A fixation brace for lateral collateral ligament injury repair of the ankle joint

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, specifically to a fixation brace for postoperative repair of lateral collateral ligament injury of the ankle joint. It includes a bionic support shell conforming to the dorsum of the foot, ankle, and heel. The bionic support shell comprises a dorsum segment, an ankle segment, and a heel segment conforming to the dorsum of the foot, ankle, and heel. The bionic support shell is equipped with a multi-dimensional fit and fixation mechanism and an adaptive rehabilitation adjustment mechanism. The multi-dimensional fit and fixation mechanism is electrically connected to a control module, which is also electrically connected to the adaptive rehabilitation adjustment mechanism. The multi-dimensional fit and fixation mechanism includes an arch support component, a circumferential tightening component, and a heel limiting component. The control module is used to adjust the fixation force of the multi-dimensional fit and fixation mechanism, simultaneously and in conjunction with adjusting the range of motion limits of the adaptive rehabilitation adjustment mechanism. This invention achieves precise multi-point fit and fixation of the ankle joint, with precisely adjustable fixation force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, specifically to a fixation brace for postoperative repair of lateral collateral ligament injury of the ankle joint. Background Technology

[0002] Lateral collateral ligament injury of the ankle joint is a common sports injury and trauma in clinical practice. After surgery, the ankle joint needs to be effectively immobilized to limit inversion, eversion and excessive flexion and extension of the ankle joint, so as to provide a stable healing environment for ligament repair. At the same time, the range of motion of the joint should be gradually released according to the rehabilitation process to avoid complications such as joint stiffness and muscle atrophy caused by long-term immobilization.

[0003] Currently, commonly used fixation braces for lateral collateral ligament injury repair of the ankle joint have many shortcomings: First, they lack proper fit and stability. Most braces use a single fixation structure, which cannot adapt to different patients' foot shapes, ankle circumferences, and arch curvatures, easily leading to local loosening and displacement. They cannot effectively restrict abnormal ankle joint movements, and the fixation force is uncontrollable. Too tight a brace can compress local ankle tissues, causing ischemia and swelling, while too loose a brace will not achieve the desired fixation effect, affecting ligament repair. Second, they have poor adaptability to progressive rehabilitation. Most braces are rigid, integral fixation designs without graded angle adjustment functions. They cannot gradually adjust the range of motion of the ankle joint according to the postoperative rehabilitation process (early fixation, mid-term limited activity, and late-term functional rehabilitation). Long-term rigid fixation can easily lead to joint stiffness and muscle atrophy, which is not conducive to later functional recovery.

[0004] Therefore, in response to the technical problems that existing fixation braces cannot achieve precise multi-point fitting and fixation, and that the fixation force and rehabilitation angle cannot be adjusted synchronously, a postoperative fixation brace for repairing lateral collateral ligament injuries of the ankle joint is developed. This brace can achieve precise multi-point fitting and fixation of the ankle, adjust the force, and synchronously adjust the rehabilitation angle. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention provides a fixation brace for postoperative repair of lateral collateral ligament injuries of the ankle joint. This brace solves the core problems of existing technologies, such as the inability to achieve precise multi-point fixation of the ankle, uncontrollable fixation force, and the inability to synchronously adjust the fixation force and postoperative rehabilitation angle. It also addresses the difficulty in balancing fixation stability with the needs of progressive rehabilitation. The new brace achieves precise multi-point fixation of the ankle joint, with precisely adjustable fixation force, and simultaneously adjusts the rehabilitation angle limit range. This provides a stable environment for ligament repair, balances fixation reliability with progressive rehabilitation adaptability, accelerates the rehabilitation process, and improves patient experience and ease of care.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: a fixation brace for repairing lateral collateral ligament injury of the ankle joint, comprising a bionic support shell that conforms to the dorsum of the foot, the ankle and the heel, the bionic support shell comprising a dorsum segment, an ankle segment and a heel segment that conform to the dorsum of the foot, the ankle and the heel, the bionic support shell being equipped with a multi-dimensional fit fixation mechanism for achieving multi-point fit fixation and adjustable force of the ankle and an adaptive rehabilitation adjustment mechanism for adapting to progressive postoperative rehabilitation, the multi-dimensional fit fixation mechanism being electrically connected to a control module, and the control module being electrically connected to the adaptive rehabilitation adjustment mechanism;

[0007] The multi-dimensional fit and fixation mechanism includes an arch support component, a circumferential tightening component, and a heel limiting component. The arch support component is installed on the inner side of the dorsum of the foot corresponding to the arch position. The circumferential tightening component is circumferentially wrapped around the ankle segment. The heel limiting component is installed on the inner side of the heel segment corresponding to the heel contour. The adaptive rehabilitation adjustment mechanism is installed at the connection between the ankle segment and the dorsum of the foot, and between the ankle segment and the heel segment. The control module is used to adjust the fixation force of the multi-dimensional fit and fixation mechanism and simultaneously adjust the range of motion limits of the adaptive rehabilitation adjustment mechanism.

