WO2021161277A1 - System for limb injuries to allow early ambulation with stabilization - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an orthopedic system comprising of multiple, independently usable modules. Each module is designed to serve specific limb segments and may be applied either in single units or together based on the stage of healing or the site of injury and all modules when applied work together to facilitate healing of the entire limb. The components include at least two directionally rigid shells enclosing the limb either inside a single unit or with a combination of multiple units based on the desired utility of the number of both components and a pressure chamber of fluid covering the entire area of the shell. A feedback mechanism is also provided for continuous mapping of the pressure inside the chamber. This orthopedic device for limb injuries of upper and lower extremities may be customized to meet different levels of stability needs of the subject and allow early ambulation with stabilization.

Description

SYSTEM FOR LIMB INJURIES TO ALLOW EARLY AMBULATION WITH

STABILIZATION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention generally relates to an orthopedic device for limb injuries and more particularly to a supporting device for limb injuries that may be customized to meet different levels of stability needs of the subject and allow early ambulation with stabilization.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Fracture healing occurs in various phases for which multiple devices and casts are required from the trauma to rehabilitation phase. There is plethora of commercially available orthopedic devices which include but not limited to walker brace, plaster of Paris cast, fiberglass casts, splints, bands/supports, stirrups, off loading shoes, wedges etc. The evolution of these devices for conservative fracture management from cast to splints and braces are driven by an intent to develop something that is manageable by the patients and facilitates quicker healing of their injuries, although very few of them have managed to fulfil their promises. Most of the devices available commercially are usable only in later stage of fracture in rehabilitation phase.

[003] The fractures of the lower extremities such as tibia also known as shinbone are caused by various type of injuries and treatment of such fractures depends upon the type and severity of fracture. In some cases, a cast is used for the treatment, however in some cases, surgical intervention is required for the treatment. Surgical treatment options may include pins, plates, screws, rods etc. Recovery timelines are also highly variable and depend on the specific circumstances of the fracture and treatment provided.

[004] U.S. Patent publication number US3643656A discloses a water-impervious cast having a rigid tubular outer wall or shell and a flexible tubular inner wall which form a substantially cylindrical chamber about a body portion, such as a leg, arm, torso and the like, to be immobilized by the cast and a foamed-in-place rigid plastic filling the chamber and causing the inner surfaces of the flexible wall to contact the body portion and assume the configuration of the body portion to hold immobile the body portion. Such system is improvisation of the conventional cast, a rigid structure and does not inhibit patellar rotation.

[005] U.S. Patent Number 3,955,565 B1 dated May 11, 1976 discloses a pair of complementary shaped half-shell members adapted to be receivably engaged with respect to each other in a diametrically opposed concentric nesting fashion and due to their inherent radial flexibility may be adjusted relative to each other to form a radially telescoped generally cylindrically shaped outer shell structure of selective inside diameter generally conforming to the shape of an injured limb such as, for example, a leg or arm. Disposed interiorly of the outer shell structure is a series of air bags or similar means capable of assuming a normally flattened configuration but which when inflated with air through a valve inlet port are capable of being radially expanded to conform to the irregular shape of the limb or other body part with which each air bag is intended to engage. The device disclosed in this prior art does not cater tibial fractures, neither restricts the patellar glide.

