Novel ankle-foot orthosis

Abstract

The utility model discloses a novel ankle foot orthosis adds the effect of resisting the inner and outer rotation of lower limbs, realizes three -dimensional body position control, ensures that lower limbs can keep neutral position or other treatment body position. Novel ankle foot orthosis includes foot shape body and horse's hoof leg support, the foot shape body includes the tibial back plate and the foot support of the integral plastic forming of the same low temperature thermoplastic plate, and first fixed band, second fixed band are arranged on tibial back plate, foot support respectively, the horse's hoof leg support includes the base fixed in the ankle position of one side of foot shape body, and the support rod of one end pivot joint cooperation in base and can be folded to tibial back plate direction, and the horse's hoof of fixed in the support rod other end.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of rehabilitation auxiliary appliance, especially point to a new type ankle foot orthosis with prevent the function of lower limbs internal and external rotation. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the treatment and rehabilitation process of cerebral apoplexy, the good limb position is very important. For the lower limbs, it is required to ensure the paralyzed lower limbs to be stable in the neutral position in the supine state, and the ankle joint is kept at 0° in any body position. In order to meet this requirement, various methods can be taken, such as temporarily using soft pillows, cushions and other auxiliary tools, among which wearing ankle foot orthosis to keep the required body position is recommended by medical workers because it has more durable and reliable correction effect.

[0003] In recent years, ankle foot orthosis made of low-temperature thermoplastic plate has been developed, which is personalized and can adjust the fixed angle as needed during wearing, so that it is rapidly popularized and applied in the field of rehabilitation. However, the traditional low-temperature thermoplastic plate ankle foot orthosis mainly provides the fixing function of the ankle joint, and the correction effect of foot drop and internal and external rotation is remarkable. However, due to the lack of lateral support structure, it cannot effectively prevent the internal and external rotation of the lower limbs of the patient in bed, so there is a certain limitation in function. CONTENT OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0004] The main purpose of the utility model is to provide a new type ankle foot orthosis, solve the problems in the prior art, add the effect of resisting internal and external rotation of the lower limbs, realize three-dimensional body position control, and ensure that the lower limbs can keep the neutral position or other treatment body position.

[0005] In order to achieve the above purpose, the solution of the utility model is:

[0006] A new type ankle foot orthosis, comprising a foot-shaped body and a horseshoe leg support; the foot-shaped body comprises a tibial back plate and a foot support which are integrally molded from the same low-temperature thermoplastic plate, and a first fixing belt and a second fixing belt which are respectively arranged on the tibial back plate and the foot support; the horseshoe leg support comprises a base fixed at the ankle position on one side of the foot-shaped body, a support rod pivotally connected to the base and foldable towards the tibial back plate, and a horseshoe fixed at the other end of the support rod.

[0007] The base is provided with a pivot slot which has a side opening and an upper opening.

[0008] Preferably, the left and right side walls of the pivot slot are provided with protruding step portions, and the end of the support rod is tightly fitted between the two step portions.

[0009] Preferably, the pivot shaft between the end of the support rod and the base is located below the step portion.

[0010] The base is fixed to the foot-shaped body by stainless steel rivets or screws.

[0011] A seam is provided at the ankle position between the shin plate and the foot support, and the seam is bonded together by the adhesiveness of the material itself during low-temperature thermoplastic molding.

[0012] Preferably, the foot-shaped body is provided with a rivet piece on the outer surface of the starting part of the joint; the rivet piece is heated and pasted onto the starting part of the joint, and then fixed to both sides of the joint by stainless steel rivets.

[0013] Preferably, the rivet is made by cutting a low-temperature thermoplastic sheet.

[0014] The shin plate and footrest are also provided with a third fixing strap and a fourth fixing strap respectively; the first fixing strap, the second fixing strap, the third fixing strap and the fourth fixing strap are all made of strip-shaped double-sided Velcro straps, which are wrapped around the limb and then attached to the foot body through Velcro to generate hooks, binding the limb and the foot body together.

[0015] The inner walls of the shin plate and footrest are equipped with pressure-reducing pads.

[0016] The shin plate and footrest are also equipped with a third fixing strap and a fourth fixing strap, respectively.