[0008] Furthermore, the arch support component includes an arc-shaped adaptive support plate, a telescopic link, and a pressure sensor. One side of the arc-shaped adaptive support plate is slidably connected to the inner side of the dorsum of the foot via the telescopic link. The pressure sensor is embedded on the side of the arc-shaped adaptive support plate away from the telescopic link and is connected to the control module via a signal.

[0009] The circumferential tightening assembly includes elastic tightening bands symmetrically arranged on both sides of the ankle segment, an adjusting screw, and a drive motor. One end of the elastic tightening band is fixedly connected to the ankle segment, and the other end of the elastic tightening band is threadedly connected to the adjusting screw. The output shaft of the drive motor is drivenly connected to the adjusting screw, and the drive motor is electrically connected to the control module. The control module receives the pressure signal from the pressure sensor and synchronously adjusts the speed of the drive motor to adjust the force of the circumferential tightening assembly.

[0010] Furthermore, the heel limiting component includes an adjustable limiting block and a sliding guide rail. The sliding guide rail is arranged along the length of the heel segment. The adjustable limiting block is slidably connected to the sliding guide rail, and an electromagnetic locking component is installed on the adjustable limiting block. The electromagnetic locking component is electrically connected to the control module. The control module adjusts the position of the heel limiting component by controlling the locking state of the electromagnetic locking component.

[0011] Furthermore, the adaptive rehabilitation adjustment mechanism includes a flexion-extension angle limiting component and an inversion / exversion limiting component. The flexion-extension angle limiting component includes a bidirectional hinge, an angle encoder, and a limiting pin. The bidirectional hinge connects the ankle segment to the dorsum of the foot segment and the ankle segment to the heel segment, respectively. The angle encoder is embedded in the bidirectional hinge and is used to detect the flexion-extension angle of the ankle joint and feed it back to the control module. The limiting pin is embedded in the fixed end of the bidirectional hinge. The telescopic end of the limiting pin is adapted to the movable end of the bidirectional hinge, and the limiting pin is electrically connected to the control module. The control module is used to achieve graded limiting of the bidirectional hinge by controlling the telescopic movement of the limiting pin.

[0012] Furthermore, the inversion / valgus limiting component includes an elastic limiting plate and an adjusting rod symmetrically arranged on the outer side of the ankle segment. The elastic limiting plate is fixedly connected to one end of the adjusting rod, and the end of the adjusting rod away from the elastic limiting plate is fixedly connected to the adjusting screw. When the control module adjusts the tightening force of the circumferential tightening component, the adjusting screw rotates, synchronously driving the adjusting rod to extend and retract the elastic limiting plate, thereby realizing the synchronous adjustment of the inversion / valgus angle of the ankle joint.

[0013] Furthermore, the inner side of the elastic band of the circumferential tightening assembly is provided with a breathable cushioning layer, which is detachably connected to the elastic band.

[0014] Furthermore, the elastic band has an openable notch near the location of the lateral collateral ligament repair wound on the ankle segment, and a wound care window is provided at the notch. The wound care window includes a transparent protective cover and a sealing ring, and the transparent protective cover is hinged to the ankle segment.

[0015] Furthermore, the telescopic linkage is fitted with a buffer spring, one end of which is connected to the outer side of the arc-shaped adaptive support plate, and the other end of which is fixedly connected to the inner side of the instep section.

[0016] Furthermore, the control module also includes a touch screen and a wireless communication module. The touch screen is embedded on the outside of the ankle segment and is used to input parameters while displaying real-time data from the pressure sensor and angle encoder. The wireless communication module is used to connect to the terminal device to achieve remote monitoring and parameter adjustment.

[0017] Furthermore, it also includes a replaceable support base, which is detachably connected to the heel section. The replaceable support base includes a bed support, a walking support, and a daily activity support.