[006] U.S. Patent publication number 3,800,789A dated April 2, 1974 discloses a joint-immobilizing temporary splint comprising an elongated rigid member U-shaped in cross section having at least two parts angularly related, said member being contoured both longitudinally and transversely to approximate the shape of the posterior of two predetermined joined limb elements, a plurality of straps secured along lengths between the ends thereof to said rigid member transversely thereof, said ends extending beyond said rigid member sufficiently to overlap each other after being applied to a limb element being treated, means for adjustably attaching the opposite ends of a given strap together to fit snugly around a limb element, and a number of said straps being on each of said two parts. However, the device of this prior art is not distinctly rigid and thus is not a very reliable supporting device. Moreover, it is difficult to apply and provides no remedy to tibial fracture. [007] U.S. Patent publication number 3,760,056 dated September 18, 1973 discloses an improved method for custom fitting an inflatable bladder (e.g., for ski boots or the like) to a portion of a person’s anatomy (e.g., a wearer’s foot). Further, in order to accommodate the conformity of the limb, heating and cooling is required. [008] US Patent publication number US3701349A dated October 31, 1972 discloses a bi-valved cast for immobilizing broken limbs in which complementary rigid shells, each having an inflatable liner, are releasably secured together about the limb or other body portion to be immobilized, so that upon pressurizing the liners, the limb or other body portion will be immobilized. However, such cast is limited to its user and cannot accommodate swelling. It does not inhibit patellar rotation while ambulation.

[009] Thus, many types of conventional orthopedic devices are available but none provide for an orthopedic device specifically adapted to provide improved stability of the lower limb during ambulation. None of the art as identified above, either individually or in combination, describes an orthopedic device or a system, which specifically provides for improved stability of the lower limb during ambulation and inhibition of rotational and translational movement of tibia and medio lateral inhibition of patellar region. Similarly, none of the existing orthopedic devices provide for improved stability of the upper limb during ambulation.

[0010] Also, the existing devices are usable only in later stages of fracture in rehabilitation phase and when used does not form close proximity to body surface and hence not able to effectively immobilize the injury site of the subject.

[0011] Further, existing devices can not adjust with change in girth neither during swelling when it increases nor in dystrophy when it decreases and not able to address early ambulation in limb fractures with effective immobilization. Hence, there always remains a need for custom made device for each patient.

[0012] Therefore, there is a need for a single point solution for all the earlier problems. Hence, a system designed in such a way that can be used in limb injuries and can be customized as per the needs of the subject, simultaneously allowing early ambulation with stabilization.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION [0013] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a system for early ambulation and stabilization after fracture or injury of the limb of the subject.

[0014] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a system which restricts the rotational and translation movement of the limb of upper/ lower extremities about an axis. [0015] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a system which restricts the rotational and translation movement of tibia about an axis.

[0016] Yet another objective of the present invention is to restrict the movement of joint such as patellar/trochlear.

[0017] Yet another objective of the present invention is to restrict the ankle/elbow movement.

[0018] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide pressure chambers/air bladders designed in such a way to ensure reduction in the possibility of compartment syndrome via a pressure reciprocating mechanism.

[0019] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a system which reduces skin irritation and allows ventilation for perspiration.

[0020] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an extended user- fitted curved outsole, which minimizes peak plantar pressure by devising a semi-rigid curved outsole.

[0021] Yet another objective of the present invention is to restrict heel strike phase in the gait cycle thereby reducing longitudinal loading of the leg segment. [0022] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a unique arrangement of the curved outsole that reduces pressure at meta-tarso-phalangeal joints.

[0023] Yet another objective of the present invention is to automatically conforming to the anatomical curvature of the limb with the help of a unique design wherein the unique shape of the chambers allows to conform to the limb segment when inflated with fluids.

[0024] Another objective of the present invention is to immobilize the skeletal components within the enclosed region by applying an equally distributed circumferential pressure with the help of segment conforming chambers.

[0025] Another objective of the present invention is to provide safety against over compression by means of a leak valve set and allows the clinician to personalize the same device to every individual’s unique anatomy.

[0026] Another objective of the present invention is to allow the user to maintain hygiene while wearing the enclosed section of the device or system. Further, the donning and doffing of the system is easy.

