Orthopedic device designed to support a joint

Abstract

Orthopedic device for supporting a joint. Orthopedic device (1) for supporting a joint (A) between a first segment (O1) and a second segment (O2), characterized in that it comprises: - a first support element (11) for attachment to the first segment, - a second support element (12) for attachment to the second segment, - two thread-like connecting elements (21, 22) linking the first support element to the second support element, the first two connecting elements extending parallel to each other, the first two connecting elements being designed to deform elastically when the first and second support elements are attached to their respective segments and the joint is subjected to stress. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Orthopedic device for supporting a joint Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to an orthopedic device intended to support a joint, for example an ankle joint. Prior art

[0002] The human body has more than 300 joints through which body segments are connected in a mobile manner. The human body includes, for example, joints at the ankles, knees, pelvis, wrists, elbows, shoulders, and along the spine. These various joints can show signs of deterioration and experience dysfunctions, for example, of traumatic, pathological, congenital, or age-related origin, including, for example, diarthroses, amphiarthroses, or synarthroses. To support a deficient or weakened joint, it is known to equip a person with an orthosis. An orthosis can be designed to temporarily immobilize a joint or to assist joint function in cases of sensorimotor deficits, with the aim of relieving pain and / or preventing injury.

[0003] Many types of orthoses are known. A first type of orthosis comprises a relatively rigid structure, for example, made of plastic. The rigid structure includes a first support element intended to be fixed to a first segment, and a second support element intended to be fixed to a second segment on the other side of the joint. This first type of orthosis is mainly used to immobilize a joint temporarily or permanently. Depending on the rigidity of the structure, small-amplitude movements of the joint may nevertheless be permitted. Such orthoses can be used as part of a therapeutic procedure in which a joint must be immobilized for a given period, for example, to allow for the reconstruction of damaged ligaments. In the case of temporary use, at the end of this period, the orthosis is removed and the joint is then completely free.The user therefore goes from a state of joint immobility when wearing the brace to a complete absence of immobility when removing the brace. Such a transition is abrupt and can lead to further injuries if no rehabilitation and / or re-adaptation follow-up is implemented.

[0004] Orthoses made of carbon or composite fibers are also known. Composites possess an elasticity that gives the orthosis a dynamism that can compensate for a muscular or neurological deficiency. Composite orthoses are complex to manufacture. Moreover, such orthoses are generally adapted to the practice of a particular activity during which a specific tone and / or strength and / or elasticity are required. Outside of this activity, such an orthosis is generally impractical and difficult to readjust.

[0005] Articulated orthoses are also known, such as articulated knee braces. Such orthoses aim to ensure that the knee joint functions around a predefined axis of rotation, thus preventing undesirable twisting of the knee. These braces provide greater ranges of motion, and some can be adjusted by trained professionals. However, articulated systems are expensive, heavy, and bulky to be worn under clothing.

[0006] The various orthoses known from the prior art each have their advantages and disadvantages: they are generally complex and expensive to manufacture, non-recyclable, and bulky. Furthermore, they assist the wearers in very specific use cases. In other use cases, it frequently happens that an orthosis provides insufficient support to a joint, increasing pain and the risk of injury, or conversely, that an orthosis provides excessive support to a joint, causing discomfort to the user. Users of these orthoses are thus led to replace their orthoses regularly, to have several models, and sometimes to remove their orthoses altogether so as not to be excessively hindered in their movements or the performance of their daily activities. Presentation of the invention

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide an orthopedic device remedying the above disadvantages and improving upon known orthopedic devices of the prior art.

