JP2020069189A - Posture maintaining device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a practical posture maintaining device which can smoothly support or assist the operation in the daily life of a kyphosis patient in the middle or old age and suppress the pain.SOLUTION: A posture maintaining device 1 includes: a trunk rigid orthosis 2 which is attached to a trunk part of a kyphosis patient whose trunk leans forward at the walking; a thigh orthosis 3 having a rigid pad 31 which is attached to one of the right and left front thigh parts and is bent into the arced shape, and a soft band 32 which attaches the rigid pad 31 to the front thigh part; an arthrosis joint 4 which rotatably connects a lower joint lever 6 to an upper joint lever 5, regulates a rotation range within a prescribed posture maintaining angle α at which the lower joint lever 6 faces the substantially vertical lower side, and switches between the lock state of braking the oscillation of the lower joint lever 6 within the posture maintaining angle α with the spring force and the non-lock state where the lower joint lever 6 within the posture maintaining angle α can rotate up to the angle facing the front upper side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a brace used for conservative treatment of spinal diseases, and more particularly to a posture maintaining device useful for gait disorders in middle-aged and kyphotic patients.

  Due to age-related degeneration of the intervertebral disc and deterioration of back muscle function, middle-aged and elderly patients often have kyphosis. Characteristic gait disorders in patients with kyphosis are pain in the lower back, heavy sensation, fatigue, and anteversion of the trunk that gradually worsen as walking time and walking distance increase (Non-Patent Document 1). Eccentric muscle contraction occurs due to increased anteflexion in the spine of the kyphosis patient during standing or walking, and this contraction mode is involved in the mechanism of pain in the kyphosis patient (Non-Patent Document 1). ).

  A corset for spinal column treatment disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known as an orthosis developed by focusing on the fact that the strength of the erector spinal column muscle is significantly reduced and the extension force of the spinal column is insufficient in age-related kyphosis. However, it is said that the technology can promote active spinal extension movements by self-powering by repeatedly pushing up the thorax in respiratory movements that repeat inspiration and expiration, and can reasonably strengthen muscles such as respiratory muscles and back muscles. The present invention provides a corset for treating the spinal column, and is not a device for supporting or assisting the walking movement of a patient with kyphosis.

JP, 2010-196, A

Go Nakamura, 2 others, "Symptomatology of Thoracic and Lumbar Postural Abnormalities", Spinal Spinal Journal, Miwa Shoten, 2013, Vol. 26, No. 6, p. 645-652

  Patients with kyphosis have endurance disorders such as not being able to stand long when standing, bending their hips with pain when standing, being unable to walk long when walking, and gradually bending forward when walking. It is recognized that the waist gradually bends and becomes unable to walk as walking time and walking distance increase.

  Gait disorders due to kyphosis have a great impact on the activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QOL) of the elderly, but the kyphosis of patients with kyphosis who are not candidates for surgery due to aging and complications There was no brace capable of supporting or assisting and suppressing the occurrence of pain. Up to now, a fixed brace after surgery for hip joint diseases and a brace designed to be used for rehabilitation have been developed (Patent Document 1, etc.), but in daily life such as standing, walking, and sitting in a kyphosis patient. It cannot be said that it is possible to smoothly support or assist movements.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and smoothly supports or assists movements in daily life of middle-aged kyphotic patients, while maintaining a practical posture capable of suppressing pain. The purpose is to provide a device.

The posture maintaining device of the present invention is
An upper joint rod fixed to the side part, and a torso rigid brace attached to the torso of a kyphosis patient whose trunk is inclined forward when walking,
An arcuate curved hard pad having a lower joint rod fixed to the side surface and applied to either the left or right front thigh, and the hard pad connected to the hard pad and wound from the rear thigh side. A thigh brace including a flexible band that is attached to the front thigh,
The lower joint rod is arranged laterally on the body and rotatably connects the lower joint rod to the upper joint rod, and the lower joint rod is limited to a predetermined posture maintaining angle in which the lower joint rod faces substantially vertically downward to limit the rotation range. Together with the spring state, the lock state in which the swing of the lower joint rod is braked within the posture maintaining angle by the spring force, and the unlocked state in which the lower joint rod within the posture maintaining angle is rotatable up to the angle facing the upper front side. Joint joint that switches to and
It is characterized by having.

