an elbow brace worn by a patient to recuperate an injury to the ulnar nerve or “ funny bone .” the elbow brace includes two arched cuffs facing the same direction , and two struts interconnecting the cuffs . each strut is formed from a wire of spring steel . a pair of oppositely - wound coiled springs are formed at about the middle of each strut . when worn , the patient &# 39 ; s elbow is situated between the spring coils with the struts extending parallel to the arm , and one cuff resting against the mid upper arm and one cuff resting against the mid forearm . two straps extend from respective coils of one strut to respective coils on the second strut . one strap fits underneath the forearm and the other strap fits underneath the upper arm . each wire strut may be coated or covered by a tubular sheath or sleeve made of a soft polymer material .