WO2020168393A1

WO2020168393A1 - Orthopaedic brace

Info

Publication number: WO2020168393A1
Application number: PCT/AU2020/050156
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hossein Javaheri
Original assignee: Hossein Javaheri
Priority date: 2019-02-21
Filing date: 2020-02-21
Publication date: 2020-08-27
Also published as: AU2020104469A4

Abstract

An orthopaedic brace (10) for supporting a limb of a user. The orthopaedic brace (10) includes an orthopaedic cast assembly (12) to at least partially encase the limb of the user. The orthopaedic brace (10) further includes a strut assembly (14) operatively associated with the orthopaedic cast assembly (12) and adapted to support the limb encased in the orthopaedic cast assembly (12) when the user applies weight to the encased limb.

Description

ORTHOPAEDIC BRACE

FIELD

[0001] The invention concerns an orthopaedic brace. In one particular, non-exclusive, aspect the invention relates to an orthopaedic brace to support a knee of a user.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The population in developed countries such as Australia is living longer into old age. While there has been advances in improving the quality of life of persons, for example by preventing ailments such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, there currently is no cure for wear and tear in joints which present in the form of osteoarthritis. Of all the joints in the body, the knee joint plays a key role in the mobility and fitness of a person. The knee joints, however, have an expiry date which is a product of various factors including genetics, body habitat, lifestyle and illness.

[0003] Many persons suffering from knee pain get stuck in a cycle wherein pain prevents them from doing weight bearing activities which in turn causes progressive weakness in the lower limb muscles. Weakness in the lower limb muscles in turn affects the muscles’ ability to support the injured knee, thus perpetuating the cycle of pain.

[0004] Weight bearing exercises are important for the prevention of osteoporosis and falls. By improving balance and reducing the incidence of potential for falling over, the likelihood of fractures is reduced. Being able to conduct weight bearing activities has the added benefit of improving a person’s quality of life, mobility and mood. Those improvements, in turn, will lead to improved physical and mental health.

[0005] Medical practitioners will attest that the health of a person’ s knees affects the hips, pelvis, ankles and spine. A bad knee will generally cause a patient to tilt his pelvis to compensate for limitations in the mobility of the bad knee. If both of a patient’s knees are affected, the pressure on the spine and upper limbs caused by the use of a walking aid can lead to more wear and tear in joints.

[0006] Numerous workers have been made redundant as a result of suffering from constant knee pain. A worker, for example, required to squat while working or a worker unable to bend his knees when lifting objects will excessively rely on his back possibly leading to serious back injury. Obviating the knee pain will reduce the requirement for medication and the possible side effects of them.

[0007] The major medical problem associated with the knees, namely osteoarthritis, often culminates in the need for a joint replacement. Such replacement, however, is expensive, invasive and potentially may leave a patent with serious complications.

OBJECT

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative orthopaedic brace, particularly a knee brace to facilitate weight bearing exercise.

SUMMARY

[0009] According to a first aspect there is disclosed herein an orthopaedic brace for supporting a limb of a user, the orthopaedic brace including (i) an orthopaedic cast assembly to at least partially encase the limb of the user; and (ii) a strut assembly operatively associated with the orthopaedic cast assembly and adapted to support the limb encased in the orthopaedic cast assembly when the user applies weight to the encased limb.

[0010] Preferably the orthopaedic cast assembly includes a cast frame.

[0011] Preferably the orthopaedic cast assembly includes a cast cover assembly operatively associated with the cast frame.

[0012] Preferably the cast frame includes a first cast frame member and a second cast frame member pivotally connected to the first cast frame member.

[0013] Preferably the cast cover assembly includes a first cover member adapted for operative detachable attachment to the first cast frame member.

[0014] Preferably the cast cover as sembly includes a second cover member adapted for operative detachable attachment to the second cast frame member.

[0015] Preferably the first cover member and the first cast frame member include a first fastening assembly adapted to facilitate detachable attachment of the first cover member to the first cast frame member. [0016] Preferably the second cover member and the second cast frame member include a second fastening assembly adapted to facilitate detachable attachment of the second cover member to the second cast frame member.

[0017] Preferably the strut assembly includes a first and a second strut, wherein the first and second strut are each operatively attached to the first cast frame member and the second cast frame member so as in use to support the encased limb when the user applies weight thereto.

[0018] Preferably each of the first and second strut includes a hydraulic cylinder, secured to the first cast frame member, and an elongate piston secured to the second cast frame member.

[0019] Preferably the first fastening assembly includes two locks secured to the first cast frame member, the two locks operatively associated respectively with two hooks on the first cover member, the locks of the first fastening assembly operatively adapted to engage the hooks of the first cover member to secure the first cast frame member to the first cover member.

[0020] Preferably the second fastening assembly includes two locks secured to the second cast frame member, the two locks operatively associated respectively with two hooks on the second cover member, the locks of the second fastening assembly operatively adapted to engage the hooks of the second cover member to secure the second cast frame member to the second cover member.