The posture maintaining device of the present invention is preferably
An inverted L-shaped hook bent downward is provided in a protruding manner on the surface side middle abdomen of the lower joint rod.
A cable with a ring attached to the lower end is incorporated in the joint joint,
The ring is gripped, the cable is pulled and hooked on the hook to switch to the unlocked state, and the ring is removed from the hook and the lower joint rod is rotated substantially vertically downward to lock the lock. You may make it switch to a state.

  According to the posture maintenance device of the present invention, it is possible to smoothly support or assist the movements of the middle-aged and kyphotic patients in daily life in daily life, and suppress the pain during standing or walking. According to the posture maintaining device of the present invention, a kyphosis patient having a walking disorder can smoothly perform activities in daily life such as standing, walking for a long time, and sitting with his / her own muscle strength, and is easy to put on and take off. Yes, it can be used practically in daily life.

It is a front view of the posture maintenance device which is one embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the hard corset etc. which are shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a left side view of the posture maintaining device shown in FIG. 1. It is a right view of the posture maintenance apparatus shown in FIG. It is a rear view of the posture maintenance apparatus shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which showed simply an example of the lock pin incorporated in a joint joint. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a state in which the posture maintaining device shown in FIG. 1 is mounted. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a state in which the posture maintaining device shown in FIG. 1 is mounted. It is a 1st explanatory view which shows the operating state of a joint joint, when the patient who equips the posture maintenance apparatus shown in FIG. 1 sits on a chair. It is a 2nd explanatory view showing an operating state of a joint joint, when a patient who equips with a posture maintenance device shown in Drawing 1 sits on a chair.

  The present invention proposes a new posture maintaining device that solves the above problems by preventing the trunk (including the pelvis) from leaning forward. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the posture maintaining device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

{Constitution}
1 is a front view of a posture maintaining device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view of a rigid corset or the like shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a posture maintaining device 1 shown in FIG. 4 is a left side view, FIG. 4 is a right side view of the posture maintaining apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is a rear view of the posture maintaining apparatus 1 shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the posture maintaining device 1 includes a rigid trunk orthosis to which the upper joint rod 5 is fixed on the side surface portion 211 and which is attached to the torso of a kyphotic patient whose trunk is inclined forward during walking. 2, the lower joint rod 6 is fixed to the side surface portion 311, and is connected to the hard pad 31 and the hard pad 31 curved in an arc shape applied to either the left or right front thigh, and the rear thigh side The thigh orthosis 3 including the flexible band 32 that attaches the rigid pad 31 to the front thigh by being wound around, and the lower joint rod 6 that is arranged on the side of the body and can be rotated with respect to the upper joint rod 5. The lower joint rod 6 is connected to the lower joint rod 6 to limit the rotation range within a predetermined posture maintaining angle α (see FIG. 8) in which the lower joint rod 6 faces substantially vertically downward, and the lower joint rod 6 swings within the posture maintaining angle α by a spring force. Locked state for braking motion and lower part within posture maintaining angle α Te杆 6 has an articulated joint 4 switch to the unlocked state rotatable to an angle facing upper front, a. Next, each element of the posture maintaining device 1 will be described in detail.

  The torso rigid orthosis 2 is an upper orthosis that is detachably attached to the torso of a kyphosis patient, and more specifically, is formed so as to cover from the upper part of the pelvis to the lower part of the ribs. The torso stiff orthosis 2 assists the extension of the spinal column, and cooperates with the thigh orthosis 3 connected via a joint joint 4 described later, in front of the trunk (including the pelvis) during standing and walking. Suppress lean and maintain proper posture. The torso rigid orthosis 2 includes a body-shaped hard corset 21, soft sheets 23 and 24 attached to the hard corset 21, and a pair of male and female buckles 22 that are attachment fastening tools.

