Joint brace with rapid-release securement members

ES 2 339 848 T3

DESCRIPTION

Joint bandage with a multiplanar pivot set.

Background of the invention

This invention relates in general to bandages for joint support, and in particular to an externally positionable anatomical bandage having a pivoting joint assembly with multiplanar hinges for automatic alignment of member structures joined together, and additionally having a regulator infinitely adjustable cable controlled limb extension.

The characteristics of the preamble of claim 1 are known from document US-A-5 277 698.

Both injury and illness can affect the health, well-being, and function of various joints in the human body. Chief among such joints are the knee and elbow whose diseases such as bone arthritis can restrict normal activity or where an injury such as sports-related or impact abuse can prevent or severely limit activity. continued. One way to treat such joint conditions is to equip the wearer with an appropriate bandage whereby an articulated support member is positioned adjacent to the affected joint and held in place generally by cuffs located around the sites of the joint structures. the limbs above and below the sustained joint. As is evident, the cuffs are responsible for the stabilization of the supported limb and therefore must be well fixed to its associated limbs. In addition to requiring that the proper limb structure be cuffed, a joint bandage also requires a pivoting set of joints that supports, stabilizes, and protects the actual joint itself while the cuffs are pivotally attached. Thus, in the knee for example, the pivoting joint of the bandage would most beneficially pivot in a bend or plane of extension while also allowing multiplanar motion such that the lower leg is below the knee. it can move in a normal way and the structures of the upper and lower leg can align with each other in a natural way. In addition, in many cases it is desirable to be able to precisely and infinitely limit or regulate the distance of the pivoting plane of extension in the knee while allowing natural creasing and normal multiplanar movement up to the distance of controlled extension. Unfortunately, however, current bandages are generally distinguished by offering infinite alignment capabilities or infinite extension control, thereby requiring a user to endure the ability to rotate in a single plane with their own limit or preset limit of the extension of the leg. member. In view of such limitations, it is apparent that a need exists for a joint bandage that substantially allows natural limb movement in conjunction with limb extension control as indicated for particular limb care.

Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a joint bandage having a multiplanar hinge joint assembly for automatic alignment of the articulated member structures with each other.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a joint bandage having an infinitely adjustable limb extension regulator to limit limb extension as indicated for a particular user.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present invention as follows.

Brief description of the invention

The present invention is an externally positionable anatomical bandage as recited in claim 1. The bandage is for stabilizing a pivotal joint that joins such as a knee joint disposed between a first and second limb structure of a living being. The bandage comprises an upper frame member and a lower frame member joined together by a pivotal articulation member, with each said frame member having a respective cuff fixed thereon to encircle a portion of each member frame above and below. under the joint. Retention of the bandage in place at the point of articulation is preferably accomplished with respective upper and lower fixation members each wrapping around a respective member structure in alignment with the cuff and without being surrounded by the cuff. The pivot joint element comprises two opposite pivot assemblies each positionable on one side of the wearer's anatomical joint to thereby join the upper and lower frame elements together. Each of these assemblies includes a front arm member and a rear arm member each having an upper end and a lower end, with these ends respectively connected to the upper frame member and the lower frame member. Specifically, the upper ends of each arm are individually mounted within a sleeve that pivots spherically in connection with the lower frame member, while the lower ends of each arm are likewise individually mounted within a sleeve that pivots spherically in connection. with the lower frame element. As is evident, these individual spherical mounts allow the selection of different degrees of rotation in a total of eight points (four points per lateral and per medial side) thus allowing the upper and lower frame elements to adopt different

ES 2 339 848 T3 angular relationships to each other. Due to the availability of such a large number of combinations, the bandage frame elements turn out to be substantially self-aligning with each individual joint encounter among many wearers, thus achieving the simulation of the real movement of the limb and the angular interrelationships of the limb as shown. they maintain the natural correlations of the individual member-structure.

