WO2013158221A1 - Dynamic exoskeletal orthosis - Google Patents
Dynamic exoskeletal orthosis Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2013158221A1 WO2013158221A1 PCT/US2013/028130 US2013028130W WO2013158221A1 WO 2013158221 A1 WO2013158221 A1 WO 2013158221A1 US 2013028130 W US2013028130 W US 2013028130W WO 2013158221 A1 WO2013158221 A1 WO 2013158221A1
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- orthosis
- ankle
- footplate
- section
- proximal cuff
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
- A61F5/01—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces
- A61F5/0102—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations
- A61F5/0123—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations for the knees
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
- A61F5/01—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces
- A61F5/0102—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations
- A61F5/0104—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations without articulation
- A61F5/0111—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations without articulation for the feet or ankles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
- A61F5/01—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces
- A61F5/0102—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations
- A61F2005/0132—Additional features of the articulation
- A61F2005/0179—Additional features of the articulation with spring means
Definitions
- the present invention is directed to an ankle foot orthosis or brace, in particular to a dynamic exoskeletal orthosis.
- Orthotics are devices that are made to correct or maintain alignment of different parts of the body, hence the name "braces.”
- An ankle foot orthosis supports the joints of the foot, as well as the ankle. These devices can be used to protect, correct or limit motion at the joints by supporting a person's limb that has suffered from loss of strength or alignment due to disease or trauma.
- AFOs can be a solid design at the ankle with no motion allowed, or with joints to allow certain degrees of motion.
- bracing options for those with pain/weakness/decreased range of motion about the ankle have been severely limited.
- the most common types of bracing either provided adequate strength compensation in the instance of an isolated peroneal neuropathy or were designed with very stiff orthotic materials that essentially immobilized the ankle and did not allow a more normal gait or higher level activities.
- an exoskeletal orthosis comprises a proximal cuff comprising a hinge along an upper edge of the cuff; an ankle section/footplate; and at least one posterior strut connecting the proximal cuff to the ankle section/footplate.
- an orthosis comprises a proximal cuff comprising at least one hinge along an upper edge of the cuff; an ankle section/footplate; and at least one posterior strut attached at a proximal end to the proximal cuff and attached at a distal end to the ankle section/footplate.
- the ankle section/footplate comprises a supramalleolar ankle section having a lateral wing and a footplate section extending to the tips of a user's toes and having an arch.
- a method of treating an injury comprising fitting an individual having an injury with an orthosis according to the present invention and placing the individual's foot with the attached orthosis inside a shoe or boot.
- an orthosis comprises a proximal cuff; an ankle section/footplate; and a single posterior strut connecting a rear of the proximal cuff to a rear of the ankle section/footplate.
- a knee ankle foot exoskeletal orthosis comprises a proximal cuff; an ankle section/footplate; dual posterior struts connecting a rear of the proximal cuff to a rear of the ankle
- section/footplate and an upper knee orthosis section connected to the proximal cuff and comprising at least one stretchable band affixed on each side.
- an alignable exoskeletal orthosis comprises a proximal cuff; an ankle section/footplate; and at least one posterior strut connecting a rear of the proximal cuff to a rear of the ankle
- the at least one posterior strut is fixed onto at least one of the ankle/footplate or the proximal cuff via a bolt mechanism comprising at least one angled wedge.
- an exoskeletal orthosis comprises a proximal cuff; an ankle section/footplate; and at least one posterior strut connected to a rear of the proximal cuff via an upper mounting plate and connected to a rear of the ankle section/footplate via a low mounting plate.
- the upper and lower mounting plates each have moldable flaps or wings extending from the sides thereof.
- An advantage of the present invention is that the dynamic exoskeletal orthosis allows greater ability to walk and run despite severe lower extremity physical impairments.
- Another advantage of the present invention is that the dynamic exoskeletal orthosis allows for early walking post-injury to high level activities with the same orthosis.
- the dynamic exoskeletal orthosis may be lightweight, durable (tolerates impact of running with a ruck sack, for example, up to about 120 lbs.), and may be used in regular shoes and military boots.