[0018] The above approach has the following beneficial effects:

[0019] 1. This solution achieves precise multi-point fitting and adjustable fixation force at multiple ankle points through the coordinated design of a multi-dimensional fitting and fixation mechanism and control module. Compared with traditional fixation braces, which are mostly single-fixation structures with poor fit, inability to adapt to different foot shapes and ankle circumferences, and uncontrollable fixation force, this solution, through the synergistic action of arch fitting components, circumferential tightening components, and heel limiting components, combined with real-time feedback from pressure sensors and precise adjustment of the drive motor, can adapt to different patients' arch curvature, ankle circumference size, and heel contour, achieving synchronous fitting and fixation at three points: arch, ankle, and heel. This effectively avoids local loosening and displacement or excessive compression of tissues, significantly improving fixation stability and adaptability, and providing reliable protection for ligament repair.

[0020] 2. This solution achieves progressive postoperative rehabilitation adaptation through the deep linkage between the adaptive rehabilitation adjustment mechanism and the multi-dimensional fitting fixation mechanism. Compared with traditional techniques where braces are mostly rigid fixation, lack graded angle adjustment functions, and are prone to causing joint stiffness and muscle atrophy, this solution, through the adjustment of the lead screw synchronously linking the elastic limiting plate and the circumferential tightening force, combined with the graded limiting design of the bidirectional hinge, can synchronously adjust the fixation force and the ankle joint flexion-extension and inversion-extension angles according to the postoperative rehabilitation process. This achieves full-process adaptation from early rigid fixation, mid-term limited activity, and late-stage functional rehabilitation, balancing fixation reliability and rehabilitation flexibility, effectively reducing postoperative complications and accelerating the rehabilitation process.

[0021] 3. This solution integrates wound care, breathable protection, and multi-scenario adaptability, balancing practicality and user-friendliness. Compared to traditional technologies where braces are single-function, require complete disassembly for wound care, have poor wearing comfort, and are only suitable for a single scenario, this solution, through the combination of elastic band notches and wound care windows, allows for wound observation and dressing changes without disassembling the entire brace, avoiding ligament traction during repair. The removable design of the breathable cushioning layer improves wearing comfort, reduces skin pressure, and facilitates cleaning and replacement. The replaceable support base design enables seamless adaptation to multiple scenarios, including bed rest, walking, and daily activities, significantly improving postoperative convenience for patients and reducing the difficulty of care.

[0022] 4. This solution achieves integrated management of fixation, rehabilitation, and monitoring through the integrated control module and wireless communication design. Compared with traditional technologies where braces lack real-time monitoring, parameter adjustments are cumbersome, and medical staff cannot remotely monitor the patient's rehabilitation status, this solution allows for intuitive viewing of pressure and angle data and convenient parameter adjustment via a touch screen. The wireless communication module enables connection to terminal devices, allowing medical staff to remotely monitor the patient's fixation status and rehabilitation progress, and adjust the rehabilitation plan in a timely manner. This not only improves the standardization and convenience of postoperative care but also reduces the workload of medical staff, while enhancing the patient's experience and rehabilitation outcomes. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is an axonometric view of an embodiment of the fixation brace for repairing lateral collateral ligament injury of the ankle joint according to the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a front view of an embodiment of the fixation brace for repairing lateral collateral ligament injury of the ankle joint according to the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a side view of an embodiment of the fixation brace for repairing lateral collateral ligament injury of the ankle joint according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a top view of an embodiment of the fixation brace for repairing lateral collateral ligament injury of the ankle joint according to the present invention.

[0027] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings of the instruction manual include: 1. Bionic support shell; 101. Instep section; 102. Ankle section; 103. Heel section; 2. Arc-shaped adaptive support plate; 3. Telescopic connecting rod; 301. Buffer spring; 4. Elastic tension band; 5. Adjusting screw; 6. Drive motor; 7. Adjustable limit stop; 8. Sliding guide rail; 9. Elastic limit plate; 10. Touch screen display. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] The following detailed description illustrates the specific implementation methods:

[0032] Example 1:

[0033] As attached Figures 1 to 4 The following describes a fixation brace for postoperative repair of lateral collateral ligament injury of the ankle joint, comprising a bionic support shell 1 conforming to the dorsum of the foot, ankle, and heel. The bionic support shell 1 includes a dorsum segment 101, an ankle segment 102, and a heel segment 103 conforming to the dorsum of the foot, ankle, and heel. The bionic support shell 1 is equipped with a multi-dimensional fit and fixation mechanism for achieving multi-point fit and adjustable force on the ankle, and an adaptive rehabilitation adjustment mechanism for adapting to progressive postoperative rehabilitation. The multi-dimensional fit and fixation mechanism is electrically connected to a control module, which is electrically connected to the adaptive rehabilitation adjustment mechanism. The fixation mechanism includes an arch support component, a circumferential tightening component, and a heel limiting component. The arch support component is installed on the inner side of the dorsum segment 101 corresponding to the arch position. The circumferential tightening component is circumferentially wrapped around the ankle segment 102. The heel limiting component is installed on the inner side of the heel segment 103 corresponding to the heel contour. The adaptive rehabilitation adjustment mechanism is installed at the connection between the ankle segment 102 and the dorsum segment 101, and between the ankle segment 102 and the heel segment 103. The control module is used to adjust the fixation force of the multi-dimensional fitting fixation mechanism and synchronously adjust the range of motion angle limits of the adaptive rehabilitation adjustment mechanism.

[0034] The arch support assembly includes an arc-shaped adaptive support plate 2, a telescopic link 3, and a pressure sensor. One side of the arc-shaped adaptive support plate 2 is slidably connected to the inner side of the instep section 101 via the telescopic link 3. The pressure sensor is embedded on the side of the arc-shaped adaptive support plate 2 away from the telescopic link 3 and is connected to the control module. The circumferential tightening assembly includes elastic tightening bands 4 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the ankle section 102, an adjusting screw 5, and a drive motor 6. One end of the elastic tightening band 4 is fixedly connected to the ankle section 102, and the other end is threadedly connected to the adjusting screw 5. The output shaft of the drive motor 6 is drively connected to the adjusting screw 5, and the drive motor 6 is electrically connected to the control module. The control module receives the pressure signal from the pressure sensor and synchronously adjusts the speed of the drive motor 6 to adjust the force of the circumferential tightening assembly. A buffer spring 301 is sleeved on the telescopic link 3. One end of the buffer spring 301 is connected to the outer side of the arc-shaped adaptive support plate 2, and the other end is fixedly connected to the inner side of the instep section 101.

[0035] The heel limiting component includes an adjustable limiting block 7 and a sliding guide rail 8. The sliding guide rail 8 is arranged along the length of the heel segment 103. The adjustable limiting block 7 is slidably connected to the sliding guide rail 8, and an electromagnetic locking component is installed on the adjustable limiting block 7. The electromagnetic locking component is electrically connected to the control module. The control module adjusts the position of the heel limiting component by controlling the locking state of the electromagnetic locking component.

[0036] The adaptive rehabilitation adjustment mechanism includes a flexion-extension angle limiting component and an inversion / exversion limiting component. The flexion-extension angle limiting component includes a bidirectional hinge, an angle encoder, and a limiting pin. The bidirectional hinge connects the ankle segment 102 to the dorsum of the foot segment 101 and the ankle segment 102 to the heel segment 103, respectively. The angle encoder is embedded in the bidirectional hinge and is used to detect the flexion-extension angle of the ankle joint and feed it back to the control module. The limiting pin is embedded in the fixed end of the bidirectional hinge. The telescopic end of the limiting pin is adapted to the movable end of the bidirectional hinge, and the limiting pin is electrically connected to the control module. The control module realizes the graded limiting of the bidirectional hinge by controlling the telescopic movement of the limiting pin.

[0037] The inversion / exversion limiting component includes an elastic limiting plate 9 symmetrically positioned on the lateral side of the ankle segment 102 and an adjusting rod. One end of the elastic limiting plate 9 is fixedly connected to the adjusting rod, and the end of the adjusting rod away from the elastic limiting plate 9 is fixedly connected to an adjusting screw 5. When the control module adjusts the tightening force of the circumferential tightening component, the adjusting screw 5 rotates, synchronously driving the adjusting rod to extend and retract the elastic limiting plate 9, thus achieving synchronous adjustment of the inversion / exversion angle of the ankle joint. When the tightening force increases (early postoperative period), the elastic limiting plate 9 tightens, strictly limiting inversion / exversion and avoiding ligament traction; when the tightening force decreases (late rehabilitation period), the elastic limiting plate 9 relaxes, increasing the inversion / exversion range of motion. This linkage structure cleverly combines fixation force with rehabilitation angle adjustment, eliminating the need for separate adjustment and simultaneously solving the problems of fixation stability and progressive rehabilitation adaptability.

