Wearable ankle joint treatment device

Abstract

The present application belongs to the field of ankle joint rehabilitation technology, and specifically discloses a wearable ankle joint treatment device, which includes an upper fixing module, a lower fixing module, a control module and a plurality of load adjustment modules; the upper fixing module is used to fix the patient's calf, the lower fixing module is used to fix the patient's foot, the upper fixing module and the lower fixing module are movably connected through a plurality of load adjustment modules, and the plurality of load adjustment modules can feedback the load information at the position of the load adjustment module to the control module, and can adjust the load between the upper fixing module and the lower fixing module under the control of the control module. The wearable ankle joint treatment device of the present application can obtain the load applied to the joint in real time, and can accurately adjust the applied load, can realize non-destructive treatment of patients, and realize the full process integration of the patient's ankle joint distraction molding and ankle joint rehabilitation process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of ankle joint rehabilitation, and more specifically, relates to a wearable ankle joint treatment device. Background Art

[0002] The ankle joint is an important joint in the human body, which has important functions such as supporting body weight, balancing the body, walking and exercising. The ankle joint is located between the calf and the foot and is easily injured in daily life.

[0003] In the related art, joint distraction plasty is often used to treat ankle cartilage injury or arthritis. Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the traction fixation device used in joint distraction surgery is mostly an invasive external fixation distractor, which includes a transosseous fixation screw for use at the tibia and calcaneus and an external fixator that can apply traction force. During use, since the device determines the traction force applied to the ankle joint indirectly through intraoperative fluoroscopy, the traction force is difficult to control. At the same time, since the device requires the use of transosseous fixation screws at the tibia and calcaneus, the patient suffers from greater trauma, poor comfort, and more surgical complications, and it is in urgent need of improvement. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the defects of the prior art, the present application provides a wearable ankle joint treatment device, which aims to solve the problem that the pulling force of the existing invasive external fixation stretcher is difficult to control, causing greater trauma to the patient.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application provides a wearable ankle joint treatment device comprising an upper fixing module, a lower fixing module, a control module and a plurality of load adjustment modules;

[0006] The upper fixing module is used to fix the patient's calf, and the lower fixing module is used to fix the patient's foot. The upper fixing module and the lower fixing module are movably connected through a plurality of load adjustment modules;

[0007] The multiple load adjustment modules can feed back the load information at the positions where the load adjustment modules are located to the control module, and can perform load adjustment between the upper fixing module and the lower fixing module under the regulation of the control module.

[0008] Through the above technical solution conceived by the present application, compared with the prior art, after the patient wears the device, under the control of the control module, the load adjustment module can adjust the load between the upper fixing module and the lower fixing module, and then transmit the load to the ankle joint. At the same time, the load adjustment module can detect the load in real time and feedback the load information between the upper fixing module and the lower fixing module to the control module, so as to achieve precise control of the load and avoid damage caused by excessive loading. By transmitting the load through the upper fixing module and the lower fixing module, the patient's treatment process does not need to use invasive components such as bone-penetrating fixing screws, so as to achieve non-injury treatment of the patient.

[0009] Since the upper fixation module and the lower fixation module are movably connected through multiple load adjustment modules, the patient can adapt to the joint movement while walking after wearing the device, which is beneficial to the patient's rehabilitation. In addition, the device is also suitable for the rehabilitation process of patients with ankle cartilage injury or arthritis surgery. During the rehabilitation process, the patient wears the device, and while the device protects the patient's lower limbs, the load adjustment module can be adjusted by the control module to adjust the joint weight, so that the patient can be free of weight in the early postoperative period and still be able to move, so as to facilitate the differentiation and regeneration of damaged cartilage, and the patient can gradually increase the weight under the adjustment of the control module in the late postoperative period until walking with full weight, so as to achieve the effect of precise regulation of the load required for the entire postoperative joint process. At the same time, the device can also achieve pressurization treatment of the ankle joint under certain special medical conditions (such as when the ankle joint needs to be fused), thereby realizing the patient's ankle joint distraction molding and ankle joint rehabilitation process of the whole process of integrated treatment.

[0010] As a further preference, the load adjustment module includes an expander and a force feedback device, both of which are signal-connected to the control module, and the lower fixed module, the force feedback device, the expander and the upper fixed module are connected in series in sequence.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the force feedback device arranged between the expander and the lower fixed module can provide load feedback to the control module, so that the control module can adjust the expansion and contraction of the expander, thereby transmitting the load to the joint and realizing timely and accurate regulation of the ankle joint loading force.