[0017] After adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following technical effects:

[0018] ① This utility model uses a low-temperature thermoplastic board to make the foot-shaped body. Utilizing the characteristics of the low-temperature thermoplastic board, which can soften and shape at low temperatures (60℃~80℃) and harden quickly at room temperature, it allows the shin plate and foot support to fit and shape the lower limb. This ensures that the final foot-shaped body can cover the lower limb surface with almost no gaps, making it more form-fitting and preventing the lower limb from shaking inside the foot-shaped body, thus providing better support and fixation.

[0019] ② A horseshoe leg support is added to the side of the foot-shaped body. When it is unfolded, it can support the angle of the foot-shaped body and keep it in a neutral position or a specific angle. It effectively supports the lower limb to resist the internal or external rotation of the lower limb, realizes three-dimensional position control, and ensures that the lower limb can maintain a neutral position or other treatment position. In addition, the horseshoe leg support can be folded and retracted to facilitate the patient's position change.

[0020] ③ Low-temperature thermoplastic board is a common material in the medical field, and horseshoe leg bracket is a common hardware accessory in the furniture field. Both are readily available, making this utility model easy to manufacture and inexpensive. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the unfolded state of a specific embodiment of the present utility model.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the folded state of a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0024] 1-Foot body; 11-Pinus plate; 12-Foot support; 13-First fixing strap; 14-Second fixing strap; 15-Seam; 16-Third fixing strap; 17-Fourth fixing strap;

[0025] 2-Horseshoe leg bracket; 21-Base; 211-Pivot groove; 212-Step section; 22-Support rod; 23-Horseshoe; 24-Hinge;

[0026] 3-Rivet piece. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To further explain the technical solution of this utility model, the following detailed description is provided through specific embodiments.

[0028] First, it needs to be stated that the "low-temperature thermoplastic sheet" mentioned below is an existing material widely used in the medical field. Specifically, low-temperature thermoplastic sheet is a special material that softens at low temperatures (generally around 60℃~80℃), making it easy to shape as needed. For example, it can be bent, cut, and spliced ​​according to the shape of human limbs. After shaping, it quickly hardens at room temperature and maintains the shaped form. Low-temperature thermoplastic sheet is commonly used in the field of medical rehabilitation to make various orthopedic braces to help correct limb deformities, immobilize injured areas, and assist in rehabilitation training; it is also used in some handicrafts and model making fields.

[0029] refer to Figures 1-2 As shown, this utility model discloses a novel ankle-foot orthosis, including a foot-shaped body 1 and a hoof-shaped leg support 2;

[0030] The foot-shaped body 1 includes a shin plate 11 and a foot support 12 integrally molded from the same low-temperature thermoplastic plate, as well as a first fixing strap 13 and a second fixing strap 14 respectively disposed on the shin plate 11 and the foot support 12.

[0031] The horseshoe leg support 2 includes a base 21 fixed to the ankle position on one side of the foot body 1, a support rod 22 pivotally connected to the base 21 at one end and foldable toward the tibialis plate 11, and a horseshoe 23 fixed to the other end of the support rod 22.

[0032] Through the above scheme, this utility model uses a low-temperature thermoplastic board to make the foot-shaped body 1. Utilizing the characteristics of the low-temperature thermoplastic board—which can soften and shape at low temperatures (60℃~80℃) and harden rapidly at room temperature—the shin support plate 11 and footrest 12 can be molded to fit snugly against the surface of the lower limb. This ensures that the final foot-shaped body 1 covers the lower limb surface with almost no gaps, providing a better fit and preventing the lower limb from swaying within the foot-shaped body 1, thus achieving better support and fixation. Simultaneously, a horseshoe leg support 2 is added to the side of the foot-shaped body 1. When unfolded, it supports the angle of the foot-shaped body 1, keeping it in a neutral position or a specific angle, effectively supporting the lower limb to resist internal or external rotation, achieving three-dimensional position control, ensuring the lower limb can maintain a neutral position or other therapeutic positions. Furthermore, the horseshoe leg support 2 can be folded and retracted for convenient patient position changes. The low-temperature thermoplastic board is a common material in the medical field, and the horseshoe leg support 2 is a common accessory in the furniture field; both are readily available, making this utility model easy to manufacture and inexpensive.

[0033] The following are specific embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] With the foot-shaped body 1 standing on the ground (i.e., the footrest 12 "stepping" on the ground) as a reference, the base 21 is provided with a pivot groove 211 that has both a side opening and a top opening, so that the support rod 22 can be folded downwards to unfold. Figure 1 ), Fold upwards to achieve folding ( Figure 2 ).

