AU2008202951A9

AU2008202951A9 - Therapeutic brace garment

Info

Publication number: AU2008202951A9
Application number: AU2008202951A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Natalie Bennett-Bremner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-07-03
Filing date: 2008-07-03
Publication date: 2011-05-26
Also published as: AU2011201309C1; AU2011201309A1; AU2008202951A1; AU2008202951A2; AU2011201309B2

Description

Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT APPLICANT: Natalie Bennett-Bremner NUMBER: FILING DATE: INVENTION TITLE: THERAPEUTIC BRACE GARMENT The following statement Is a full description of this Invention, Including the best method of performing It known to me: - -2 THERAPEUTIC BRACE GARMENT Field of the Invention This invention relates to therapeutic garments, and in particular, to a therapeutic brace garment. Whilst the invention may be applied to the treatment of any medical condition that would benefit from some form of bracing or strapping, for convenience sake it shall be described herein in terms of a therapeutic brace garment used primarily for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, in particular, hypermobility syndrome in children. Background to the Invention There are many medical conditions that necessitate, or would benefit from, a more stable bracing applied to parts of the human body. For example, hypermobility syndromes in children are a group of musculoskeletal disorders resulting from increased connective tissue extensibility. Specific disorders which cause hypermobility include Benign Joint Hypermobility Syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Stickler Syndrome and Marfan's Syndrome. Complications of these conditions include recurrent joint subluxations and dislocations, sprains and strains, synovitis and bursitis. Chronic pain, tendinitis and arthralgia, fatigue and muscle weakness are also common symptoms. Other examples of medical conditions requiring or benefiting from bracing include hypermobility disorders, joint subluxations, postural conditions, juvenile arthropathies and juvenile spondyloarthropathies. Traditional and unsophisticated taping or strapping methods and devices are often used by adults suffering these conditions to stabilise a joint segment, particularly as part of a physiotherapy treatment program. However children and adolescents (as well as some adults) with hypermobility syndromes often have sensitive skin, fragile skin or allergies which render them unable to tolerate taping and cumbersome strapping being applied to their skin.

-3 Aside from traditional taping there are also a variety of braces on the market. Most, current braces cater for adult orthopaedic conditions, paediatric cerebral palsy and neuromuscular conditions, with none being specifically designed for use in the treatment of hypermobility syndromes or tailored for children. Most orthopaedic braces are made of a neoprene sleeve with elasticised straps which are designed to encompass a specific joint. The newer braces for children with neurological conditions involve whole body segments, for example, the entire leg to the trunk. Orthopaedic braces generally have a thick neoprene sleeve with tractional straps overlayed. These localised braces provide stability of a local joint, however, they are made from neoprene which is contraindicated for the skin of many of these patients. In addition, some current bracing systems need to be constantly re-fitted and re adjusted every time the user changes position, such as from standing to sitting. The bracing systems also involve many straps passing over one or more body segments and are, thus, quite cumbersome and too extensive for the needs of a sufferer of a hypermobility disorder due to their skin fragility. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a therapeutic brace garment including a contoured body portion contoured to fit a specific body part and at least one contoured sleeve portion comprising at least one supportive strap which provides a comfortable garment for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and reduces the need for constant re-fitting and re-adjustment of the garment. Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a therapeutic brace garment including: a contoured body portion made of at least one piece of material; at least one contoured sleeve portion; at least one supportive strap; and at least one attachment means whereby the therapeutic brace garment provides a comfortable garment for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and reduces the need for constant re-fitting and re-adjustment of the garment. The garment is made of a low irritation material which provides a taut fitting garment with inherent bracing characteristics that closely contour the body, wherein the -4 pieces of the body portion are joined together via an external join/seam to prevent irritation to the underlying skin. It is preferred that the sleeve portion(s) is/are made from lycra and/or microfibre. Preferably, the sections of the body portion covering areas of the skin prone to sweating, rubbing or infection, such as the groin and underarm region are made of a fabric adapted to breathe and prevent infection. The strap members(s) is/are made of an elasticised material, wherein the strap(s) is/are adapted to be fixed permanently to the garment at one end and releasably attached to the garment at the other end. Preferably, the elasticised strap is adapted to pass through an aperture of the sleeve portion such that the sleeve positions and contours the elasticised strap on the body portion and thus controls the direction(s) of the pull exerted by the elasticised strap. It is preferred that the sleeve portion(s) is/are sewn onto the outer surface of the body portion or the garment to prevent irritation to the skin positioned so that the correct line of tractional pull is exerted. The attachment means is in the form of a fabric fastener attachment panel. Preferably, the degree of force of tractional pull exerted by the straps can be adjusted by provided various attachment points. The therapeutic brace garment may preferably further include at least one implanted devices to treat hypersensitivity or peripheral neuropathy that can be kept with a pocket or the like on the body portion. In order that the invention may be more readily understood we will describe by way of non-limiting example of a specific embodiment thereof. Brief Description of the Drawing Figures Figure 1 A & Bshows the therapeutic brace garment in the form of a vest according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 A & Bshows the therapeutic brace garment in the form of shorts according to an embodiment of the invention.

