Orthopedic device intended to be placed at the level of a joint, and orthosis comprising such an orthopedic device

Abstract

Orthopedic device intended to be placed at the level of a joint, and orthosis comprising such an orthopedic device The device, in the form of a pocket (1), comprises a flexible envelope containing a gel which can be cooled and: - slots (4) extending from the periphery towards the center and defining between them support members (5); - lights (15) extending from the center towards the periphery and defining between them appendages (10). The pocket can take a domed shape where: - the free parts of the appendages, spaced apart, form a central hole (25) partially receiving the projecting portion (110) of the joint (100), the appendages coming into contact with a peripheral face (114) of said projecting portion in a first annular zone (Z1); - the support members (5) are joined and in contact with the articulation in a second annular zone (Z2) located around the first zone (Z1). Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Orthopedic device intended to be placed at the level of a joint, and orthosis comprising such an orthopedic device

[0001] The invention relates to an orthopedic device for placement at a joint having a protruding portion when in a protruding state, such as a knee, elbow, ankle or shoulder of a user. The invention also relates to an orthosis for a joint of a user, this orthosis comprising such an orthopedic device.

[0002] This type of orthosis can be used to prevent dislocation, that is to say the abnormal relative displacement of the bones that form a joint, by ensuring support at the level of this joint. A dislocation is in fact a painful and impressive accident, resulting in the deformation of the joint and its blocking.

[0003] These orthoses can be put in place either after a surgical intervention, or as a substitute for it, or as a preventative measure, particularly when playing a sport.

[0004] Such an orthosis may typically comprise a part made of elastic material intended to surround the joint and to press against this joint an orthopedic device forming a stop intended to prevent abnormal movement of the bones, or at least to limit it.

[0005] While known orthoses are generally satisfactory, they still have room for improvement in terms of support effectiveness and wearing comfort.

[0006] The present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks mentioned above.

[0007] For this purpose, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to an orthopedic device intended to be placed at the level of a joint having a protruding portion when it is in a protruding state, such as a knee, an elbow, an ankle or a shoulder of a user. The device is in the form of a pocket comprising an envelope made of flexible material which delimits a closed volume containing a material having a gel-like texture at room temperature, said material being capable of being cooled and of providing cold to the joint. The pocket has a center, is substantially flat in the unstressed state and substantially non-deformable in its mean plane in the unstressed state. The pocket comprises:

[0008] - a plurality of slots extending from the periphery of the pocket towards the center, at a distance from the center, and defining between them a plurality of support members distinct from each other; - at least three lights extending from the center towards the peninsula edge of the pocket, away from the periphery and the slits, the lumens meeting at the center of the pocket, an appendage being defined between two adjacent lumens, each appendage having a free part in the vicinity of the center, and a base opposite the free part.

[0009] In addition, the pocket is configured to be able to be deformed towards a curved position substantially matching the shape of the joint in the protruding state, curved position in which:

[0010] - the free parts of the appendages are spaced apart from each other, relative to their position in the unstressed state of the pocket, to form in the pocket a central hole in which the projecting portion of the articulation can be received at least in part, the appendages being configured to come into contact with a peripheral face of the projecting portion of the articulation, in a first zone of the articulation which is substantially annular; - the support members are substantially joined and are configured to come into contact with the joint, in a second zone of the joint which is substantially annular and located around the first zone;

[0011] so that the pocket substantially forms a cup surrounding the joint.

[0012] Thus, the invention provides an orthopedic device which, in its curved position, forms a cup surrounding the joint as close as possible to the protruding portion.

[0013] Indeed, in addition to the support members which are located around and at a distance from the projecting portion of the joint, the appendages are in contact with the projecting portion itself, at the level of the peripheral face thereof. It follows that the pocket forms a particularly effective means of enclaving the joint, considerably improving the maintenance of the joint in its normal position.