  The rigid corset 21 is formed so as to be constricted along the shape from the upper part of the pelvis to the lower part of the ribs, and when worn, presses against the torso to correct the bending of the spinal column. The rigid corset 21 is a C-shaped plastic resin brace that opens and closes on the front (front) side, and has a plurality of holes 212 communicating with the inside and outside to ensure air permeability. It reduces discomfort. Corresponding to the thigh orthosis 3 to be described later being attached to either the left or right thigh, a fixing hole is formed in the side surface portion 211 on the side where the thigh orthosis 3 is arranged, and The fixing plate 51 is fixed with rivets 91, and the upper joint rod 5 is fixed to the fixing plate 51 with male screws 92.

  The flexible sheet 23 is formed of a thick cloth that is flexibly bent and has cushioning properties, and is attached along the inner peripheral surface of the hard corset 21. Since the soft sheet 23 is sandwiched between the hard corset 21 and the body portion during wearing, the hard corset 21 does not come into direct contact with the body, so that the wearing feeling is good. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the circumference of the flexible sheet 23 (size around the waist) is set to be longer than the circumference of the hard corset 21 so as to close the front opening of the hard corset 21 in a front view. There is. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lower flank of the rigid corset 21 is cut out in an arc shape corresponding to the shape around the buttocks protruding laterally, and the soft sheet is formed in the cutouts. 24 is attached and is configured not to excessively restrict the movement of the hip joint or the like.

  The buckle 22 uses a fastener made of a plastic resin which is generally used for a rucksack, a seat belt or the like as a body wearing member. The buckle 22 is composed of a female housing 221 and a male insertion body 222 which is provided with a resiliently deformable claw portion 223 and can be fitted into the housing 221, and the insertion body 222 is pushed into the housing 221. By engaging the claw portions 223, they are connected to each other. The housing 221 is attached to one open end side of the hard corset 21 via a band 25 that is rivet-connected to one open end side of the hard corset 21, and the insert body 222 is attached to the other open end side of the hard corset 21. It is attached to the other open end side of the rigid corset 21 via a band 26 that is riveted to the open end side, and by adjusting the lengths of the bands 25 and 26, it is possible to adjust to the wearer's waist size. be able to. By arranging the detachable part of the openable and closable hard corset 21 and the buckle 22 on the front side, one person can easily attach / detach the core hard orthosis 2 and adjust the lengths of the bands 25, 26. It is easy to put on and take off. Note that the buckle 22 is merely an example of a mounting fastener provided on the hard corset, and a hook-and-loop fastener such as a Velcro (registered trademark) tape band is provided instead of the buckle 22 according to the wearer's request. You may make it use a flexible band suitably.

  The thigh orthosis 3 is a lower orthosis that is detachably attached to either one of the left and right thighs of a kyphosis patient, and is attached to the left leg side in the present embodiment. The thigh orthosis 3 maintains the posture of the wearer in an upright position by supporting the torso rigid orthosis 2 at a predetermined posture maintaining angle in a locked state described later via the joint joint 4. At the same time, it suppresses the forward leaning of the trunk (including the pelvis) during walking. The thigh orthosis 3 includes a hard pad 31 that is applied to one of the left and right front thighs, and a flexible band 32 that is a mounting fastener. The thigh orthosis 3 is attached to the thigh on the side where the wearer easily walks, and whether the thigh is attached to the left or right thigh is determined by how the patient holds the hand or the inclination of the trunk. For example, if the patient holds his or her hand on the right thigh when supporting the body, attach it to the right thigh on the side where the hand is held, and if the patient leans to the left when standing or walking, the left thigh on which the body leans. Attach to.

  The hard pad 31 is a plastic resin cover that is curved in a half-moon shape so as to cover the front side of the thigh. The rigid pad 31 is fixed to the lower joint rod 6 with rivets 93. A surface fastener 312 that is detachably engaged with the surface fastener 321 is provided on the outer surface of the hard pad 31. As with the soft sheet 23, a soft sheet (not shown) that is flexibly bent and has cushioning properties is attached to the back surface side of the hard pad 31 to improve the wearing feeling.

  One end side of the flexible band 32 is connected to the rigid pad 31, and a surface fastener 321 that is detachably engaged with the surface fastener 312 is provided on the back surface of the other end side. After the rigid pad 31 is applied to the front thigh, the flexible band 32 is applied to the rear thigh and wound up to the front thigh side, and the surface fasteners 312 and 321 which are body mounting members are engaged with each other. By tightening by tightening, it can be attached to the thigh without loosening.