[0008] More specifically, a first object of the invention is an orthopedic device that is simple to manufacture, lightweight, compact, and practical to use. Summary of the invention

[0009] The invention relates to an orthopedic device intended to support a joint between a first segment and a second segment, the orthopedic device comprising: - a first retaining element intended to be attached to the first segment, - a second retaining element intended to be attached to the second segment, - at least two first thread-like connecting elements linking the first retaining element to the second retaining element, the first two connecting elements extending parallel to each other, the first two connecting elements being designed to deform elastically when the first retaining element and the second retaining element are subjected to their respective segments and the joint is stressed, and - a first flange attached to the first two connecting elements, the first flange being able to slide along the first two connecting elements, a stiffness of the assembly formed by the first two connecting elements being dependent on the position of the first flange along the first two connecting elements.

[0010] At least one first joining element among the at least two first joining elements may include a plurality of reliefs capable of cooperating with the first flange to define a plurality of stable positions of the first flange along the two first joining elements.

[0011] Said joint may include an axis of rotation, and the first two connecting elements may extend to different distances from said axis of rotation.

[0012] The first flange may include at least two through holes, each of the first joining elements passing through one hole of the first flange.

[0013] The first flange can be removably fixed to the first two joining elements, in particular the first flange can comprise a first half-flange and a second half-flange fixed to the first half-flange, in particular by fixing screws.

[0014] Each joining element may include an angled portion, the stiffness of the assembly formed by the first two joining elements increasing when the first flange is brought closer to the angled portion.

[0015] Each joining element may be made of polyamide, in particular polyundecanamide. Each joining element may comprise an orthogonal cross-section whose greatest width is between 5 mm and 20 mm inclusive. Each joining element may comprise an orthogonal cross-section of circular, oval, or polygonal shape.

[0016] The first retaining element may comprise a first rigid structure intended to be attached to the first segment and at least two first wells integral with the first structure, each first well receiving a first end of a first connecting element, each first end of a first connecting element being removably fixed in a first well, in particular by a fixing screw or a fixing clip. The second retaining element may comprise a second rigid structure intended to be attached to the second segment and at least two second wells integral with the second structure, each second well receiving a second end of a first joining element, each second end of a first joining element being removably fixed in a second well, in particular by a fixing screw or a fixing clip.

[0017] The orthopedic device may include at least three first thread-like connecting elements linking the first retaining element to the second retaining element, the first three connecting elements extending parallel to each other, the first three connecting elements being intended to deform elastically when the first retaining element and the second retaining element are subjected to their respective segment and the joint is stressed, the first flange being attached to the first three connecting elements, the first flange being able to slide along the first three connecting elements, a stiffness of the assembly formed by the first three connecting elements being dependent on the position of the first flange along the first three connecting elements.

[0018] The orthopedic device may further include: - at least two second wire-like connecting elements linking the first retaining element to the second retaining element, the two second connecting elements extending parallel to each other, the two second connecting elements being intended to deform elastically when the first retaining element and the second retaining element are subjected to their respective segment and the joint is stressed, the first two connecting elements being intended to extend from one side of the joint, the two second connecting elements being intended to extend from a second side of the joint opposite to the first side, and - a second flange attached to the two second connecting elements, the second flange being able to slide along the two second connecting elements, a stiffness of the assembly formed by the two second connecting elements being dependent on the position of the second flange along the two second connecting elements.

[0019] The orthopedic device may be intended to support an ankle joint, the first support element may include a calf brace and the second support element may include an insole. Presentation of the figures

[0020] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0021] The [Fig.1] is an isometric side view of an orthopedic device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0022] The [Fig.2] is a rear isometric view of the orthopedic device.

[0023] Fig. 3 is a schematic view illustrating the deformations of connecting elements of the orthopedic device during walking.

[0024] Fig. 4 is a detail view illustrating a first flange of the orthopedic device.

[0025] Fig. 5 is a view of the orthopedic device in separate parts.

[0026] Figure 6 is an isometric side view of an orthopedic device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0027] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a first flange of the orthopedic device according to the second embodiment.

[0028] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the orthopedic device according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the orthopedic device according to the second embodiment.

