Ellenbogenorthese

Abstract

An elbow orthosis (1) comprises a base support (2), an upper arm support (8) arranged on the base support (2), a forearm support (10), and a guide structure (6) on which the forearm support (10) is mounted such that it can move along a circular arc section. A rotation axis (14) of the circular arc section is aligned parallel to a flexion axis of the elbow when the elbow orthosis (1) is used as intended. Furthermore, the elbow orthosis (1) comprises an adjusting device (36) for adjusting a height of the forearm support (10) relative to the upper arm support (8) and parallel to the rotation axis (14), and a rotating device (20) which is designed to rotate the wrist of the arm resting on the forearm support (10) and the upper arm support (8) about a pronation axis (22) radially extending to the flexion axis.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an elbow orthosis, in particular one intended to support an examination and / or diagnosis of an injury to the elbow joint.

[0002] According to ISO 8549-1:2020, the term "orthosis" describes an externally applied device used to compensate for limitations in the structure and function of the neuromuscular and skeletal system. Orthoses are typically used to immobilize and / or correct movement in cases of joint damage or limitations (e.g., ligament or tendon ruptures), thus supporting or enabling healing. Furthermore, orthoses can also be used in cases of paralysis to enable or support the patient's movement.

[0003] Instability of the elbow is a common complication following a simple or complex elbow dislocation. Elbow dislocation is the second most common joint dislocation in humans, accounting for 20% of cases. It most commonly affects adolescents (i.e., growing up and / or going through puberty) and young men between the first and fourth decades of life (10-40 years of age), but from the fifth decade of life (50 years and older), it is predominantly women. The usual pathomechanism is a fall on an outstretched arm. However, elbow stiffness or restricted movement due to ossification (bone bridges), contractures (functional limitations), or inhibition by inserted osteosynthesis material (screws, wires, pins) can also occur.

[0004] Knowledge of the precise anatomical bony and ligamentous (ligaments in the body / stabilizing the bone) structure, as well as the surrounding muscles and vascular and nerve structures, forms the basis for the diagnosis and treatment of elbow injuries. Over the past two decades, extensive anatomical studies have led to a better understanding of elbow anatomy and biomechanics. The elbow joint is composed of three sub-joints, enabling hinge movements (flexion and extension) of the forearm relative to the upper arm, as well as pronation (rotation so that the palm faces downward) and supination (reverse rotation) of the forearm.

[0005] The humeroulnar joint (HUG, joint between the humerus and ulna) is responsible for the basic stability of the joint in flexion and extension due to its bony guidance. The coronoid process (an important stabilizer of the elbow joint) plays a crucial role here. On the one hand, it prevents posterior (backward) dislocation under axial forces, and on the other hand, the subliminal tubercle forms the bony attachment point for the anterior bundle (AMCL) of the medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL), which is the strongest component. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) consists of three parts: the anterior, posterior, and transverse bundles. It stabilizes the elbow joint, primarily in cases of valgus stress (loading of a joint and the stabilizing ligaments by forces acting perpendicular to the plane of movement and directed medially).In extension, 60% of the load is transferred via the humeroradial joint (the joint between the humerus and the radius) and 40% via the humeroradial joint. In flexion, the force transfer is 50:50. The interaction of bony, capsuloligamentous, and joint-enclosing muscular stabilizers ensures the stability of the elbow.

[0006] The typical accident is a fall onto an outstretched hand, resulting in external rotation, valgus stress, and axial compression of the elbow joint. The most common direction of dislocation, accounting for approximately 80%, is posterior or posterolateral. Valgus stress, external rotation, and axial compression initially lead to a tear of the lateral ligament complex with posterolateral instability (PLRI). This is followed by ventral (facing toward the abdomen) and dorsal (facing toward the back) capsule components, and ultimately the tear of the medial collateral ligament, resulting in medial instability.

[0007] To better diagnose and treat this elbow dislocation, the treating medical professional must perform mobility tests (flexion / extension, pronation / supination, valgus stress test). However, the forces and movements applied by the professional are highly subjective and / or subject to experience, making it difficult to generate reliable and comparable results.