  In this way, by applying the rigid pad 31 to the front thigh to press the thigh from the front side, the function as a pillar is increased and the hip joint is prevented from being deeply bent in the locked state. In addition, in the unlocked state, the shaft 41 is configured so as to be able to rotate so as to bounce upward toward the front side of the body around the rotation center, so that the thigh orthosis 3 can be easily attached and detached. The seating operation is easy as described later.

  The upper joint rod 5 is a plate-shaped upper strut, is bent outward so as not to slide on clothes, and is arranged with a gap on the side of the abdomen, and the upper end side thereof is the core hard orthosis 2. Is fixed to the side surface portion 211 of the above, and the lower end side thereof is fixed to the extending portion 422 of the fixed side base 42 described later with the male screw 94.

  The lower joint rod 6 is a plate-shaped lower strut, is arranged with a gap on the lateral side of the thigh, and its upper end side is fixed to an extending portion 432 of a turning side base 43 described later with a male screw 95, The lower end side thereof is fixed to the side surface portion 311 of the thigh orthosis 3. The lower joint rod 6 may be arranged so as to incline slightly forward of the longitudinal direction of the upper joint rod 5, as shown in FIG. 3, corresponding to the skeleton of the body.

  The lower joint rod 6 has a hook 8 projecting from the middle portion of the front side thereof. The hook 8 is an engaging metal member that is bent downward and has an inverted L shape in a side view, and can hook and hold a ring 72 described later. The hook 8 is preferably provided in a standing position so as to project from a position where it can be reached.

  The joint joint 4 is a rotation operation restricting means with a lock mechanism that is arranged on the side of the body and connects the lower joint rod 6 to the upper joint rod 5 in a relatively rotatable manner. A locked state in which the rotation range is restricted within a predetermined posture maintaining angle α that faces substantially vertically downward, and a swinging motion of the lower joint rod 6 is braked within the posture maintaining angle α by a spring force, and the posture is maintained within the posture maintaining angle α. It is possible to selectively switch the lower joint rod 6 to the unlocked state in which the lower joint rod 6 can be pivoted to an angle that faces the upper front side beyond the angle α. The posture maintaining angle α is used to mean an angle having a predetermined range for maintaining a proper posture when standing or walking (see FIG. 8), and it depends on symptoms such as back hardness. Are set individually. Further, the joint joint 4 is a spring type joint joint, and in the locked state, the lower joint rod 6 is urged by a spring force in a direction to face a specific angle within the posture maintaining angle α. That is, the lower joint rod 6 in the locked state has a movable range limited to within a predetermined posture maintaining angle α, and when the lower joint rod 6 is swung from the specific angle, a braking force by a spring is applied to the lower joint rod 6. A force acts to push back 6 to a specific angle. A cable 71 having a ring 72 attached to the lower end thereof is incorporated in the joint joint 4, and the ring 72 is gripped and pulled by the cable 71 to be hooked on the hook 8 to switch to an unlocked state. The lower joint rod 6 is rotated rearward so that the lower joint rod 6 faces downward in a substantially vertical direction to switch to the locked state.

  A lock pin 44 or the like may be incorporated in the joint joint 4 as a means for switching between the locked state and the unlocked state. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view schematically showing an example of a lock pin incorporated in the joint joint. The joint joint 4 includes a fixed side base 42, a rotation side base 43, and a lock pin 44. The fixed-side base 42 includes a fixed-side disc portion 421 in which a shaft body 41 is provided in a protruding manner and a pin hole 45 is formed toward the shaft body 41, and an upper joint rod 5 is integrally formed with the fixed-side disc portion 421. And an extended portion 422 that is fixed. The turning side base 43 is a turning side disc portion 431 pivotally attached to the shaft body 41, and an extending portion integrally formed with the turning side disc portion 431 to which the lower joint rod 6 is fixed. And a rotation-side base 43 having a reference numeral 432. The lock pin 44 is reciprocally incorporated in the pin hole 45, and when the lower joint rod 6 is rotated substantially vertically downward, the lock pin 44 advances toward the shaft body 41 by the spring force and rotates the rotation-side base 43. Regulate.