[0014] Furthermore, thanks to the material having a gel-like texture, it is possible to bring cold to the joint, which provides an analgesic effect and makes it possible to relieve blows, hematomas, tears, etc. A significant advantage provided by the pocket according to the invention is that the appendages move apart to allow the protruding portion of the joint to pass and apply to the peripheral face of this protruding portion, that is to say as close as possible to the painful area.

[0015] Concretely, in the curved position, the pocket arranged in a cup can generally have the shape of a spherical cap, one pole of which would be the center of the pocket. The appendages can follow the shape of this spherical cap, or be arranged substantially tangent to this spherical cap and be pressed against the joint by means of a part made of elastic material surrounding the joint and the orthopedic device.

[0016] Concretely, the slots are located at a distance from the center of the pocket, that is to say they do not reach the center, do not open into the junction zone of the lights. Similarly, the lights are located away from the periphery of the pocket, i.e. they do not reach the periphery, and away from the slits, i.e. they do not open into the slits.

[0017] Preferably, the junction area of ​​the lights, in the center of the pocket, is empty. In particular, it is not filled with an elastic material.

[0018] According to a possible embodiment, the orthopedic device comprises N lumens, with N between 3 and 8. The orthopedic device thus comprises N appendages. Preferably, the angular spacings between two adjacent lumens are substantially identical. In other words, the N lumens can be angularly spaced apart by an angle of 360° / N. According to a possible embodiment, the orthopedic device can comprise 4 lumens, for example arranged in a cross.

[0019] For example, at least one lumen is substantially rectilinear. Preferably, the lumen widens as one moves away from the center of the pocket. With this configuration, the free portions of the appendages can be substantially contiguous in the unstressed state of the pocket, while their bases are spaced apart from each other. This makes it easier to move the pocket to the curved position by preventing the appendages from rubbing against each other, while providing a large contact surface between the appendages and the projecting portion of the joint.

[0020] According to a possible embodiment, the closed volume delimited by the envelope forms a single compartment extending over substantially the entire surface of the pocket. By "surface of the pocket" is meant the surface extending parallel to the mean plane of the pocket in the unstressed state. In other words, the pocket does not comprise several distinct compartments each containing gel and not communicating with each other. Thus, in the pocket according to the invention, the material having a gel-type texture can move throughout the entire closed volume delimited by the envelope.

[0021] According to a possible embodiment, the envelope is formed of two superimposed sheets, assembled at their periphery and along the slots. In addition, the pocket may comprise lines for securing the two sheets together, arranged locally and at a distance from the periphery, the slots and the slots, the securing lines forming between them channels directed towards the center of the pocket.

[0022] In this way, during the compression of the pocket resulting from the passage to its bulged position, by the passage of the joint to its protruding state, the material having a gel-like texture is guided by the channels and thin in the direction of the center of the pocket, that is to say as close as possible to the protruding portion of the joint where the pain is generally the strongest. The channels can have a convergent shape in the direction of the center of the pocket.

[0023] The layers forming the envelope may be substantially identical layers, assembled by welding. The joining lines may be weld lines.

[0024] By "locally" is meant that the joining lines do not extend over the entire pocket in a certain direction, for example over an entire length of the pocket. Thus, the joining lines do not form partitions delimiting independent closed internal compartments. On the contrary, the channels can communicate with each other.

[0025] The joining lines are not necessarily rectilinear. They may be curved, for example forming channels that flare out like the bell of a trumpet towards the periphery of the pocket. Preferably, the joining lines are separate from each other, which makes it possible to avoid the creation of dead zones in which the material having a gel-like texture would be trapped, without the possibility of movement.

[0026] According to a possible embodiment, in the unstressed state, the dimension of a light in a radial direction is between 10% and 20% of the dimension of the pocket in said radial direction.

[0027] A radial direction is defined as a direction contained in the midplane of the pocket in the unstressed state, and passing through the center of the pocket. If the lumen does not extend radially, the dimension of the lumen in the radial direction is understood as the distance, projected onto the radial direction, between the ends of the lumen.