- references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “in embodiments” mean that the feature being referred to is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Moreover, separate references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” do not necessarily refer to the same
- FIG. 1 is a side view of a dynamic exoskeletal orthosis according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a view of a proximal cuff of a dynannic exoskeletal orthosis according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a view of a dynamic exoskeletal having a dual strut configuration according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a rear view of a dynamic exoskeletal orthosis showing a posterior strut according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a view of a dynamic exoskeletal orthosis attached to a person's leg and foot.
- FIG. 6a is a side view of a partial dynamic exoskeletal orthosis according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6b is a top view of the partial dynamic exoskeletal orthosis of FIG. 6a.
- FIG. 7 is a side view of a dynamic exoskeletal orthosis according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a side view of a dynamic knee ankle foot exoskeletal orthosis according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a rear view of a dynamic knee ankle foot exoskeletal orthosis according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a side view of a dynamic exoskeletal orthosis according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 1 is a rear view of a dynamic exoskeletal orthosis of FIG. 10.
- FIG. 12 is a side view of a knee ankle foot exoskeletal orthosis according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 13 is a side rear perspective view of the knee ankle foot exoskeletal orthosis according to FIG. 12 in use.
- FIG. 14 is a rear view of a knee ankle foot exoskeletal orthosis according to FIG. 13 in use.
- FIG. 15 is a side view of a knee ankle foot exoskeletal orthosis according to FIG. 13 while a user is seated.
- FIG. 16a is a side view of a bolt mechanism for an alignable configuration of an exoskeletal orthosis according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 16b is a top view of the bolt mechanism of FIG. 16a.
- FIG. 17 shows dual posterior struts and mounting plates for a non-alignable configuration of an exoskeletal orthosis according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the orthosis of the present invention is designed to allow walking and running for individuals or patients with severe injury to the lower limb that causes reduced ankle range of motion, weakness, and pain.
- the orthosis allows for a range of activities including, but not limited to, at least one of early ambulation during an early post-injury phase, agility and impact activities, running, sprinting, or deploying with a military unit.
- the orthosis of the present invention is designed to compensate for weakness, pain, and/or decreased range of motion (either alone or in combination) at the ankle that result from a variety of potential diagnoses including, but not limited to, at least one of ankle fusion, talus or calcaneus fractures, tibial nerve injuries, peroneal nerve injuries, partial foot amputation (which results in ankle plantarflexion weakness), soft tissue loss in the leg (resulting in inherent weakness), or pain in the ankle during weight bearing activities.
- Current research suggests that the orthosis of the present invention not only compensates for weakness, but also generates forces about the ankle that more closely approaches the normal gait than other currently available orthoses.
- the article Patzowski et al., Comparative Effect of Orthosis Design on Functional Performance, J. Bone Joint Surg. Ab., 2012; 94:507-15, is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- the article Patzowski et al. Can an Ankle-Foot Orthosis
- the orthosis of the present invention may be applied to the leg below the knee.
- the orthosis also referred to as the Intrepid Dynamic
- Exoskeletal Orthosis or IDEO may comprise the following components (description from an upper/proximal aspect to a lower/distal aspect).
- the exoskeletal orthosis 100 comprises a proximal cuff 1 10.
- the proximal cuff may comprise at least one of a carbon material, reinforced carbon fiber composition, or resin material.
- the cuff may have a bivalve or a monolithic configuration.
- a monolithic, one-piece, solid configuration comprises a solid cuff and is designed for a patient who has a stable size of the upper leg (calf and shin) and does not have limited ankle plantarflexion.
- the proximal cuff may comprise a two piece or bivalve cuff having a hinge 1 15 (as shown in FIGS. 2-3) along an upper edge or aspect, thereby allowing the proximal cuff 1 10 to have a wider opening distally when donning the brace.
- This configuration may be utilized for patients who are not able to plantarflex the ankle enough to fit through a monolithic (solid) configuration and also allows for volume fluctuation of the upper leg.
