DE102007003515A1 - Orthopedic supporting unit e.g. wrist bandage, has evaluation unit connected with sensors and provided for processing measured values at part of body, where sensors are formed for determining pressure in pad of guiding device - Google Patents

Abstract

The unit has a guiding device provided for attachment to a part of a body and provided for guiding the part of the body. Sensors (61-63) are provided for determining measured values at the part of the body. An evaluation unit (50) is connected with the sensors for processing the measured values, where the sensors are provided for determining pressure in a pad of the guiding device. A signal generator i.e. loudspeaker (58), is connected with the evaluation unit for outputting signals e.g. acoustic signals or vibration signals.

Description

The Invention relates to an orthopedic proppant, preferably a bandage or an orthosis, with a guide device, for attachment to a body part and to the leadership of the body part is trained.

such orthopedic proppant are known from the prior art in different variants. They serve the restoration or the maintenance of the operability the body part concerned, especially after injury or signs of wear in the body part. Generic orthopedic support means can be designed as bandages, where the guide device usually designed as textile surfaces is that of the shape of a body part are adjusted. This textile covering restricts the body part with respect to it Freedom of movement. Orthoses, however, have a guide device rigid or approximate rigid components that move with each other or immovable are connected. These rigid components, for example to the relevant body part adapted shells or rods, can in most orthoses to a limited extent against each other be moved to allow the patient freedom of movement. However, this freedom of movement is due to the orthosis on orthopedically meaningful movements limited.

bandages and orthoses exist for most body parts. Especially common they can be found in the neck area, on the arms, especially in the area the shoulder, the elbow joint and the wrist, at the hip, in the Knee area and at the hocks application.

When disadvantageous in the known from the prior art orthopedic proppants is considered to provide little flexibility to the patient as intended. For example, allows a knee orthosis, over a certain critical angle is not movable, a movement beyond this limit angle even if this would be orthopedically appropriate, for example to avoid a fall of the patient.

Task and solution

task The invention is to develop a generic orthopedic proppant to the effect that that there is a higher one Degree of flexibility offers without the orthopedic Effect is missing.

According to the invention this is by a generic orthopedic proppant achieved, which has at least one sensor for the detection of readings on the body part is formed, and which has an evaluation, the connected to the sensor and that for processing the measured values is trained.

One Orthopedic proppant according to the invention is suitable, the way in which it is used over the to detect at least one sensor and evaluate it via the evaluation unit. Preferably Find several sensors application that together a complete picture on the Offer type of use. Particularly preferred are sensors that capture the position and posture of the body part. In the event of An elbow bandage can over the Sensors detected, for example, the diffraction or extension and turning movements become. For a bandage for a wrist can the sensors for it be trained, dorsiflexion and palmar flexion and abduction capture. In a knee brace orthosis is a measurement of the diffraction appropriate. Next such sensors that measure the position and posture of the body part, Sensors are also conceivable, the temperature or skin moisture determine. The measured values of the sensor or sensors can be from the evaluation unit is analyzed to determine whether the patient, the orthopedic proppant uses that body part in an orthopedic meaningful way used and charged. In addition to bandages and orthoses are also other supportive agents such as compression stockings of the invention.

In the case of bandages or bandage parts of orthoses, the sensors are preferably sewn between different layers of bandages so that they are protected against impacts from the outside and have no direct skin contact. Particularly preferred are sensors for detecting a measuring section, these sensors are preferably strain sensors, such as strain gauges. These sensors for detecting a measuring distance or an elongation make it possible to indirectly detect the movement in a body joint by directly detecting the relative movement of orthotic components and / or the stretching of the textile material of a bandage. The use of strain gauges is due to the avail- availability and flexibility and low cost appropriate. In orthoses, the sensors are preferably designed to detect the relative position of two rigid components, such sensors being present, for example, in the form of simple potentiometers, in the case of joints, preferably in the form of rotary potentiometers. These sensors make it possible to detect the relative position of the components, in particular the pivotal position of the components relative to one another. Furthermore, it is expedient to use sensors which are suitable for pressure measurement. Such sensors can, for example, within a Pad or a pad can be used. Particularly advantageous is the use of pressure sensors in liquid-filled or gel-filled pads or upholstery, since in hydrostatic pressure increases in these under load, which is well detected by pressure sensors.