[0035] Furthermore, both the left and right side walls of the aforementioned pivot groove 211 are provided with protruding stepped portions 212, and the ends of the support rod 22 are tightly fitted between the stepped portions 212 on both sides. When the horseshoe leg bracket 2 is in the unfolded state, the stepped portions 212 limit the circumferential surface of the ends of the support rod 22, which can prevent the support rod 22 from shaking; while when the horseshoe leg bracket 2 is in the folded state, the tight fit between the ends of the support rod 22 and the stepped portions 212 can prevent the support rod 22 from falling naturally due to gravity.

[0036] Secondly, the pivot 24 between the end of the aforementioned support rod 22 and the base 21 is located below the step portion 212.

[0037] The aforementioned base 21 is fixed to the foot-shaped body 1 by stainless steel rivets.

[0038] A seam 15 is provided at the ankle position between the shin plate 11 and the foot support 12. The seam 15 is bonded together by the adhesiveness of the material itself during low-temperature thermoplastic molding.

[0039] Furthermore, the aforementioned foot-shaped body 1 has a rivet piece 3 on the outer surface of the starting part of the joint 15; the rivet piece 3 is heated and pasted onto the starting part of the joint 15, and then fixed to both sides of the joint 15 by stainless steel rivets.

[0040] Secondly, the aforementioned rivet piece 3 is made by cutting a low-temperature thermoplastic sheet, which can effectively utilize the material left over when cutting the outline of the foot-shaped body 1 and avoid waste.

[0041] The aforementioned shin plate 11 and foot support 12 are also provided with a third fixing strap 16 and a fourth fixing strap 17 respectively; the first fixing strap 13, the second fixing strap 14, the third fixing strap 16 and the fourth fixing strap 17 are all made of strip-shaped double-sided Velcro straps, which wrap around the limb and are then attached to the foot-shaped body 1 by Velcro fasteners to bind the limb and the foot-shaped body 1 together.

[0042] The inner walls of the aforementioned shin plate 11 and footrest 12 are provided with pressure-reducing pads (or pressure-reducing linings).

[0043] The manufacturing method of this utility model is disclosed below.

[0044] In order for the hoof leg bracket 2 to be installed on the foot body 1, the orthosis to be made needs to meet the bracket installation requirements: first, the plate at the ankle position has sufficient thickness to maintain the stability of the bracket after installation; second, the ankle position must be wide enough to ensure that there is enough area to install the bracket.

[0045] To meet the above two requirements, the manufacturing method of the orthosis needs to be improved, as follows;

[0046] 1. Selection and cutting of boards

[0047] Choose a 3.2mm or thicker low-temperature thermoplastic sheet and cut it to the size of the affected limb as measured regularly.

[0048] 2. Shaping

[0049] Position the affected limb as needed and protect the skin and joints. After the standard procedure of heating the board, apply and wrap the board around the back of the lower leg, the sole of the foot, and both sides. Note that the board will overlap on both sides at the ankle (i.e., the L-shaped corner). The usual method is to stretch the board forward towards the ankle joint so that the starting point of the overlap reaches or exceeds the level of the inner and outer ankles, so that the heel is flat and wrinkle-free. However, this method will make the board thinner at the heel and reduce its strength. If the stretching is insufficient, there will not be enough area to install the support. Another common method is to directly pinch the overlapping part and then attach it directly in place without cutting it. However, in this case, wrinkles will appear at the heel, making it impossible to install the hoof leg support 2. Therefore, in this invention, the board is not stretched during the manufacturing process. Instead, the overlapping board pieces are symmetrically pinched together, and then the joint of the two pieces is clamped with flat-nose pliers while it is still hot. The adhesive of the board itself is used to bond them together. Then the excess part is cut off to form a flat seam 15. The advantage of this method is that it ensures the thickness of the sheet material remains constant while also creating a sufficiently wide and flat area at the heel and ankle to accommodate the hoof-shaped leg support 2. The other parts of the foot-shaped body 1 can be sculpted using conventional methods.