[0008] A device, on the other hand, could enable greater precision and data security, thus making it possible to conduct studies for further research purposes on the elbow joint using repeatable and predeterminable forces and movement sequences. Examinations in medical tomography systems can also be used to assess the severity of the elbow dislocation and the healing process based on the images. Such images can serve as a basis for decisions regarding rehabilitation measures for patients, as pain-free and stable elbow mobility is recognized as essential for both simple everyday tasks and complex movements of the upper extremities in manual work and sporting activities.

[0009] The invention is therefore based on the object of improving an examination and / or rehabilitation treatment of the elbow joint.

[0010] This object is achieved according to the invention by an elbow orthosis having the features of claim 1. Further advantageous and partly inventive embodiments and developments of the invention are set out in the subclaims and the following description.

[0011] The elbow orthosis according to the invention comprises a base support and an upper arm support arranged on the base support. Furthermore, the elbow orthosis comprises a forearm support and a guide structure on which the forearm support is displaceably mounted along a circular arc section. A rotation axis of the circular arc section (about which, in particular, the forearm support is also pivotable) is aligned parallel to a flexion axis of the elbow when the elbow orthosis is used as intended. The elbow orthosis also comprises an adjustment device for adjusting the height of the forearm support relative to the upper arm support and parallel to the rotation axis, as well as a rotation device. The latter is designed to rotate the wrist of the arm resting on the forearm support and the upper arm support about a pronation axis radial to the flexion axis.

[0012] The "flexion axis" here and in the following refers specifically to the axis of the elbow joint around which the forearm pivots during flexion and extension. Since this movement is also referred to as the hinge movement in the elbow joint, the flexion axis can also be compared to a hinge axis. The "pronation axis" here and in the following refers specifically to the axis around which the forearm twists (rotates) itself during a pronation or supination movement. This pronation axis essentially runs along the forearm.

[0013] The elbow orthosis according to the invention described above offers the advantage that the three described movement groups (extension and flexion, pronation and supination, and valgus and varus movements) can be performed at the elbow joint, particularly in isolation. This is particularly easy to achieve when the upper arm is fixed to the upper arm support, e.g., tied securely with a strap. Extension and flexion can be specified by the guide structure with the circular arc section, pronation and supination by means of the rotation device, and valgus and varus movements by means of the adjustment device. These isolated movements allow for particularly effective examinations of the elbow joint and, among other things, better detection of dislocations.

[0014] The guide structure is preferably part of the base support. At the very least, the guide structure is rigidly connected to the base support.

[0015] According to a practical embodiment, the elbow orthosis has a handle associated with the forearm support. When the elbow orthosis is used as intended, this handle is grasped with the hand of the arm resting on the forearm support and the upper arm support. This fixes the forearm in a particularly simple manner and, in particular, positions it such that the rotation axis and the flexion axis coincide (i.e., overlap) at least approximately (i.e., particularly within anatomically negligible limits, optionally depending on the body and thus arm length of the person being examined, ranging up to 3-8 centimeters).

[0016] Preferably, however, this handle also forms part of the rotating device, in particular in such a way that the pronation or supination movement is imposed on the hand and thus also on the forearm by means of the handle.

[0017] For this purpose, the handle is conveniently mounted for rotation about a rotation axis. This rotation axis is aligned radially to the rotation axis of the circular arc section described above. When used as intended, this rotation axis thus coincides exactly or at least approximately (i.e., particularly within anatomically negligible limits) with the anatomical movement axis for pronation and supination of the hand (i.e., the pronation axis).

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the forearm support is mounted relative to the guide structure so that it can be displaced at least radially relative to the rotation axis of the circular arc section. This radial displaceability allows for compensation in the event that the radius of the circular arc section does not correspond to the length of the forearm of a person being examined (a "patient") and / or the rotation axis does not exactly coincide with the joint axis for flexion / extension of the elbow joint (flexion axis).

[0019] Preferably, the radial displacement described above is assigned a range of motion of approximately 10 to 15 cm, in particular such that the forearm support can be displaced from a designated neutral position by 5 to 7.5 cm toward and away from the rotation axis. For this purpose, the forearm support is arranged on a type of sliding carriage, which in turn is displaceable along the guide structure.

[0020] According to a particularly expedient embodiment, the elbow orthosis has at least one actuator for displacing the forearm support along the circular arc section, for actuating the adjustment device, or for actuating the rotation device. Preferably, the elbow orthosis has an associated actuator for displacing the forearm support along the circular arc section, for actuating the adjustment device, and for actuating the rotation device. The respective actuator(s) enable an external (i.e., not by the patient themselves) application of an adjustment force, in particular a force that causes the respective movement.

