The present invention relates to orthopedic braces, and more particularly, to orthopedic braces with flexible, sloping paddle members.
There are many forms of orthoses, or devices used externally to modify the structure and/or function of the skeletal and/or neuromuscular systems of the body. For example, there are orthoses that are applied to the neck, to the spine, to the upper limbs, and to the lower limbs. Additionally, there are many different purposes for using orthoses ranging from rehabilitative to prophylactic. Rehabilitative braces are typically used to limit the movement of a portion of the body following an injury or a surgery.
Historically a major concern in orthopedic bracing is the problem of “brace migration.” Brace migration occurs when an applied orthotic brace migrates down the limb. Brace migration has many drawbacks including patient discomfort and improper brace alignment. A poor fitting brace decreases the brace's therapeutic properties and over time can reduce user compliance. Despite the widespread problem of brace migration, minimal progress has been made in this field.
The flexible, sloping paddle members of the orthopedic braces of the present invention reduce brace migration. In addition, the angles and relief cuts in the paddle members of the orthotic brace of the present invention reduce brace migration and contribute to a better fitting brace.
The present invention is a system comprising an adjustable orthotic brace that has a pair of telescoping struts extending off a hinge and a plurality of support members that are located along the pair of telescoping struts. Each support member has a connector member and a paddle member, such that the paddle member is centrally connected to the connector member and can be flexed around a patient's limb.
The face of the paddle member slopes so that when the paddle member is flexed to surround a patient's limb, the face forms a cavity in the shape of a conical section. The paddle member can be located along the limb so that the conical section of the cavity is complementary to a conical section of the patient's limb, reducing brace migration.
In addition, the paddle members of another embodiment of the orthotic brace of the present invention have angles and relief cuts that allow them to flex more easily and conform better to a patient's limb.
One aspect of the present invention is an adjustable orthotic brace, comprising: at least one telescoping strut; and a plurality of support members located along the telescoping strut, wherein each of the support members has a connector member and a paddle member, wherein the paddle member is centrally connected to the connector member and has a pair of wing members with faces that form a conical cavity section when the paddle member is flexed to surround a patient's limb.
One embodiment of the present invention is wherein the conical cavity section formed by the faces of the pair of wing members is complementary to a conical section of a patient's limb.
One embodiment of the present invention is wherein each of the paddle members further comprises a first angle and a second angle that define the orientation of the wing members in relation to the remainder of the paddle member allowing greater flexibility of the paddle member.
One embodiment of the present invention is wherein each of the paddle members further comprises relief cuts that allow the paddle member to flex more easily to conform better to a patient's limb.
Another aspect of the present invention is a method for reducing orthotic brace migration, comprising: providing an adjustable orthotic brace with at least one telescoping strut; providing a plurality of support members located along the telescoping strut, wherein each of the support members has a connector member and a paddle member and the paddle member has a central axis and a pair of wing members; connecting each of the paddle members to the connector member along the central axis of the paddle member; and flexing each of the paddle members to surround a patient's limb, thereby forming a conical cavity section that is complementary to a conical section of a patient's limb.
One embodiment of the present invention further comprises increasing the flexibility of a paddle member by using a paddle member having a first angle and a second angle that defines the orientation of the wing members in relation to the remainder of the paddle member.
One embodiment of the present invention further comprises increasing the flexibility of a paddle member by using a paddle member with relief cuts.
These aspects of the invention are not meant to be exclusive and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when read in conjunction with the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.
The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.
FIG. 5A1, FIG. 5A2, FIG. 5A3 and FIG. 5A4 show one embodiment of the paddle member of an orthotic brace of the present invention.
FIG. 5B1 and FIG. 5B2 show one embodiment of the paddle member of an orthotic brace of the present invention.
FIG. 5C1 and FIG. 5C2 show one embodiment of the paddle member of an orthotic brace of the present invention.
It is typical for a device such as a post-operative knee or elbow brace to attach to a patient by using support members with adjustable straps, cuffs, or pads. In fact, patents as early as U.S. Pat. No. 575,199, issued in 1897 applied these “cuff” concepts. Today, however, brace support members are primarily manufactured in two configurations. The most common method of manufacture is to integrate a paddle member, which fits to the body; and a connector member, which is connected to, and moves along the brace's struts, into one component. See,
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Attempts have been made to reduce “brace migration” using new paddle Variations, silicone “grip” padding, and even secondary strapping methods. However, considering all the possible variations in this field, none have truly neutralized the problem through paddle geometry until the present invention.
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Referring to FIG. 5A3, the flexibility of the paddle member of the present invention is increased, in part, due to the central connectivity. Here, the ability to flex and/or twist is represented by arrows. It is to be understood that the amount and direction of flexibility can vary from side to side and from front to back (or top to bottom) depending on the location of the paddle member along the strut and to best accommodate the anatomy of a particular user.
Referring to FIG. 5B2 and FIG. 5C2, embodiments of the paddle member of the present invention are shown. In certain embodiments, there are areas of material that are “notched out” to provide enhanced flexibly. Here, some of those areas are shown with arrows. These notches provide a defined flex point that allows the paddle to readily conform to varying geometry of the body.
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The preferred method of making the paddle member of the present invention focuses on the geometry and modular nature of the method of manufacture. The support member assembly utilizes a multi-piece or modular methodology. In one embodiment, the connector member comprises an injection molded plastic. In certain embodiments, the plastic comprises ABS, Nylon, Polyester, polycarbonate, polysulfons, polyphenylene sulphide, polystyrene, PVC, Styrene, Acrylonitrile, and compounded resins. The selected material properties must 1) be rigid enough to stay affixed to the metal struts, 2) potentially accept a button mechanism, and 3) not fracture under stress. In one embodiment, the paddle member comprises an injection molded plastic. In certain embodiments, the plastic comprises polypropylene, polyethylene, polybutene, nylon, TPE, compounded resins, and the like. It is important that the paddle member flex repeatedly without physically breaking down or distorting.
The benefits of this invention include a better fit of the brace to the leg, minimized brace migration and increased patient comfort. These benefits help alleviate one of the greatest problems with rehabilitative braces in general: non-compliance to wear the brace. The modular construction offers a range of flexible materials for the paddle members to be molded. The value added from the properly specified plastic allows the flexible paddle member to conform as it changes shape through increased movement.
While the principles of the invention have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope of the invention. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present invention in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/758,967, filed Jan. 31, 2013, the content of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61758967 | Jan 2013 | US |