As noted above, proper joint care many times requires regulated or limited limb extension, with such control arising at the pivoting joint member. While common prior art controls include inserts of a predetermined size for placement in the base travel of upper and lower frame travel, the limb extension adjuster of the present invention is a cable, preferably made of braided metallic wires. , which extend between each rear arm member and the upper frame member. A cable length adjuster, preferably externally accessible, is provided to infinitely adjust the length of cable available between the arm member and the frame member to thereby regulate the extension of the bandage-bearing member. More preferably, a visible measurement scale is provided for each cable such that the length of cable available on each side of the joint is set to be substantially identical. In addition to being infinitely adjustable in length, the cable additionally provides a minimum of elasticity such that cessation of limb travel produces a less dramatic limb impact, but in turn, a more moderate limb extension termination for who wears it. The bandage defined here therefore substantially simulates the natural behavior of a joint with the control of the extension as indicated individually.

Brief description of the drawings

A presently preferred and illustrative embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective side view of a knee bandage with the upper and lower cuffs of respective upper and lower frame elements attached to a leg of a patient shown in broken lines;

Figure 2 is a medial perspective view of the knee bandage of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective side view of the upper cuff and upper frame member only of Figure 1 in a dissociated relationship;

Figure 4 is a medial perspective view of the upper cuff and upper frame member only of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the upper cuff and upper frame member of Figure 1 positioned on a leg;

Figure 6 is an inside perspective view of a portion of the upper cuff of Figure 1;

Figure 7a is an inside side elevation view of the upper cuff of Figure 4;

Figure 7b is a schematic view in interior side elevation of the cuff of Figure 7a showing the tensioning thereof;

Figure 7c is a top plan view along line 7c-7c of Figure 7a;

Figure 8 is an interior perspective view of the hinge assembly and respective parts of the joined upper and lower frame members of Figure 1;

Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the articulation assembly and frame members of Figure 8;

Figures 10a and 10b are perspective views of the inner and outer sides of the hinge assembly of Figure 8; and Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the joint assembly of Figure 10a.

Detailed description of the invention

Referring first to Figures 1-5, a knee bandage 10 (Figure 1) is shown placed on a leg 12 of a human. The bandage 10 has an upper frame element 14 and a lower frame element 16, each such frame element 14, 16 having fixed thereon a respective cuff 18, 20 for arrangement around the member structures above. and below the knee joint 22. Each cuff 18, 20 has a structure with a curvilinear wall, which can be non-limitingly manufactured from a polymer plastic, for juxtaposition with the respective member structures as shown. A

ES 2 339 848 T3 pressure patella protective cup 24 may be included as shown for specific absorption of the impact that may occur in the knee joint patella 22.

Knee bandage 10 is held in place on leg 12 with respective upper and lower fasteners 26, 28 each respectively wrapped around an adjacent back of leg 12. While Figures 2-5 show only the upper fixing element 26, it is understood that the following description thereof applies equally to the lower fixing element 28. Therefore, the fixation element 26 includes a medial piece 30 and a side piece 32, each of them fixed at the outer edges thereof to an elastomeric center piece 34 disposed behind the medial and lateral pieces 30, 32. Respective inner edges 40, 42 of the medial and lateral pieces 30, 32 are provided with eyelets 44 through which a length of a non-elastomeric loop 46 is interlaced in substantially the same way as a shoe is laced to thereby allow drag. of each inner edge 40, 42 towards each other. As those skilled in the art will recognize, hook and loop fasteners (eg VELCRO) or other appropriate coupling elements may be employed in place of the length of loop 46. Finally, elastomer centerpiece 34 is attached along a overall central vertical length 48 thereof to a linear section (not shown) located behind the central piece 34 thus allowing flexible movement of the medial and lateral pieces 30, 32.

