Orthosis for people with partial spinal cord injuries and musculoskeletal deficits

Abstract

The invention relates to an orthosis (10) for partially paraplegic persons, comprising an orthosis body (12) made of knitted fabric constructed from an elastic thread, wherein the orthosis body (12) has a plurality of regularly arranged recesses (18), at least one connector (14) designed for positive connection with the orthosis body (12) by engaging in at least two of the recesses (18), and at least one drawstring (16) connected to the connector (14).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an orthosis, in particular for partially paraplegics and people with musculoskeletal and locomotion deficits. Partial paraplegia and other musculoskeletal deficits result in partial paralysis of the leg muscles, which often makes walking without aids impossible. In some patients, some of the muscles required for walking are more severely affected than others. Therefore, according to one embodiment, the orthosis can also be referred to as a locomotion-supporting orthosis or partial paraplegia orthosis. However, the orthosis can also be designed to be worn on other body parts, for example, the arm, foot, or shoulder. In particular, the orthosis is an orthosis for the treatment of musculoskeletal deficits.

[0002] The invention is based on the object of proposing an orthosis for partially paraplegic people and people with locomotor deficits by means of which walking ability can be improved.

[0003] The invention solves the problem by an orthosis which comprises (a) an orthosis body made of knitted fabric which is constructed from an elastic thread, wherein the orthosis body has a plurality of regularly arranged recesses, (b) at least one connector which is designed for positive connection to the orthosis body for engaging in at least two of the recesses, and (c) at least one tension strap which is connected to at least one of the connectors.

[0004] A key advantage of the orthosis is that the connector can be freely positioned within the grid formed by the recesses. This allows the position of the connector to be individually adjusted to ensure the orthosis works optimally for each patient. This way, the patient's walking ability can be optimally improved.

[0005] For the purposes of this description, recesses are understood to be structures that are larger than the spaces between the stitches. In other words, the thread-free areas present in every knitwear fabric are not the recesses. Rather, the recesses are, at least in one direction, preferably at least twice as large as the distance between two stitches in the direction of a course and / or in the direction of a wale.

[0006] It is advantageous if the connector engages in at least two recesses, in particular in at least three recesses, particularly preferably in at least four recesses, for example in at least five recesses. It is advantageous if the connector engages in a maximum of eight recesses, in particular in a maximum of seven recesses, particularly preferably in a maximum of six recesses.

[0007] If the connector engages in three or more recesses, a particularly stable connection is achieved. Engaging in only one recess has proven impractical.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, the tension band is connected to a connector at each of its ends. In other words, the tension band has two ends, and a connector is arranged at each of its ends. Alternatively, it is possible for the tension band to be firmly connected to the orthosis body at one end, for example, sewn or glued.

[0009] It's advantageous if the drawstring has two ends. A drawstring with three or more ends has proven to be disadvantageous.

[0010] It is advantageous if the tension band is positively connected to at least one connector.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the tension band is a band-shaped tension element, in particular made of stretchable fiber material or yarn material. For example, the tension element is constructed of natural rubber, Elastan®, and / or silicone. A band-shaped tension element is understood to be an object whose extension in a width direction is at least three times, in particular at least four times, as large as its extension in the thickness direction. Alternatively or additionally, its extension in a longitudinal direction is at least three times, in particular at least four times, and particularly preferably at least five times, as large as its extension in the width direction.

[0012] It is advantageous if the tension strap is detachably connected to at least one connector. This allows the orthosis to be particularly well adapted to the patient. For example, the tension strap has a ridge that interacts positively with a corresponding counterstructure of the connector.

[0013] Alternatively, the tension band is permanently connected to the connector. For example, the tension band is glued to the connector. This type of connection is generally particularly stable, and the risk of the tension band becoming detached from the connector is minimal.

[0014] It is advantageous if the tension band has a connecting element that is firmly connected, in particular glued, to the tension element. The tension band can be connected to the connector, preferably in a form-fitting manner, by means of the connecting element.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the connector and / or the drawstring are designed such that the tensile force of the drawstring is adjustable. For example, the connector and / or the drawstring are designed for the adjustable-length attachment of the drawstring to the connector. This means that the length of the drawstring is adjustable, in particular continuously. Preferably, the connector is connected to the drawstring by means of a hook-and-loop or mushroom-shaped fastener. In this way, the length of the drawstring and thus its tensile force can be easily adjusted.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the connector comprises (a) a base body arranged on a side of the orthosis body facing away from the user, and (b) a counter-holder arranged on a side of the orthosis body facing the user. In this way, the orthosis body is subjected almost exclusively to tensile stress. Tilting of the connector is prevented.

