Traditionally, braces for body parts have been made of cloth or leather. Later, however, the materials were developed into compression braces. A patent issued to Hettick teaches how to make a variety of such support devices. These braces not only provide adequate support, but they also retain moisture and warmth from the user.
These compression braces are constructed from a composite material that has been cut into shape. The sheet is then joined at the edges to form a substantially tubular structure. The design is then determined by the intended application and the user's physical stature. A composite material that is hydrophobic and has multiple-dimensional stretch properties is a preferred material.
In addition to the benefits of biometric customization, TwikFit also provides a high level of customization. It allows medical professionals to create braces using 3-D scan data that matches the patient's anatomy and provides an advanced, comfortable fit. Moreover, patients can have their brace customized to their personal preference, which improves compliance.