- the hinge 1 15 allows the proximal cuff 1 10 to open upward due to a proximal fixed axis point (see FIG. 2).
- the proximal cuff 100 may have a strap 120 to help hold it in place while in use.
- the exoskeletal orthosis 100 comprises at least one posterior strut 130 for connecting the proximal cuff 1 10 to an ankle/footplate section 140.
- the at least one posterior strut 130 may comprise a single bar (e.g., FIG. 1 ) or dual bars (e.g., FIG. 3), which may be bonded together.
- the at least one posterior strut may be of any shape for example, a flat bar, a cylindrical or tubular shape, or having a circular or semicircular cross section.
- the at least on posterior strut 130 may have a length of about 5 inches to about 13 inches (12.7 cm to 33 cm).
- the at least one posterior strut 130 may comprise an alignable dynamic carbon strut, for example, a TRULIFE Littig strut or a MEDI CLEVER BONETM strut.
- the Littig strut was originally designed for use in the upper portion of hip disarticulation prostheses.
- the MEDI CLEVER BONETM strut (bone system) may be designed for use as a dynamic pylon for transtibial prostheses.
- the at least on posterior strut 130 may comprise at least one of a carbon material, reinforced carbon fiber composition, or resin material.
- the at least one posterior strut may have an Aerolon core.
- the at least on posterior strut may comprise an SLS material.
- SLS selective laser sintering
- a high power laser for example, a carbon dioxide laser
- metal direct metal laser sintering
- ceramic for example, a ceramic
- glass powders into a mass that has a desired 3-dimensional shape.
- the exoskeletal orthosis 100 may comprise at least one mounting plate, for example, two mounting plates: a first mounting plate 150 for attaching one end of the at least one posterior strut 130 to the proximal cuff and a second mounting plate 160 for attaching an opposite end of the at least one posterior strut 130 to the ankle section/footplate 140 (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4).
- the at least one mounting plate may comprise an OSSUR® posterior mounting plate (designed for transtibial prostheses).
- the mounting plates 150, 160 may include a fastener including, but not limited to, at least one of a screw, bolt, nail, nut, adhesive, combination thereof, or any other effective fastener.
- the attachment of the at least one posterior strut 130 to an ankle section/footplate 140 may be slightly more proximal than traditional orthoses. This helps offset motion within the ankle, which is often painful or severely limited in these patients, to the at least one posterior strut without compromising comfort.
- the exoskeletal orthosis 100 comprises an ankle section/footplate 140.
- the ankle section/footplate comprises a supramalleolar ankle section 170 and footplate section 180 (e.g., FIG. 1 ).
- the ankle section/footplate 140 may be a single piece comprising a reinforced carbon fiber composition.
- the ankle section 170 comprises a lateral wing 190 for mediolateral stability and for fitting better in shoes or boots (FIG. 5).
- the ankle section may also have a medial wing.
- the footplate section 180 has a "rollover" shape (e.g., FIG. 1 and FIG. 3).
- the shape of the footplate section 180 positions an individual's toes in slight extension and extends to his or her toetips.
- a forefoot end of the footplate
- the ankle section/footplate 140 may be stiff due to the layering of materials and carbon fiber.
- the footplate section 180 may have an arch (instead of being completely flat) and have extension at the metatarsophalangeal joints, which enables the metatarsal heads to remain in contact with the ground for a longer duration during ambulation.
- the plantar surface of the footplate allows optimal function of the at least one posterior strut and long-term durability of the orthosis.
- the footplate section may have a gradual roller shape that begins just distal to a heel, which may have a cushion.
- a portion of the heel for example a posterior heel base, may comprise a SACH heel (solid ankle cushion heel).
- a cushioned heel may allow a gradually increasing load to the posterior strut as the tibia moves forward, while the
- plantarflexed foot position increases the degree of deflection and amount of energy storage from midstance through terminal stance. Energy storage and return is evident during agility drills, running, and sprinting activities, which are primarily performed while up on the forefoot.
