Traction frame for orthopedics department

Abstract

The invention discloses an orthopedic traction frame, which belongs to the technical field of medical instruments and comprises a horizontal traction assembly, a vertical traction assembly, a monitoring assembly and a control module, the horizontal traction assembly and the vertical traction assembly are each provided with an adjusting assembly, rotation in the horizontal direction and rotation adjustment in the vertical direction are achieved correspondingly, and the detection assembly is used for monitoring data and uploading the data to the control module. The control module drives the adjusting assembly to adjust the postures of the horizontal traction assembly and the vertical traction assembly in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction based on detection data, a standardized traction scheme is called through the control module, the traction angle and the force value range are digitally set, the human experience difference in traditional traction is eliminated, and the traction efficiency is improved. The accuracy of treatment parameters is ensured, independent servo driving systems of the horizontal traction assembly and the vertical traction assembly can achieve positioning of the affected limb on the horizontal plane and the sagittal plane respectively, the individual requirements of complex fracture types are met, and dependence on frequent manual inspection is reduced through automatic monitoring and adjustment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of medical device technology, specifically relating to an orthopedic traction frame. Background Technology

[0002] Lower limb traction frames play an indispensable role in orthopedic treatment systems, creating an ideal healing environment for damaged lower limbs by applying continuous and controllable traction force.

[0003] Treatment for lower limb fractures typically lasts for several weeks, during which time the patient's muscle condition, swelling, and pain response constantly change. Existing mechanical traction devices cannot adjust in real time to these dynamic changes, requiring frequent manual intervention from medical staff. This delayed adjustment often fails to meet the patient's actual needs in a timely manner, potentially affecting the stable alignment of the fracture ends and even leading to serious consequences such as loss of reduction.

[0004] Current traction systems lack effective monitoring and early warning mechanisms. During the lengthy treatment process, the traction force may decrease due to changes in patient position or mechanical loosening. Important bony prominences such as the heel and sacrum may develop pressure sores due to continuous pressure, and these potential problems are difficult to detect in a timely manner. Medical staff need to assess the treatment status through regular rounds and manual checks. This intermittent monitoring method cannot provide 24 / 7 safety assurance and increases the risk of complications.

[0005] In summary, existing orthopedic traction devices have significant shortcomings in terms of accuracy, adaptability, safety, and functionality, and there is an urgent need for an orthopedic traction frame that can achieve precise control, intelligent monitoring, and adaptive adjustment. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems in the existing technology, this invention provides an orthopedic traction frame that solves the problem that orthopedic traction devices rely on subjective adjustments by medical staff and are difficult to adaptively adjust based on the patient's condition.

[0007] The objective of this invention can be achieved through the following technical solutions: An orthopedic traction frame includes a horizontal traction component, a vertical traction component, a monitoring component, and a control module. Both the horizontal and vertical traction components are equipped with adjustment components to achieve horizontal and vertical rotation adjustments, respectively. The monitoring component monitors data and uploads it to the control module. Based on the monitoring data, the control module drives the adjustment components to adjust the horizontal and vertical traction components' posture in the horizontal or vertical directions.

[0008] Preferably, the horizontal traction assembly includes at least two sets of first links, which are connected by an adjustment assembly to achieve horizontal rotation.

[0009] Preferably, the vertical traction assembly includes two sets of second connections, the two sets of second connecting rods being connected to the leg support and foot support respectively, and the second connecting rods being connected to the leg support and foot support through an adjustment assembly to achieve vertical angle adjustment.

[0010] Preferably, the control module has a pre-stored traction posture-force linkage mapping table for storing the target traction posture and target traction force range corresponding to different fracture sites. The control module receives fracture site information input by the user and calls the corresponding target traction posture and target traction force range according to the traction posture-force linkage mapping table. It drives the adjustment component to adjust the horizontal traction component and the vertical traction component to the target traction posture. During traction, based on real-time data fed back by the monitoring component, the adjustment component is dynamically fine-tuned to maintain the target traction posture, and the traction force is simultaneously subjected to closed-loop control to stabilize it within the target traction force range.

[0011] Preferably, the monitoring component includes an angle sensor, a first force sensor, and a second force sensor; the angle sensor is used to monitor the rotation angle of the horizontal traction component and the vertical traction component; the first force sensor is used to monitor the magnitude of the axial traction force applied to the lower limb; and the second force sensor is used to monitor the pressure on the heel of the lower limb.