[0012] As a further preferred embodiment, the force feedback device includes: a first connecting member connected to the telescopic device, a second connecting member connected to the lower fixed module, and a third connecting member rotatably connected to the first connecting member and the second connecting member, the third connecting member has a sensor element, and the sensor element detects the load at the third connecting member and feeds back the load information to the control module.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, since the force feedback device has the function of rotation adjustment and the function of feeding back load information to the control module, after wearing the device, the patient can adapt to the flexion and extension of the joint while walking and perform rehabilitation training. At the same time, medical staff can also monitor the size of the load applied to the patient's ankle joint in real time based on the load information fed back by the sensor element, so as to formulate a targeted rehabilitation training plan, which is beneficial to the patient's ankle joint rehabilitation.

[0014] As a further preferred embodiment, by adopting the above technical solution, both the first connecting member and the second connecting member are provided with angle change sensors, and the angle change sensors are connected to the control module signal.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the angle change sensor can detect the relative position between the first connector and the second connector in real time, so that the control module can infer the ankle joint movement trajectory of the patient when performing rehabilitation exercises (such as walking, flexion and extension activities) based on the information of the angle change sensor, so that the data of the patient's rehabilitation process is more comprehensive. In addition, in some application scenarios, medical staff can observe the real-time load information applied to the patient's joints based on this trajectory, judge the impact of the patient's rehabilitation exercise process on the applied load, and thereby establish a patient's ankle joint load change model and formulate a customized rehabilitation plan.

[0016] As a further preference, the first connecting member and the second connecting member are both covered with protective sleeves.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the provided protective cover can protect the sensor element and the like.

[0018] As further preferred, the upper fixing module includes a flexible restraining plate and an upper elastic band, the flexible restraining plate is bent and used to wrap the patient's calf, and the upper elastic band is used to adjust the bending curvature of the flexible restraining plate.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the flexible restraint plate and the upper elastic band form a wearable structure, so that the upper fixation module can be conveniently worn on the patient's calf, and by adjusting the tightness of the upper elastic band, the degree of coordination between the upper fixation module and the patient's calf can be adaptively adjusted, so that the patient's calf can be comfortably and firmly fixed.

[0020] As a further preference, the upper fixing module further comprises an inflatable and deflable airbag, wherein the airbag is connected to the inner side of the flexible restraining plate.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the set airbag can ensure uniform force transmission and prevent the patient's local tissue from being damaged by hard compression, thereby improving the patient's treatment effect while protecting the patient.

[0022] As further preferred, the lower fixing module comprises a foot fixer for supporting the patient's foot and a lower elastic band for adjusting the tightness of the foot fixer.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the foot fixator and the lower elastic band form a wearable structure, so that the upper fixation module can be easily worn on the patient's foot, and by adjusting the tightness of the lower elastic band, the degree of coordination between the lower fixation module and the patient's foot can be adaptively adjusted, so that the patient's foot can be comfortably and firmly fixed.

[0024] As a further preference, the wearable ankle joint treatment device also includes a flexible protective cover disposed on the outer periphery of the load adjustment module.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, the provided flexible protective cover can not only protect the load adjustment module, but also avoid compression damage to the patient's skin.

[0026] As further preferred, the flexible protective cover is any one of a telescopic protective cover, a snap-on protective cover, a corrugated protective cover, and a cylindrical protective cover.

[0027] By adopting the above technical solution, there are various types of flexible protective covers, which can be selected by patients or medical staff according to their needs.

[0028] In general, the above technical solutions conceived by this application have the following technical advantages compared with the prior art:

[0029] 1. After the patient wears the device, under the control of the control module, the load adjustment module can adjust the load between the upper fixation module and the lower fixation module, and then transmit the load to the ankle joint. At the same time, the load adjustment module can detect the load in real time and feedback the load information between the upper fixation module and the lower fixation module to the control module, so as to achieve precise control of the load. The load is transmitted through the upper fixation module and the lower fixation module, so that the patient's treatment process does not need to use invasive and traumatic components such as bone-penetrating fixation screws, and the patient's non-injury treatment is achieved.