[0021] The actuator system comprises, in particular, at least one traction mechanism or a fluid actuator. Alternatively or additionally, transmission elements such as flexible shafts, gears, or the like can also be used. A traction mechanism can be, for example, a rope interacting with friction wheels, or a belt, e.g., a toothed or V-belt. The rope has the advantage of allowing comparatively simple and free guidance along a variety of angles. A belt often enables a comparatively higher transmittable force and—particularly in the case of a toothed belt—freedom from slippage. A fluid actuator can be, for example, a pneumatic cylinder, air bellows, or the like. In principle, however, a liquid can also be used as the fluid.

[0022] In principle, it is possible to manually drive the actuators described above. The advantage here is that – for example, when using the elbow orthosis during an examination in a tomography scanner – the application of the actuating force can be relocated (e.g., outside of an examination tunnel of the tomography scanner or at least outside of an image recording area in which the elbow is positioned during intended use and which extends up to approximately + / - 40, in particular up to approximately + / - 20, centimeters around the elbow). Manual drive can be achieved, for example, using a crank or the like.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the respective actuator(s) comprises a drive motor, in particular an electric motor. This drive motor for the respective actuator(s) is expediently arranged outside the intended (image) recording area. In this case, power is particularly preferably transmitted by means of gear elements (e.g., the aforementioned cables, belts, gears, etc.) made of non-shadowing and / or non-metallic (preferably also non-magnetic) material. In other words, the aforementioned gear elements are made of such a material, preferably a plastic. In particular, the variant made of non-metallic, non-magnetic material enables the elbow orthosis to be used in a magnetic resonance imaging scanner.

[0024] As an alternative to the electric motor, a pneumatic motor—preferably made entirely of plastic—can be used, which can then also be positioned within the image acquisition area. A compressed air pump can be connected via a hose and yet still be positioned outside the image acquisition area.

[0025] The base support is expediently hollow so that the actuators described above, in particular gear elements and the like, can be arranged in the base support from an outside and thus inaccessible to the patient.

[0026] According to a further preferred embodiment, the base support, the upper arm support, the forearm support, the guide structure, and in particular also the adjusting device and the rotating device - at least within the image recording area - are made of non-shadowing and / or non-metallic (preferably also non-magnetic) material, preferably plastic.

[0027] According to a practical embodiment, the elbow orthosis has means for detecting a position of the forearm support along the circular arc section, a rotational position of the rotation device, and a position of the adjustment device, and / or for detecting a force required for the respective adjustment. According to one variant, these means—particularly in the case of electric motors as adjustment drives—are formed by a control unit configured to detect a rotational position of a motor shaft, determine a traveled distance therefrom, and / or infer the applied adjustment force based on a recorded motor current.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, the elbow orthosis comprises dedicated sensors for detecting the position, for example, distance, angle, or proximity sensors. Fiber optic sensors are particularly preferably used for this purpose, since the corresponding fiber can be made of non-magnetic material (and in particular free of metal) and additionally or alternatively also of non-shadowing material. Preferably, the means for detecting the respective position are configured to operate with a resolution of preferably at least 1 mm or 1 degree—or even less.

[0029] According to a practical embodiment, the elbow orthosis—particularly in the case of the actuator(s) and control unit described above—has an interface by means of which control commands can be transmitted from an external control unit (e.g., a computer or, optionally, also from a control unit of the tomography device) to the control unit and thus indirectly to the respective actuator(s). In other words, this interface serves to externally control the actuator(s) of the elbow orthosis and, preferably, to integrate them into an automated examination procedure. Preferably, the interface (or, optionally, another interface) is also configured to output the positions described above—at least the measured values ​​associated with them—to the external control unit.For example, the tomography device used with the elbow orthosis has a control unit with software installed that evaluates image data acquired – at least approximately – in real time and uses it to generate control commands for adjusting the forearm support (i.e., a "flexion angle"), the rotation device (i.e., a "pronation angle"), and / or the adjustment device (i.e., for specifying a valgus or varus stress), and output them to the actuators via the interface. This allows the elbow orthosis to be advantageously used for automated examinations in conjunction with the tomography device.

