Knee flexion device and associated method of use

An apparatus for use in controlled movement of one or more knees, the apparatus comprising:

• a first and a second substantially L-shaped frames, each L-shaped frame having a first member and a second member extending from the first member in a substantially perpendicular direction and terminating in a first end;
• a fixed plate extending between the first members of the L-shaped frames, the fixed plate being parallel with the first members of the L-shaped frames;
• a movable plate pivotally coupled to the first ends of the first members of the L-shaped frames;
• a piston pivotally coupled to the movable plate and pivotally coupled to the fixed plate, the piston adapted and configured to control an angle between the movable plate and the fixed plate;
• and
• a valve operatively coupled to the piston, the valve adapted and configured to control the piston such that movement of the movable plate relative to the fixed plate can be allowed and prevented by operation of the valve.

A method for controlled movement of one or more knees, the method comprising:

• providing a pneumatically controlled device comprising a first and a second substantially L-shaped frames, each L-shaped frame having a first member and a second member extending from the first member in a substantially perpendicular direction and terminating in a first end, a fixed plate extending between the first members of the L-shaped frames, the fixed plate being parallel with the first members of the L-shaped frames, a movable plate pivotally coupled to the first ends of the first members of the L-shaped frames, a pneumatic piston pivotally coupled to the movable plate and pivotally coupled to the fixed plate, the pneumatic piston adapted and configured to control an angle between the movable plate and the fixed plate, a hand operated valve operatively coupled to the pneumatic piston, the valve adapted and configured to control the flow of air into and out from the pneumatic piston such that movement of the movable plate relative to the fixed plate can be allowed and prevented by operation of the valve, and a goniometer coupled to the movable plate and one of the L-shaped frames, the goniometer adapted and configured to indicate the angle between the movable plate and the fixed plate;
• placing one or more legs on the device such that a lower portion of the leg rests on the movable plate and an upper portion of the one or more legs rests on the fixed plate;
• opening the valve such that the movable plate is free to move;
• and
• maintaining the valve in an open position such that the movable plate moves in a direction that decreases the angle between the movable plate and the fixed plate thereby controlling movement of the one or more knees in flexion.