segments are placed under longitudinal tension;
• and
• wherein the linear tension member segments are formed of a material less extensible than the elastically extensible fabric of the garment.

A garment formed in majority from an elastically extensible fabric and arranged for enveloping at least in part an articulating knee joint of a human body, the articulating knee joint having at least one natural ligament, the garment comprising:

• at least one tension member disposed to move freely in its longitudinal direction with respect to the garment fabric along a corresponding predetermined curved three-dimensional spatial path within or on the garment (and) spatially relating the at least one tension member to the at least one natural ligament, and
• a tensioner arranged to adjust tension in the tension member;
• wherein the tension member is anchored to the triceps surae of the human body;
• and
• wherein the linear tension member is formed of a material less extensible than the elastically extensible fabric of the garment.