[0017] A coupling section is preferably arranged between the base body and the counterholder, with the connector extending through the recesses of the orthosis body in the coupling section. In other words, the coupling section lies in the area in which the orthosis body extends. The base body and the counterholder extend along this area, but not into the area.

[0018] The brace is preferably elastic. This prevents pressure points when wearing the orthosis.

[0019] Preferably, the connector has connector pins that extend through the recesses in the coupling section, wherein the connector pins are reversibly connected to the base body or the counterholder in a form-fitting manner. The connector pins extend transversely to the surface in which the base body extends. The connector pins transmit the tensile force of the tension strap into the orthosis body. They also connect the base body and the counterholder.

[0020] In one embodiment, the orthotic body is designed as a pair of pants, for example, cycling shorts. Cycling shorts are understood, in particular, to be pants whose upper edge, when worn, lies above the hip joint, particularly at the level of the perineum. The lower hem of the cycling shorts preferably extends at least halfway, in particular at least three-quarters, of the thigh.

[0021] The orthotic body is preferably designed as pants that extend beyond the knee. The pants particularly preferably extend at least to the ankle. In particular, the pants are tights without socks.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the orthotic body forms compression pants. The compression pants preferably extend over the user's knee. For example, the compression pants extend over the user's calf.

[0023] Preferably, the orthosis body is designed to exert a pressure on the body, in particular the leg, of the user that is at least 31 hPa and at most 44 hPa, in particular at least 45 hPa and at most 61 hPa. It is possible for the orthosis body to be designed to exert a pressure on the body, in particular the leg, of the user that is at least 62 hPa, preferably at most 80 hPa.

[0024] In particular, the orthosis body corresponds to compression class I, II, III or IV. The compression classes correspond to the guideline Medical Compression Therapy of the Extremities with Medical Compression Stockings (MKS), Phlebological Compression Bandages (PKV) and Medical Adaptive Compression Systems (MAK), AWMF registration number: 037 / 005 of the German Society for Phlebology, December 31, 2018.

[0025] The force exerted by the orthosis body on the user's body creates a good frictional connection between the two. This allows the tension band to transmit tensile force to the user's muscle, supporting it during movement.

[0026] Preferably, the recesses are reinforced. For example, the recesses are reinforced by rehanging the mesh structure in the area of ​​the recesses. This allows more material to be introduced into the edge areas of the recesses. Alternatively, the recesses are reinforced by inserting additional weft threads in the area of ​​the recesses.

[0027] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1an orthosis according to the invention in the form of trousers for partially paraplegic people, Fig. 2a a detailed view of a connector of the orthosis according to Fig. 1 in a plan view and Fig. 2b a cross-section through the orthosis in the area of ​​the connector.

[0028] Fig. 1 shows an orthosis 10 according to the invention in the form of compression pants with an orthosis body 12, connectors 14.i (i = 1, 2, 3, ..., I; here: I = 8) and tension straps 16.j (j = 1, 2, ..., J; here: J = 4).

[0029] The first tension band 16.1 and the second tension band 16.2 each run from the dorsal upper surface of the iliac crest frontally across the thigh to the dorsal side of the knee-side end of the respective thigh. The second tension band 16.3 and the fourth tension band 16.4 run from the hip-side end of the thigh to the knee-side end of the thigh. However, the tension bands' paths are only examples; the tension bands can be routed differently depending on the required function of the orthosis.

[0030] Fig. 2a shows a schematic view of a part of the orthosis 10. The orthosis body 12 is constructed from knitted fabric and has a plurality of regularly arranged recesses 18.k (k = 1, 2, ..., K).

[0031] The tension band 16.1 has a tension element 20.1, which has a connecting element 22.1. The tension band 16.1 is positively connected to the connector 14.1 by means of the connecting element 22.1. The tension band 16.1 is positively connected to the orthosis body 12 by means of the connector 14.1.

[0032] Dashed is an in Fig. 1 not shown, optional second tension band 16.5 is shown, which has a tension element 18.5 and a connecting element 20.5.

[0033] Fig. Figure 2b shows a cross-section through the orthosis 10 in the area of ​​the connector 14.1. It can be seen that the connector 14.1 has a base body 24.1, which is arranged on a side of the orthosis body 12 facing away from the user 26. A counterholder 28.1 is arranged on the side of the orthosis body 12 facing the user 26. Between the base body 24.1 and the counterholder 28.1 is a coupling section 30.1, which connects the base body 24.1 and the counterholder 28.1.

