Knee-acl support breeches system and method

Abstract

A system and method of knee-ACL support breeches for supporting the knees against non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, without interfering in desired movement, by resisting anterior translation of the proximal end of the tibia, thereby reducing stress on the ACL and other knee components. A pair of calibrated-elastic bands are attached at one end to a belt about the waist and at the other end to a strap around each lower knee. The calibrated-elastic bands are incorporated into a pair of breeches or pants which hold the bands tightly against the buttocks and backs of the thighs. In use, when the knee is flexed, the resulting bulging of the hamstrings and other muscles, tendons, and ligaments place an added strain on the relevant calibrated-elastic band, thereby tightening the band and dampening and resisting anterior movement of the attached lower-knee strap, in turn dampening and resisting anterior movement of the proximal end of the tibia, thereby reducing strain on the ACL and other knee components. The knee-ACL support breeches also promote the holding of the knee in a rotationally neutral position, and larger knee-flexion-angle positions during deceleration, both of which positions reduce strain placed on the ACL.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]This invention is a knee-ACL support breeches system and method for supporting the knees against non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, without interfering in desired movement.[0002]ACL injury has an annual incidence of more than 200,000 cases, with approximately 100,000 of these injured knees reconstructed annually. The majority of ACL injuries (approximately 70%) occur while playing agility sports, and the most often reported sports are basketball, soccer, skiing, and American football. An estimated 70% of ACL injuries are sustained through non-contact mechanisms, while the remaining 30% result from direct contact. Between the years 2010 and 2013, 219 NFL players suffered ACL injuries. While injuries suffered during games remained stable over those four seasons, ACL tears increased in the off-season and during practices.[0003]In a sixteen-year sample of fifteen sports across a college age group, approximately 5000 ACL injuries were reported over the...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This invention is a system and method for supporting the knees to prevent non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. It uses calibrated-elastic bands that are attached to a belt and a strap around each lower knee. When the knee is flexed, the bands tighten and resist movement of the lower knee, reducing strain on the ACL and other knee components. The system also promotes a rotationally neutral position and larger knee-flexion-angle positions, which further reduce strain on the ACL. Overall, this invention provides a effective solution for protecting the knees and preventing ACL injuries.

Problems solved by technology

While injuries suffered during games remained stable over those four seasons, ACL tears increased in the off-season and during practices.

Knee bracing may not improve functional performance of subjects 5 months after ACL reconstruction.

The use of such a brace could actually slow down running and turning.

Although some studies in the literature are in favor of the use of a postoperative brace after ACL reconstruction, several systematic reviews and other reports on the topic do not support the use of a postoperative brace after ACL reconstruction.

Postoperative bracing after ACL reconstruction does not seem to help pain, function, rehabilitation, and stability.

The level and frequency at which athletes train may not allow sufficient recovery time at the physiological level.

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