[0028] The pocket may have a crown-shaped area having as its center the center of the pocket and located between the outer ends of the slots and the inner ends of the slots, said crown-shaped area being devoid of slots and slots. Said crown-shaped area may have, in the unstressed state, a dimension in a radial direction which is less than 20%, or 15%, of the maximum radial dimension of the pocket.

[0029] According to a possible embodiment, in the unstressed state, the lumens form in the pocket an opening at the center of the pocket, said opening having an average diameter of between 3% and 15%, preferably between 4% and 10%, of the maximum radial dimension of the pocket. In other words, this opening is very small and, in concrete terms, too small for the projecting portion of the joint to be able to fit therein, in the unstressed state of the pocket. Having an opening of very small dimensions makes it possible to ensure excellent coverage of the joint, both when it forms a generally rectilinear assembly (for example, a straight leg for the knee joint) and when it is in the projecting state (for example, a bent leg for the knee joint).

[0030] The pocket may be generally rectangular, in the unstressed state, or, alternatively, substantially oval. In one possible embodiment, the small dimension of the pocket may be of the order of 80% to 90% of the large dimension of the pocket. In other words, the pocket may be a rectangle of a shape close to a square, or an oval of shape close to a disc.

[0031] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to an orthosis for a joint of a user. This orthosis comprises an orthopedic device as previously described, and a part made of elastic material intended to surround the joint and to press the orthopedic device against the joint.

[0032] By ensuring the tightening of the orthopedic device against the joint by means of a part made of elastic material, it is possible to dispense with straps to ensure effective support of the joint, or at least reduce the need to tighten the straps strongly. Thus, the discomfort resulting from excessive tightening is avoided. The orthosis is better supported and can therefore be used in the longer term, particularly during sports.

[0033] Several possible embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended figures:

[0034] [Fig.l] is a view of an orthopedic device according to the invention, in the unstressed state;

[0035] [Fig.2] illustrates the orthopedic device of [Fig.l] placed on a knee of a user standing and facing forward, the knee being extended;

[0036] [Fig.3] is a view similar to [Fig.2], when the knee is flexed;

[0037] [Fig.4] is a view similar to [Fig.3], the user being in profile;

[0038] [Fig.5] illustrates the movements in the orthopedic device of the material having a gel-like texture;

[0039] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of a user's ankle equipped with the orthopedic device of [Fig.l];

[0040] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of a user's shoulder fitted with the orthopedic device of [Fig.l].

[0041] [Fig.l] represents an orthopedic device 1 which is intended to be placed at the level of a joint 100 of a user, this joint 100 having a projecting portion 110 when it is in a projecting state.

[0042] This articulation 100 can for example be a knee 100a or an elbow, the protruding state then corresponding to the flexed position, or an ankle 100b or a shoulder 100c, the protruding state then being able to be the rest position in which the user is standing on horizontal ground, arms along the body.

[0043] The projecting portion 110 may be in the form of a dome having a top 112 and a peripheral face 114 (see figures 4, 6 and 7).

[0044] The orthopedic device 1 is in the form of a pouch. The terms “orthopedic device” and “pouch” are used interchangeably to designate the same object.

[0045] The pocket 1 comprises an envelope 2 made of flexible material, for example made of a plastic or silicone material. This material may preferably have a certain skin adhesion in order to avoid or prevent the pocket 1 from slipping relative to the joint 100.

[0046] The envelope 2 delimits a closed volume which contains a material having a gel-like texture at room temperature. More generally, it may be a gel, a paste or a liquid having a high viscosity at room temperature and pressure (for example a dynamic viscosity of at least 5 or even at least 10 or even 20 Pa.s). This material is capable of being cooled, respectively heated, and of providing cold, respectively heat, to the joint 100, as required. For simplicity, in the remainder of the description, this material will be designated by the term “gel”.