The Evaluation unit is also preferably in the bandage between inserted several textile layers, wherein an access to the exchange of data between the evaluation unit and an external controller and is preferably provided for the exchange of an energy storage.

Especially preferred are those orthopedic Proppant, in which a signal generator is provided which communicates with the evaluation unit is connected and for the delivery of signals, preferably of acoustic Signals or vibration signals is formed. Such a signal generator can depend on the result to which the evaluation unit evaluates the measured values arrives, one for the patient perceived feedback produce. This feedback allows the patient to recognize if the current use, especially the position of the body part is disadvantageous. For example, it may be provided that at Achievement of an orthopedic adverse bending angle in a joint an audible signal sounds. The evaluation unit or a program running in it can also be designed so that they are the measurements of the load over a longer period involved in the evaluation, so that an audible signal as Note that after a period of Joint load should now follow a rest phase. The usage an acoustic signal generator is a particularly simple and inexpensive variant. It may be more advantageous to use a vibration unit, as it is known for example from mobile phones. This offers the advantage of that feedback reached only the patient himself and not detectable for his environment is.

The Combination of an orthopedic proppant with the described sensor and evaluation, preferably directly into the proppant added are so that the handling of the proppant is not or hardly changed, is considered very useful. The proppant takes over thereby its orthopedic function in two ways. It hinders to harm the patient Moves and alerts him to others, less harmful Movements.

The Evaluation within the evaluation unit is preferably carried out by a comparison of a detected measured value or a plurality of detected measured values, the above Calculation formulas are linked, with a predetermined limit or several limits. This Limit value is representative of an orthopedic problematic Be joint movement.

Especially It is advantageous if the evaluation unit and the signal generator are designed for the delivery of various signals, the various Signals in dependence the degree of transgression of the limit value. The signals are different preferably with regard to their comprehensibility and intensity. Readings which signal that the corresponding body part or Kör pergelenk only a little too heavily loaded, can therefore be inconspicuous as measured values, which is a drastic overuse of the corresponding body part or joints signal. With acoustic signal transmitters this can Differentiation for example over the volume or pitch and for vibrating signal transmitters, the strength or frequency of the vibration.

A Another advantageous embodiment provides that at least two Signalers are provided, which are arranged at different locations of the support means are and individually according to the nature of the patient's miscarriage or jointly controlled. This allows the patient to clearly state to what extent his movement or attitude to correct.

Especially preferred are orthopedic proppants, where the limit is adjustable. This allows it to be on the specifically addressing the patient's specific needs. While, for example, a certain angle of diffraction in a knee of a first patient unproblematic, the same diffraction angle can be at another Patients in orthopedic Be avoidable. In an orthopedic proppant with a plurality of sensors is preferred that is moreover adjustable, which sensors are to be taken into account by the evaluation unit. Also this serves to adapt the orthopedic support means to different patients. So can such an orthopedic proppant include a variety of sensors by the prescriber or the Orthopedic mechanic entrusted with it only partially activated because the readings of the non-activated Sensors in orthopedic Regard to a specific patient, provide no relevant data. Thus, in a variety individually different orthopedic Purposes of the same bandages or Orthesentyp be usable, giving high volumes and a low Price allows.

The orthopedic support means, in particular the evaluation unit, preferably has one Interface for connection to an external control device, preferably an industrial PC, on. The use of an external control device allows the adjustment of the orthopedic support means adapted to the individual patient in a convenient manner. Preferably, it is a wireless interface, as it disturbing connections are avoided on the drum. Such a wireless interface can be designed as an induction interface or radio interface. Particularly preferred is a Bluetooth interface, since the corresponding radio modules are very cheap available because of their widespread use. In contrast, cable-based interfaces provide the advantage of high reliability and high data transmission speed. Particularly preferred is the use of a USB interface or a mini-USB interface, since they have comparatively small plugs and sockets. Furthermore, such USB interfaces are usually already present on today's computers, so that no further adapted upgrading of the computers used for this purpose is required.

at In a further development of the invention, the evaluation unit is a memory assigned to be stored in the acquired measured values. The memory allowed it thus, even the burdens and movements in the past for one To use evaluation. As a result, the evaluation unit can also recognize if at a specified interval the burdens of the corresponding body part or body joints in the sum are too high. Furthermore, the memory allows one the physician looking after the patient, to see if the orthopedic prophylactic at all and / or in the right way. The memory is preferably designed as a flash memory, so that the energy consumption is low and the risk of data loss is low.

at a development of the invention, the evaluation is about a Switch activatable, which operatively coupled with a locking mechanism of the support means is. The switch prevents the orthopedic support continuously consumes electricity. By the active coupling of the switch with a closure mechanism of the support means can be dispensed with be used to selectively activate the evaluation unit when applying the support means. Instead, the switch is automatically actuated when the proppant is created. This can for example in the case of a zipper thereby done that the slider of the zipper in its closed End position on the side panels attached contacts with each other.