[0012] Preferably, the traction posture-force linkage mapping table includes a configuration for femoral neck fractures, with the target traction posture being abduction of the affected limb at 15-30° and internal rotation at 5-10°, and the target traction force ranging from 1 / 8 to 1 / 7 of the patient's body weight.

[0013] Preferably, the traction posture-force linkage mapping table includes a configuration for femoral shaft fractures, with the target traction posture being hip flexion of 20-30° and knee flexion of 60-90°, and the target traction force ranging from 1 / 7 to 1 / 6 of the patient's body weight.

[0014] Preferably, the control module is further configured to: initialize the traction force to the upper limit of the target traction force range when performing traction for femoral shaft fracture; and automatically lower the traction force to the lower limit of the target traction force range when the angle sensor detects that the actual flexion angle of the knee joint continues to increase by more than 5° due to muscle relaxation.

[0015] Preferably, the monitoring component includes a surface electromyography (SEMG) sensor, which is attached to the patient's skin surface to monitor the electromyographic activity signals of a specific muscle group; the control module is also used to control the vertical traction component to perform low-frequency, small-amplitude reciprocating flexion and extension movements and temporarily reduce the traction force when the electromyographic activity signal indicates that the muscle is spasming.

[0016] Preferably, the adjustment component includes a servo motor and a reducer connected to the output shaft of the servo motor.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This application uses a control module to call up a standardized traction scheme and digitally sets the traction angle and force range, eliminating the human experience differences in traditional traction and ensuring the accuracy of treatment parameters. The independent servo drive systems of the horizontal and vertical traction components can respectively realize the positioning of the affected limb in the horizontal and sagittal planes, meeting the personalized needs of complex fracture types. Automated monitoring and adjustment reduce the reliance on frequent manual inspections and improve patient safety. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a top view of the orthopedic traction frame provided in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a side view of the orthopedic traction frame provided in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the control module relationships provided in one embodiment of the present invention; Legend: 1. Horizontal traction component; 2. Vertical traction component; 3. Adjustment component. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To further illustrate the technical means and effects of the present invention in achieving its intended purpose, the following detailed description of the specific implementation methods, structures, features, and effects of the present invention, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, is provided.

[0021] like Figures 1-3 As shown, an orthopedic traction frame includes a horizontal traction component 1, a vertical traction component 2, a monitoring component, and a control module. Both the horizontal traction component 1 and the vertical traction component 2 are equipped with adjustment components 3, which respectively realize the horizontal rotation and vertical rotation adjustment. The monitoring component is used to monitor data and upload it to the control module. The control module drives the adjustment component 3 to adjust the posture of the horizontal traction component 1 and the vertical traction component 2 in the horizontal or vertical direction based on the monitoring data.

[0022] Medical staff input the patient's fracture type and treatment needs through the control module, which then calls the corresponding traction plan from the built-in database, including the target traction angle and traction force range. The horizontal traction component 1 drives the affected limb to perform abduction or adduction movements in the horizontal plane; the vertical traction component 2, through another independent servo drive system, realizes flexion and extension positioning in the sagittal plane, realizing the digital setting of treatment parameters and eliminating treatment deviations caused by differences in human experience from the source.

[0023] Furthermore, angle sensors monitor the angle changes of each joint in real time, tension sensors continuously detect minute fluctuations in traction force, and a distributed pressure sensor network provides comprehensive monitoring of pressure-prone areas such as the heel. The control module fuses and analyzes this multi-source data, and immediately generates adjustment commands when it detects angle deviation, traction force attenuation, or excessive local pressure. For example, when it detects a change in knee joint angle due to muscle relaxation, the system drives the vertical traction component 2 to make compensatory adjustments; when the pressure sensor alarms, it coordinates the horizontal and vertical components to make coordinated micro-movements, thereby achieving intelligent pressure ulcer prevention by changing the force distribution.