[0047] In the unstressed state, the pocket 1 is substantially flat and has a mean plane P, as illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0048] By "unstressed state" is meant the position in which the bag 1 is found when it is placed on a support such as a table, without being stressed, and at room temperature, the gel therefore not being solid but retaining a flow capacity.

[0049] The pocket 1 is substantially non-deformable in the plane P. In practice, this may result from the choice of the material constituting the envelope 2. By "substantially non-deformable", it is meant that the pocket substantially retains its shape under normal conditions of use. In particular, under normal conditions of use, the pocket cannot be stretched substantially in a direction contained in said plane. A slight extension of the pocket may however take place, for example when the pocket is placed against the knee and when the user bends the knee, the elongation of the pocket in one direction not exceeding 10%, and preferably not exceeding 5%. It is however not excluded that the pocket may deform substantially under the effect of traction exerted with a sufficiently large force, but not corresponding to the stresses to which the pocket is subjected under normal conditions of use.

[0050] The pocket 1 is now described when it is in its unstressed state, with reference to [Fig.l].

[0051] The pocket 1 may have a first plane of symmetry PI orthogonal to the plane P, and possibly a second plane of symmetry P2 orthogonal to the planes P and PL. The pocket 1 has a center A and a periphery 3.

[0052] A radial direction is defined as a direction contained in the mean plane P of the pocket 1 in the unstressed state, and passing through the center A of the pocket 1. The term “external” is used to designate an element closer to the periphery 3, as opposed to the term “internal” which designates an element closer to the center A.

[0053] The pocket 1 may be generally rectangular or oval, and have a large dimension D (length in the case of a rectangle) and a small dimension d (width in the case of a rectangle). For example, depending on the joint concerned and the size / morphology of the user, the large dimension D can be of the order of 15 to 30 cm, and the small dimension d of the order of 10 to 20 cm.

[0054] The thickness of the pocket 1 is for example of the order of 5 to 10 mm.

[0055] The pocket 1 comprises a plurality of slots 4 which extend from the periphery 3 towards the center A, without reaching the center A. Between two adjacent slots 4 is defined a support member 5. The pocket 1 thus comprises a plurality of support members 5 distinct from each other, which preferably do not overlap in the unstressed state. The number of support members 5 may be between 5 and 10. The support members 5 may be substantially regularly distributed at the periphery 3 of the pocket 1. They may have a rounded shape, similar to a lobe.

[0056] Each slot 4 has an outer end 6 and an inner end 7. Each slot 4 may extend substantially radially, for example in a rectilinear manner, widening outwards, for example flaring out in a manner similar to the bell of a trumpet. For example, the width of the slots 11 may be of the order of 2 to 5 mm. The length L4 of a slot 4, i.e. the distance between its outer 6 and inner 7 ends along the radial direction of the slot 4, may be between 15% and 30%, or between 20% and 25%, of the dimension of the pocket 1 along said radial direction.

[0057] For example, in the case of a disc-shaped pocket, the dimension of the pocket in said radial direction corresponds to the diameter. In the case of a rectangular pocket, the dimension of the pocket in said radial direction may correspond to the width, the length, the length of a diagonal or a dimension of a segment extending obliquely and joining two opposite points of the periphery of the pocket, depending on the direction in which the slot extends.

[0058] In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the pocket 1 comprises six support members 5 and more precisely, on each side of the plane PI, two substantially identical end support members 5a having a generally rounded rectangular shape, and a central support member 5b having a generally oval shape. Compared to the end support members 5a, the central support member 5b has a smaller dimension parallel to PI, and a larger dimension parallel to P2.

[0059] The pocket 1 also comprises at least three slots 15 which extend from the center A towards the periphery 3 of the pocket 1, without reaching the periphery 3. The slots 15 meet at the center of the pocket 1. They are separate from the slots 4, that is to say do not open into the slots 4.