  A cable 71 is connected to the lock pin 44. The cable 71 of the present embodiment is a steel member that can be bent flexibly, one end (upper end) of which is connected to the proximal end of the lock pin 44 (see FIG. 6), and the other end (lower end) of which is a resin grip. A ring 72 for is attached. The cable 71 is set to a length such that the lock pin 44 is retracted and held in the unlocked state by gripping the ring 72, pulling the cable 71 and hooking it on the hook 8.

  As a means for operating the lock pin 44 as described above, for example, a rotating side that communicates with the pin hole 45 of the fixed side disk portion 421 when the lower joint rod 6 is rotated to a substantially vertical downward direction to a predetermined position. A pin hole (not shown) may be provided in the rotation-side disk portion 431 and the like, and a spring member (not shown) that presses the lock pin 44 in the direction of advancing toward the shaft body 41 may be incorporated. As a result, when the lower joint rod 6 is rotated substantially vertically downward, the pin hole 45 and the rotation side pin hole communicate with each other, and the lock pin 44 advances toward the shaft body 41 by the spring force and rotates. When the lock pin 44 engages with the rotation-side base 43 (or a member that rotates in conjunction with this) by entering into the moving-side pin hole and its rotation is restricted, the cable 71 is pulled. The lock pin 44 is pulled out from the turning side pin hole by being hooked on the hook 8 to cancel the engagement state with the turning side base 43, and the turning side base 43 can be turned within a preset range. Can be The internal structure such as the lock pin 44 and the pin hole is only an example of means for switching between the locked state and the unlocked state.

  As the joint joint 4 which operates as described above, it is possible to utilize or apply the techniques used for various joint joints generally known in the related art. The joint joint is constructed so that the range of motion of the joint can be adjusted by, for example, taking in and out a plurality of spheres loaded in the joint base, and by inserting and removing the operating pin, the lower joint rod can move while exerting a biasing force. The range is limited to within a predetermined posture maintaining angle, and the lower joint rod can be freely rotated, that is, the lower joint rod within the posture maintaining angle can be rotated to an angle in which the lower joint rod is directed upward and upward. You can use what you can.

{Action}
7 is a front view showing a state in which the posture maintaining device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is mounted, and FIG. 8 is a side view showing a state in which the posture maintaining device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is mounted. FIG. 9 is a first explanatory view showing an operating state of the joint joint when a patient wearing the posture maintaining apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 sits on a chair, and particularly, a state in which the patient is seated by switching to an unlocked state. FIG. FIG. 10 is a second explanatory view showing an operating state of the joint joint when a patient wearing the posture maintaining apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 sits on a chair, and particularly, the thigh orthosis is rotated so as to flip up. It is a figure which shows a state. According to the posture maintaining device 1 described above, in the state where the ring 72 is removed from the hook 8, the leg on which the thigh brace 3 is mounted is further pulled rearward so that the lower joint rod 6 is rotated substantially vertically downward. By doing so, the state is switched to the locked state, and the movable range of the lower joint rod 6 is limited within the range of the predetermined posture maintaining angle α (see FIG. 8). In this locked state, the lower joint rod 6 is not completely fixed to the upper joint rod 5, the rotation of the lower joint rod 6 is limited within the posture maintaining angle α, and the swinging motion thereof is restricted. It is braked by the spring force. Therefore, at the time of walking, the lower joint rod 6 is restricted from rotating beyond the posture maintaining angle α with respect to the upper joint rod 5, in other words, the core rigid brace 2 maintains the posture with respect to the thigh orthosis 3. It is possible to restrict forward leaning beyond the angle α, and to restrain forward leaning of the trunk. In addition, within the posture maintaining angle α, the hip joint can rotate while the spring force is being applied, and the walking motion is not excessively limited.