[0027] Another objective of the present invention is to nullify the need for contralateral shoe raise due to the anthropometrically designed sole that adds minimal height to the limb on which it is used. [0028] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device which is modular in design, made of multiple, independently usable modules. Each module is designed to serve specific limb segments and may be applied either in single units or together based on the stage of healing or the site of injury and all modules when applied work together to facilitate healing of the entire limb. [0029] Another objective of the present invention is to provide information to the user about the optimum pressure for the respective chamber through a feedback mechanism consisting of a pressure sensor to do a continuous mapping of the pressure inside the chamber which alerts the user when it exceeds a certain threshold value fed at the time of application, which could be tailored according to the individual.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0030] The present disclosure will be described hereafter with reference to the attached drawings which are given as non-limiting examples only, in which:

[0031] FIG. 1 is the anterior view of the limb supporting orthopedic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 2 is the posterior view of the limb supporting orthopedic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 3 is the perspective view of foot and ankle segment of the orthopedic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 4 is the fragmentary view of the disassembled rocker bottom to be assembled in FIG. 3. [0035] FIG. 5 is the perspective view of the pressure chamber or air bladder covering entire area of the rigid shell of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0036] FIG. 6 is the fragmentary view of the pressure chamber or air bladder according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 7 is the perspective view of the completely integrated orthopedic device for lower limb according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 8 is the perspective view of the completely integrated orthopedic device for upper limb according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principals of the invention. The exemplification set out herein illustrates embodiments of the invention, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0040] The following description describes various features and functions of the disclosed system. The illustrative aspects described herein are not meant to be limiting. It may be readily understood that certain aspects of the disclosed system can be arranged and combined in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which may not have been described herein. [0041] These and other features, including the advantages of the present invention may be incorporated into certain embodiments of the invention which will become fully apparent from the following description.

[0042] Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0043] It is to be understood that the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural reference, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0044] It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0045] While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more preferred aspect, which have been set forth in considerable details for the purpose of making a disclosure of the invention, such aspects are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting or represent an exhaustive enumeration of all aspects of the invention. Further, it will be apparent to those skills in the art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from the principles of the invention.

[0046] The present invention relates to a device for early ambulation and stabilization after fracture or injury of the limb of the subject. The present invention provides a system for restricting movement of limbs of lower and upper extremities. More particularly, the present invention provides a system for restricting rotational and translational movement of a limb about an axis.

[0047] The system of the present invention relates to an orthopedic device for limb injuries that may be customized to meet different levels of stability needs of the subject and allow early ambulation with stabilization. The system comprises a plurality of components which may be assembled together to achieve the aforesaid objectives of the invention. The components include at least two directionally rigid shells enclosing the limb either inside a single unit or with a combination of multiple units based on the desired utility of the number of both components; and a pressure chamber of fluid covering the entire area of the shell.

[0048] According to the present invention, an orthopedic system for early ambulation and stabilization of limb Injuries comprises: a limb support comprising an anterior segment and a posterior segment arranged to define a coupled configuration, wherein the anterior segment comprises a rigid shell having a plurality of serrations, a joint supporting unit, slots to incorporate a pumping unit, and joinery to provide fitting extensions. the posterior segment comprising of a rigid shell having a curvature, a plurality of cushioning media for perspiration, a plurality of locking mechanisms for securing orientation of the anterior and posterior segments; a mechanism for customizing flexibility at joins, allowing to make the joint flexible or rigid depending on the clinical need; and fluid chambers and/or bladders having at least one valve each for inflating or deflating the bladders; wherein the anterior and posterior segments may be integrated into a single unit limb support segment; and/or a segment in continuity with the limb support for enclosing foot/hand comprising: I. an inner portion with cushioning surface and an outer portion for accommodating foot/hand;

II. the segment designed to partially/fully cover the foot/hand and forming continuity with the limb support, the flap having serrations to aid in conforming to angle between the joints; and III. a plurality of locking mechanism for tightly securing the foot /hand segment or making it flexible (25). wherein at least two limb segments may be applied either separately or integrated together as a single unit depending on the on the stage of healing or the site of injury and all segments when applied work together to facilitate healing of the entire limb.