[0024] In one embodiment, the horizontal traction component 1 includes at least two sets of first links. The two first links are connected by an adjustment component 3 to achieve horizontal rotation. If abduction movement is required, the adjustment component 3 will use a servo drive system to rotate the first links relative to each other, thereby moving the affected limb outward in the horizontal direction and increasing the abduction angle. Conversely, for adduction movement, the links rotate inward to reduce the abduction angle. The rotation angle of the links is monitored in real time by an angle sensor throughout the entire movement process to ensure consistency with the target traction angle. If the sensor detects an angle deviation (such as a deviation caused by patient movement), the control module will immediately generate an adjustment command to drive the adjustment component 3 to perform compensatory rotation, thereby maintaining a precise traction posture and eliminating human error at the source.

[0025] In one embodiment, the vertical traction component 2 includes two sets of second connections. The two sets of second links are respectively connected to the leg support and foot support. The second links are connected to the leg support and foot support via an adjustment component 3 to achieve vertical angle adjustment. When the control module calls a standardized program according to treatment needs (such as knee flexion rehabilitation), the adjustment component 3 drives the second links to move in the sagittal plane, thereby changing the elevation angle of the leg support and foot support. For example, for flexion movements, the adjustment component 3 rotates the second links upwards, raising the leg support and foot support to achieve knee flexion; for extension movements, the links rotate downwards to straighten the limb.

[0026] In traditional orthopedic traction therapy, even with traction frames that have basic adjustment functions, the treatment process still has significant limitations, especially when dealing with different types and locations of injuries, such as femoral neck fractures and femoral shaft fractures. Because each type of injury requires a different biomechanical environment, there is a lack of a clear, quantifiable standard to guide the coordinated setting of traction angle and traction force. For example, femoral neck fractures require maintaining an abduction and internal rotation position with relatively small traction force to protect blood supply, while femoral shaft fractures often require a high knee flexion position combined with larger traction force to counteract strong muscle groups. These complex and delicate correspondences cannot be systematically applied in traditional devices. In one embodiment, the control module pre-stores a traction posture-force linkage mapping table to store the target traction posture and target traction force range corresponding to different fracture sites. The control module receives fracture site information input by the user and calls the corresponding target traction posture and target traction force range according to the traction posture-force linkage mapping table. The drive adjustment component 3 adjusts the horizontal traction component 1 and the vertical traction component 2 to the target traction posture. During the traction process, based on the real-time data fed back by the monitoring component, the adjustment component 3 is dynamically fine-tuned to maintain the target traction posture, and at the same time, the traction force is closed-loop controlled to keep it stable within the target traction force range.

[0027] When a patient unconsciously lifts their buttocks off the bed, it may increase the knee flexion angle, thereby altering the force on the fracture ends; or prolonged immobilization may cause the local pressure on the heel to continuously exceed the capillary closure pressure. These potential risks are difficult to detect in time under traditional methods, and are often only noticed when complications such as loss of reduction or pressure sores occur, seriously affecting the safety of treatment. In one embodiment, the monitoring components include an angle sensor, a first force sensor, and a second force sensor; the angle sensor is used to monitor the rotation angle of the horizontal traction component 1 and the vertical traction component 2; the first force sensor is used to monitor the magnitude of the axial traction force applied to the lower limb; and the second force sensor is used to monitor the pressure on the heel of the lower limb.

[0028] Traditional traction devices, lacking precise quantification and coordinated control mechanisms, often struggle to find the optimal balance between maintaining stable reduction of the fracture ends and protecting the blood supply to the femoral head. Insufficient traction or improper angles can lead to instability at the fracture ends, affecting healing; while excessive traction or improper abduction angles can damage the only blood supply source—the medial circumflex femoral artery—significantly increasing the risk of femoral head necrosis. In one embodiment, the optimal treatment parameters for femoral neck fractures are solidified into executable digital instructions. When the system identifies the type of femoral neck fracture, the control module immediately retrieves the proprietary treatment configuration from the traction posture-force linkage mapping table: the target traction posture is set to abduction of the affected limb at 15-30° and internal rotation at 5-10°. This composite angle can fully utilize the tension of the intact joint capsule ligaments, forming a "splint effect" to achieve stable alignment of the fracture ends; at the same time, the target traction force is strictly limited to the range of 1 / 8 to 1 / 7 of the patient's body weight. This biomechanical range has been clinically validated, providing sufficient longitudinal traction to maintain contact between the fracture ends while ensuring that the fragile blood supply system is not damaged due to excessive traction.