[0034] The connector 14.1 extends through the recesses 18.1, 18.2, 18.3, and 18.4. However, it is also possible and preferred for the connector to extend through only two or three recesses, for example.

[0035] In the coupling section 30.1, the connector 14.1 has connector pins 32.m (m = 1, 2, ... M, here M = 4).

[0036] Fig. 3a shows in the Fig. 3a (i) shows an alternative embodiment of the connector, which has at least three, in the present case four, legs 34. A schematically drawn connector pin 32 is arranged on each leg (reference numerals without a suffix designate all corresponding objects). The connecting element 22 is formed integrally with the base body 24 and is pivotable out of the plane of the legs 34. As the Fig. As shown in Figure 3a(ii), the connecting element 22 is also pivotable in the plane of the legs 34.

[0037] The Fig. 3a (iii) shows that the tension band 16 can have an intermediate anchor 36 by means of which the tension element 20 can be fixed between its two ends to the orthosis body.

[0038] The Fig. 3a (iv) shows an intermediate anchor 36 which may, for example, have one, two, three or four recesses 38 which reduce stiffness with respect to bending in the area in which the orthosis body 12 extends.

[0039] The Fig. 3a (v) shows an intermediate anchor 36 which is designed in two parts and which fixes the tension element 20 laterally.

[0040] The Fig. 3a (vi) shows a further intermediate anchor 36, which may, for example, have one, two, three or four recesses 38, which reduce stiffness with respect to bending in the area in which the orthosis body 12 extends.

[0041] Fig. Figure 3b shows a tension band 16 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, comprising a first partial tension element 20a and a second partial tension element 20b, which are connected to one another by means of a connector 40. The partial tension elements 20a, 20b can have a ribbing 42 at their ends facing the intermediate connector 40, which forms a positive connection with the intermediate connector 40.

[0042] The connector 40 can have an upper part 44 and a lower part 46, which are positively connected to one another, for example clipped.

[0043] The partial tension elements 20a, 20b can have a corrugation 42 at their respective ends facing the connector 14.1, 14.4, which forms a positive connection with the connector 14.1, 14.4. List of reference symbols 10 Orthosis 12 orthosis bodies 14 connectors 16 drawstring 18 Recess 20 tension element 22 connecting element 24 basic bodies 26 users 28 counterholders 30 coupling section 32 connector pins 34 Leg 36 intermediate anchors 38 recess 40 intermediate connectors 42 ribbing 44 top 46 Lower part QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited non-patent literature

[0000] AWMF registration number: 037 / 005 of the German Society for Phlebology, 31 December 2018

[0024]

Claims

[1] Orthosis (10) for partially paraplegic patients, with (a) an orthosis body (12) made of knitted fabric constructed from an elastic thread, the orthosis body (12) having a plurality of regularly arranged recesses (18), (b) at least one connector (14) which is designed for positive connection to the orthosis body (12) by engaging in at least two of the recesses (18), and (c) at least one tension band (16) connected to the connector (14). [2] Orthosis (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the drawstring (16) (a) is connected at each of its ends to a connector (14) and / or (b) is positively connected to at least one connector (14). [3] Orthosis (10) according to claim 2, characterized by that the drawstring (16) (a) a band-shaped tension element (20), in particular made of silicone, and (b) a connecting element (22) which is firmly connected, in particular glued, to the tension element (20). [4] Orthosis (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connector (14) and / or the tension band (16) is designed to adjust a tensile force of the tension band (16), in particular the connector (14) is connected to the tension band (16) by means of a Velcro or mushroom head band. [5] Orthosis (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connector (14) (a) a base body (24) arranged on a side of the orthosis body (12) facing away from the user (26), and (b) a counter-holder (28) arranged on a side of the orthosis body (12) facing the user (26), (c) wherein a coupling section (30) of the orthosis body (12) is arranged between the base body (24) and the counter-holder (28) and (d) wherein the connector (14) passes through recesses (18) in the coupling section (30). [6] Orthosis (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connector (14) has connector pins (32) which pass through the recesses (18) in the coupling section (30), wherein the connector pins (32) are reversibly connected in a form-fitting manner to the base body (24) or the counter-holder (28). [7] Orthosis (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the counterholder (28) is elastic. [8] Orthosis (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the orthosis body (12) has at least compression class 2. [9] Orthosis (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the recesses (18) are reinforced. [10] Orthosis (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is designed as trousers.

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