[0030] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a variant of the orthopedic device according to the second embodiment. Detailed description

[0031] Figures 1 and 2 schematically illustrate an orthopedic device 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The orthopedic device 1 is intended to support a joint of the human body. In particular, the orthopedic device 1 may be intended to completely immobilize a joint or simply to add mechanical resistance to certain movements of the joint. In this second case, the joint is not completely immobilized, but the range of motion of the joint may be limited by the mechanical resistance provided by the orthopedic device 1. The orthopedic device 1 may also be intended to assist the function of the joint by producing an elastic force that allows the joint to return to a given equilibrium position.Thus, "supporting a joint" means an action that blocks a joint, or an action that limits the range of motion of a joint, or even assistance in the functioning of the joint to, for example, compensate for a muscular incapacity.

[0032] According to the embodiment presented, the orthopedic device 1 is intended to support an ankle joint, that is, a joint between a foot and a lower leg. Alternatively, and as will be explained below, the orthopedic device 1 could be adapted to assist any other joint of the human body, for example, a knee, pelvic, wrist, elbow, shoulder, or spinal joint. The orthopedic device 1 could also be adapted for the veterinary treatment of vertebrate animals.

[0033] This principle can also be adapted for the production of non-motorized exoskeletons, for load carrying or the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders related to certain workstations.

[0034] Generally speaking, the orthopedic device 1 is designed to support a joint A between a first segment 01 and a second segment 02. The first segment 01 and the second segment 02 generally refer to two parts of the human (or animal) body articulated by said joint A. According to the embodiment presented, the first segment 01 is a lower leg including, in particular, the tibia and fibula bones, and the second segment 02 is a foot including, in particular, the tarsal and metatarsal bones. Joint A is a joint that operates primarily through flexion and extension of the foot, that is to say, through a rotational movement of the foot relative to the lower leg around a transverse axis of rotation Y1 passing substantially through the medial and lateral malleoli.

[0035] The orthopedic device 1 mainly comprises: - a first support element 11 intended to be attached to the first segment 01, in this case the lower leg, - a second retaining element 12 intended to be attached to the second segment 02, in this case the foot, - two first thread-like connecting elements 21, 22 linking the first retaining element 11 to the second retaining element 12, and - a first flange 31, attached to the first two connecting elements 21, 22 and able to slide along the first two connecting elements.

[0036] Generally speaking, a support element 11, 12 refers to a part of the orthopedic device intended to be secured, that is, fixed, to a segment. The characteristics of the support element 11, 12 depend in particular on the type of segment to which it is fixed. Each support element 11, 12 preferably comprises a rigid structure 111, 121. By "rigid" is understood that the structure 111, 121 is adapted to transmit a force to the segment to which it is fixed. The rigid structure may, for example, comprise at least one wall made of plastic or of a material of equivalent rigidity. This wall may have a shape that conforms to the shape of the segment to which it is fixed. Optionally, each support element 11,12 may further include a cushioning layer, for example made of foam and / or textile material, intended to be interposed between the skin and the structure 111, 121 to avoid direct contact between the skin and the rigid structure.

[0037] According to the embodiment presented, the structure 111 comprises a substantially C-shaped strap, intended to be fixed to the rear part of the lower leg, above the calf and below the popliteal fossa. Advantageously, the first support element 11 is also provided with a fastening means 112, for example a hook and loop fastener, a strap, or an adhesive strip. The fastening means 112 can be configured to tighten the first retaining element 11 around the lower leg.

[0038] The rigid structure 121 of the second support element 12 is designed to extend under the foot, like a shoe sole, and around the heel. The structure 121 may have a thickness of the same order of magnitude as the thickness of a shoe sole, i.e., a thickness on the order of a few millimeters. The second support element 12 may be without any means of attachment around the foot and be designed to be used in combination with a shoe. The shoe's fastening means then allow the structure 121 to be pressed against the user's foot. Advantageously, the structure 121 is thin enough to allow the foot and the structure 121 to be inserted into a shoe. Alternatively, the second support element could also be equipped with a means of fastening the structure 121 around the user's foot.Such a fastening method could include, for example, a self-gripping closure strip, a strap, or even an adhesive strip.