[0030] According to a further expedient embodiment, the elbow orthosis—particularly in the case of the actuator system and the control unit described above—features an emergency stop switch, in particular wherein an associated switch is wired and / or manually operable. The emergency stop switch is configured to immediately interrupt (i.e., stop) a movement caused by the respective actuator(s) when triggered. This allows the patient to easily interrupt the respective "forced" movement of the elbow joint in the event of pain.

[0031] According to an optional embodiment, the elbow orthosis—in addition to or alternatively to the aforementioned emergency stop circuit—features for patient protection. These features can include both passive features, such as slip clutches, pressure relief valves, or the like, and active features, such as monitoring the motor current and / or speed of an electric motor with respect to a limit value or controlled pressure relief valves. These features help prevent overloading of the patient's arm in the event of a failure of the actuators and / or the (internal or external) control unit.

[0032] According to a practical embodiment, the elbow orthosis optionally has a substructure (particularly for the base support) designed such that the elbow orthosis (particularly its base support and the elements connected to it) is inclined with its flexion and extension planes. In particular, this inclination is selected such that, when the elbow orthosis is used as intended - particularly in a computer tomography scanner - the patient's upper arm rests on the upper arm support at an angle outwards and downwards (preferably at an angle between 30 and 50 degrees, approximately 45 degrees relative to the shoulder joint) approximately in a frontal plane of the patient. This represents a comparatively relaxed posture of the upper arm.Preferably, the base also includes an X-ray blocking (absorbing or otherwise shielding) material, so that the patient can be positioned outside the CT scanner's examination area (especially "behind" the base) and protected from X-rays. For example, the base is approximately wedge-shaped. Optionally, the angle of the base can also be adjustable, allowing the elbow orthosis to be adapted to the patient's height.

[0033] The elbow orthosis is optionally configured and designed for examination of either the left or right elbow joint. Alternatively, the elbow orthosis can also be converted, for example, by moving the upper arm support to the other side, which is beyond the axis of rotation. This allows the elbow orthosis to be used for examination of both the left and right elbow joints—after appropriate conversion.

[0034] The invention described above enables, in particular, defined movements of the elbow joint in three – preferably orthogonal – spatial directions (extension / flexion, supination / pronation, varus / va-igus movements) without any force interaction between the three movements. Furthermore, the invention also enables the detection of the positions and forces occurring.

[0035] Due to the preferably metal- and / or magnet-free design, the elbow orthosis can also be used advantageously in various tomographic procedures.

[0036] The conjunction “and / or” is to be understood here and in the following in particular in such a way that the features linked by means of this conjunction can be formed both together and as alternatives to one another.

[0037] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. In the drawings: Fig. 1 in a schematic perspective view of an elbow orthosis, Fig. 2 schematically shows the elbow orthosis in a plan view, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 schematically shows the elbow orthosis in a side view, and Fig. 5 in view according to Fig. 4 schematically shows another embodiment of the elbow orthosis.

[0038] Corresponding parts are always provided with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0039] In Fig. 1 to 4 schematically illustrate an elbow orthosis 1 designed and intended for use in an examination of the elbow of a person (patient) in a tomography device, in particular a magnetic resonance imaging scanner. The elbow orthosis 1 comprises a base support 2. In the illustrated embodiment, this is approximately D-shaped and comprises a rectilinear support section 4 and a circularly curved (specifically, in the shape of a circular arc) support section 6. The elbow orthosis 1 further comprises an upper arm support 8 arranged on the base support 2, specifically on the rectilinear support section 4, and a forearm support 10 mounted on the support section 6. Both the upper arm and forearm supports 8 and 10 serve as supports for the patient's upper arm and forearm, respectively.

[0040] The circularly curved support section 6 forms a guide structure on which the forearm support 10 is slidably mounted along the circular arc section of the support section 6. As part of this guide structure, a guide groove 12 is incorporated into the support section 6, in which the forearm support 10 rests and is guided, for example with a type of sliding block. A rotation axis 14, around which the guide groove 12 and also the support section 6 are curved, runs parallel to a flexion axis of the patient's elbow when used as intended, i.e. when the patient has placed the upper arm and forearm on the respective upper arm or forearm support 8 or 10. Ideally, this rotation axis 14 coincides with the flexion axis, specifically when the elbow orthosis 1 is sized to suit the patient. Optionally, the upper arm support 8 can be arranged so as to be slidable along the support section 4 for this purpose.Due to the movable arrangement of the forearm support 10 along the guide groove 12, flexion and extension of the elbow joint can be examined comparatively easily and in isolation from other movements.

