Custom fitted orthotic device

Abstract

An orthotic device is provided, including an orthosis body adapted to be wrapped around the torso of a wearer of the device, the orthosis body having at least two segments in juxtaposed relationship. Means are provided at free end portions of the at least two segments to releasably secure the free end portions to one another. At least two cables are provided, each cable operatively connected to the at least two segments. At least two sets of pulleys are mounted on the at least two segments with each cable operatively connected to the at least two segments running through a pulley on each of the at least two segments in alteration, shortening of each cable pulling the at least two segments together and tightening the orthotic device with the aid of a mechanical advantage dependent upon the number of pulleys mounted on each of the at least two segments.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to body braces and other orthotic devices used in the treatment of spinal disorders and / or used subsequent to surgery where flexing of the torso is to be minimized. More particularly, the invention relates to back brace apparatus and orthotic devices for partial or substantial immobilization of portions of the torso, the devices having multiple modes of adjustment facilitating both rapid donning and doffing and individualized adjustment to fit the user of the device.[0002] A common method of alleviating pain in people suffering from back injuries and promoting healing in post-operative back surgery patients is to stabilize the spine by means of an orthosis, such as a brace. Such braces include a multitude of materials and designs which can be snugly fitted around the patient's trunk. The back portion of such orthosis may also be provided with pockets into which are inserted lordotic pads for treating spinal lordosis.[0003] Such braces are effective in ac...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This design enhances patient compliance by simplifying donning and adjusting the device, providing consistent support and comfort, and accommodating changes in position, thereby improving the effectiveness of spinal stabilization.

Problems solved by technology

Such braces are effective in achieving spinal stability if worn properly and consistently; however, most patients have difficulty in manually adjusting the brace to fit tightly enough to provide adequate support.

This is especially true in the case of post-operative patients who are generally in pain and frequently lack sufficient strength to make the necessary adjustments.

For many patients suffering spinal ailments, these braces are also difficult to don, appropriately position and fasten and subsequently remove.

This is also particularly true when the devices are large or cumbersome or when they are constructed from rigid materials.

In addition, because of the structures of many of these devices and / or the choice of materials used in their construction, the orthoses are quite uncomfortable, in many instances inducing extensive perspiring and / or chafing.

Without being consistently worn and properly adjusted, such patient non-compliance obviously reduces the effectiveness of the brace.

Another frequently encountered problem with these types of braces is their inability to conform to the torso as the patient moves from a standing to a sitting position or vice versa.

In addition, it is often difficult to adjust the brace to have exactly the same amount of tension that a patient previously found acceptable or even to set a particular tension for a particular patient.

While such a device facilitates rapid and repeatable adjustment of such a brace, the inclusion of an electromechanical mechanism and a microprocessor increases the cost of such a device to a patient or to their medical insurance program.

In such situations, a single means for tensioning the device over a large area proves somewhat ineffective since the dimensions of the portion of the torso being supported or in which there is contact with the device vary significantly.

That is, a single means of adjustment may not provide the necessary conformity to the physical profile of the patient or may provide too little tension or support to achieve the orthotic objectives with respect to a specific portion of the torso while imparting excessive tension or pressure to other parts of the torso.

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