[0049] The present system automatically conforms to the anatomical curvature of the limb with the help of a unique design wherein the unique shape of the chambers allows to conform to the limb segment when inflated, hence allowing the same device to be personalized to different muscular and bone structures. The skeletal components are immobilized within the enclosed region by applying an equally distributed circumferential pressure with the help of segment conforming chambers.

[0050] The system of the present invention also provides information to the user about the optimum pressure for the respective chamber through a feedback mechanism which comprises a pressure sensor (Fig. 7) to do a continuous mapping of the pressure inside the chamber which alerts the user when it exceeds a certain threshold value fed at the time of application, which could be tailored to an individual’s anatomy. [0051] In an embodiment, the present invention provides safety against over compression by means of a leak valve preferably set at a predetermined pressure limit set by a clinician. For instance, the pressure may be set to 40mm of Hg.

[0052] In an embodiment, the device is modular in design, made of multiple, independently usable modules. Each module is intended to serve specific limb segments and may be applied either in single units or together based on the stage of healing or the site of injury. Degree of freedom of movement between various limb segments is controlled by varying the binding material between the various segments

[0053] The system of the present invention allows ventilation for perspiration thus reducing skin irritation. The user can maintain hygiene while wearing the enclosed section of the device or system. Further, the donning and doffing of the system is easy and independent. The extended user-fitted curved outsole minimizes peak plantar pressure by devising a semi-rigid curved outsole. This unique arrangement of the curved outsole reduces pressure at meta-tarso-phalangeal joints or meta-carpo- phalangeal joints. Further, pressure chambers or air bladders are designed in such a way to ensure the reduction in the possibility of compartment syndrome via a pressure reciprocating mechanism.

[0054] In an embodiment of the invention, the present invention provides a limb support system for mobility and stabilization of limb of upper extremity Injuries comprising: a. an upper limb rigid shell support; and b. an elbow and wrist segment integrated to form a rigid shell support (30) covering upper limb extending from mid shaft of the humerus at one end upto metacarpal of the hand on the other end and adapted to rest upon the body surface and to enclose arm, forearm, elbow, wrist, and other underlying structures comprising: a plurality of serrations (37), a slot to incorporate a pumping unit, a plurality of joinery to provide fitting extensions, a cushioning agent for perspiration, a plurality of locking mechanisms; a fluid chamber/bladder (36) having at least one valve for inflating or deflating the bladder with a cushioning surface for accommodating the limb contour.

[0055] Figure 8 illustrates an upper limb support assembly. The rigid shell (30) of the segment extends from mid shaft of the humerus at one end upto metacarpal of the hand on the other side. A plurality of slots are provided on the rigid shell (32-37) for fixing the outer shell. A fluid chamber (36) runs as an inner lining and accommodates the limb contour.

[0056] In an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides a system for restricting rotational and translation movement of tibia about an axis when applied to lower limb. The system of the present invention also restricts movement of patella i.e. medio-lateral, latero-medial and inferior glide of patella from applied position. It further restricts the ankle movement in dorsiflexion and plantar flexion along with foot supination-pronation with the help of directionally rigid shell and fluid chamber which are conformed to the limb curvature at the ankle and foot region. Longitudinal loading of the leg segment is reduced by restriction of heel strike phase in the gait cycle.

[0057] In an embodiment of the invention, the present invention provides a lower limb support system for early ambulation and stabilization of limb of lower extremity (tibial) Injuries comprising: a. a lower limb support comprising an anterior segment and a posterior segment arranged to define a coupled configuration, wherein a. the anterior segment comprises a rigid shell (6) having a plurality of serrations (9), a patellar unit (23), a slot to incorporate a pumping unit (2), and joinery to provide fitting extensions. b. the posterior segment comprising of a rigid shell (12) having a curvature (11), a cushioning agent (10) for perspiration, a plurality of locking mechanisms for securing orientation of the anterior and posterior segments; and c. a fluid chamber (3), a pair of bladders (13) and (18), having at least one valve (26, 27) for inflating or deflating the bladders; b. a foot and ankle segment (25) adapted to rest upon a floor surface and to enclose tarsal, metatarsal, phalangeal and other underlying structures comprising: a. an inner portion with cushioning surface (19) for accommodating the foot and an outer portion forming sole and lateral surface of foot covering; b. a front part (22) forming toe portion to provide a protective rigid layer at the toe region; and c. a flap (24) for supporting foot and ankle anteriorly extending from the toe portion (22) and designed to cover dorsal surface of foot forming continuity with the anterior segment of the limb support, the flap (24) having serrations (9) to aid in conforming to angle between ankle and tibia across users; and d. the outer portion having serrated slots (20) configured to accommodate a curved support (21); and e. A plurality of locking mechanism for tightly securing the foot and ankle segment (25).