[0050] 3. Post-processing

[0051] After the foot-shaped body 1 has cooled and solidified, it is removed and its edges are trimmed. Then, a small piece of the same type of low-temperature thermoplastic sheet is cut and shaped into a riveting piece 3. After heating, it is placed across the joint 15 and glued at the beginning of the joint 15. Then, a hole is drilled at each end of the riveting piece, penetrating through the two layers of sheet metal. Stainless steel rivets are passed through the holes to fix it, thereby strengthening the beginning of the joint 15. Finally, the entire foot-shaped body 1 is polished smooth to complete the manufacturing process.

[0052] 4. Assemble the horseshoe leg support 2

[0053] 4-1. Choose

[0054] Commercially available foldable horseshoe leg brackets 2 come in various specifications. Common specifications are a total length of 15cm or more, a base length and width of 6.3*4.0cm, and an oval support rod with a diameter of 1.8*1.0cm. If the support rod 22 of the horseshoe leg bracket 2 you purchase is too long, it should be shortened. When the base 21 is included, keep about 15cm in length.

[0055] 4-2. Assembly

[0056] First, position the base 21 at the ankle position of the foot-shaped body 1. After fixing the horseshoe leg bracket 2, the support rod 22 is folded proximally, parallel to the posterior tibial plate 11 (equivalent to being parallel to the human lower leg). When the support rod 22 is opened, the foot-shaped body 1 is in a neutral position or at the desired tilt angle. After marking the four screw hole positions of the base 21 on the foot-shaped body 1, drill holes (3-4cm in diameter) on the foot-shaped body 1. Then, fix the base 21 with stainless steel rivets (or screws). At this point, the horseshoe leg bracket 2 is installed.

[0057] 5. Install fixing straps

[0058] Finally, adhesive hooks with Velcro backing are attached to the shin plate 11 and footrest 12 of the foot body 1 to fix the first fixing strap 13, the second fixing strap 14, the third fixing strap 16, and the fourth fixing strap 17.

[0059] 6. Delivery and Use

[0060] Before and after trying on the orthosis, check its safety. If necessary, apply heat to bony prominences or add pressure-relieving pads, or prepare a pressure-relieving inner liner to ensure safe use. Finally, educate the patient or caregiver and hand over the orthosis to the patient for use.

[0061] The above embodiments and figures are not intended to limit the product form and style of this utility model. Any appropriate changes or modifications made by those skilled in the art should be considered as not departing from the patent scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A novel ankle-foot orthosis, characterized in that: Includes a foot-shaped body and a hoof-shaped leg support; The foot-shaped body includes a shin plate and a foot support integrally molded from the same low-temperature thermoplastic sheet, as well as a first fixing strap and a second fixing strap respectively disposed on the shin plate and the foot support; The hoof-leg support includes a base fixed to the ankle position on one side of the foot-shaped body, a support rod pivotally connected to the base at one end and foldable toward the tibialis plate, and a hoof fixed to the other end of the support rod.

2. The novel ankle-foot orthosis as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The base is provided with a pivot groove that has both a side opening and a top opening.

3. The novel ankle-foot orthosis as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The left and right side walls of the pivot groove are provided with protruding stepped portions, and the end of the support rod is tightly fitted between the stepped portions on both sides.

4. The novel ankle-foot orthosis as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The pivot between the end of the support rod and the base is located below the step.

5. The novel ankle-foot orthosis as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The base is fixed to the foot-shaped body by stainless steel rivets or screws.

6. The novel ankle-foot orthosis as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A seam is provided at the ankle position between the shin plate and the foot support, and the seam is bonded together by the adhesiveness of the material itself during low-temperature thermoplastic molding.

7. The novel ankle-foot orthosis as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The foot-shaped body has a rivet piece on the outer surface of the starting part of the joint; the rivet piece is heated and pasted onto the starting part of the joint, and then fixed to both sides of the joint by stainless steel rivets.

8. The novel ankle-foot orthosis as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The rivet piece is made by cutting a low-temperature thermoplastic sheet.

9. The novel ankle-foot orthosis as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The shin plate and footrest are also provided with a third fixing strap and a fourth fixing strap respectively; the first fixing strap, the second fixing strap, the third fixing strap and the fourth fixing strap are all made of strip-shaped double-sided Velcro straps, which are wrapped around the limb and then attached to the foot body through Velcro to generate hooks, binding the limb and the foot body together.

10. The novel ankle-foot orthosis as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The inner walls of the shin plate and footrest are equipped with pressure-reducing pads.

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