[0030] 2. The force feedback device installed between the expander and the lower fixed module can provide load feedback on the patient's ankle joint, so that the control module can adjust the expansion and contraction of the expander, thereby transmitting the load to the joint and realizing timely and accurate regulation of the ankle joint loading force; and because the force feedback device can also rotate, the patient can flex and extend the joint while walking, which is beneficial to the patient's ankle joint rehabilitation.

[0031] 3. This device is also suitable for the rehabilitation process of patients with ankle cartilage injury or arthritis after surgery. During the rehabilitation process, the patient wears this device. While the device protects the patient's lower limbs, the control module adjusts the load adjustment module to adjust the joint weight, so that the patient can be free of weight and still be able to move in the early postoperative period, so as to facilitate the differentiation and regeneration of damaged cartilage, and the patient can gradually increase the weight under the adjustment of the control module in the late postoperative period until the patient can walk with full weight, so as to achieve the effect of precise regulation of the load required for the entire postoperative joint process. At the same time, this device can also achieve compression treatment of the ankle joint under certain special medical conditions (such as when the ankle joint needs to be fused), thereby realizing the patient's ankle joint distraction molding and ankle joint rehabilitation process. Full-process integrated treatment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of an invasive external fixation distraction device in the background technology of this application;

[0033] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of a wearable ankle joint treatment device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the upper fixing module, the load adjustment module, and the lower fixing module in the embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the first connecting member, the second connecting member and the third connecting member in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a force feedback device in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 6 is an exploded view of a force feedback device in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a flexible protective cover in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 8 is a top view of the flexible binding plate in an embodiment of the present application.

[0040] Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements or structures, wherein:

[0041] 1. Control module; 2. Retractor; 3. Force feedback device; 3-1. First connecting piece; 3-2. Second connecting piece; 3-3. Third connecting piece; 3-4. Protective cover; 4. Flexible protective cover; 5. Flexible restraint plate; 6. Upper elastic band; 7. Foot fixer; 8. Lower elastic band; 9. Angle change sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present application more clearly understood, the present application is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and are not used to limit the present application.

[0043] The present application embodiment discloses a wearable ankle joint treatment device. Figure 2-8 The wearable ankle joint treatment device includes an upper fixing module, a lower fixing module, a control module 1 and a plurality of load adjustment modules. The upper fixing module is used to fix the patient's calf, the lower fixing module is used to fix the patient's foot, the upper fixing module and the lower fixing module are movably connected through a plurality of load adjustment modules, and the plurality of load adjustment modules can feed back load information to the control module 1. The control module 1 can receive, process and analyze the load information, and adjust the load adjustment module according to the analysis results, so that the load adjustment module can adjust the load between the upper fixing module and the lower fixing module.

[0044] Further, such as Figure 2 As shown, the load adjustment module includes an expander 2 and a force feedback device 3, both of which are signal-connected to the control module 1, and the lower fixed module, the force feedback device 3, the expander 2 and the upper fixed module are connected in series in sequence.

[0045] In this embodiment, the telescopic device 2 is selected as a hydraulic telescopic connecting rod, which has a built-in battery and a radio signal receiver. The telescopic device 2 receives the signal from the control module 1 to adjust the telescopic movement, thereby transmitting the load to the joint; and the force feedback device 3 located below the hydraulic connecting rod can realize the feedback adjustment of the load, so that the control module 1 can accurately adjust the telescopic device 2 to avoid damage caused by excessive loading. In other embodiments, the telescopic form of the telescopic device 2 can also be selected as pneumatic, electric, etc., as long as the telescopic device 2 can be controlled by the control module 1 to adjust the telescopic movement.

[0046] Further, such as Figure 3-6 As shown, in some embodiments, the force feedback device 3 includes: a first connection member 3-1 connected to the telescopic device 2, a second connection member 3-2 connected to the lower fixed module, and a third connection member 3-3 rotatably connected to the first connection member 3-1 and the second connection member 3-2, and the third connection member 3-3 has a sensor element, which can detect the load at its location (i.e., the third connection member 3-3) and feed back the load information to the control module 1. In addition, in order to protect the force feedback device 3, a protective cover 3-4 is provided on the first connection member 3-1 and the second connection member 3-2.