[0058] In an embodiment, the patellar unit (23) may be integrated or a separate unit.

[0059] The support system according to an embodiment of the present invention consists of directionally rigid shells (6 and 12) forming anterior and posterior limb supports as shown in Fig.1,2 and Fig. 7,8 respectively forming first component of the system which can be used as a pair of shells or in the form of cylindrically hollow shells attached to each other in a vertical arrangement, the number of directionally rigid shells may differ though the shells will be attached to each other and will combine to form the external frame of the system.

[0060] The second component of the system apart from directionally rigid shells (6 and 12) consists of pressure chambers or air bladders (8 and 13) of fluid covering the entire area of the directionally rigid shells (6 and 12). The first component and second component of the system together may enclose the limb either inside a single unit or with a combination of multiple units based on the desired utility of the number of both components of the system. [0061] The exemplification set out herein illustrates embodiments of the invention, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

[0062] In an embodiment of the present invention, the tibial support system comprise of of three limb segments as follows: I. the first segment as shown in Fig.1(a) which includes a patellar unit (23), rigid shell (6), a fluid chamber (3), a bladder (8) to inflate fluid through valves (26 and 27) as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 respectively, when required and deflate when not required, a slot to incorporate the pumping unit (2), joinery to provide fitting extensions to include in the complete unit, if required in cases and a complete patellar unit (23) spans across the region of patella, tibial tuberosity and bilateral tibial and femoral condyles of the same limb in a shape conforming the shape of limb for the subject. The patellar unit may be an integrated or a separate unit. II. the second segment is a lower/base segment (25) as shown in Fig. 7 of foot part which supports foot and ankle includes an anterior portion to cover foot and lower end of tibia-fibula and encompasses the underlying structures around tibia-fibula and consists of an outer shell , a cushioning surface, a flap (24), a bladder (8) to inflate fluid through valves as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 respectively, when required and deflate when not required, having serrations

(9) in the shell to aid in conforming to angle between ankle and tibia across users. The foot and ankle segment (25) as shown in Fig. 3 can be integrated with (12) posterior shell and encloses the tarsal, metatarsal, phalangeal and other underlying structures. The bottom part (25) also consists of a cushioning surface (19) as shown in Fig. 3 at the bottom of the foot placement along with serrated slots (20) on the outer surface in order to align the curved support (21) shown in Fig. 4 at required positions, an extension of the shell is taken up to front part (22) to provide a protective rigid layer at the toe region. III. The third segment consists of a posterior rigid shell (12), a pair of bladders (13) and (18), a support system (15) and (14) as shown in Fig. 2 on either side to ensure the locking mechanism holds the orientation as desired, a curvature (11) to ensure the grasp of fossa region when bladders are in inflated condition, a cushioning agent (10) to eliminate the perspiration issues and allow a comfortable feel overall, the support system (14 and 15) are located to hold the velcro (16) and zip-ties (17) which allow the integration of the anterior segment (24) along with patellar unit (23) to form a complete unit across a variety of subject. In an embodiment, the patellar region may be a separate unit as shown in Figure 1. or may be integrated with other shell segment.