Brief description of the drawings

Further Advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated by the drawings. there shows:

1 a schematic representation of the electronic components of an orthopedic proppant according to the invention,

2 a wrist bandage according to the invention,

3 an elbow bandage according to the invention,

4 an ankle support according to the invention,

5 an epicondylitis clasp according to the invention,

6 a cervical support according to the invention,

7 a knee bandage according to the invention,

8th a knee orthosis according to the invention and

9 . 10 two back bandages according to the invention.

Detailed description the embodiments

1 shows the electronics of an orthopedic proppant according to the invention. This electronics includes an evaluation unit 50 which together with a power supply 52 as well as a memory 54 in an only schematically indicated control unit 40 is arranged. With the evaluation unit 50 connected and in the control unit 40 integrated are still a USB interface 56 as well as a speaker 58 ,

At the evaluation unit 50 it is preferably a commercially available microprocessor, for example, a Dragonball processor, the processing power of the microprocessor plays a subordinate role due to the low requirements. The microprocessor preferably combines not only the processor core but also a memory controller and a USB controller as well as outputs for controlling the loudspeaker 58 or another signal generator, so that only a minimum of separate components is needed. At the energy storage 52 it is preferably a button cell. Alternative embodiments can also be a rechargeable battery as an energy store, wherein it is particularly preferred in such a case when either the interface 56 can be used to charge the rechargeable battery or an inductive recharging option for the battery is given.

The memory 54 is preferably a flash memory, since it does not lose its memory contents when the power supply is interrupted. Furthermore, the energy consumption of flash memory during writing and reading operations is very low. In most embodiments of the invention, a small memory of 1 MByte or less may suffice. However, in special cases in which the patient's movement sequences are to be recorded completely using a large number of sensors, it may be expedient to use larger storage modules in the GB range. The memory may be formed as an integrated unit of the microprocessor.

At the USB interface 56 It is either a standard USB interface or a mini-USB interface. This allows the connection of the illustrated electronics to an external controller with a standard USB cable. In addition, the USB interface ensures a high transmission speed, at least in the design of the memory 54 with more than 1 MByte is advantageous.

With the speaker 58 It is a simple speaker that is designed only for the delivery of simple beeps.

With the evaluation unit are three sensors 61 . 62 . 63 connected, which are each strain gauges. These strain gauges are each at their ends 61a . 62a . 63a . 61b . 62b . 63b connected in a manner not shown with a fabric of a bandage, so that the elongation of this tissue and an elongation of the strain gauges 61 . 62 . 63 entails. This results in a change in the resistance of a provided on the strain gauge conductor, by the microprocessor 50 can be detected. By a convenient arrangement of the strain gauges in the tissue of a bandage or on the joints of an orthosis movement thus can be fully understood by a patient.

The illustrated electronics consists of inexpensive standard components, especially at high volumes at a price that is priced for elaborate bandages and orthotics not disturbing matters.

The illustrated electronics allow a variety of uses. The most important use is that via the sensors 61 . 62 . 63 it is detected how the patient uses the body part guided by a bandage or orthosis. Thus it can be recognized whether these movements lie beyond the orthopedically meaningful. By using multiple sensors, this evaluation can be done on a more reliable basis because individual sensors that do not respond as expected can be hidden. The evaluation is carried out by the evaluation unit 50 in which a program runs, preferably in memory 54 is stored. This program compares the measured values of the sensors 61 to 63 , optionally with the inclusion of a linking formula, with limit values, which are preferably determined depending on the patient. These limits are preferably also in memory 54 stored. If the evaluation has the result that the patient's orthopedic movement is detrimental, this will be through an output by the loudspeaker 58 signaled to the patient. The patient can correct his movement in response. The evaluation does not necessarily have to be done exclusively on the basis of the instantaneous measured values, but can also be past measured values in the memory 54 are included. For example, the evaluation unit can determine whether the stress on the joint over a longer period of time is too high and, if appropriate, output a corresponding signal in order to prompt the patient for a rest period.

