Convertible orthotic brace

Abstract

The present invention includes an orthotic brace which offers advantages in being able to be adjusted to fit the small of the back of a specific wearer, and may be altered to be converted from a smaller LSB-type brace or a larger LSO-type brace, and may have optional ventral supports removably attachable thereto. The present invention also includes a thoraco-lumbo-sacral orthopedic (TSLO) brace variant featuring a supplementary sternal support adapted for ease of donning and removal once its strap system is fitted to the wearer.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A lumbar-sacral orthosis comprising, in combination:
 a belt portion;   a central dorsal portion, said central dorsal portion attached to said belt portion and comprising a central dorsal panel;   a dorsal thoracic extension portion attached to said central dorsal panel;   a supplementary sternal support portion connected to said central dorsal panel by a first arm strap and a second arm strap, each adapted to extend over a wearer's shoulder.   
     
     
         2 . A lumbar-sacral orthosis according to  claim 1 , wherein said dorsal thoracic extension portion is removably attached to said central dorsal panel. 
     
     
         3 . A lumbar-sacral orthosis according to  claim 1 , additionally comprising a ventral rigid support panel attached to the inside of said belt portions when said orthosis is donned. 
     
     
         4 . A lumbar-sacral orthosis according to  claim 3 , wherein said ventral rigid support panel is removably attached to the inside of said belt portions when said orthosis is donned. 
     
     
         5 . A lumbar-sacral orthosis according to  claim 1  wherein said first arm strap and said second arm strap are adapted to be releasably attached to said ventral rigid support panel of said orthosis by hook and loop closures. 
     
     
         6 . A lumbar-sacral orthosis according to  claim 1 , wherein said ventral rigid support panel comprises a polymer material. 
     
     
         7 . A lumbar-sacral orthosis according to  claim 1 , wherein said central dorsal panel comprises a polymer material.