[0047] Specifically, the third connecting member 3-3 includes but is not limited to a rotating shaft, the axial ends of the rotating shaft are detachably connected to limited end caps, and the rotating shaft carries a sensor element, which is preferably a piezoelectric induction ceramic. The first connecting member 3-1 and the second connecting member 3-2 include but are not limited to a circular ring portion, the outer circumference of the circular ring portion is also connected to a rod portion, the rod portion passes through the protective sleeve 3-4 and is used to connect the retractor 2 or the lower fixed module; the two circular ring portions are rotatably connected to the circumference of the rotating shaft, and are prevented from falling off and limited on the rotating shaft by the limited end caps. When in use, the piezoelectric induction ceramic can sense pressure (i.e., load), convert the pressure into a signal, receive the signal through the control module 1, and then the control module 1 monitors the load applied by the device to the patient's ankle joint.

[0048] Furthermore, the first connecting member 3-1 and the second connecting member 3-2 are both provided with an angle change sensor 9. Preferably, a plurality of angle change sensors 9 are provided on the first connecting member 3-1 and the second connecting member 3-2, and the plurality of angle change sensors 9 on the first connecting member 3-1 are distributed in an annular direction on a certain flat end surface of the annular portion in the first connecting member 3-1, and are preferably provided on a flat end surface of one side of the annular portion in the first connecting member 3-1 close to the second connecting member 3-2.

[0049] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the protective cover 3-4 may cover the entire third connector 3-3, or leave a hole so that the end portion of the limiting terminal in the third connector 3-3 can be exposed or assembled into the hole.

[0050] In other embodiments, the force feedback device 3 may also be a force sensor, which is connected between the telescopic device 2 and the lower fixed module. The force feedback device 3 is connected to the control module 1 by signal, and can detect the force condition. The connection between the force feedback device 3 and the lower fixed module is selected as a rotation connection, preferably a universal connection. In addition, the control module 1 can be a wireless control load adjustment host or other controller capable of receiving, processing and controlling information.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, two load adjustment modules are provided. When the device is worn on the patient's legs, the two load adjustment modules are respectively provided on the inner and outer sides of the patient's thighs. The control module 1 is separately provided from the other modules, and the control module 1 is connected to the load adjustment module by radio.

[0052] In addition, in some embodiments, the load adjustment modules can be set to three, four, etc., and the multiple load adjustment modules can be arranged in two groups on the inner and outer sides of the patient's thigh, or can be arranged in a ring shape and distributed circumferentially on the circumference of the patient's thigh. The control module 1 can also be installed on the upper fixing module, the lower fixing module or the load adjustment module, and transmit signals with the load adjustment module through a transmission line, or connect signals with the load adjustment module through a radio.

[0053] Further, such as Figure 2 , Figure 7 As shown, the wearable ankle joint treatment device also includes a flexible protective cover 4 sleeved on the outer periphery of the load adjustment module. The flexible protective cover 4 is any one of a telescopic protective cover, a snap-on protective cover, a corrugated protective cover, and a cylindrical protective cover. As a preferred embodiment, Figure 7 As shown, the flexible protective cover 4 in this embodiment is made of latex and adopts a threaded retractable design. This setting can not only protect the load adjustment module, but also avoid compression damage to the patient's skin.

[0054] Further, such as Figure 2 As shown, in order to improve the adaptability of the treatment device to the patient, the upper fixing module includes a flexible restraint plate 5 and an upper elastic band 6. The flexible restraint plate 5 is bent and used to wrap the patient's calf; one end of the upper elastic band 6 is fixed to the bent end of the flexible restraint plate 5, and the opposite end of the upper elastic band 6 is detachably fixed to the other bent end of the flexible restraint plate 5 by means of structures such as buttons, buckles, magnetic stickers or Velcro.

[0055] Further, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 8 As shown, the upper fixing module also includes an inflatable and deflable airbag, which is connected to the inner side of the flexible binding plate 5 in multiple sections along the bending direction of the flexible binding plate 5. The provision of the airbag can ensure uniform force transmission, and can also prevent the local tissue of the patient from being damaged by hard compression, thereby improving the treatment effect of the patient.

[0056] When using the device, the flexible binding plate 5 is mounted on the patient's calf, and then the bent ends of the flexible binding plate 5 are bound by the upper elastic band 6. By adjusting the tightness of the upper elastic band 6, the degree of fit between the upper fixing module and the patient's calf can be adaptively adjusted, and the patient's calf can be comfortably and securely fixed. In addition, the tightness of the upper fixing module can also be adaptively adjusted by adjusting the inflation and deflation of the airbag.