- a distal third of the plantar surface may have a dorsiflexion radius design that maintains solid metatarsal contact to the ground for increased proprioception and control.
- the alignment of the orthosis can be adjusted on average up to about 7° of dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, and external or internal rotation and about 5° of inversion or eversion.
- the orthosis may comprise cushioned foam attached to a proximal sole on a bottom portion the ankle section/footplate.
- the cushioned foam may be an entirely different and separate component from the orthosis, as the foam may require fabrication by a specially trained orthotist (preferably prosthetist-orthotist) and orthotic technician. Thickness and density of the foam are specific to a patient's relative ankle position, injury, weight, height, and activity level.
- the orthosis may be made from modular components or fixed components.
- a modular version may be used during initial fittings and may be modified as patients progress during their rehabilitation, for example, progressing from a softer strut to a stiffer strut as they become stronger.
- the modular version may also include an external fixator (e.g., fastener and mounting plates).
- a modular version may comprise a flat bar (e.g., TRULIFE Littig) posterior strut.
- the posteriorly mounted 'run plate' may be utilized in a posterior-mounted running prosthesis. The alignment of the ankle
- section/footplate may also be modifiable.
- the angle of the footplate may be adjusted within 6 different planes, similar to adjustments for a prosthesis, in relation to a patient's foot and leg.
- the modular version may have a posterior strut that is attached to the proximal cuff proximally via an OSSUR posterior mounted run plate with two bolts, plus a second OSSUR posterior mounted run plate with two bolts at the distal end of the posterior strut (FIGS. 1 - 2).
- a fixed version may comprise a dual bar strut (e.g., MEDI CLEVER BONETM) for an overall lighter weight of the brace, use for higher loading and impact activities (greater durability), and the capacity for twisting motions of the lower leg.
- the fixed version allows for use inside boots and tighter clothing about the legs.
- the dual bar strut may be permanently attached (bonded) to the proximal cuff proximally and the foot/ankle component distally (as shown in FIG. 3).
- the fixed version may allow an inherent torsional component and accommodates twisting motions more than the modular version.
- the fixed version has subjectively shown an increased energy return and improved high intensity performance associated with its springlike effect, per verbal accounts from patients. However, it may be possible to use a dual posterior strut configuration in a modular version.
- a partial foot orthosis 200 may be applied to individuals with amputation of part of the foot.
- the partial foot exoskeletal orthosis 200 may have a similar construction to the orthosis 100 discussed above.
- the partial foot orthosis 200 has a circumferential configuration of the footplate 205 (extending around the area of the foot that was amputated).
- FIG. 7 another embodiment of the orthosis 100 is shown in which at least one of the proximal cuff 1 10 or ankle section/footplate 140 comprise a laminate material.
- the knee ankle foot orthosis 300 may comprise a modular removable fabricated version that allows a patient to attach or detach a knee orthosis section 305 to an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) section 310 depending on desired activity and limb stability needs.
- AFO ankle foot orthosis
- the knee ankle orthosis 300 may comprise a fixed version comprising a connector or hinge 315 (e.g., Tm5 or original TOWNSEND stainless steel knee hinge) in which the upper knee orthosis section 305 is connected or fused to the lower ankle foot orthosis section 310.
- a connector or hinge 315 e.g., Tm5 or original TOWNSEND stainless steel knee hinge
- the knee ankle foot orthosis may be either modular or fixed, and may be used for varying weaknesses, nerve injuries, ligamnentous injuries, proximal knee or femoral fx's histories to allow a patient to walk, run, or perform some level of high impact activity with greater function and increased safety.
- Knee ankle foot orthosis versions both modular and fixed, may also be used for dynamic exoskeletal orthosis cases deploying and participating in fast rope helicopter jumps, static line parachuting, or standard parachuting maneuvers to prevent potential knee injuries while using the dynamic exoskeletal orthosis for prior injury of the ankle, nerve, and the like.
- an exoskeletal orthosis 100 may comprise a proximal cuff 1 10, an ankle section/footplate 140, and a single posterior strut 130 (e.g., MEDI CLEVER STRUT) connecting a rear of the proximal cuff to a rear of the ankle section/footplate.
