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

"The present invention provides a monitor that can detect the type of orthosis device it is attached to, without needing to download parameters and firmware to the monitor. The monitor can also detect if the patient is wearing the orthosis device properly during exercise, by measuring temperature. Additionally, the monitor can track the position of the carriage members during physical therapy to ensure the patient is following the stretching protocol. The monitor can also notify the patient when the time period for holding a stretch has ended."

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.

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