Patent attributes
A brace for preventing injuries to annular pulley ligaments in fingers of human hands includes a proximal band dimensioned to be worn on a proximal phalanx of a finger, a distal band dimensioned to be worn on a middle phalanx, and a coupling attached to the bands. The band may be worn in position overlying an annular pulley ligament of the fingers. The coupling may bias the bands away from each other to promote retention over the annular pulley ligaments. The coupling may limit movement of bands (and thus finger) to a predetermined range of motion for avoiding tearing of the annular pulley ligament. The coupling may provide a mechanical stop limiting movement to positions in which annular pulley injuries are less likely. The coupling may be provided as a gas-pressurized struts or compressible coil springs, which may be mounted to the bands in diametrically opposed positions.