[0063] The design and material part for the superior regions of the leg (around the calf) and at anterior ankle and dorsum of the foot is selected with extra care as these are the areas where maximal stress is observed. The posterior-superior stress at leg segment is counterbalanced by the patellar unit (23) in the shell as a result of design consideration to manage coupling forces. Material selection is done on the basis of the characteristics desired in the system.

[0064] In an embodiment, the system for upper extremity may consist of one or more than one limb segments.

[0065] The aforesaid limb segments are connected with each other seamlessly in different combinations as mentioned earlier. The rigid shells (6 and 12) made of materials including but not limited to rubber-based polymers, which are directionally rigid in the longitudinal axis and flexible in the transverse axis. The said shells (6 and 12) provides the protective external support not only to the bone and underlying structures but also to the inflated fluid bladders (8 and 13) inside. [0066] The shell segment of patellar unit (23) comprises of a peculiar shaped rigid structure which can be fitted onto any individual based on the principles of Sarmiento’s PTB (Patella Tendon Bearing) cast, the shell provides the function of a PTB cast in the form of a temporarily removable device which aids in reducing the tibial rotation by limiting patella superiorly as well as inferiorly. The shell segment of patella allows flexion and extension of the knees as per need of movement during gait cycle and also allow knee flexion to a degree of the clinician’s choice and setting. In an embodiment, flexion and extension of the knees may range from 0 to 30 degrees and knee flexion may be up to 90 degrees.

[0067] The air bladders or pressure chambers (8 and 13) filled with fluid are of different segments and one of the chambers beneath the patellar unit (23) is well incorporated within to provide an optimum patellar grasp of an individual by ensuring restriction of patellar movement inferiorly, medially and laterally. The conforming nature of the chambers is ensured by making the cross-section of chambers as such when inflated, the inflation occurs in all directions equally against the current design where it happens from center towards the boundary when inflated, during inflation the chamber the deformation is maximum at the center and this allows the chamber to create a lacuna in the boundary regions of the particular chamber, but the change in cross-section allows the chambers to conform the uneven structure of leg segment perfectly by wrapping itself around the tibial shin and calf due to the unique shape of chambers. The other segments of chamber or if required same bladder may be extended towards bilateral malleolus of tibia, medial and lateral arch of foot region which encloses all the underlying structures restricts ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion, foot supination-pronation, intertarsal and tarso-metatarsal joint movements which ensure immobilization of ankle and foot and facilitates restriction of tibial rotation, as a result, facilitates fracture healing overall.

[0068] The curved support at the bottom of the shell can be fitted on any individual, the extension of the curved support is from between the middle of the heel up to Metatarsal. The peak of the curve aligns with the peak of the medial arch with zero degrees difference in parallel planes when fitted and results in optimum rollover and reduced mid-stance or loading phase duration. Since one terminal of the curved support is at Metatarsal, it also reduces peak plantar pressure at the MTP site without affecting other sites. The alignment feature of mid-heel placement with the curved support is provided by lateral insertion of the curved support in strategically slotted serrations which ensures no heel strike stage of the gait cycle and in turn reduced axial loading on the injured skeletal structures.

[0069] While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more preferred aspect, which have been set forth in considerable detail for the purpose of making a disclosure of the invention, such aspects are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting or representing an exhaustive enumeration of all aspects of the invention. The scope of the invention, therefore, shall be defined solely by the claims which would be followed in the complete specification. Further, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous changes may be made in said details without departing from the principles of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An orthopedic system for early ambulation and stabilization of limb Injuries comprising: a limb support comprising an anterior segment and a posterior segment arranged to define a coupled configuration, wherein the anterior segment comprises a rigid shell having a plurality of serrations, a joint supporting unit, slots to incorporate a pumping unit, and joinery to provide fitting extensions. the posterior segment comprising of a rigid shell having a curvature, a plurality of cushioning media for perspiration, a plurality of locking mechanisms for securing orientation of the anterior and posterior segments; a mechanism for customizing flexibility at joins, allowing to make the joint flexible or rigid depending on the clinical need; and fluid chambers and/or bladders having at least one valve each for inflating or deflating the bladders; wherein the anterior and posterior segments may be integrated into a single unit limb support segment; and/or a segment in continuity with the limb support for enclosing foot/hand comprising: an inner portion with cushioning surface and an outer portion for accommodating foot/hand; the segment designed to partially/fully cover the foot/hand and forming continuity with the limb support, the flap having serrations to aid in conforming to angle between the joints; and a plurality of locking mechanism for tightly securing the foot /hand segment or making it flexible (25). wherein at least two limb segments may be applied either separately or integrated together as a single unit depending on the stage of healing or the site of injury and all segments when applied work together to facilitate healing of the entire limb.