[0060] An appendage 10 is defined between two adjacent lights 15, the pocket 1 thus comprising at least three appendages 10 distinct from each other, which preferably do not do not overlap in the unstressed state. Each appendage 10 has a free part 11 in the vicinity of the center A, i.e. on the inner side, and a base 12 opposite the free part 11, i.e. on the outer side. Each appendage 10 may have a rounded shape, similar to a lobe.

[0061] Each lumen 15 has an outer end 16 and an inner end 17. Each lumen 15 may extend substantially radially, for example in a straight line, widening outwards, for example flaring out in a manner similar to the bell of a trumpet. In addition, each lumen 15 may have a rounded outer end 16, and thus have an overall drop shape.

[0062] The length L15 of a light 15, that is to say the distance between its outer 16 and inner 17 ends along the radial direction of the light 15, can be between 10% and 20% of the dimension of the pocket 1 along said radial direction.

[0063] The pocket 1 may have a crown-shaped zone 14 having as its center the center A of the pocket 1 and located between the outer ends 16 of the slots 15 and the inner ends 7 of the slots 4, said crown-shaped zone 14 being devoid of slots and slots. This crown-shaped zone 14 may have a dimension in a radial direction L14 which, in the unstressed state, is less than 20%, or 15%, of the maximum radial dimension of the pocket 1.

[0064] Furthermore, in the unstressed state, the lights 15 can form in the pocket 1 an opening 20 at the center A of the pocket 1. This is preferably an opening of reduced dimensions, and in particular too small for the projecting portion 110 of the articulation 100 to be able to be housed there. Concretely, the opening 20 can have an average diameter d20 of between 5% and 15%, preferably between 5% and 10%, of the maximum radial dimension of the pocket 1.

[0065] The pocket 1 may comprise between 3 and 8 slots 15 which are preferably arranged in a substantially regular manner, that is to say regularly spaced angularly from each other.

[0066] In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the pocket 1 comprises four slots 15 arranged in a cross, two slots having the plane PI as their median plane, and the other two slots having the plane P2 as their median plane. The pocket 1 thus comprises four appendages 10 which each have a generally triangular shape with rounded corners.

[0067] The envelope 2 of the pocket 1 can be formed from two superimposed sheets, for example identical, assembled at their periphery 3 and along the slots 15.

[0068] It can be provided that the closed volume delimited by the envelope 2 forms a single compartment extending over substantially the entire surface of the pocket 1.

[0069] In addition, the pocket 1 may include lines 30 for securing the two layers. between them, arranged locally and at a distance from the periphery 3, slots 4 and lights 15. The joining lines 30 form between them channels 31 directed towards the center A of the pocket 1. These may be welding lines.

[0070] In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the pocket 1 comprises:

[0071] - in each extreme support member 5a, two curved connecting lines 30 converging towards each other in the direction of the center A; - in each extreme support member 5a, a substantially rectilinear and radial securing line 30, located on the outer side of the two aforementioned curved securing lines 30 (i.e. closer to the periphery 3 of the pocket 1) and substantially along an axis of symmetry of these two curved securing lines 30. In the extreme support member 5a, which is relatively large, this rectilinear securing line 30 promotes the migration of the gel towards the two curved securing lines 30 forming a funnel, the smaller end of which opens out in the vicinity of the crown-shaped zone 14, i.e. in the immediate vicinity of the joint 100 of the user to be treated; - in each central support member 5b, a U-shaped connection line 30 open towards the center A, to direct the flow of gel towards the center A.

[0072] The pocket 1 belongs to an orthosis 50 for a joint of a user, this orthosis 50 also comprising a part made of elastic material 51 intended to surround the joint 100 and to press the orthopedic device 1 against the joint 100. The part made of elastic material 51 is for example made of a stretchable three-dimensional mesh textile.