- a top of the single posterior strut may be incorporated into a rear of proximal cuff 1 10 and a bottom of the single posterior strut may be incorporated into a rear of the ankle section/footplate 140.
- the proximal cuff 1 10 may have at least one strap 120 that at least partially surround two parts of the proximal cuff that are joined by hinge 1 15 (see also FIG. 2).
- the at least one strap 120 may have a buckle, clasp, VELCRO®, snap-fit, or other means for adjusting the at least one strap.
- the single posterior strut 130 may have a tubular or cylindrical shape.
- the length the single posterior strut may be chosen based on the needs of a patient or user. A longer strut may confer addition flexibility, while a shorter strut may give added support to the user's leg depending on the particular injury.
- the single strut may have a length of between about 5 inches to 13 inches (15.2 cm to 33 cm), for example 7 inches to 1 1 inches (17.8 cm to 28 cm).
- the diameter of the single posterior strut may be based on at least one of a weight of the user, activity level of the user, or the nature of the user's injury.
- the single posterior strut 130 may comprise at least one of a carbon material, reinforced carbon fiber composition, or resin material.
- the single posterior strut embodiment may allow for increased flexibility, for example during walking, and also allows for increased twisting ability, for example during activities requiring rotation (e.g., golf).
- the single posterior strut embodiment is particularly adaptable to daily use and wear, but not for an extended period of running or strenuous activity.
- a dual strut configuration e.g., FIG. 3 may be used for strenuous activities.
- a knee ankle foot orthosis 300 comprising an upper knee orthosis section or cuff 305 connected to an ankle foot orthosis section 310 (proximal cuff 1 10, at least one posterior strut 130, and ankle section/footplate 140).
- the at least one posterior strut may comprise dual posterior struts connecting a rear of the proximal cuff to a rear of the ankle section/footplate.
- a modified knee ankle foot orthosis 300 may comprise a modular removable version that allows a patient to attach or detach the knee orthosis section 305 to the ankle foot orthosis (AFO) section 310 depending on desired activity and limb stability needs.
- a fixed version of the knee ankle orthosis may also be provided in which the upper knee ankle orthosis section 305 and ankle foot orthosis section 310 may be monolithic.
- the fixed version may be appropriate, for example, for a user who has a spinal cord injury of a permanent knee nerve injury.
- the fixed version of the knee ankle foot orthosis 300 may comprise a connector or hinge 315 (e.g., Tm5 or original TOWNSEND knee hinges) with an upper knee orthosis section or cuff 305 fused to a lower monolithic exoskeletal ankle foot orthosis section 310.
- the upper knee orthosis section 305 may comprise at least one strap 320 (for example, two straps as shown in FIG. 13) to at least partially surround both the knee ankle orthosis section 305 and a rear a user's leg above the knee, thereby helping affix the knee orthosis section 305 to the user.
- the at least one strap 120 may have a buckle, clasp, VELCRO®, snap-fit, or other means for adjusting the at least one strap.
- the upper knee orthosis section 305 comprises at least one stretchable band 325 affixed on each side, for example, two stretchable bands 325 affixed on each side.
- the at least one stretchable band 325 may be fixed at a proximal attachment or a distal attachment on the upper knee orthosis section 305.
- the at least one stretchable band 325 may comprise a rubber material, an elastic material, or a bungee cord material.
- the at least one stretchable band may comprise an elastic band adapted from a PHYSIO NETICS® VP2 terminal device.
- the at least one stretchable band 325 may be attached to the knee ankle orthosis section 305 by an appropriate means including, but not limited to, a bolt, rivet, screw, snap-fit, or pivoting clasp.
- a pivoting clasp may move or pivot when a user's knee moves.
- the at least one stretchable band 325 from the upper knee orthosis section 305 may be manually connected to a corresponding fastener or fixing means 330 on the proximal cuff 1 10 of ankle foot orthosis section 310 (FIGS. 13-15).