[0038] The control module also includes a touch screen 10 and a wireless communication module. The touch screen 10 is embedded on the outside of the ankle segment 102. The touch screen 10 is used to input parameters and display real-time data from the pressure sensor and angle encoder. The wireless communication module is used to connect to the terminal device to realize remote monitoring and parameter adjustment.

[0039] The specific implementation process is as follows: After the patient's lateral collateral ligament injury repair surgery, the affected limb is first placed in the bionic support shell 1, so that the dorsum of the foot fits the dorsum segment 101, the ankle fits the ankle segment 102, and the heel fits the heel segment 103, ensuring that the arc-shaped adaptive support plate 2 is aligned with the arch position and the elastic limiting plate 9 is aligned with the lateral collateral ligament repair area of ​​the ankle, completing the initial fitting and placement. At this time, the buffer spring 301 in the arch adapter component is in a natural extension and contraction state. Under the elastic force of the buffer spring 301, the arc-shaped adaptive support plate 2 initially fits the arch contour, avoiding hard compression of the arch tissue. At the same time, the pressure sensor collects the contact pressure data between the arch and the support plate in real time and transmits the data to the control module. The control module simultaneously displays the pressure data on the touch screen 10, allowing medical staff to intuitively view the fitting status.

[0040] Based on the patient's foot shape, ankle circumference, and initial postoperative recovery fixation needs, medical staff input preset fixation pressure parameters and initial rehabilitation angle parameters via the touchscreen display 10. After receiving the parameter instructions, the control module immediately starts the drive motor 6 in the circumferential tightening assembly. The drive motor 6 drives the adjusting screw 5 to rotate at a constant speed. Since one end of the elastic tightening band 4 is threadedly connected to the adjusting screw 5, when the adjusting screw 5 rotates, it pulls the elastic tightening bands 4 on both sides to tighten synchronously, achieving circumferential tightening and fixation of the ankle.

[0041] During this process, the control module continuously receives feedback data from the pressure sensor. When the pressure data reaches the preset pressure threshold, the control module automatically controls the drive motor 6 to stop rotating, avoiding excessive tightening force that compresses local ankle tissues, or insufficient force that causes loosening of the fixation, thus achieving precise control of the fixation force. At the same time, when the adjusting screw 5 rotates, it synchronously drives the adjusting rod fixed to it to extend and retract. The adjusting rod pulls the elastic limiting plate 9 to tighten synchronously, so that the elastic limiting plate 9 fits tightly against the outside of the ankle, strictly limiting the inversion and eversion movements of the ankle joint, avoiding ligament traction in the early postoperative period, and ensuring the stability of ligament repair. This mechanical linkage structure design is ingenious and breaks the limitation of existing brace fixation and rehabilitation adjustment being independent of each other.

[0042] Simultaneously, the control module controls the extension pin in the flexion-extension angle limiting component to extend and embed into the corresponding slot of the moving end of the bidirectional hinge, locking the flexion-extension angle of the bidirectional hinge at a preset angle. This achieves rigid fixation of the ankle joint, preventing unconscious movement by the patient from causing flexion-extension and further protecting the repaired ligaments. The angle encoder within the bidirectional hinge monitors the flexion-extension angle of the ankle joint in real time. If an angle deviation occurs, the data is immediately fed back to the control module. The control module then issues a warning signal via the touch display screen 10, reminding medical staff or the patient to adjust the fixation in a timely manner to ensure its reliability.

[0043] The first 1-2 weeks post-surgery constitute the initial rehabilitation phase, primarily focusing on stable fixation. During this period, the control module transmits real-time data from pressure sensors and angle encoders to healthcare workers' terminals via wireless communication. This allows healthcare workers to remotely monitor the patient's fixation, eliminating the need for frequent hospital visits and significantly improving the convenience of post-operative care. In this stage, the three-point fit (arch, ankle, and heel) of the multi-dimensional conformal fixation mechanism works in conjunction with the rigid limits of the adaptive rehabilitation adjustment mechanism. This not only addresses the shortcomings of existing braces, such as poor fit and easy loosening, but also prevents ligament traction through synchronous limiting, significantly improving the stability of early post-operative fixation and laying a solid foundation for ligament repair.