[0039] The first two connecting elements 21, 22 are wire-like or filamentary elements. They are preferably profiled, meaning they have a cross-section orthogonal to the direction in which they extend, which is generally constant between their two opposite ends. Each connecting element 21, 22 has a first end fixed to the structure 111 of the first retaining element 11 and a second end fixed to the structure 121 of the second retaining element 12. The first two connecting elements 21, 22 are thus adapted to transmit a force between the two retaining elements 11 and 12.

[0040] When not deformed, the first two connecting elements 21, 22 extend parallel to each other. In other words, the first two connecting elements 21, 22 extend parallel to each other when the orthopedic device is in its equilibrium position. The first two connecting elements 21, 22 are then separated from each other by a substantially constant distance DI between their two respective ends.

[0041] The first two connecting elements 21, 22 are designed to deform elastically when the first retaining element 11 and the second retaining element 12 are fixed to their respective segments and the joint is subjected to stress. The elasticity of the connecting elements tends to return the retaining elements 11, 12 to their relative equilibrium position. When the joint is subjected to stress, the first two connecting elements 21, 22 deform differently. The distance DI is then not constant along the first two connecting elements 21, 22.

[0042] Advantageously, the first two connecting elements 21 and 22 extend to different distances D21 and D22 respectively from the axis of rotation Y1 of the joint A. In this case, connecting element 21 is closer to the axis of rotation Y1 than connecting element 22. The distance D21 is therefore strictly less than the distance D22. This makes it possible to accentuate the differences in deformation between the first two connecting elements 21 and 22 when the joint is subjected to stress.

[0043] The stiffer the connecting elements 21, 22, the more difficult it is to move the second retaining element 12 relative to the first retaining element 11. When the stiffness of the connecting elements 21, 22 is sufficiently high compared to the force exerted by the user, the joint can be considered locked. When the stiffness of the connecting elements 21, 22 is negligible compared to the force exerted by the user, the joint can be considered free. In practice, the stiffness of the connecting elements 21, 22 is determined between these two extremes, particularly depending on the support required and the user's morphology. The connecting elements 21, 22 are not in contact with the user. Thus, the operation of the joint does not disturb the deformation of the connecting elements.

[0044] According to the embodiment presented, the two connecting elements 21, 22 extend from the inner side of the foot and the lower leg. The connecting elements 21, 22 include an angled portion that curves around the medial malleolus from the rear. Each connecting element 21, 22 also includes a substantially vertical upper portion and an oblique lower portion, oriented forward and downward. The angle formed between the upper and lower portions may, for example, be between 30° and 60° inclusive. Such an arrangement of the connecting elements is compatible with wearing trousers and shoes. The user can therefore be dressed and shod normally while wearing the orthopedic device 1.

[0045] Figure 3 illustrates the behavior of the connecting elements 21, 22 within an ankle orthopedic device during walking. The orthopedic device is assumed to be without the first flange 31, which will be described later.

[0046] A stride can be broken down into four successive phases P1, P2, P3, P4, as shown in [Fig. 3]. During the first phase P1, the heel makes contact with the ground. The angle between the foot and the lower leg is approximately 90°, which corresponds to the equilibrium position of the orthotic device. The orthotic device is not under any stress, and the first two connecting elements 21, 22 are parallel to each other. During the second phase P2, the foot is fully supported on the ground, and the lower leg is inclined backward and upward. The angle between the foot and the lower leg is strictly greater than that In the first phase PI, for example, the angle is around 100°. In this configuration, the first two connecting elements 21, 22 are deformed and not parallel to each other. The distance DI between the connecting elements is locally strictly greater than that obtained in the first phase, i.e., when the orthopedic device is in equilibrium. In the third phase P3, the foot is still fully supported on the ground, and the lower leg is inclined forward and upward. The angle between the foot and the lower leg is strictly less than that of the first phase PI, for example, around 80°. In this configuration, the first two connecting elements 21, 22 are also under stress and are therefore not parallel to each other. The distance DI between the connecting elements is also locally strictly greater than that obtained in the first phase.During the fourth phase, P4, the heel lifts off the ground and the foot is supported only by the toes. The angle between the foot and the lower leg is essentially the same as in the first phase, PL. In this configuration, the orthotic device is not under any stress and returns to its equilibrium position. The first two connecting elements, 21 and 22, are again parallel to each other. It is therefore clear that with each stride, a deformation occurs in the connecting elements 21 and 22, and that this deformation results in a variation in the distance between the two connecting elements.