[0073] The pocket 1 can be assembled to the elastic material part 51 in a removable manner. This makes it easier to put the orthosis in place since the user equips himself in one go with the assembly comprising the elastic material part 51 and the pocket 1. This also makes it possible to detach the pocket 1 so that it can be placed in the refrigerator in order to cool the gel contained in the envelope 2.

[0074] The part made of elastic material 51 is illustrated in dotted lines in Figures 3 and 4. It may comprise or be formed of a strip having complementary attachment means, so that the strip can close around the articulation 100 and be held in this position. The part made of elastic material 51 may have an orifice 52 intended to be placed opposite the center A of the pocket 1, and to receive the projecting portion 110 of the articulation 100, in the projecting state.

[0075] The orthosis 50 could further comprise tightening straps and / or reinforcement, support or blocking members such as stays.

[0076] In the case of a knee orthosis 50 100a, as illustrated in [Fig.2], the pocket 1 is positioned so that the user's kneecap 101 is located substantially opposite the opening 20 and the plane PI is substantially parallel to the user's median plane when the user is standing. The support members 5 are pressed against the thigh and the leg above and below the kneecap 101, as well as laterally.

[0077] Furthermore, as shown in dotted lines in [Fig. 3], the elastic material part 51 may be in the form of a band having two end parts which hook onto each other in the anterior part of the knee.

[0078] In the case of an ankle orthosis 100b, as illustrated in [Fig.6], the pocket 1 is positioned so that the heel 102 of the user is located substantially opposite the opening 20. In addition, the plane PI is preferably substantially parallel to the median plane of the user when the latter is standing. The support members 5 are pressed against the leg on either side thereof, against the foot partially below it and against the internal and external lateral faces, and on either side of the instep.

[0079] In the case of a shoulder orthosis 100c, as illustrated in [Fig.7], the pocket 1 is positioned so that the acromion 103 is located substantially opposite the opening 20.

[0080] The pocket 1 is configured to be able to be deformed from its unstressed state, in which it is substantially planar, to a curved position substantially matching the shape of the joint 100 in the protruding state. The pocket 1 can occupy this curved position when the joint is in the rest position, as is the case for the ankle 100b and the shoulder 100c, or be deformed to this position during a movement of the joint, for example during flexion of the knee 100a.

[0081] In this curved position, and as seen in Figures 4, 6 and 7, at least in a zone extending from the center A to the inner ends 7 of the slots 4, the pocket 1 generally has the shape of a spherical cap, one pole of which would be the center A of the pocket.

[0082] The free parts 11 of the appendages 10 are spaced apart from each other, relative to their position in the unstressed state of the pocket 1. The appendages 10 are then arranged according to this spherical cap shape, which corresponds to the shape of the projecting portion 110 of the articulation 100. In addition, the slots 15 may have widened.

[0083] As a result, the small opening 20 which was formed at the junction of the lights 15 at the center A of the pocket 1 has considerably enlarged, and, in the domed position, a central hole 25 is formed in the pocket 1 between the free parts 11 of the appendages 10. The central hole 25 can be delimited by the inner ends 17 of the lights 15. For example, the central hole 25 can have an average diameter at least twice or even three times larger than the average diameter of the opening 20. The central hole 25 is sufficiently large to be able to receive at least part of the projecting portion 110 of joint 100.

[0084] The appendages 10 are then in contact with the peripheral face 114 of the projecting portion 110 of the articulation 100, in a first zone ZI of the articulation 100 which is substantially annular.

[0085] In addition, the support members 5 are substantially contiguous, that is to say that the slots 4 have seen their width reduced, at least over part of their length. The support members 5 are in contact with the joint 100, in a second zone Z2 of the joint 100 which is substantially annular and located around the first zone Z1. The support members 5 can extend beyond the second zone Z2, as far as the periphery 3 of the pocket 1, to bear on the user's body at a distance from the joint 100 itself (for example on the thigh, the leg, the arm, the foot, etc. depending on the joint concerned).