-5 Figure 3 A & Bshows the therapeutic brace garment in the form of a scoliosis garment according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 A to D shows the therapeutic brace garment in the form of a sock according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 A to C shows the therapeutic brace garment in the form of pants according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 6 shows a diagrammatic illustration of the therapeutic brace garment in the form of a vest according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 7 shows a diagrammatic illustration of the therapeutic brace garment in the form of a scoliosis garment according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 8 shows a diagrammatic illustration of the therapeutic brace garment in the form of pants according to an embodiment of the invention. Description of a Preferred Embodiment of the Invention The invention provides a therapeutic brace garment 1 including a contoured body portion 10 contoured to fit a specific body part and at least one contoured sleeve portion 20 comprising at least one supportive strap 30 which provides a comfortable garment for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders which reduces the need for constant re-fitting and re-adjustment of the garment. A major benefit of the invention is that it provides joint and limb segment stability without causing skin irritation, and also it is more streamlined to the body than other conventional braces. The therapeutic brace garment of the invention does not require constant re-fitting and/or re-adjustment when the patient changes position. In addition, the positioning of the inserts and supportive straps are specific to needs of a hypermobile individual. The therapeutic brace garment 1 and/or its components can preferably be made of any suitable materials or textiles so long as they meet the requirements of the invention. It is envisaged that the shape, size and dimensions of the garment and/or its components may also be varied to suit different users and/or applications. In -6 particular, the thickness or the composition of textiles and elastic material may preferably vary according to the user and/or condition being treated. The therapeutic brace garment 1 has provided a body portion 10. Preferably, the body portion is made of a lycra material. Lycra provides for a low irritation material and well as providing for a taut fitting garment with inherent bracing characteristics that closely contour the body. Additionally, it is lightweight and thin to provide a garment which is not overly cumbersome to wear and can be easily concealed beneath standard clothing. However, it is envisaged that any other suitable material may also be employed. It is envisaged that the sections of the body portion 10 covering areas of the skin prone to sweating, rubbing or infection, such as the groin and underarm region, may be made of an alternative fabric in the form of a gusset 35, preferably one adapted to breathe and prevent infection such as antibacterial impregnated cotton. Preferably, the body portion 10 is adapted to cover a particular portion of the user's body. For example, if the knees and hips are required to be braced, then the invention can be in the form of a pair of long length shorts to cover the knee and hip regions. This can provide for specific targeted treatment preventing the over treatment that would otherwise occur with a full suited garment. It is envisaged that the body portion 10 is made of at least one piece of material which is attached together to form the body portion. The pieces are preferably sewn together whereby the join/seam is preferably an external join/seam so as not to cause irritation to the underlying skin. The body is made more than a single piece of material to provide a closer fit to the body's natural contour. However, in further embodiment of the invention it is envisaged that the body portion 10 may be formed from a single piece of material. The therapeutic brace garment has provided at least one sleeve portion 20. The sleeve portion(s) 20 is/are made from lycra and/or microfibre. However, it is envisaged that any other suitable material may also be employed. Each sleeve 20 includes a supportive strap member 30. The strap(s) 30 is/are adapted to be fixed permanently to the garment at one end and releasably attached to the garment at the other end. The supportive strap member 30 is preferably made of an elasticised material or any other suitable material. Preferably, the elasticised supportive strap 30 is adapted to pass through an aperture of the sleeve portion 20 such that the sleeve positions and contours the elasticised strap 30 on the body portion 10 and -7 thus controls the direction(s) of the pull exerted by the elasticised strap 30. For example, if a shoulder is required to be braced in a more posterior position then the sleeve(s) would be positioned over the shoulder and back, allowing the inserted elasticised strap(s) 30 to pull the shoulder back. Preferably, the sleeve portion(s) 20 are sewn onto the outer surface of the body portion 10 or the garment 1 to prevent irritation to the skin. It is envisaged that the length of the sleeve portion 20 may vary depending on positioning of the elasticised strap 30 and ensuring that the correct line of tractional pull is exerted. In an alternative embodiment, it is envisaged that numerous sleeve portions 20 may be provided to hold one elasticised strap 30 in place. The elasticised strap 30 is attached to the garment 1 permanently at one end 31 and releasably attached to the garment 1 at the other end 32. The tractional pull of an elasticised strap 30 is exerted when the releasably attached end 32 of the elasticised strap 30 is attached to the garment 1 by an attachment means 33. It is preferred that the attachment means 33 is in the form of a fabric fastener, such as Velcro @ or any other suitable clip or fastening device. It is preferred that the attachment means 33 is adapted to allow for adjustment of the degree of force of tractional pull exerted by the elasticised strap(s) 30. The adjustment capabilities can be provided by various attachment points being provided along the length and the direction of the elasticised strap 30. In practice, a user would typically dress in the garment and the positioning and tensioning of the elasticised strap(s) 30 would be adjusted as required. Preferably, the elasticised strap(s) 30 are replaceable such that if they lose their elasticity they can be removed and replaced with a new elasticised strap. Preferably, the thickness and width of elasticised straps may vary dependent on the age and size of the user and the amount of tension required. In a further embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that the therapeutic brace garment 1 may have provided implanted devices (not shown) used to treat hypersensitivity or peripheral neuropathy. By way of example, the devices may preferably include, but not limited to, devices which produce heat and cold for short bursts, or trans-electro neuromuscular stimulator devices. The body portion 10 of the garment preferably has provided at least one pocket (not shown) or the like positioned in a location suitable for a specific form of treatment.