[0047] The first flange 31 is configured to locally impose a given spacing between the two connecting elements 21 and 22. Thus, the flange constrains the deformation of the first connecting elements 21, 22 during a movement of the joint. The stiffness of the assembly formed by the first two connecting elements 21, 22 and the flange 31 is therefore dependent on the position of the first flange 31 along the first two connecting elements.

[0048] The first strap 31, which could also be called a "slider" or "shuttle," is adapted to be moved manually along the two connecting elements 21, 22 to modify the stiffness of the orthopedic device. Preferably, the movement of the first strap 31 is carried out when the orthopedic device is in its equilibrium position. Depending on its position, the stress exerted by the first strap 31 on the connecting elements 21, 22 is greater or lesser, which makes it easy to vary the stiffness of the orthopedic device. The user can therefore easily increase or decrease the stiffness of the orthopedic device by moving the first strap along the connecting elements. Advantageously, adjusting the orthopedic device does not require disassembly or the use of any tools. Advantageously, the movement of the first strap 31 can even be carried out through clothing.It is therefore particularly simple to execute.

[0049] For example, a person may need a particularly rigid orthotic device when walking and a much more flexible one when driving a car to operate the pedals. This person will therefore be able to easily and intuitively switch from a rigid to a more flexible configuration of the orthotic device without removing it. With practice, each user will be able to memorize the position of the first strap that is suitable for a given activity and will be able to quickly adjust their orthotic device.

[0050] According to another example, the rigidity of the orthopedic device can be gradually reduced during the healing process. The user can thus use their joint with an increasingly greater range of motion until the orthopedic device is completely removed at the end of the healing process. In the case of a degenerative condition, the user can gradually increase the stiffness of the orthopedic device.

[0051] In [Fig. 1], two possible positions of the first flange 31 are represented with dashed lines identified by references 31' and 31”. The range of movement of the first flange can be limited by stops formed respectively on the first retaining element 11 and on the second retaining element 12.

[0052] The first flange 31 may be in the form of a body comprising two through holes, each of the first connecting elements passing through a hole in the first flange. Advantageously, the holes have a shape complementary to the shape of the connecting elements so as to eliminate any play between the flange and the connecting elements. A slight interference between the holes and the connecting elements may be provided to stabilize the position of the first flange 31.

[0053] When the joining elements have a bent portion, as is for example the case of the embodiment shown in the figures, the stiffness of the assembly formed by the first two joining elements can increase when the first flange is brought closer to the bent portion.

[0054] As can be seen in [Fig. 2], the orthopedic device 1 further comprises two second thread-like connecting elements 23, 24 linking the first retaining element 11 to the second retaining element 12 and a second strap 32. The two second connecting elements 23, 24 and the second strap 32 are analogous, respectively, to the first two connecting elements 21, 22 and the first strap 31 described previously and function in the same manner. The first two connecting elements 21, 22 extend from one side of the joint, while the two second connecting elements 23, 24 extend from a second side of the joint opposite to the first side. According to the embodiment shown, The two second connecting elements 23, 24 therefore extend to the outer side of the ankle joint. The joint can thus be supported symmetrically. The forces exerted by the connecting elements are balanced, which prevents asymmetrical stress on the joint. Alternatively, asymmetrical stress may be desired, for example, for rehabilitation or realignment of a joint. Asymmetrical stress can also be achieved by positioning each strap 31, 32 asymmetrically.