[0086] Thus, due to the combination of the appendages 10 and the support members 5, the pocket 1 generally forms a cup which envelops the joint 100, both at the level of the projecting portion 110 itself, in the first zone Z1, and more broadly in the second zone Z2. This envelopment exists even when the joint 100 is in the projecting state, unlike the devices of the prior art in which the projecting portion is generally clear in the projecting state of the joint.

[0087] The pocket 1 has a certain rigidity, in particular due to its non-deformable character in the panel P, which allows it to ensure satisfactory enclavation of the articulation 100. It also has a certain flexibility, due to the presence of the support members 5 separated by the slots 4 and the appendages 10 separated by the lights 15, allowing deformation towards a curved shape. It is understood that the slots 4 must be sufficiently wide to allow the pocket 1 to take this curved shape, but sufficiently thin to disappear substantially in the projecting state of the articulation, the support members 5 then being substantially joined.

[0088] Furthermore, the gel contained in the pocket 1 makes it possible to bring cold (or possibly heat) to the joint 100, not only in the second zone Z2, but also in the first zone Z1, i.e. at the level of the projecting portion 110 of the joint 100. Indeed, unlike the prior art, the projecting portion 110 is partially covered by the pocket 1, more specifically by the appendages 10, and not entirely housed in a central orifice of the orthopedic device.

[0089] The presence of the appendages 11 and the central hole 25 makes it possible to significantly reduce, or even eliminate, the compression force exerted on the projecting portion 110 of the articulation 100, while maintaining the presence of cold gel on the peripheral face 114 thereof.

[0090] The analgesic effect is improved by the connecting lines 30 which allow the gel to flow, via the channels 31, towards the center A of the pocket 1. This ensures that a sufficient quantity of gel is present at the level of the projecting portion 110 of the joint 100, to provide sufficient cold to it. [Fig. 5] illustrates the movements of displacement of the gel in the envelope 2, guided and channeled by the securing lines 30, when the pocket 1 passes from the unstressed flat state to the curved position. During this formation, the pocket 1 is subjected to compressive forces, illustrated by the arrows F1 in Figures 3 and 4, these forces being distributed over the entire pocket 1 thanks to the presence of the part made of elastic material 51. Due to the securing lines 30, these compressive forces lead to a displacement of the gel according to the arrows F2 (illustrated only schematically in Figures 3 and 4) towards the appendages 10.

[0091] Advantageously, the pocket 1 has a shape and dimensions which allow it to be used for all the joints 100 concerned by cryotherapy, and without distinction between the right or left side.

[0092] The combination of the support members 5 on the periphery and the appendages 11 in the center makes it possible to exert a mechanical force and to provide cold to all of the areas to be treated. In addition, this arrangement makes it possible to avoid the appearance of folds or reliefs when the pocket is bulging, which is detrimental to the comfort and effectiveness of the orthopedic device.

[0093] Furthermore, the pocket 1 can adapt to a left surface and its shape can evolve according to the movements of the user (in particular the flexion and extension of the equipped joint), thus guaranteeing substantially permanent peripheral contact around the joint.

[0094] The pocket 1 can in particular be placed under a compressive knee brace to facilitate the resorption of edema and reduce pain post-trauma or post-operatively. Since the user is often bedridden, two problems may arise:

[0095] - Poor application of the pocket around the joint. This is resolved by the invention through the “corolla” shape, allowing cold to be applied as close as possible to the area to be treated (without making folds which would impair the homogeneous application of the cold around the area to be treated); - The low presence of gel in the area to be treated. This is to prevent the cooling gel from migrating to the distal parts of the pocket in a horizontal position (bedridden person or sitting with the leg horizontal), i.e. away from the area to be treated, which is located at the center A and its immediate surroundings. The invention solves this problem, in particular, thanks to the securing lines 30.

[0096] It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above as examples but that it includes all technical equivalents and variants of the means described as well as their combinations.