[0057] Further, such as Figure 2 As shown, the lower fixing module includes a foot fixer 7 for supporting the patient's foot and a lower elastic band 8 for adjusting the tightness of the foot fixer 7. The foot fixer 7 is in the shape of a shoe, has a shoe opening for the patient to wear, and is connected to the force feedback device 3.

[0058] One end of the lower elastic band 8 is connected to the foot fixator 7, and the opposite end can cross the shoe opening of the foot fixator 7 and be detachably connected to the foot fixator 7, so that the lower elastic band 8 can restrict the patient's foot in the foot fixator 7. The detachable connection method between the opposite end of the lower elastic band 8 and the foot fixator 7 includes but is not limited to buttons, buckles, magnetic stickers or Velcro, etc.

[0059] In some embodiments, the lower elastic band 8 is made of elastic material, and its two opposite ends can be fixed on the foot fixer 7, and the lower elastic band 8 spans the shoe opening of the foot fixer 7; similarly, the upper elastic band 6 can adopt the same design as the lower elastic band 8.

[0060] In some embodiments, the lower fixing module and the force feedback device 3 are detachably connected using connectors such as bolts and snaps, and the lower fixing module can be replaced according to the patient's foot size during daily use.

[0061] It should be understood that expressions such as "including" and "may include" used in this application indicate the existence of the disclosed functions, operations or constituent elements, and do not limit one or more additional functions, operations and constituent elements. In this application, terms such as "including" and / or "having" may be interpreted as indicating specific characteristics, numbers, operations, constituent elements, modules or combinations thereof, but may not be interpreted as excluding the existence or possibility of adding one or more other characteristics, numbers, operations, constituent elements, modules or combinations thereof.

[0062] It should be understood that the terms "center", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the referred device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0063] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, the meaning of "plurality" is two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0064] In this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0065] It will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A wearable ankle joint treatment device, characterized in that: It comprises an upper fixing module, a lower fixing module, a control module (1) and a plurality of load adjustment modules; The upper fixing module is used to fix the patient's calf, and the lower fixing module is used to fix the patient's foot. The upper fixing module and the lower fixing module are movably connected via a plurality of load adjustment modules; The plurality of load adjustment modules are capable of feeding back load information at the positions where the load adjustment modules are located to the control module (1), and are capable of performing load adjustment between the upper fixing module and the lower fixing module under the control of the control module (1); The load adjustment module comprises an expander (2) and a force feedback device (3), the expander (2) and the force feedback device (3) are both connected to the control module (1) by signal, and the lower fixing module, the force feedback device (3), the expander (2) and the upper fixing module are connected in series in sequence; The force feedback device (3) comprises: a first connecting member (3-1) connected to the telescopic device (2), a second connecting member (3-2) connected to the lower fixing module, and a third connecting member (3-3) rotatably connected to the first connecting member (3-1) and the second connecting member (3-2), wherein the third connecting member (3-3) is provided with a sensor element, and the sensor element detects the load at the third connecting member (3-3) and feeds back the load information to the control module (1).

2. The wearable ankle joint treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: An angle change sensor (9) is provided on both the first connecting member (3-1) and the second connecting member (3-2), and the angle change sensor (9) is signal-connected to the control module (1).

3. The wearable ankle joint treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first connecting member (3-1) and the second connecting member (3-2) are both covered with protective sleeves (3-4).

4. The wearable ankle joint treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The upper fixing module comprises a flexible binding plate (5) and an upper elastic band (6); the flexible binding plate (5) is bent and used to wrap the patient's calf; and the upper elastic band (6) is used to adjust the bending curvature of the flexible binding plate (5).

5. The wearable ankle joint treatment device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: The upper fixing module also includes an inflatable and deflable airbag, which is connected to the inner side of the flexible restraining plate (5).

6. The wearable ankle joint treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The lower fixing module comprises a foot fixer (7) for supporting the patient's foot and a lower elastic band (8) for adjusting the tightness of the foot fixer (7).

7. The wearable ankle joint treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The wearable ankle joint treatment device also includes a flexible protective cover (4) sleeved on the outer periphery of the load adjustment module.

8. The wearable ankle joint treatment device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The flexible protective cover (4) is any one of a telescopic protective cover, a snap-on protective cover, a corrugated protective cover, and a cylindrical protective cover.

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