-8 In a first embodiment, the therapeutic brace garment preferably provides a spiral thigh brace garment (shown in figures 1 and 8) in the form of capri length lycra pants with antibacterial impregnated cotton gusset. An external lycra sleeve 20 is attached to the body portion 10. Beginning on the distal medial thigh, the sleeve 20 preferably passes diagonally up the thigh in a spiral orientation. The lycra sleeve 20 preferably finishes over the lateral aspect of the hip approximately level with the gluteus medius muscle origin. An elasticised strap 30 passes through the lycra sleeve 20 originating at the medial distal thigh and exiting the sleeve 20 at the lateral hip. Preferably, there are two attachment panels 33 provided on the lateral hip and postero-lateral buttock region. The first adhesive attachment panel 33 is positioned next to the end of the lycra sleeve 20 at the hip. The elasticised strap 30 adheres to this attachment panel 33 and is used to prevent the end of the elastic strap 30 slipping back into the lycra sleeve 20. The elasticised strap 30 is then pulled to the second Velcro panel 33 when the brace is worn to achieve maximal pull into a position of external rotation in order to prevent excessive internal rotation of the femur. In a second embodiment, the therapeutic brace garment 1 provides a shoulder stability garment in the form of a sleeveless lycra vest (shown in figures 2 and 6). Two sleeves 20 comprising elasticised straps 30 are sewn onto both shoulder regions. Preferably, the elasticised straps 30 inside the sleeves 20 originate from the anterior shoulder and pass over the shoulder superiorly, moving in a diagonal direction across the posterior shoulder girdle to preferably attach to an attachment panel 33 which is positioned in line with the inferior angle of the scapula. Preferably, the straps 30 are bilateral. This embodiment may further include two additional sleeves 20 with elasticised straps 30 positioned, posteriorly, directly down the centre of the vest, such that they overlay the vertebral column approximately at the T3-T7 region. The shoulder stability brace garment 1 is designed to improve the position and stability of the shoulder and improve general trunk posture. In a third embodiment (shown in figures 3 and 7), the invention provides a scoliosis suit in the form of a two piece garment suitable for the treatment of scoliosis, comprising a vest and shorts. Preferably, elasticised straps 30 inside a sewn-on lycra sleeve 20 are adapted to originate from the anterior shoulder, pass over the shoulder superiorly and move in a diagonal direction across the posterior shoulder girdle to preferably attach to an attachment panel 33 positioned in line with the inferior angle of the scapula. Preferably, a second elasticised strap 30 is adapted to pass from the lateral trunk, inferior to the armpit, around the lateral chest wall to be -9 level with the inferior angle of the scapula. These straps 30 are unilateral, with the positioning of the straps 30 dependent on the direction of the abnormal rotation of the spine so that the elasticised straps 30 can counteract the abnormal rotation in the thoracic region. Preferably, the lycra shorts are body contoured with a cotton gusset. Posteriorly, they comprise a reinforced wedge shape of material that is approximate in orientation to that of the sacrum. The elasticised strap 30 system on the lycra shorts is provided on the contra-lateral side relative to the position of the vest elasticised straps 30. The two sewn-on lycra sleeves 20 originate approximately four centimetres anterior to the anterior superior illiac spine. Preferably, the first strap 30 passes laterally around the hip and is attached midway across the wedge shape posteriorly. The second strap 30 preferably passes laterally relative to the hip and passes on a more diagonal orientation (backward and downward) to be attached lower on the wedge posteriorly. These straps 30 are designed to counteract the abnormal compensatory rotation that occurs in the lumbar spine in scoliosis. The scoliosis suit acts to reduce the pain associated with scoliosis by improving trunk and back posture. In a fourth embodiment (as shown in figure 4), the garment is an anti-torsion shock to reduce tibial torsion and internal rotation of the foot. Sock-like garment from toes to proximal calf. In the particular variation of the embodiment presented in Figure 4 B, two straps 30 pass from the ball of the foot, up the front of the foot, crossover and insert on the back of the garment near proximal calf. Another strap 30 starts on the planar surface of the ball of the foot and inserts on the lateral aspect of the garment level with the lower leg. A third strap 30 passes from the lateral border of the fifth metatarsal and inserts on the medical aspect of the sock level with the heel. The garment externally rotates the lower leg and foot and averts the foot. While we have described herein particular embodiments of a therapeutic brace garment 1, it is further envisaged that other embodiments of the invention could exhibit any number and combination of any one of the features previously described. However, it is to be understood that any variations and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