[0044] As the patient's recovery progresses, entering the mid-rehabilitation phase (3-6 weeks post-surgery), medical staff can remotely adjust parameters via a terminal device, or the patient can adjust preset parameters under medical guidance via a touchscreen display 10. This appropriately reduces the circumferential tightening force while increasing the flexion-extension and inversion-variction angle limit ranges. After receiving the adjustment command, the control module drives the motor 6 to rotate in the opposite direction, causing the adjusting screw 5 to rotate and loosening the elastic tightening band 4. As the tightening force decreases, the adjusting rod simultaneously pushes the elastic limiting plate 9 to loosen, increasing the ankle joint's inversion-variction range of motion. At the same time, the control module controls the limiting pin to retract, embedding it into the corresponding slot at the moving end of the bidirectional hinge, adjusting the flexion-extension angle to achieve limited movement.

[0045] During this process, pressure sensors and angle encoders continuously provide data feedback. The control module then fine-tunes the speed of the drive motor 6 and the position of the limit pins in real time based on this feedback data, ensuring that the fixation force matches the range of motion and preventing fixation failure or excessive ligament strain due to over-movement. The buffer spring 301 plays a crucial role at this stage. When the patient's ankle joint moves slightly, the buffer spring 301 adjusts the position of the arc-shaped adaptive support plate 2 through extension and retraction, always conforming to the arch of the foot, preventing loosening between the arch and the brace, and reducing hard friction during activity, thus improving wearing comfort. This linked adjustment structure eliminates the need for separate adjustment of fixation force and range of motion, achieving automated adaptation for progressive rehabilitation. It overcomes the shortcomings of existing rigid fixation braces that easily lead to joint stiffness and muscle atrophy, balancing fixation stability with rehabilitation flexibility.

[0046] The postoperative rehabilitation period lasts 7-12 weeks. Medical staff use terminal equipment to further reduce the circumferential binding force, readjust the flexion-extension and inversion / eversion angles, and gradually increase the ankle joint's range of motion to promote joint function recovery. Patients can perform mild rehabilitation exercises under the protection of the brace. An angle encoder monitors the ankle joint's range of motion in real time. If the range of motion exceeds the preset range, the control module immediately extends the limit pin, locking the bidirectional hinge. Simultaneously, the drive motor 6 tightens the elastic band 4 to prevent ligament damage from excessive activity. After training, the control module automatically returns to the preset rehabilitation parameters to ensure the safety and standardization of rehabilitation training.

[0047] For patients with non-surgical conservative treatment of lateral collateral ligament injuries of the ankle (such as those with mild to moderate lateral collateral ligament injuries that have not undergone surgical repair), this brace can be used directly for early fixation and rehabilitation protection. The appropriate tightening pressure and angle limits are set according to the degree of injury, achieving adaptive fit, controllable force, and gradual release of range of motion throughout the entire process, accelerating ligament self-healing and preventing chronic instability. Without surgery, precise tightening, angle limiting, and real-time monitoring provide a stable environment for ligament healing, reducing the risk of re-injury.

[0048] Example 2:

[0049] The difference from Embodiment 1 is that the inner side of the elastic tension band 4 of the circumferential tensioning assembly is provided with a breathable cushioning pad, and the breathable cushioning pad and the elastic tension band 4 are detachably connected by Velcro.

[0050] The specific implementation process is as follows: First, the breathable cushioning pad is detachably connected to the inside of the elastic band 4 using Velcro, ensuring that the cushioning pad completely covers the contact area between the elastic band 4 and the ankle skin, conforms to the curvature of the elastic band 4, avoids wrinkles or loosening, and is easy and secure to install.

[0051] When the patient wears the brace, the ankle skin comes into direct contact with the breathable cushioning layer. Following the operating procedure in Example 1, medical staff adjust the tightening force of the circumferential tightening component via the control module, ensuring the elastic tightening band 4 pulls the breathable cushioning layer tightly against the ankle. Simultaneously, the pressure sensor provides feedback on the contact pressure, ensuring appropriate tightening force. The breathable cushioning layer is made of medical-grade breathable sponge material, possessing excellent softness and breathability. It effectively disperses the tightening pressure of the elastic tightening band 4, preventing concentrated local pressure on ankle tissue and reducing complications such as skin redness, swelling, and ischemia.