2. The orthopedic system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system for early ambulation and stabilization of limb Injuries of lower extremity comprises: a limb support comprising an anterior segment and a posterior segment arranged to define a coupled configuration, wherein the anterior segment comprises a rigid shell (6) having a plurality of serrations (9), a patellar unit (23), a slot to incorporate a pumping unit (2), and joinery to provide fitting extensions. the posterior segment comprising of a rigid shell (12) having a curvature (11), a cushioning agent (10) for perspiration, a plurality of locking mechanisms for securing orientation of the anterior and posterior segments; and a fluid chamber (3), a pair of bladders (13) and (18), having at least one valve (26, 27) for inflating or deflating the bladders; a foot and ankle segment (25) adapted to rest upon a floor surface and to enclose tarsal, metatarsal, phalangeal and other underlying structures comprising: an inner portion with cushioning surface (19) for accommodating the foot and an outer portion forming sole and lateral surface of foot covering; a front part (22) forming toe portion to provide a protective rigid layer at the toe region; and a flap (24) for supporting foot and ankle anteriorly extending from the toe portion (22) and designed to cover dorsal surface of foot forming continuity with the anterior segment of the limb support, the flap (24) having serrations (9) to aid in conforming to angle between ankle and tibia across users; and the outer portion having serrated slots (20) configured to accommodate a curved support (21); and a plurality of locking mechanism for tightly securing the foot and ankle segment (25). 3. The orthopedic system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system for early ambulation and stabilization of limb Injuries of upper extremity comprises: a. an upper limb rigid shell support; and b. an elbow and wrist segment; integrated to form a rigid shell support (30) covering upper limb extending from mid shaft of the humerus at one end upto metacarpal of the hand on the other end and adapted to rest upon the body surface and to enclose humerus, wrist, elbow, and other underlying structures comprising: a plurality of serrations (37), a slot to incorporate a pumping unit, a plurality of joinery to provide fitting extensions, a cushioning agent for perspiration, a plurality of locking mechanisms; a fluid chamber/bladder (36) having at least one valve for inflating or deflating the bladder with a cushioning surface for accommodating the limb contour;4. The orthopedic system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the patellar unit (23) may be integrated or a separate unit.

4. The orthopedic system as claimed in claims 1-2, wherein the patellar unit (23) spans across the region of patella, tibial tuberosity and bilateral tibial and femoral condyles of the same limb in a shape conforming the shape of limb of a subject.

5. The orthopedic system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the curvature (11) ensures the grasp of fossa region when bladders are in inflated condition.

6. The orthopedic system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a plurality of support systems (14 and 15) designed for securing velcro

(16) and zip-ties (17).

7. The orthopedic system as claimed in claim 1, wherein inflation of the fluid chambers occurs in all directions equally against the current design wherein the inflation occurs from center towards the boundary regions such that when inflated, the deformation is maximum at the center and a lacuna is created in the boundary regions.

8. The orthopedic system as claimed in claim 1, wherein of the curved support (22) is laterally inserted in strategically slotted serrations (20) which ensures no heel strike stage of the gait cycle and in turn reduces axial loading on the injured skeletal structures. 9. The orthopedic system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the degree of freedom of movement between various segments is controlled by varying the binding material between the various segments.