[0021] Preferably the first cast frame member, second cast frame member, first cover member and second cover member each includes a protective inner layer to overly the encased limb of the user.

[0022] Preferably the protective inner layer is a foam layer.

[0023] Preferably the cast frame is produced from polyester.

[0024] Preferably the cast cover assembly includes a first cover member operatively associated with the first cast frame member, wherein the first cover member includes a fabric strap.

[0025] Preferably the cast cover assembly includes a second cover member operatively associated with the second cast frame member, wherein the second cover member includes a fabric strap.

[0026] According to a second aspect there is provided a method of producing an orthopaedic brace including the steps of: encasing a limb of a user in an orthopaedic cast; cutting the orthopaedic cast to form an orthopaedic cast assembly, and securing a strut assembly to the orthopaedic cast assembly, the stmt assembly operatively adapted to support the limb encased in the cast frame when the user applies weight to the encased limb.

[0027] According to a further aspect there is disclosed herein an orthopaedic brace for supporting a limb of a user, the orthopaedic brace including a stmt assembly operatively adapted to support the limb when the user applies weight to the limb.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described hereinafter, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompany drawings, wherein:

[0029] Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a cast frame of an embodiment orthopaedic brace;

[0030] Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a first cover member of a cast cover assembly of the orthopaedic brace;

[0031] Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a second cover member of the cast cover assembly of the orthopaedic brace; and

[0032] Figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a second embodiment orthopaedic brace.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Figures 1, 2 and 3 show a first embodiment orthopaedic brace 10 for supporting a limb of a user. In this embodiment the orthopaedic brace 10 is adapted to be employed as a knee brace for supporting a knee of a user. The orthopaedic brace 10 includes an orthopaedic cast assembly 12 to encase at least a portion of the limb of the user. The orthopaedic brace 10 further includes a stmt assembly 14 operatively associated with the orthopaedic cast assembly 12 and is adapted to support the limb encased in the orthopaedic cast assembly 12 when the user applies weight to the limb encased within the orthopaedic cast assembly 12. The orthopaedic cast assembly 12 includes a cast frame 16 and a cast cover assembly 18 operatively associated with the cast frame 16. [0034] The cast frame 16 includes a first cast frame member 20 and a second cast frame member 22 pivotally connected to the first cast frame member 20 with the use of two hinges 24.

[0035] The cast cover assembly 18 includes a first cover member 26, shown in Figure 2, adapted for operative detachable attachment to the first cast frame member 20. The cast cover assembly 18 further includes a second cover member 28, shown in Figure 3, adapted for operative detachable attachment to the second cast frame member 22.

[0036] The first cover member 26 and the first cast frame member 20 include a first fastening assembly 30 adapted to facilitate detachable attachment of the first cover member 26 to the first cast frame member 20. The second cover member 28 and the second cast frame member 22 include a second fastening assembly 32 adapted to facilitate detachable attachment of the second cover member 28 to the second cast frame member 22.

[0037] The first fastening assembly 30 includes two locks 34 secured to the first cast frame member 20. The two locks 34 are operatively associated respectively with two hooks 36 on the first cover member 26. The locks 34 of the first fastening assembly 30 are operatively adapted to engage the hooks 36 of the first cover member 26 to secure the first cast frame member 20 to the first cover member 26.

[0038] Similar to the first fastening assembly 30, the second fastening assembly 32 includes two locks 38 secured to the second cast frame member 22. The two locks 38 are operatively associated respectively with two hooks 40 on the second cover member 28. The locks 38 of the second fastening assembly 30 is operatively adapted to engage the hooks 40 of the second cover member 28 to secure the second cast frame member 22 to the second cover member 28.

[0039] The strut assembly 14 includes a first and a second strut 42, 44. The first and second stmt 42, 44 are each operatively attached to the first cast frame member 20 and the second cast frame member 22 so as in use to support the limb of the user when the user applies weight to the encased limb, for example when the user bends his knee. In this embodiment each of the first and second stmt 42, 44 includes a hydraulic cylinder 46, secured to the first cast frame member 20 and an elongate piston 48 secured to the second cast frame member 22.

[0040] The embodiment orthopaedic cast assembly 12 is produced from polyester. It would be appreciated that the orthopaedic cast 12 could also be produced from other materials such as fibreglass. To provide comfort to a user, the first cast frame member 20, second cast frame member 22, first cover member 26 and second cover member 28 each includes a protective inner foam layer 50 to overly the encased limb of the user.

[0041] In order to produce an embodiment orthopaedic brace 10, a method is followed which includes the step of encasing a limb of a user in an orthopaedic cast. Once the orthopaedic cast has set it is cut to form an orthopaedic cast assembly 12 having a cast frame 16 and cast cover assembly 18. Hereafter the strut assembly 14 is secured to the cast frame 16 such that the strut assembly 16 is operatively adapted to support the limb encased in the orthopaedic cast assembly 12 when the user applies weight to that limb.