[0052] Example 3:

[0053] The difference from Embodiment 2 is that the elastic band 4 has an openable notch near the location of the lateral collateral ligament repair wound of the ankle segment 102, and a wound care window is provided at the notch. The wound care window includes a transparent protective cover and a sealing ring. The transparent protective cover is hinged to the ankle segment 102 by a buckle.

[0054] The specific implementation process is as follows: Before use, confirm the location of the lateral collateral ligament repair wound on the patient, put the brace of the present invention in place, ensure that the notch on the elastic band 4 is accurately aligned with the wound area, so that the notch is fully exposed to the wound, and at the same time cover the notch with the transparent protective cover, and the sealing ring is tightly attached to the edge of the notch to achieve a sealed protection.

[0055] When postoperative wound observation and dressing changes are needed, it is not necessary to disassemble the entire brace. Simply open the transparent protective cover, and the wound area will be fully exposed. Medical staff can directly perform wound inspection, disinfection, and dressing changes through the opening, making the operation convenient and efficient. After the dressing change is completed, the transparent protective cover can be closed again. The sealing ring can effectively isolate external dust and sweat, preventing wound contamination, while not affecting the circumferential tightening and fixation effect of the elastic band 4, ensuring that the fixation stability is not affected.

[0056] Example 4:

[0057] The difference from Embodiment 3 is that it also includes a replaceable support base, which is detachably connected to the heel section 103. The replaceable support base includes a bed support, a walking support, and a daily activity component.

[0058] The specific implementation process is as follows: During implementation, first put the brace on in place according to the operation of Example 3, ensuring that the notch is aligned with the wound and the transparent protective cover is closed and sealed. Then, according to the patient's current activity scenario, select the corresponding support component and detachably connect it to the heel segment 103. The connection adopts a snap-on structure, which is convenient for installation and disassembly, and the connection is firm and not easy to loosen after connection.

[0059] When the patient is resting in bed, a bed support is used. Its flat structure increases the contact area with the bed surface and, combined with the brace's fixation structure, improves stability while in bed, preventing heel displacement during turning and thus avoiding brace loosening and ligament strain. When the patient needs to get out of bed and walk, a walking support is used. Its curved, adaptive structure conforms to the angle of heel stress during walking, reducing the impact of walking bumps on the repaired ligaments and ensuring reliable fixation during walking. For daily activities such as washing and toileting, a daily activity support is used. Its flexible structure allows for slight deformation, accommodating bending and knee flexion, without restricting basic daily activities.

[0060] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. An ankle lateral collateral ligament injury repair postoperative fixation brace, comprising a bionic support shell (1) that fits the dorsum of the foot, the ankle and the heel, the bionic support shell (1) comprising a dorsum of the foot section (101), an ankle section (102) and a heel section (103) that fit the dorsum of the foot, the ankle and the heel, characterized in that, The bionic supporting shell (1) is provided with a multi-dimensional fitting fixing mechanism for realizing ankle multi-point fitting fixing and force adjustment and a self-adaptive rehabilitation adjusting mechanism for adapting to postoperative progressive rehabilitation, the multi-dimensional fitting fixing mechanism is electrically connected with a control module, and the control module is electrically connected with the self-adaptive rehabilitation adjusting mechanism. The multi-dimensional fitting fixing mechanism comprises an arch fitting assembly, a circumferential tightening assembly and a heel limiting assembly, the arch fitting assembly is installed at the corresponding arch position on the inner side of the instep section (101), the circumferential tightening assembly is circumferentially installed on the ankle section (102), and the heel limiting assembly is installed at the corresponding heel contour on the inner side of the heel section (103); the self-adaptive rehabilitation adjusting mechanism is installed at the connection between the ankle section (102) and the instep section (101) and the connection between the ankle section (102) and the heel section (103); and the control module is used for adjusting the fixing force of the multi-dimensional fitting fixing mechanism and synchronously adjusting the activity angle limiting range of the self-adaptive rehabilitation adjusting mechanism.