- the corresponding fastener or fixing means 330 may be located at or near a side rear of the proximal cuff.
- the fastener or fixing means 330 may be any appropriate device and may include, but is not limited to, a bolt, rivet, screw, clasp, and the like. The placement of the fastener or fixing means 330 may help in providing the level of hamstring assist that is required for a patient or user.
- a manual connection allows a user or patient to use the at least one stretchable band 325 or to decide not to use the at least one stretchable band 325, depending on the activity, environment, and/or injury.
- a patient may manually connect just one pair of stretchable bands to the ankle foot orthosis section 310 (e.g., FIG. 13).
- This embodiment of the knee ankle foot orthosis acts like an artificial hamstring and, in particular, may be helpful to individuals with hamstring injuries or sciatic nerve problems.
- This version of the knee ankle foot orthosis also allows for backward movement, thereby allowing for a controlled normal type of running.
- the exoskeletal orthosis may have an alignable (FIGS. 16a-16b) or a non-alignable (FIG. 17) configuration. Both configurations may be fixed or modular.
- the alignable or non-alignable exoskeletal orthosis comprise a proximal cuff; an ankle section/footplate; and at least one posterior strut connecting a rear of the proximal cuff to a rear of the ankle section/footplate.
- the at least one posterior strut e.g., dual posterior struts
- the bolt mechanism 400 may comprise at least one threaded bolt 405, a washer 410, and two opposing discs 415, 420.
- Each of the two opposing discs 415, 420 may have reciprocal curved surfaces (as shown in FIG. 16b) for receiving a posterior strut.
- At least one angled wedge 425 may be placed to allow for anteroposterior or lengthwise alignment changes or mediolateral or crosswise alignment changes.
- the angled wedge 425 may have, for example, about 1 -8° rise or incline.
- a threaded laminate plate 430 for tightening the bolt mechanism may be placed below a surface of the ankle/footplate.
- the laminate plate 430 may have a thickness of 0.2 inches to 0.5 inches (5 mm to 12.7 mm), for example, 0.25 inches to 0.4 inches (6 mm to 10 mm)
- FIG. 17 shows a non-alignable configuration in which the at least one posterior strut 130 (e.g., a dual strut configuration) is fixed onto an ankle/footplate 140 and a proximal cuff 1 10, for example via upper and lower mounting plates 440a, 440b respectively.
- the upper and lower mounting plates 440a, 440b each have moldable flaps or wings 450, extending from the sides thereof.
- the moldable flaps or wings 450 may comprise a moldable metal, such as a wire cage or moldable metal band.
- the moldable flaps or wings 450 allow for contouring and securing the mounting plates and at least one posterior strut to the proximal cuff 1 10 and/or ankle/footplate 140.
- the exoskeletal orthosis is a viable alternative to amputation despite severe impairment of the leg.
- the exoskeletal orthosis may allow at least one of:
- the orthosis may also be used for spinal cord injuries in which there is weakness at the ankle and at least 4 out of 5 strength in the knee.
- the exoskeletal orthosis of the present invention may be modified to allow safer and more normalized gait pattern during the early postoperative period after leg/foot/ankle surgery instead of the CAM boot (a 'walking boot')
- the orthosis may also be used as a pediatric device for those with cerebral palsy who have ankle plantarftexion weakness associated with Achilles lengthening procedures and hamstring weakness.
- An ankle foot orthosis or brace according to the present invention allows a user greater ability to walk and run despite severe lower extremity physical impairments.