[0029] By transforming traditional clinical experience into precisely replicable digital treatment plans, the optimal ratio of abduction and internal rotation angles with precise traction force is achieved, thus unifying reduction stability and blood supply protection. Secondly, a proprietary treatment mode for specific fracture types has been established, enabling the system to automatically execute personalized treatment plans that conform to the biomechanical characteristics of femoral neck fractures. Most importantly, by strictly limiting the traction force within a safe range, the risk of femoral head blood supply damage, the most dangerous aspect of traditional traction, is fundamentally avoided.

[0030] Because the femur is surrounded by some of the strongest muscle groups in the human body, uneven contraction of these muscles after a fracture can produce significant deforming forces, especially the posterior traction of the hamstrings and gastrocnemius muscles. This can cause the distal fracture fragments to tilt backward, resulting in angular deformities that are difficult to correct. While traditional traction devices can provide basic longitudinal traction, they lack targeted postural control strategies and cannot effectively neutralize these powerful muscle pulls. Medical staff often use only axial traction or can only make rough angle adjustments, making it difficult to achieve precise hip and knee flexion coordination. This results in the fracture fragments healing under suboptimal biomechanical conditions, sometimes requiring repeated manual reduction, severely impacting treatment outcomes and prolonging the rehabilitation period. In one embodiment, when a femoral shaft fracture occurs, the control module immediately retrieves a specific treatment configuration from the traction posture-force linkage mapping table: flexing the hip joint by 20-30° to relax the iliopsoas muscle, while significantly flexing the knee joint by 60-90°, which can effectively relax the powerful hamstring muscles and fundamentally eliminate the main traction force that causes the fracture to angulate backward. Simultaneously, traction force of 1 / 7 to 1 / 6 of the patient's body weight is applied. The force range can provide sufficient axial traction to maintain fracture alignment and effectively counteract the contractile force of other muscle groups such as the quadriceps femoris.

[0031] An optimal matching relationship between posture angle and traction force was established, enabling the two treatment parameters to produce a synergistic effect; complex muscle biomechanical knowledge was transformed into a precise treatment plan that can be executed automatically, enabling the system to intelligently maintain an ideal mechanical environment that meets the healing requirements of femoral shaft fractures.

[0032] Traditional traction devices employ a static traction mode that remains unchanged after being set, making them completely incapable of adapting to the dynamic changes in a patient's muscle state. In the early stages of a fracture, due to pain stimulation and protective responses, the patient's thigh muscles (especially the hamstrings) are in a state of high spasm, requiring significant traction force to overcome muscle tension and maintain fracture alignment. However, as treatment progresses and the muscles gradually relax, maintaining the initial high traction force can lead to excessive separation of the fracture ends, resulting in "dislocation." This iatrogenic complication can significantly prolong healing time and even lead to the serious consequence of nonunion. In one embodiment, for femoral shaft fractures, the control module first initializes the traction force to the upper limit of the target range (e.g., 1 / 6 of body weight). The stronger traction force is used to overcome the initial muscle spasm and ensure effective reduction of the fracture ends. Simultaneously, an angle sensor continuously monitors the actual flexion angle of the knee joint, reflecting the hamstring tension biomechanical indicator.

[0033] As the patient's muscles gradually relax, the knee flexion angle, which was previously maintained by muscle tension, will increase accordingly. If the actual knee flexion angle is detected to increase by more than 5°, the control module determines that the muscle spasm period has ended and that maintenance traction is required. It then automatically adjusts the traction force to the lower limit of the target range (e.g., 1 / 7 of body weight), ensuring that the fracture alignment is maintained while completely avoiding the risk of excessive traction. This achieves dynamic matching between traction force and muscle state, ensuring the initial reduction effect while avoiding excessive traction in the later stages.

[0034] In one embodiment, the monitoring component includes a surface electromyography (EMG) sensor, which is attached to the patient's skin surface to monitor the electromyographic activity signals of specific muscle groups. The control module is also used to control the vertical traction component 2 to perform low-frequency, small-amplitude reciprocating flexion-extension movements and temporarily reduce the traction force when the EMG activity signals indicate muscle spasm. This allows for proactive monitoring of muscle status through the surface EMG sensor. The EMG sensor attached to the surface of the patient's thigh muscles continuously collects EMG activity signals. When the system identifies an abnormal discharge pattern indicating spasm, the control module immediately activates a collaborative intervention mechanism, driving the vertical traction component 2 to reciprocate to interrupt abnormal nerve impulses and simultaneously temporarily reducing the traction force to alleviate mechanical stimulation, effectively relieving patient pain.

