ANKLE BRACE FOR INFERIOR TIBIOFIBULAR SPRAIN
The ankle orthosis addresses the issue of tibiofibular ligament tension during ankle sprains by enabling talocrural mobility and preventing dorsal flexion, reducing stiffness and muscle atrophy through its innovative design.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2019003641
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2019-04-04
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-13
- Estimated Expiration
- 2039-04-04
AI Technical Summary
Existing ankle orthoses do not adequately prevent tension on the inferior tibiofibular ligament during ankle sprains, particularly during external rotation and dorsiflexion movements, leading to potential damage and complications such as post-immobilization stiffness and muscle atrophy.
An ankle orthosis design that allows talocrural mobility while preventing dorsal flexion and tension on the lower tibiofibular ligament, featuring anterior valves with joints for plantar flexion, reinforced contact points, and adjustable straps for support, ensuring minimal skin irritation and maintaining muscle function.
The orthosis effectively reduces post-immobilization stiffness and muscle atrophy by allowing active plantar flexion, preserving vascular massage, and supporting the ankle without excessive immobilization, thus promoting quicker recovery.
Smart Images
Figure 00000005_0000 
Figure 00000005_0001 
Figure 00000006_0000
Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Ankle orthosis for sprain of the inferior tibiofibular joint
[0001] Anatomical reminder: The inferior tibiofibular ligament (LTFI) unites the distal part of the tibia and the fibula
[0002] [Fig.l]
[0003] It can be affected in ankle sprains, particularly during external rotation movements of the foot + / - dorsal flexion. However, whatever the trauma (inversion or eversion of the foot), it can also put tension on and damage the LTFI.
[0004] Shape of the talus: the talar dome is wider in front than in back. Therefore, dorsiflexion of the foot (movement No. 1 in the following drawing) tends to separate the tibia and the fibula (movement No. 2 in the drawing) and therefore put tension on the inferior tibiofibular ligament.
[0005] [Fig.2] Purpose of the orthosis
[0006] Functional treatment allowing talocrural mobility while preventing tension on the inferior tibiofibular ligament (LTFI), while maintaining support. There is therefore less post-immobilization stiffness, less loss of muscle trophicity and a reduction in complications of strict immobilization.
[0007] It is therefore necessary first of all to prevent dorsal flexion by leaving plantar flexion free. Active plantar flexion is preserved, which allows walking to maintain the work of the triceps surae. Vascular massage through active muscular work is therefore preserved. Varus and valgus must also be avoided to avoid the constraints of the talus on the tibia and fibula which could put tension on the ligament.
[0008] Presentation of the orthosis [Fig.3]
[0009] [Fig.4]
[0010] [Fig.5]
[0011] Two anterior valves: one on the back of the foot or an anterior pedal maintaining valve (1) and the other anterior part of the leg or an anterior tibial maintaining valve (2), with 2 small joints (3) internal and external to allow plantar flexion.
[0012] The anterior contact between the 2 valves prevents dorsal flexion (4).
[0013] The pedal valve descends on each side just before the support on the ground (5) to limit varus and valgus => interest for LTFI but also in the event of injury to the External Collateral Ligament and / or associated Internal Collateral Ligament.
[0014] The leg or tibial valve rises high enough and is sufficiently encompassing (6) for good support. Finishes
[0015] [Fig.4]
[0016] [Fig.5]
[0017] The anterior valves are reinforced at the point of contact opposite the talocrural for greater strength (7),
[0018] The edges of the valves are blunt to avoid injuring the skin.
[0019] Presence of an upper bulge of the two valves (7) for greater solidity with respect to the anterior part of the ankle at the level of their point of contact and of a lower depression so as not to pinch the skin when the foot is in neutral flexion.
[0020] The support straps under the foot are not very thick so as not to modify the supports too much (8). It stops before the metatarsophalangeals to allow their free mobility.
[0021] The leg valve support strap is long enough for good support (9). It can be attached with Velcro or lacing (10). It is possible to use 2 straps: one high and one low to adapt to the shape of the calf.
[0022] Possibility of placing wedges at the joints to further limit dorsal flexion while leaving a slight equinus of 5 to 10°.
[0023] The inner face of the valves is covered with a thin foam to allow better comfort and adaptation to different leg and foot shapes. Indications
[0024] LTFI lesion without fibular-tibial diastasis on radio. Partial lesion.
[0025] Injury to the internal and / or external lateral ligament with doubt about damage to the inferior tibiofibular ligament.
[0026] Resumption of weight bearing after plaster cast immobilization of lower tibiofibular sprains.
[0027] Contraindications to strict immobilization.
[0028] Prototype [Fig.6]
[0029] [Fig.7]
[0030] [Fig.8]
[0031] [Fig.9]
[0032] Prototype foot at 0° of dorsal flexion [Fig. 10]
[0033] foot in plantar flexion [Fig. 11]
Claims
Claims
1. Orthosis for immobilizing the ankle after a sprain of the lower tibiofibular joint characterized in that it comprises an anterior tibial retaining valve (2) and an anterior pedal retaining valve (1) connected by two internal and external joints (3), to prevent dorsal flexion while leaving plantar flexion free, the two valves (1, 2) having an anterior contact between them which prevents dorsal flexion.
2. Ankle orthosis according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a strap (9) for holding the anterior tibial holding valve (2) and a strap (8) for holding the anterior pedal holding valve (1).
3. Ankle orthosis according to claim no. 2 characterized in that the strap for holding the anterior tibial holding valve (9) comprises a Velcro or lacing (10) to be fixed to the anterior tibial valve (2).
4. Ankle orthosis according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a bulge (7) facing the anterior part of the ankle at the point of contact of the 2 anterior tibial (2) and pedal (1) retaining valves and a depression in contact with the ankle so as not to pinch the skin when the foot is in neutral flexion.
5. Orthosis according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the support strap under the foot stops before the metatarsophalangeal joints to allow their free mobility.
6. Orthosis according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the anterior valves (1, 2) are reinforced at the point of contact opposite the talocrural.
7. Orthosis according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pedal valve (1) descends on each side just before the ground support (5).
8. Orthosis according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the edges of the valves are blunt.
9. Orthosis according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises wedges at the joints to be able to further limit dorsal flexion by leaving a slight equinus of 5 to 10°.
10. Orthosis according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the internal face of the valves is covered with a thin foam.