The feedback on the speaker 58 represents an instruction for the patient to change his movement. Depending on the specific orthopedic proppant, the use of the in 1 even allow the support means to be made less rigid and allow the patient more freedom, as is ensured by the acoustic warning signals that he usually does not use these freedoms. However, the patient may decide at his own discretion whether to do an orthopedic, non-sensible exercise on a case-by-case basis. This can be particularly advantageous if such a movement serves, for example, the interception of a fall, which would otherwise result in greater damage.

The 2 to 8th show the concrete application of the in 1 shown electronics or comparable embodiments in different forms of orthoses and bandages.

2 shows a wrist bandage 120 by the relative position of a hand 110 a patient's forearm 112 is limited. The bandage 120 In the area of the palm of the hand, it extends into the forearm area stretching a rigid plastic rail 122 on and is otherwise made of a solid fabric. About Velcro closures 124 at the top the bandage is closed. The movement of the hand is governed by the rigid rail 122 limited. The hand is thereby in an orthopedic ideal position.

At the back end of the bandage 120 is on the rigid plastic rod 122 a control unit 140 attached. This comprises in a flat, preferably to a limited extent elastically deformable housing an evaluation unit, a power supply, memory and a speaker. The evaluation unit is via cable 70 . 72 with two strain gauges 161 connected, of which only the arranged on the palm of the strain gauges 161 in the presentation of 2 can be seen.

The evaluation unit, which is inside the control unit 140 can be arranged over the sensors 161 Detect if the hand is in the position indicated by the rigid plastic bar 122 is predetermined, or whether it is pivoted against the basic position. If the position of the hand becomes orthopedically problematic, a warning signal sounds from the loudspeaker.

3 shows an elbow bandage 220 at the elbow of one arm 210 a patient is created. One with a control unit 140 of the 2 comparable control unit 240 is on the outside of the bandage 220 intended. It is on the one hand with strain sensors 261 . 262 . 263 on the outside of the bandage 220 in the elbow area and on the other with a compression sensor 263 connected to the inside. Furthermore, there is a connection with a circumferentially arranged strain gauges 264 , which is attached to the bandage in the area of the forearm. The sensors 261 . 262 . 263 allow a determination of the flexion state of the elbow joint. If an unfavorable flexion angle of the elbow joint is achieved, an evaluation unit can be installed inside the control unit 240 generate a beep. Furthermore, the control unit 240 also with the sensor 264 connected by a muscle contraction in the forearm can be perceived.

At the foot bandage 320 of the 4 in the area of an ankle of a foot 310 of the patient is a control unit 340 laterally just above the ankle. This control device 340 is with two sensors 361 . 362 connected, which is an elongation or compression of a side section 322 the foot bandage 320 and thus indirectly a foot position of the foot 310 determine. The signal generator is in this embodiment as a separate vibration unit 358 trained as an acoustic signaling in the area of his foot would be difficult for the patient to perceive.

5 shows an epicondylitis clasp 420 attached to a forearm 410 a patient is created. This epicondylitis clasp is used to cure epicondylitis. It has for this purpose two dashed lines shown pads 422 on, on an inside of a bandage ring 424 are attached. The pads 422 are each filled with a gel. Inside the pads 422 are pressure sensors 461 . 462 provided that in a tension of the forearm the adjusting itself by muscle contraction pressure in the pads 422 capture and send to a controller 440 pass on. If the detected pressure exceeds a critical limit, the controller will 440 issued a warning signal.

6 shows a cervical support 520 on the neck 510 a patient is created. This cervical support 520 surrounds the neck 510 Completely. It has circumferentially arranged compression sensors 560 . 561 . 562 . 563 . 564 . 565 . 566 . 567 on, each with a arranged in the neck area control unit 540 are connected. The control unit 540 generates a beep when the readings from the sensors 560 . 561 . 562 . 563 . 564 . 565 . 566 . 567 exceed a critical limit. This is the case if the sensors deliver measured values that are characteristic of orthopedically unfavorable head posture.

In the embodiment of the 7 it is a knee bandage 620 attached to the upper and lower leg of a leg 610 is created. In this case, the sensors are in the form of strain sensors 661 . 662 attached to the front. They thus detect a flexion of the knee.