Claims

Claims

1. An orthopedic device intended to be placed at a joint (100) having a projecting portion (110) when in a projecting state, such as a knee (100a), an elbow, an ankle (100b) or a shoulder (100c) of a user, the device being in the form of a pocket (1) comprising an envelope (2) of flexible material which delimits a closed volume containing a material having a gel-like texture at room temperature, said material being capable of being cooled and of providing cold to the joint (100), the pocket (1) having a center (A), being substantially planar in the unstressed state and substantially non-deformable in its mean plane (P) in the unstressed state, and comprising: - a plurality of slots (4) extending from the periphery (3) of the pocket (1) towards the center (A), at a distance from the center (A), and defining between them a plurality of support members (5) distinct from each other; - at least three slots (15) which extend from the center (A) towards the periphery (3) of the pocket (1), at a distance from the periphery (3) and the slots (4), the slots (15) meeting at the center (A) of the pocket (1), an appendage (10) being defined between two adjacent slots (15), each appendage (10) having a free part (11) in the vicinity of the center (A), and a base (12) opposite the free part (11); the pocket (1) being configured to be able to be deformed towards a curved position substantially matching the shape of the joint (100) in the projecting state, curved position in which: - the free parts (11) of the appendages (10) are spaced apart from each other, relative to their position in the unstressed state of the pocket (1), to form in the pocket (1) a central hole (25) in which the projecting portion (110) of the articulation (100) can be received at least in part, the appendages (10) being configured to come into contact with a peripheral face (114) of the projecting portion (110) of the articulation (100), in a first zone (Zl) of the articulation (100) which is substantially annular; - the support members (5) are substantially contiguous and are configured to come into contact with the articulation (100), in a second zone (Z2) of the articulation (100) which is substantially annular and located around the first zone (Z1); so that the pocket (1) substantially forms a cup surrounding the joint (100).

2. Orthopedic device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises N lumens (15), with N between 3 and 8, for example N = 4, in which, preferably, the angular spacings between two adjacent lumens (15) are substantially identical.

3. Orthopedic device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one lumen (15) is substantially rectilinear and in that, preferably, it widens when moving away from the center (A) of the pocket (1).

4. Orthopedic device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the closed volume delimited by the envelope (2) forms a single compartment extending over substantially the entire surface of the pocket (1).

5. Orthopedic device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the envelope (2) is formed of two superimposed layers, assembled at their periphery (3) and along the slots (15), and in that the pocket (1) further comprises lines (30) for securing the two layers together, arranged locally and at a distance from the periphery (3), the slots (4) and the slots (15), the securing lines (30) forming between them channels (31) directed towards the center (A) of the pocket (1).

6. Orthopedic device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, in the unstressed state, the dimension (L15) of a lumen (15) in a radial direction is between 10% and 20% of the dimension (d, D) of the pocket (1) in said radial direction.

7. Orthopedic device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the pocket (1) has a crown-shaped zone (14) having as its center (A) the center (A) of the pocket (1) and located between the outer ends (16) of the slots (15) and the inner ends (7) of the slots (4), said crown-shaped zone (14) being devoid of slots (4) and slots (15) and preferably having, in the unstressed state, a dimension (L14) in a radial direction which is less than 20%, or 15%, of the maximum radial dimension of the pocket (1).

8. Orthopedic device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, in the unstressed state, the lumens (15) form in the pocket (1) an opening (20) at the center (A) of the pocket (1), said opening (20) having an average diameter (d20) of between 3% and 15%, preferably between 4% and 10%, of the maximum radial dimension of the pocket (1).

9. Orthopedic device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the pocket (1) is generally rectangular, in the unstressed state.

10. Orthosis (50) for a joint (100) of a user, characterized in that it comprises an orthopedic device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, and a part made of elastic material (51) intended to surround the joint (100) and to press the orthopedic device (1) against the joint (100).

Images