Side piece 32 is releasably attached to upper cuff 18 and upper frame member 14 respectively, and medial piece 30 is releasably attached to upper frame member 14 and medial condyle 52, all by means of tabs. 54 quick release located within the respective notches 56. As shown, each tab 54 is provided with a push button to receive a finger 58, which when squeezed, allows removal of the tab 54 from the notch 56. In operation, the bandage 10 is placed in place of the limb. of a user and is placed around the structures of the member involved. At the time of first donning the bandage 10, the loop 46 is tightened with an appropriate tension while the center piece 34 increases the surface area on the leg 12 to distribute the pressure and avoid pulling from the leg 12 such that the fist 18 is properly kept in place. Once tying has been done the first time, no re-tying is required while wearing the bandage. Specifically, when a user wants to remove the bandage, the user simply pressed inwards on the pressure buttons 58 of the tabs located only laterally or preferably medially 54 to release these tabs 54 from their respective notches 56 and remove the bandage 10 from leg 12. It is important to note that the above-described tongue release does not require increased tension on the leg and is therefore both safe and comfortable. Subsequent repositioning of bandage 10 merely requires donning the bandage as previously positioned and reattaching previously disengaged tabs 54 within their respective notches 56. This reconnection does not need contact, or adjustment, with the loop 46 or centerpiece 34, and therefore ensures proper bandage placement without difficult, and quite possibly incorrect, bandage 10 orientation. Since the medial connection involves the connection to the medial condyle 52 which is, naturally, at the point of articulation of the upper and lower frame elements 14, 16 thus allowing a closer positioning of the fixation element 26 to the joint of the body. , thus improving the support of the joint. While the lateral condyle 60 does not support a connecting element, it is understood that such a construction can be provided, if desired.

The construction of the cuffs 18, 20 is illustrated in Figures 6-7c. Both the upper cuff 18 and the lower cuff 20 are substantially identical in construction except for overall size since, of course, the lower cuff 20 surrounds a portion of the smaller diameter member below the knee joint 22. As is particularly represented in Figures 6 and 7a with respect to the upper cuff 18, the following description of which also applies to the lower cuff 20, the cuff 18 has two tensioning strap elements 62, integral therewith and arranged within respective sleeves. non-continuous 64, 66 which are structurally a part of cuff 18 and which converge towards each other medially. Each strap element 62, which is preferably made of titanium, stainless steel, or a similar material having similar tensioning properties, continues medially within the cuff assembly 68 which functions to secure the cuff 18 to the upper frame member 14. Finally, a respective externally accessible threaded screw 70 extends into each strap element 62 to adjust the tension in each strap element 62 and simultaneously adjust the arc defined by the upper cuff 18. Thus, a clockwise turn of screw 70 incrementally drags the lateral end of strap member 62 medially to curvilinearly tighten cuff 18, while a counterclockwise turn of the screw clock 70 incrementally releases the lateral end of the strap member 62 to curvilinearly loosen the cuff 18. Functionally, the bandage 10 fits a patient by wrapping the cuffs around the respective limb structures above and below the knee joint 22 as seen in Figure 1. Once the upper cuff 18 is positioned around the member frame, the screws 70 are threadedly advanced to thereby cause movement of the lateral end of the cuff 18, as illustrated in Figures 7b and 7c, against the frame. of the element when the strip elements 62 are forced to bend towards the structure of the surrounded member. Continued advancement of the screw increases the tightening of the cuff 18 against the encircled limb structure to thereby achieve superior anchorage and fit of the bandage 10 and consequent stabilization of the knee joint 22. As noted earlier herein Document, the lower cuff 20 is constructed in the same way as the upper cuff 18 and therefore surrounds and embraces the limb structure below the knee joint 22 in a similar manner.