[0042] The fact that the orthopaedic cast assembly 12 is produced by encasing the actual user’s limb ensures it is custom made to fit the user. Further, the strut assembly 16 is adjusted based on the user’s weight and height. The embodiment orthopaedic brace 10 is sized to be worn underneath loose clothing or trousers.

[0043] In use the strut assembly 16 will become biased when the user bends his knee, so that when the user seeks to return his knee to a straight position the strut assembly 16 will move to its unbiased position and thus assists in straightening the knee.

[0044] Figure 5 shows a second embodiment orthopaedic brace 60 for supporting a limb of a user. The orthopaedic brace 60 is also adapted to be employed as a knee brace for supporting a knee of a user. Similar to the first embodiment orthopaedic brace 10, the second embodiment orthopaedic brace 60 includes an orthopaedic cast assembly 12 to encase / enclose at least a portion of the limb of the user. The orthopaedic brace 60 also includes a strut assembly 14 operatively associated with the orthopaedic cast assembly 12 which is adapted to support the limb encased in the orthopaedic cast assembly 12 when the user applies weight to the limb. The orthopaedic cast assembly 12 includes a cast frame 16 and a cast cover assembly 18 operatively associated with the cast frame 16.

[0045] The cast frame 16 includes a first cast frame member 20 and a second cast frame member 22 pivotally connected to the first cast frame member 20 with the use of two hinges 24.

[0046] The cast cover assembly 18 of the orthopaedic brace 60 differs from the orthopaedic brace 10 in that it includes two first cover members 26.1, 26.2 attached to the first cast frame member 20 and two second cover members 28.1, 28.2 attached to the second cast frame member 22 to secure the brace to a limb of a user. In this embodiment each of the first and second cover members 26.1, 26.2, 28.1, 28.2 are provided in the form of an upper and a lower fabric strap 29.1, 29.2 specifically of a canvas fabric. Each first and second cover member 26.1, 26.2, 28.1, 28.2 includes a fastening assembly 62 to secure their respective straps 29.1, 29.2 to each other. In this embodiment the fastening assembly 62 is provided in the form of a hook-and-loop fastener wherein a hook strip 64.1 is provided on a bottom surface of the upper strap 29.1 and a loop strip

64.2 is located on a top surface of the lower strap 29.2. Employing fabric as the first and second cover members 26.1, 26.2, 28.1, 28.2 provides for ease in securing the orthopaedic brace 60 in position to a limb with enhanced comfort to a user.

[0047] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

1. An orthopaedic brace for supporting a limb of a user, the orthopaedic brace including (i) an orthopaedic cast assembly to at least partially encase the limb of the user; and (ii) a strut assembly operatively associated with the orthopaedic cast assembly and adapted to support the limb encased in the orthopaedic cast assembly when the user applies weight to the encased limb.

2. An orthopaedic brace according to claim 1, wherein the orthopaedic cast assembly includes a cast frame.

3. An orthopaedic brace according to claim 2, wherein the orthopaedic cast assembly includes a cast cover assembly operatively associated with the cast frame.

4. An orthopaedic brace according to claim 3, wherein the cast frame includes a first cast frame member and a second cast frame member pivotally connected to the first cast frame member.

5. An orthopaedic brace according to claim 4, wherein the cast cover assembly includes a first cover member adapted for operative detachable attachment to the first cast frame member.

6. An orthopaedic brace according to claim 5, wherein the cast cover assembly includes a second cover member adapted for operative detachable attachment to the second cast frame member.

7. An orthopaedic brace according to claim 4, wherein the strut assembly includes a first and a second strut, wherein the first and second strut are each operatively attached to the first cast frame member and the second cast frame member so as in use to support the limb when the user applies weight to the encased.

8. An orthopaedic brace according to claim 7, wherein each of the first and second strut includes a hydraulic cylinder, secured to the first cast frame member, and an elongate piston secured to the second cast frame member.

9. An orthopaedic brace according to claim 8, wherein the first cast frame member and second cast frame member each includes a protective inner layer to overly the encased limb of the user.

10. An orthopaedic brace according to claim 9, wherein the protective inner layer is produced from a foam material.

11. An orthopaedic brace according to claim 2, wherein the cast frame is produced from polyester.

12. An orthopaedic brace according to claim 3, wherein the cast cover assembly includes a first cover member operatively associated with the first cast frame member, and wherein first cover member includes a fabric strap.

13. An orthopaedic brace according to claim 12, wherein the cast cover assembly includes a second cover member operatively associated with the second cast frame member, and wherein the second cover member includes a fabric strap.

13. A method of producing an orthopaedic brace including the steps of: encasing a limb of a user in an orthopaedic cast; cutting the orthopaedic cast to form an orthopaedic cast assembly, and securing a strut assembly to the orthopaedic cast assembly, the strut assembly operatively adapted to support the limb encased in the cast frame when the user applies weight to the encased limb.