[0035] In one embodiment, the adjustment component 3 includes a servo motor and a reducer connected to the output shaft of the servo motor. After the control module issues an adjustment command, the servo motor, as the power source, responds immediately, and its built-in encoder provides real-time feedback on the rotor position, forming a primary closed-loop control. The high-speed, low-torque motion output by the servo motor is optimized and converted by the precision planetary reducer directly connected to it, which not only significantly reduces the output speed but also greatly increases the torque. Finally, the output shaft drives the traction component to move smoothly and accurately to the target position.

[0036] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An orthopedic traction frame, characterized in that, It includes a horizontal traction component, a vertical traction component, a monitoring component, and a control module; both the horizontal and vertical traction components are equipped with adjustment components to realize horizontal and vertical rotation adjustment, respectively; the detection component is used to monitor data and upload it to the control module; the control module drives the adjustment component to adjust the attitude of the horizontal and vertical traction components in the horizontal or vertical direction based on the detection data.

2. The orthopedic traction frame according to claim 1, characterized in that, The horizontal traction assembly includes at least two sets of first links, which are connected by an adjustment assembly to achieve horizontal rotation.

3. The orthopedic traction frame according to claim 2, characterized in that... The vertical traction assembly includes two sets of second connections. The two sets of second connecting rods are respectively connected to the leg support and the foot support. The second connecting rods are connected to the leg support and the foot support through an adjustment assembly to realize the vertical angle adjustment.

4. The orthopedic traction frame according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control module has a pre-stored traction posture-force linkage mapping table, which stores the target traction posture and target traction force range corresponding to different fracture sites. The control module receives fracture site information input by the user and calls the corresponding target traction posture and target traction force range according to the traction posture-force linkage mapping table. It drives the adjustment component to adjust the horizontal traction component and the vertical traction component to the target traction posture. During traction, based on real-time data fed back by the monitoring component, the adjustment component is dynamically fine-tuned to maintain the target traction posture, and at the same time, the traction force is closed-loop controlled to keep it stable within the target traction force range.

5. The orthopedic traction frame according to claim 4, characterized in that, The monitoring components include an angle sensor, a first force sensor, and a second force sensor; the angle sensor is used to monitor the rotation angle of the horizontal traction component and the vertical traction component; the first force sensor is used to monitor the magnitude of the axial traction force applied to the lower limb; and the second force sensor is used to monitor the pressure on the heel of the lower limb.

6. The orthopedic traction frame according to claim 5, characterized in that, The traction posture-force linkage mapping table includes a configuration for femoral neck fractures, with the target traction posture being abduction of the affected limb at 15-30° and internal rotation at 5-10°, and the target traction force ranging from 1 / 8 to 1 / 7 of the patient's body weight.

7. An orthopedic traction frame according to claim 5, characterized in that, The traction posture-force linkage mapping table includes a configuration for femoral shaft fractures, with a target traction posture of 20-30° hip flexion and 60-90° knee flexion, and a target traction force range of 1 / 7 to 1 / 6 of the patient's body weight.

8. The orthopedic traction frame according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control module is also used to: initialize the traction force to the upper limit of the target traction force range when performing traction for femoral shaft fracture; and automatically adjust the traction force to the lower limit of the target traction force range when the angle sensor detects that the actual flexion angle of the knee joint continues to increase by more than 5° due to muscle relaxation.

9. An orthopedic traction frame according to claim 5, characterized in that, The monitoring component includes a surface electromyography (SEMG) sensor, which is attached to the patient's skin surface to monitor the electromyographic activity signals of specific muscle groups; the control module is also used to control the vertical traction component to perform low-frequency, small-amplitude reciprocating flexion and extension movements and temporarily reduce the traction force when the electromyographic activity signal indicates that the muscle is spasming.

10. An orthopedic traction frame according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment assembly includes a servo motor and a reducer connected to the output shaft of the servo motor.

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