Referring to Figures 8-11, there is illustrated the hinge assembly 72 which joins the upper and lower frame members 14, 16. The assembly 72 includes an upper housing 74 and a lower housing 76 that fit, respectively, in the interior of a complementary shaped hole 78 of the frame member

ES 2 339 848 T3 upper 14 and a complementary shaped hole 80 of the lower frame member 16. Once thus positioned, covers 82, 84 are held in place with conventional screws 86 in place respectively passing through holes 88a, 88b and 90a, 90b. Lateral condyle 60 resides between assembly 72 and knee joint 22. Both the upper and lower housings 74, 76 have two respective holes 92a, 92b and 94a, 94b each provided with respective side walls 96 shaped to accommodate a spherical shape. Disposed between two holes 92b, 94a of housings 74, 76 is a front arm member 98 having first and second generally perpendicular angled ends 100a, 100b that can be directed toward holes 92b, 94a. Similarly, a rear arm member 102 having first and second globally perpendicular angled ends 104a, 104b is disposed between two holes 92a, 94b of housings 74, 76 so that ends 104a, 104b can be directed toward ports 92a, 94b. A cable assembly 106 includes a cable 108 that extends from the upper housing 74 to a portion of the upper edge 110 through an opening 112 in the rear arm member 102 and is provided with a conventional set screw 114 at one end of the same to extend or shorten the length of the cable 108 arranged between the rear arm member 102 and the upper housing 74. Such a length adjustment is achieved with an Allen nut inserted into the openable channel 116 leading to the adjustment screw 114. Since the upper housing 74 resides within the upper frame member 14, the cable 108 functions as a hinge extension limiter to determine the distance of travel of the upper frame member 14 from the hinge and hence the articulation distance of the upper and lower frame members 14, 16 relative to each other. A hole 126 may be provided in the cap 82 so that the progressive placement of the lead 108 can be observed externally and such an arrangement can be used identically on both the lateral and medial sides. The cable 108 provides two additional benefits, first, by an infinite adjustability of the articulation distance, as opposed to the previously dimensioned stop elements of the prior art, because it allows maximum flexibility in the extension of the leg and, second , because the cable itself has a damping, or minimal tension, an effect that results in a softer extension stop and therefore a lower risk of trauma to the joint.

As described above, the side walls 96 of the holes 92a, 92b, and 94a, 94b are shaped to accommodate spherical shapes. As clearly illustrated in Figure 11, spherical sleeves 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d are disposed in these holes 92a, 92b and 94a, 94b in the constructed assembly 72 and each such sleeve accepts the respective end in a perpendicular angle of the front and rear arm elements 98, 102. Each angled end 100a 100b, 104a 104b has an opening 120 through which it engages a transverse opening in each of the sleeves 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d such that respective pins 124 can pass through such mating openings and retaining angled ends 100a 100b, 104a 104b within sleeves 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d. Due to the spherical interface between each of the sleeves 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d and each side wall 96, a multiplanar movement of the upper and lower frame members 14, 16 relative to each other can be achieved. In particular, the different points of articulation provided thereby allow for different degrees of articulation as necessary for both the lateral and medial sides to thereby stimulate actual movement of the knee joint. That is, naturally, in contrast to flat parallel joints such as those found in the prior art where the knee joint and limb structures of a user are forced to conform to the construction of the knee bandage instead. that the knee bandage is tailored to the user's needs. The present knee bandage 10, due to the multiplanar and potentially different articulation relationships and consequently the multiplanar movement capabilities of the lower frame member 16 relative to the upper frame member 14, provides for automatic alignment of the tibia and an automatic anatomical change over time accommodating anatomical differences between different users. These properties carry out all the important positive three-point placements in the quadriceps muscle, the gastrocnemius (calf) muscle, and the knee joint itself. In this way, stabilization and support of a joint articulation joint takes place economically, through a bandage “available from stock” and, simultaneously, more effectively through the capabilities of continuous self-alignment combined with a firm stability of the limb structure.

While an illustrative and presently preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in detail, it is understood that the inventive concepts may be realized and employed in various other ways and in which the scope of protection is defined by the appended claims.