Orthopedic device having a dynamic control system and method for using the same
AssigneeOssur Hf
InventorsHarry Duane Romo, Jane Lee, Chris Webster, Jared Olivo, Henry Hsu
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An orthopedic device and method for using the same are provided for applying a dynamic load on a leg of a user. The orthopedic device has a rigid or semi-rigid frame including lower and upper frames, and a hinge assembly connecting the lower and upper frames. A dynamic loading component is used to urge the load on the user's leg on the basis of flexion of the hinge assembly on the basis of tension in an elongate element connecting the dynamic loading component and at least one of the lower and upper frames. A peak load is generated at a flexion angle between extension and flexion of the hinge assembly.
Claims20
A method for applying a dynamic load on a user's leg during flexion of a knee, the method comprising the steps of:
- placing an orthopedic device having a hinge assembly on a leg of a user;
- urging a load on a user's leg by the orthopedic device;
- creating a peak load on the leg corresponding to a predetermined angle of flexion of the hinge assembly;
- applying a first force on a first side of the leg above the user's knee;
- applying a second force on the first side of the leg below the user's knee;
- wherein the load is applied on a second side of the leg, the load counteracting in a second direction the first and second forces directed in a first direction.
A method for applying a dynamic load on a user's leg during flexion of a knee, comprising the steps of:
- providing an orthopedic device on a leg of a user;
- urging a load on a user's leg by the orthopedic device;
- increasing the load from full extension to a peak load at a predetermined angle of flexion;
- maintaining a peak load on the leg corresponding at the predetermined angle of flexion of the hinge assembly;
- diminishing the load after reaching the predetermined angle of flexion as the leg continues to undergo flexion until full flexion;
- wherein the load exerted on the user's leg defines a generally concave curve from full extension through the predetermined angle of flexion and a particular angle of flexion greater than the predetermined angle of flexion.
A method for generating a dynamic load in an orthopedic device, comprising the steps of:
- providing the orthopedic device with a hinge assembly, a dynamic loading component arranged to be urged against a user's leg and a cable, the cable having a first end securing to the dynamic loading component and a second end securing to the hinge assembly, the hinge assembly including a hinge and the first end of the cable is located on a first side of the hinge and the second end of the cable is located on a second side of the hinge;
- sweeping the cable over the hinge during of articulation of the hinge;
- and
- generating a peak load when the cable intersects an instantaneous center of rotation of the hinge.
A method for applying a dynamic load on a user's leg during flexion of a knee, the method comprising the steps of:
- placing an orthopedic device having a hinge assembly on a leg of a user;
- urging a load on a user's leg by the orthopedic device;
- creating a peak load on the leg corresponding to a predetermined angle of flexion of the hinge assembly;
- wherein the orthopedic device includes a cable regulating the load on the basis of articulation of the hinge assembly and having at least one end secured to the hinge assembly;
- wherein the orthopedic device includes a dynamic loading component arranged to be urged against a user's leg, the cable having a first end securing to the dynamic loading component and a second end securing to the hinge assembly, the hinge assembly including a hinge and the first end of the cable is located on a first side of the hinge and the second end of the cable is located on a second side of the hinge such that the cable sweeps over the hinge during articulation of the hinge.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.