Reconfigurable orthosis for deformity correction
AssigneeGreen Sun Medical, LLC
InventorsMatthew Thompson, Darin Gittings
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems and methods for correcting spinal deformity utilize a dynamic, multi-structure torso orthosis that allows motion during wear. The disclosed embodiments utilize a series of elastically coupled ring structures that conform to the circumference of the torso of a patient. Adjustable elastic coupling mechanisms are utilized to create and alter forces and moments that are applied to the torso through these ring structures. In some instances, the ring structures are formed from individual elements that can be linked to accommodate particular anatomies. In other instances, a superior ring structure can be configured to accommodate the patient's upper torso.
Claims23
A system for externally applying corrective force to a torso of a patient, the system comprising:
- a plurality of ring structures spaced-apart along a vertical axis, wherein the plurality of ring structures include an inferior terminal ring structure, a superior terminal ring structure, and at least one intermediate ring structure disposed between the inferior and superior terminal ring structures and wherein at least some of the plurality of ring structures comprise a plurality of ring elements, wherein at least some of the plurality of ring elements have mating surfaces disposed on lateral ends of a curved center region, wherein the mating surfaces on circumferentially adjacent ring elements have complementary shapes that allow them to be linked together so that the at least some of the ring structures conform to a circumference of the torso of the patient and wherein at least some mating surfaces are configured to rigidly attach to a circumferentially adjacent mating surface to form a selectively rigid assembly;
- and
- at least one coupling member disposed between each vertically adjacent pair of the plurality of ring structures, wherein each of the at least one coupling member is adjustably fixated at an inferior end to a ring structure located on an inferior side thereof and at a superior end to a ring structure located on a superior side thereof.
A system for externally applying corrective force to a torso of a patient comprising:
- a plurality of ring structures that are each configured to conform to a circumference of the torso of the patient and are each positioned in a spaced, substantially coaxial configuration about a vertical axis, wherein the plurality of ring structures includes an inferior terminal ring structure, a superior terminal ring structure, and at least one intermediate ring structure disposed between the inferior and superior terminal ring structures and wherein the superior terminal ring structure has a length that is configured to span an upper region of the patient's back and to extend downward to span the patient's torso below the patient's arms and wherein at least some of the plurality of ring structures comprise a plurality of ring elements linked together so that the at least some of the ring structures conform to the circumference of the torso of the patient and wherein at least some of the plurality of ring elements are configured to rigidly attach to an adjacent ring element to form a rigid assembly;
- and
- at least one elastic member disposed between each vertically adjacent pair of the plurality of ring structures, wherein each of the at least one elastic member is secured and adjustably fixated at an inferior end to a ring structure located on an inferior side thereof and at a superior end to a ring structure located on a superior side thereof.
A method for configuring a system to apply a corrective force to a vertebral column of a patient, the method comprising:
- providing a plurality of ring elements wherein at least some of the ring elements have mating surfaces disposed on lateral ends of a curved center region, wherein the mating surfaces on circumferentially adjacent ring elements have complementary shapes;
- linking the complementary mating surfaces of individual ring elements rigidly together to form an inferior terminal ring structure, a superior terminal ring structure, and at least one intermediate ring structure disposed between the inferior and superior terminal ring structures, wherein each ring structure conforms to a circumference of a torso of the patient and wherein at least some individual ring elements are selectively rigidly attached to an adjacent ring element;
- and
- elastically joining the inferior terminal ring structure, the superior terminal ring structure, and the at least one intermediate ring structure along a vertical axis to form the system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.