[0041] For pronation and supination of the forearm, the elbow orthosis 1 has a rotating device 20. This rotating device 20 is assigned to the forearm support 10 and is configured to rotate the wrist of the arm resting on the forearm support 10 and the upper arm support 8 about a pronation axis 22 radial to the flexion axis. A handle 24, in this case a handlebar, is assigned to the rotating device 20. The rotating device 20 is formed by an outer ring 26 coupled to the forearm support 10. The handle 24 is rotatably mounted in this outer ring 26, in particular by means of a coaxial inner ring 28.

[0042] When the patient grasps the handle 24, the forearm is initially fixed in a predetermined position and can be moved along the guide groove 12 by sliding the forearm support 10. Additionally, the handle 24 can also be rotated so that the hand, and thus the wrist and forearm, pronate or supinate.

[0043] To compensate for the length of forearms of different sizes, the forearm support 10 (as well as the rotating device 20) is mounted for displacement along the pronation axis 22. For this purpose, the forearm support 10 has a base carriage 30, which is coupled to the support section 6 for displacement along the guide groove 12. An upper carriage 32 is mounted on this base carriage 30 for displacement radially relative to the rotation axis 14. This upper carriage 32 carries the rotating device 20 and a support 34 for the forearm.

[0044] For elbow examinations, a so-called valgus or varus stress is often required. In this case, the forearm is moved transversely to the plane of movement of extension and flexion (i.e., in the direction of the rotation axis 14). For this purpose, the elbow orthosis 1 has an adjustment device 36. This serves to adjust the height of the forearm support 10 (in particular, the support 34) relative to the upper arm support 8 and parallel to the rotation axis 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment device 36 is integrated into the upper slide 32 and, for example, is formed by two spindle drives.

[0045] For particularly automated adjustment of the forearm support 10 for flexion / extension, but also for actuating the adjustment device 36 for va-igus / varus stress, as well as for actuating the rotation device 20 for pronation / supination, the elbow orthosis 1 has a corresponding actuator system. In the present exemplary embodiment, this is formed by pneumatic elements, since these do not have any disruptive influences on magnetic resonance imaging, in particular since they are formed without metal or magnets. Likewise, all of the elements of the elbow orthosis 1 described above are made of plastic and are thus free of metal and magnets. For example, a control unit 40 is arranged in the upper arm support 8, which controls the distribution of compressed air. The upper arm support 8 is arranged outside of an image recording area 42, so that at least non-magnetic but metallic material can be used here.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the pneumatic elements comprise compressed air-driven drives (motors) for the spindle drives, but alternatively, for example, they also comprise a pressure pad, which, as part of the adjustment device 36, adjusts the height of the forearm support 10, in particular the support 34. Furthermore, the pneumatic elements can also comprise compressed air-driven motors that adjust the handle 24 and / or the base carriage 30. For adjusting the handle 24, a type of worm gear 44 is shown on the outer ring 26, which interacts in a manner not shown in detail with a drive worm and the inner ring 28 and drives the latter. As an alternative to the pneumatic elements, electric motors can also be used. These motors are arranged outside the aforementioned image recording area 42 and are coupled to the corresponding elements to be adjusted by means of gear elements (traction means, flexible shafts, and the like).

[0047] Furthermore, the elbow orthosis 1 also has sensors for detecting the position of the base carriage 30 along the guide groove 12, for detecting the height of the forearm support 10, and for detecting the rotational position of the handle 24. These are preferably formed by fiber-optic sensors, which also have no metallic elements in the image recording area 42. These sensors are connected to the control unit 40 so that the corresponding measured values ​​can be evaluated by the control unit 40 or data can be transferred from it to other locations (e.g., an external computer, a memory, or the like). For the latter purpose, the control unit 40 has an interface (not shown in detail) that enables this data exchange. This interface can also be used to transmit control commands for the aforementioned actuators from the external computer to the control unit 40.For example, this allows the elbow orthosis 1 to be integrated into a computed tomography device for an automated examination. Based on the acquired image data, the computed tomography device can specify the movements of the elbow orthosis 1 required for further imaging, for example, to enable a diagnosis.