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Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE112013002112.9T DE112013002112T5 (en) | 2012-04-19 | 2013-02-28 | Dynamic exoskeleton orthosis |
AU2013249838A AU2013249838B2 (en) | 2012-04-19 | 2013-02-28 | Dynamic exoskeletal orthosis |
CA2870920A CA2870920A1 (en) | 2012-04-19 | 2013-02-28 | Dynamic exoskeletal orthosis |
GB1419236.3A GB2515441B (en) | 2012-04-19 | 2013-02-28 | Dynamic exoskeletal orthosis |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/450,539 US9186270B2 (en) | 2011-04-20 | 2012-04-19 | Dynamic exoskeletal orthosis |
US13/450,539 | 2012-04-19 | ||
US13/773,776 | 2013-02-22 | ||
US13/773,776 US9956107B2 (en) | 2011-04-20 | 2013-02-22 | Dynamic exoskeletal orthosis |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO2013158221A1 true WO2013158221A1 (en) | 2013-10-24 |
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PCT/US2013/028130 WO2013158221A1 (en) | 2012-04-19 | 2013-02-28 | Dynamic exoskeletal orthosis |
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AU (1) | AU2013249838B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2870920A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE112013002112T5 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2515441B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013158221A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2020121513A1 (en) * | 2018-12-14 | 2020-06-18 | 株式会社澤村義肢製作所 | Rear support for ankle foot orthosis, and ankle foot orthosis |
US11980561B2 (en) | 2016-04-14 | 2024-05-14 | United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of Defense | Versatile articulated dynamic response ankle foot orthosis |
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US6007506A (en) * | 1996-07-10 | 1999-12-28 | Heil; Dean | Method of using a shoe & support device |
US6010474A (en) * | 1997-06-06 | 2000-01-04 | Wycoki; Michael | Orthopedic brace for legs |
US7462160B2 (en) * | 2005-07-27 | 2008-12-09 | Nobbe Ralph W | Dynamic rotary orthotic control system |
US7819832B2 (en) * | 2007-03-31 | 2010-10-26 | Balzer John R | Ankle foot orthotic |
US20120271214A1 (en) * | 2011-04-20 | 2012-10-25 | The Government of the USA As Represented By the Secretary of the Army | Dynamic Exoskeletal Orthosis |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20060270958A1 (en) * | 2005-05-27 | 2006-11-30 | George Patrick J | Ankle and foot orthosis |
US8308671B2 (en) * | 2008-08-28 | 2012-11-13 | Nace Richard A | Knee orthosis |
-
2013
- 2013-02-28 AU AU2013249838A patent/AU2013249838B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2013-02-28 GB GB1419236.3A patent/GB2515441B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2013-02-28 WO PCT/US2013/028130 patent/WO2013158221A1/en active Application Filing
- 2013-02-28 DE DE112013002112.9T patent/DE112013002112T5/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2013-02-28 CA CA2870920A patent/CA2870920A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6007506A (en) * | 1996-07-10 | 1999-12-28 | Heil; Dean | Method of using a shoe & support device |
US6010474A (en) * | 1997-06-06 | 2000-01-04 | Wycoki; Michael | Orthopedic brace for legs |
US7462160B2 (en) * | 2005-07-27 | 2008-12-09 | Nobbe Ralph W | Dynamic rotary orthotic control system |
US7819832B2 (en) * | 2007-03-31 | 2010-10-26 | Balzer John R | Ankle foot orthotic |
US20120271214A1 (en) * | 2011-04-20 | 2012-10-25 | The Government of the USA As Represented By the Secretary of the Army | Dynamic Exoskeletal Orthosis |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11980561B2 (en) | 2016-04-14 | 2024-05-14 | United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of Defense | Versatile articulated dynamic response ankle foot orthosis |
WO2020121513A1 (en) * | 2018-12-14 | 2020-06-18 | 株式会社澤村義肢製作所 | Rear support for ankle foot orthosis, and ankle foot orthosis |
AU2018423073B2 (en) * | 2018-12-14 | 2021-07-01 | Sawamura Prosthetics And Orthotics Service Co., Ltd. | Posterior upright of ankle foot orthosis and ankle foot orthosis |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2515441B (en) | 2015-06-24 |
AU2013249838A1 (en) | 2014-10-30 |
DE112013002112T5 (en) | 2015-01-15 |
CA2870920A1 (en) | 2013-10-24 |
GB2515441A (en) | 2014-12-24 |
GB201419236D0 (en) | 2014-12-10 |
AU2013249838B2 (en) | 2017-02-23 |
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