2. The ankle lateral collateral ligament injury repair post-operative immobilization brace of claim 1, wherein, The arch fitting assembly comprises an arc-shaped self-adaptive supporting plate (2), a telescopic connecting rod (3) and a pressure sensor, one side of the arc-shaped self-adaptive supporting plate (2) is slidably connected with the inner side of the instep section (101) through the telescopic connecting rod (3), the pressure sensor is embedded on the side of the arc-shaped self-adaptive supporting plate (2) away from the telescopic connecting rod (3), and the pressure sensor is signal-connected with the control module. The circumferential tightening assembly comprises elastic tightening belts (4) symmetrically arranged on both sides of the ankle section (102), an adjusting screw rod (5) and a driving motor (6), one end of the elastic tightening belt (4) is fixedly connected with the ankle section (102), the other end of the elastic tightening belt (4) is threadedly connected with the adjusting screw rod (5), the output shaft of the driving motor (6) is drivingly connected with the adjusting screw rod (5), and the driving motor (6) is electrically connected with the control module; the control module receives the pressure signal of the pressure sensor, synchronously adjusts the rotating speed of the driving motor (6), and then adjusts the force of the circumferential tightening assembly.

3. The ankle lateral collateral ligament injury repair post-operative immobilization brace of claim 2, wherein, The heel limiting assembly comprises an adjustable limiting stopper (7) and a sliding guide rail (8), the sliding guide rail (8) is arranged along the length direction of the heel section (103), the adjustable limiting stopper (7) is slidably connected with the sliding guide rail (8), an electromagnetic locking member is installed on the adjustable limiting stopper (7), and the electromagnetic locking member is electrically connected with the control module; the control module adjusts the position of the heel limiting assembly by controlling the locking state of the electromagnetic locking member.

4. The ankle lateral collateral ligament injury repair post-operative immobilization brace of claim 3, wherein, The self-adaptive rehabilitation adjusting mechanism comprises a flexion angle limiting assembly and a varus angle limiting assembly; the flexion angle limiting assembly comprises a double hinge, an angle encoder and a limiting pin, the double hinge is connected with the ankle section (102) and the instep section (101) and the ankle section (102) and the heel section (103) respectively, the angle encoder is embedded in the double hinge, the angle encoder is used for detecting the flexion angle of the ankle joint and feeding back to the control module, the limiting pin is embedded in the fixed end of the double hinge, the telescopic end of the limiting pin is matched with the movable end of the double hinge, and the limiting pin is electrically connected with the control module, and the control module is used for realizing the step-by-step limiting of the double hinge by controlling the telescopic of the limiting pin.

5. The ankle lateral collateral ligament injury repair post-operative immobilization brace of claim 4, wherein, The inversion and eversion limiting assembly includes an elastic limiting plate (9) symmetrically arranged on the outside of the ankle segment (102) and an adjusting rod. The elastic limiting plate (9) is fixedly connected to one end of the adjusting rod, and the end of the adjusting rod away from the elastic limiting plate (9) is fixedly connected to the adjusting screw (5). When the control module adjusts the tightening force of the circumferential tightening assembly, the adjusting screw (5) rotates, synchronously driving the adjusting rod to extend and retract the elastic limiting plate (9), thereby realizing the synchronous adjustment of the inversion and eversion angle of the ankle joint.

6. The ankle lateral collateral ligament injury repair post-operative immobilization brace of claim 5, wherein, The inner side of the elastic band (4) of the circumferential tightening assembly is provided with a breathable cushioning pad, and the breathable cushioning pad is detachably connected to the elastic band (4).

7. The ankle lateral collateral ligament injury repair post-operative immobilization brace of claim 6, wherein, The elastic band (4) has an openable notch near the lateral collateral ligament repair wound of the ankle segment (102). A wound care window is provided at the notch. The wound care window includes a transparent protective cover and a sealing ring. The transparent protective cover is hinged to the ankle segment (102).

8. The ankle lateral collateral ligament injury repair post-operative immobilization brace of claim 7, wherein, The telescopic link (3) is fitted with a buffer spring (301). One end of the buffer spring (301) is connected to the outside of the arc-shaped adaptive support plate (2), and the other end of the buffer spring (301) is fixedly connected to the inside of the instep section (101).

9. The ankle lateral collateral ligament injury repair post-operative immobilization brace of claim 8, wherein, The control module also includes a touch screen (10) and a wireless communication module. The touch screen (10) is embedded on the outside of the ankle segment (102). The touch screen (10) is used to input parameters and display real-time data from the pressure sensor and angle encoder. The wireless communication module is used to connect to the terminal device to realize remote monitoring and parameter adjustment.

10. The ankle lateral collateral ligament injury repair post-operative immobilization brace of claim 9, wherein, It also includes a replaceable support base, which is detachably connected to the heel section (103). The replaceable support base includes a bed support, a walking support, and a daily activity support.

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