[0048] Additionally or alternatively, the elbow orthosis 1 also has sensors for detecting the actuating force required for the respective adjustment. These sensors are, for example, force sensors, strain gauges, or similar devices, preferably made of non-metallic and non-magnetic material.

[0049] In Fig. Figure 5 shows a further developed variant of the elbow orthosis 1. In addition to the elements and features described above, this comprises a substructure 46, by means of which the base support 2 - specifically the plane of movement in which the flexion and extension movement takes place - is inclined. In particular, the plane of movement "falls" diagonally downwards from the upper arm support 8, preferably in an angle range of approximately 45 degrees (e.g., between 40 and 50 degrees). This allows, on the one hand, a comparatively relaxed posture of the patient when an examination is carried out in a tomography device. In particular, in the case of a computer tomography device, the patient can be exposed to X-ray radiation only with the arm by sitting with the rest of the body outside the radiation area (in Fig. 5, i.e., to the left of the substructure 46). In this case, the substructure 46 is optionally provided with radiation-absorbing material.

[0050] The subject matter of the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. Rather, further embodiments of the invention can be derived by those skilled in the art from the above description. List of reference symbols 1 elbow orthosis 2 base supports 4 support section 6 support section 8 Upper arm support 10 Forearm support 12 guide groove 14 Rotation axis 20 Rotating device 22 Pronation axis 24 Handle 26 Outer ring 28 inner ring 30 basic sleds 32 upper slides 34th edition 36 Adjustment device 40 Control unit 42 Image capture area 44 Worm gear 46 Substructure

Claims

[1] Elbow orthosis (1), comprising - a base support (2), - an upper arm support (8) arranged on the base support (2), - a forearm support (10), - a guide structure (6) on which the forearm support (10) is mounted displaceably along a circular arc section, wherein a rotation axis (14) of the circular arc section is aligned parallel to a flexion axis of the elbow when the elbow orthosis (1) is used as intended, - an adjusting device (36) for adjusting a height of the forearm support (10) relative to the upper arm support (8) and parallel to the rotation axis (14), and - a rotating device (20) which is designed to rotate the wrist of the arm resting on the forearm support (10) and the upper arm support (8) about a pronation axis (22) which is radial to the flexion axis. [2] Elbow orthosis (1) according to claim 1, comprising a handle (24) which is assigned to the forearm support (10) and, when used as intended, is gripped by the hand of the arm resting on the forearm support (10) and the upper arm support (8). [3] Elbow orthosis (1) according to claim 2, wherein the handle (24) forms part of the rotating device (20). [4] Elbow orthosis (1) according to claim 3, wherein the handle (24) is mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation, wherein the axis of rotation is aligned radially to the axis of rotation (14) of the circular arc section. [5] Elbow orthosis (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the forearm support (10) is mounted displaceably relative to the guide structure (6) at least radially to the axis of rotation (14) of the circular arc section. [6] Elbow orthosis (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising at least one actuator for the displacement of the forearm support (10) along the circular arc section, for the actuation of the adjusting device (36) or for the actuation of the rotating device (20). [7] Elbow orthosis (1) according to claim 6, wherein the actuator comprises a traction mechanism or a fluid actuator. [8] Elbow orthosis (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, which is designed and intended to be used in a tomography device for an examination of the elbow, and for this purpose is formed free of shadowing and / or metallic material, in particular of plastic, in an intended image recording area (42) in which the elbow is arranged during intended use. [9] Elbow orthosis (1) according to claims 7 and 8, wherein a drive motor for the actuator system is arranged outside the intended image recording area (42) and a force transmission takes place by means of gear elements made of non-shadowing and / or non-metallic material. [10] Elbow orthosis (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising means for detecting a position of the forearm support (10) along the circular arc section, a rotational position of the rotation device (20) and a position of the adjustment device (36) and / or for detecting a force required for the respective adjustment. [11] Elbow orthosis (1) according to one of claims 6 to 10, comprising an interface for accepting control commands for the actuators from an external control unit. [12] Elbow orthosis (1) according to one of claims 6 to 11, comprising an emergency stop circuit which is designed to immediately interrupt a movement by the respective actuator(s) when triggered. [13] Elbow orthosis (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, comprising a base (46) which is designed such that the elbow orthosis (1) is inclined with its flexion and extension plane.

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