  According to the gait analysis of kyphotic patients performed by the inventors, in the type in which the pelvic anteversion significantly affects the trunk forward lean, and the pelvis leans forward at the start of walking, the trunk and pelvis forward lean It was further clarified that the hip joint flexes and the gait disorder occurs. In this respect, according to the crotch brace 1, in the locked state, the posture maintaining device 1 exerts a function as a column and cannot be deeply bent, and the hip joint is bent during walking and the trunk (including the pelvis) of the body is prevented. The leaning forward is suppressed. Further, since the crotch brace 1 is attached to only one of both lower limbs, the other leg (hip joint) can be freely moved, and the leg on the side on which the thigh brace 3 is attached resists the spring force. When force is applied, the hip joint can be swung within the posture maintaining angle α. Therefore, it is possible to smoothly walk while preventing the trunk from leaning forward, and it is possible to eliminate obstacles such as being unable to walk long and gradually bending forward when walking. It should be noted that the conventional hip brace is intended solely for fixing the hip joint, and since the movement of the hip joint is rigidly restricted, it is impossible to walk smoothly, and the user sits down without removing the brace. I couldn't.

  According to the posture maintaining device 1, an inverted L-shaped hook 8 bent downward is provided in a protruding manner at the surface-side middle abdomen (preferably a position where the hand can be reached in a standing position) of the lower joint rod 6, and A cable 71 having a ring 72 attached to the lower end is incorporated into the cable No. 4, and the ring 72 is grasped, and the cable 71 is pulled and hooked on the hook 8 to switch to an unlocked state, and the ring 72 is removed from the hook 8. It is possible to switch to the locked state by rotating the lower joint rod 6 rearward so that the lower joint rod 6 is oriented substantially vertically downward. In this way, the locked state and the unlocked state can be easily switched, and the daily activities such as standing, walking, and sitting can be smoothly performed. Further, the buckle 22 and the surface fastener 312, which are members for wearing on the body, are arranged on the front side (front side) of the body, and the thigh orthosis 3 is flipped upward toward the front side by being unlocked. Since it is rotated (see FIGS. 9 and 10), it can be easily attached and detached. In particular, as shown in FIG. 10, the thigh orthosis 3 can be detached so that it can be flipped upward toward the front side, so that the thigh orthosis 3 can sit comfortably.

  Next, the operation of the posture maintaining device 1 will be described in detail along with the procedure for mounting the posture maintaining device 1. (1) The wearer hangs the ring 72 on the hook 8 to bring the joint joint 4 into an unlocked state, and then fits the core hard orthosis 2 into the torso from the back side and is placed on the front side of the body. The trunk rigid brace 2 is attached by fastening the buckle 22. Next, (2) apply the hard pad 31 to one of the front thighs, wrap the flexible band 32 on the back thigh to the front thigh side, engage the surface fasteners 312 and 321 with each other. By tightening, the thigh brace 3 is attached to the thigh. A person who has difficulty wearing the standing thigh may wear the thigh orthosis 3 after sitting on a chair. Next, (3) in the standing posture, the ring 72 is removed from the hook, and the lower joint rod 6 is rotated rearward so that the leg on which the thigh brace 3 is mounted is pulled rearward, whereby the locked state is obtained. Switch to. In the locked state, the joint joint 4 cannot be rotated beyond the posture maintaining angle α, and the posture maintaining device 1 exhibits the function as a column. Therefore, the posture of the wearer is supported, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of obstacles such as being unable to stand for a long time when standing and bending the waist due to pain when standing. (4) If walking is started in the locked state, flexion of the hip joint and forward leaning of the trunk (including the pelvis) during walking are suppressed, while within the posture maintaining angle α, the spring force is resisted. Since it can move slightly when force is applied, the hip joint can be swung within a range that does not hinder walking, and does not hinder walking motion. (5) By hooking the ring 72 on the hook 8, it is possible to switch to the unlocked state and easily sit on the chair (see FIG. 9). At the time of attachment / detachment, the flexible band 32 is removed, the thigh orthosis 3 is grasped, and the thigh orthosis 3 can be rotationally moved around the shaft 41 as the center of rotation so as to bounce upward on the front side (see FIG. 10). Even when the brace 2 is attached, the thigh orthosis 3 can be easily attached and detached while sitting. (6) When standing up and walking again, the steps from (2) above are repeated.