Claims

1. A therapeutic brace garment including: a contoured body portion made of at least one piece of material; at least one contoured sleeve portion; at least one supportive strap; and at least one attachment means whereby the therapeutic brace garment provides a comfortable garment for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and reduces the need for constant re-fitting and re-adjustment of the garment.

2. A therapeutic brace garment as claimed in claim 1 wherein the garment is made of a low irritation material which provides a taut fitting garment with inherent bracing characteristics that closely contour the body.

3. A therapeutic brace garment as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pieces of the body portion are joined together via an external join/seam to prevent irritation to the underlying skin.

4. A therapeutic brace garment as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sleeve portion(s) is/are made from lycra and/or microfibre.

5. A therapeutic brace garment as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sections of the body portion covering areas of the skin prone to sweating, rubbing or infection, such as the groin and underarm region are made of a fabric adapted to breathe and prevent infection.

6. A therapeutic brace garment as claimed in claim 1 wherein the strap members(s) is/are made of an elasticised material.

7. A therapeutic brace garment as claimed in claim 1 wherein the strap(s) is/are adapted to be fixed permanently to the garment at one end and releasably attached to the garment at the other end.

8. A therapeutic brace garment as claimed in claim 1 wherein the elasticised strap is adapted to pass through an aperture of the sleeve portion such that the sleeve positions and contours the elasticised strap on the body portion and thus controls the direction(s) of the pull exerted by the elasticised strap . - 11

9. A therapeutic brace garment as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sleeve portion(s) is/are sewn onto the outer surface of the body portion or the garment to prevent irritation to the skin positioned so that the correct line of tractional pull is exerted.

10. A therapeutic brace garment as claimed in claim 1 wherein the attachment means is in the form of a fabric fastener attachment panel.

11. A therapeutic brace garment as claimed in claim 1 wherein the degree of force of tractional pull exerted by the straps can be adjusted by provided various attachment points.

12. A therapeutic brace garment as claimed in claim 1 which further includes at least one implanted devices to treat hypersensitivity or peripheral neuropathy that can be kept with a pocket or the like on the body portion.

13. A therapeutic brace garment as substantially described herein with reference to the above examples and drawing figures.