Patient monitoring apparatus and method for orthosis and other devices

Abstract

A monitoring system for monitoring a patient using a device, such as all orthosis system is provided. The system includes a monitor that can be incorporated or otherwise coupled to the device. The monitor can have a position sensor, a temperature sensor, and a device type sensor for monitoring the patient's implementation of a protocol. The data obtained from the monitor can be remotely analyzed by a healthcare professional and the protocol can be adjusted accordingly.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 421,965 for PATIENT MONITORING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ORTHOSIS AND OTHER DEVICES, filed on Apr. 23, 2003, the content of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to a patient monitoring system and method that can be used, for example, with an orthosis for physical therapy. [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] In the field of medicine, rehabilitation after surgery or other major medical procedures has been an important issue for researchers. As shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,395,303; 5,285,773; 5,213,094; 5,167,612; 6,502,577; 6,113,562 and 5,848,979, continuous passive motion has been used to treat conditions such as the glenohumeral joint adhesive capsulitis. These patents teach using stretching principles in order to treat one of the major problems pati...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] The present invention provides a monitor for use with a device, such as an orthosis device, that detects the type of orthosis device to which the monitor is attached, so that the monitor may access the correct parameters and / or firmware appropriate for the attached orthosis device without the need for such parameters and / or firmware being downloaded to the monitor.

[0011] The present invention also provides a monitor for use with an orthosis device that provides assurances the patient is actually wearing the orthosis device during his / her exercise period and is not falsifying usage, such assurances being provided by taking temperature measurements showing that the orthosis device is being properly used.

Problems solved by technology

In the field of medicine, rehabilitation after surgery or other major medical procedures has been an important issue for researchers.

Both of these conditions have the possibility of introducing a high margin of error.

Unfortunately, in many cases, since the rehabilitation process occurs mostly within the confines of the patient's home, it is difficult for a physician to keep an accurate record of the patient's progress.

There are other areas in which patient education and compliance outside the immediate supervision of a health care professional remain problematic.

Images