  In kyphoscoliosis, the postures during standing and walking are different, and if walking is continued, the pelvic sacrum gradually tilts forward and the trunk leans greatly forward, and further the walking ability deteriorates due to the forward leaning of the trunk. In this respect, the conventional rigid corset alone attached to the trunk such as the lumbar region cannot control the inclination of the pelvis. However, according to the posture maintaining device 1, it is possible to suppress the anterior inclination of the trunk (including the pelvis) during walking, and a kyphosis patient with a walking disorder walks or sits for a long time with his or her own muscular strength. It is possible to smoothly perform actions in daily life such as. The posture maintaining device 1 is also effective for patients who are not candidates for surgery due to old age or complications.

  According to the posture maintaining device 1, the upper joint rod 5 fixed to the side surface portion 211 of the core rigid brace 2, the lower joint rod 6 fixed to the side surface portion 311 of the thigh orthosis 3, and the lateral arrangement of the body Since the joint joint 4 connecting the upper joint rod 5 and the lower joint rod 6 can restrain not only the front-back direction but also the lateral (side-to-side) inclination, the walking support of the patient with scoliosis Can also be used together. That is, the posture maintaining device 1 exerts a function as a support column for keeping the posture straight with respect to the inclination of the trunk to the side. For patients who have not developed kyphosis and whose trunk does not lean forward when walking, the trunk does not lean forward even when the patient is not locked, and therefore, even in the unlocked state, the walking function is improved.

  When there is anteversion of the trunk due to kyphosis, the center of gravity moves forward during standing and walking, and continuous contraction of the back muscles is required to maintain balance. Thus, the efferent muscles of the kyphotic patient undergoing erectile contraction due to increased forward bending while contracting the muscles during standing or walking, and this contraction mode is the mechanism of pain in the kyphotic patient. Although involved, the posture maintenance device 1 can suppress the forward leaning of the trunk during standing and walking, and thus can suppress the occurrence of pain during standing and walking.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and examples, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used as a practical posture maintaining device capable of smoothly supporting or assisting movements of middle-aged and kyphotic patients in daily life and suppressing pain.

1 Posture Maintaining Device 2 Core Hard Orthosis 21 Hard Corset 211 Side Part 212 Hole 22 Buckle 221 Container 222 Insert 223 Claw 23 Soft Sheet 24 Soft Sheet 25 Band (Container Side)
26 bands (insert side)
3 Femoral brace 31 Hard pad 311 Side part 312 Surface fastener 32 Flexible band 321 Surface fastener 4 Joint joint 41 Shaft body 42 Fixed side base 421 Fixed side disc part 422 Extension part 43 Rotation side disc 431 Rotation side disc part 432 Extension Installation part 44 Lock pin 45 Pin hole 5 Upper joint rod 51 Fixing plate 6 Lower joint rod 71 Cable 72 Ring 8 Hook 91 Rivet 92 Male screw 93 Rivet 94 Male screw 95 Male screw

Claims (2)

An upper joint rod fixed to the side part, and a torso rigid brace attached to the torso of a kyphosis patient whose trunk is inclined forward when walking,
An arcuate curved hard pad having a lower joint rod fixed to the side surface and applied to either the left or right front thigh, and the hard pad connected to the hard pad and wound from the rear thigh side. A thigh brace including a flexible band that is attached to the front thigh,
The lower joint rod is arranged laterally on the body and rotatably connects the lower joint rod to the upper joint rod, and the lower joint rod is limited to a predetermined posture maintaining angle in which the lower joint rod faces substantially vertically downward to limit the rotation range. Together with the spring state, the lock state in which the swing of the lower joint rod is braked within the posture maintaining angle by the spring force, and the unlocked state in which the lower joint rod within the posture maintaining angle is rotatable up to the angle facing the upper front side. Joint joint that switches to and
A posture maintaining device comprising: An inverted L-shaped hook bent downward is provided in a protruding manner on the surface side middle abdomen of the lower joint rod.
A cable with a ring attached to the lower end is incorporated in the joint joint,
The ring is gripped, the cable is pulled and hooked on the hook to switch to the unlocked state, and the ring is removed from the hook and the lower joint rod is rotated substantially vertically downward to lock the lock. The posture maintaining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the posture maintaining apparatus switches to a state.

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