8th shows a knee brace 720 coming from a thigh section 722 , a lower leg section 724 as well as two the thigh section 722 and the lower leg section 724 connecting joints 726a . 726b consists. A control unit 740 is on the inside of the lower leg section 724 intended. It is with a vibration unit 758 as well as with two rotary potentiometers 761 . 762 in the joints 726a . 726b connected. If these joints are deflected into an orthopedically unfavorable area, then a vibration of the vibration unit 758 by an evaluation unit within the control unit 740 triggered.

9 and 10 each show back bandages 820 . 920 , Like the embodiments described above, these back bandages have control devices 840 . 940 on, by means of which the measured values of sensors 861 . 862 . 863 . 864 . 961 . 962 . 963 . 964 be evaluated. A malposition is in the case of the back bandage 820 through an in the control unit 840 integrated vibration signal transmitter signals. At the back bandage 920 are two vibration signal generators 958 . 959 provided, so that the evaluation unit is capable of, depending on the type of misalignment the left vibration signal generator 958 or the right vibration transducer 959 to activate. This allows a particularly clear instruction to the patient as to how he should correct his posture.

Claims (14)

Orthopedic proppant ( 110 ; 210 ; 310 ; 410 ; 510 ; 610 ; 710 ; 810 ; 910 ), preferably a bandage or orthosis, with guide means adapted for attachment to a body part ( 120 ; 220 ; 320 ; 420 ; 520 ; 620 ; 720 ) and for guiding the body part, characterized in that the support means - at least one sensor ( 61 . 62 . 63 ; 161 ; 261 . 262 . 263 . 264 ; 361 . 362 ; 461 . 462 ; 561 - 567 ; 661 . 662 ; 761 . 762 . 861 - 864 ; 961 - 964 ), which is designed to record measured values on the body part, and - an evaluation unit ( 50 ), which is connected to the sensor and which is designed to process the measured values. Orthopedic support means according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor ( 61 . 62 . 63 ; 161 . 261 . 262 . 263 . 264 ; 361 . 362 ; 461 . 462 ; 561 - 567 ; 661 . 662 ; 761 . 762 . 861 - 864 ; 961 - 964 ) for detecting the position and / or position of the body part ( 120 ; 220 ; 320 ; 420 ; 520 ; 620 ; 720 ) is trained. Orthopedic support means according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor ( 61 . 62 . 63 ; 161 . 261 . 262 . 263 . 264 ; 361 . 362 ; 561 - 567 ; 661 . 662 ; 761 . 762 . 861 - 864 ; 961 - 964 ) is designed for detecting a measuring path, wherein the sensor is preferably a strain sensor, in particular preferably a strain gauge. Orthopedic support means according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor ( 461 . 462 ) is designed for detecting a pressure, in particular for detecting a pressure in a pad ( 422 ) or a pad of the guide device. Orthopedic support means according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor ( 761 . 762 ) for detecting the relative position of two rigid components ( 722 . 724 ) of the guide device. Orthopedic support means according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a signal transmitter ( 58 ; 358 ; 758 ; 958 . 959 ); the with the evaluation unit ( 50 ) and which is designed for the delivery of signals, preferably of acoustic signals or vibration signals. orthopedic proppant according to claim 6, characterized in that the evaluation unit and the signal generator are designed to output signals when a detected by the evaluation unit measured value or a plurality detected Measured values exceed a specified limit. orthopedic proppant according to claim 7, characterized in that the evaluation unit and the signal generator are designed to output various signals, the different signals depending on the degree of exceeding the Limit value are delivered. orthopedic proppant according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the limit value is such is set, that a limit value exceeding the measured values then be detected by the sensors when the body part is in an orthopedic unwanted Position is. orthopedic proppant according to one of the claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the limit value adjustable is. orthopedic proppant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a A plurality of sensors, wherein the evaluation unit preferably with respect to the to be considered Sensors is adjustable. Orthopedic support means according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaluation unit has an interface ( 56 ) for connection to an external control device, preferably an industrial PC. Orthopedic support means according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaluation unit ( 50 ) a memory ( 54 ), are stored in the acquired measured values. orthopedic proppant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaluation unit via a switch is activated, which with a locking mechanism of the proppant is operatively coupled.