[0055] According to a simplified embodiment, the orthopedic device could comprise only two connecting elements, on the internal or external side. According to another simplified embodiment, the orthopedic device could comprise the two connecting elements on either side of the joint but only one flange from the first flange 31 or the second flange 32.

[0056] In the following description, reference will be made to the first connecting elements 21, 22 and to the first flange 31, knowing that their characteristics or options can be transposed to the second connecting elements 23, 24 and to the second flange 32.

[0057] Advantageously, at least one of the first two connecting elements 21, 22 may include a plurality of ridges capable of cooperating with the first flange 31 to define a plurality of stable positions of the first flange along the first two connecting elements. The ridges may, for example, be positive ridges formed at regular intervals along at least one connecting element 21 or 22. Alternatively, the ridges could also be negative ridges, i.e., recessed. The presence of ridges offers several advantages. On the one hand, the ridges help stabilize the position of the first flange. The first flange 31 is less likely to slip downwards under the effect of gravity or under the effect of shocks, for example, when the user is walking. On the other hand, the ridges allow the position of the first flange to be easily and intuitively identified.This makes it easier to find a specific setting on the orthopedic device.

[0058] Alternatively or in addition, at least one connecting element 21 or 22 could be equipped with visual markers to identify the position of the first flange. However, the use of visual markers requires that the connecting element 21 or 22 be visible when adjusting the position of the first flange 31.

[0059] Alternatively or in addition, the first flange 31 could be equipped with a clamping means configured to clamp the first flange onto at least one connecting element. Such a clamping means would more reliably prevent unwanted slippage of the first flange along the first connecting elements during use of the orthopedic device.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the first flange 31 can be removably attached to the first two connecting elements 21, 22. It is thus possible to consider Completely remove the first strap of the orthopedic device to achieve maximum flexibility. Alternatively, several straps can be attached to the same pair of connecting elements to further increase the rigidity of the orthopedic device.

[0061] With reference to [Fig.4], the first flange 31 may comprise a first half-flange 311 and a second half-flange 312 fixed to the first half-flange, in particular by two fixing screws 313. The two half-flanges 311, 312 may be assembled to each other in a plane passing through the two joining elements 21, 22. Each half-flange may comprise two half-holes, the assembly of two half-flanges 311, 312 reconstituting the holes through which the joining elements are arranged. Such a solution makes it possible to consider the assembly and disassembly of the first flange without disassembling the joining elements 21, 22 from the retaining elements 11, 12. The fixing screws 313 by which the half-flanges 311, 312 are fixed to each other can form a suitable clamping means to prevent undesired sliding of the first flange 31 along the first joining elements 21, 22.The 313 fixing screws may optionally be fitted with a butterfly-type gripping means to allow tightening or loosening without tools.

[0062] With reference to [Fig.5], it can be seen that the orthopedic device 1 is ultimately made up of a limited number of elements, namely the two support elements 11, 12, the connecting elements 21, 22, 23, 24 and the straps 31, 32. The orthopedic device 1 is thus very simple to manufacture and assemble.

[0063] Furthermore, the first retaining element 11 comprises two first wells 113 integral with the first structure 111. The first two wells 113 and the first structure 111 may, in particular, be formed in a single piece. Alternatively, the first two wells 113 may be attached to the first structure 111, in particular by gluing or welding. Each first well 113 receives a first end of a first connecting element 21, 22. Advantageously, each first end of a first connecting element is fixed in a first well by a fixing screw or a fixing clip. Similarly, the second retaining element 12 comprises two second wells 123 integral with the second structure 121. The two second wells 123 and the second structure 111 may, in particular, be formed in a single piece. Alternatively, the two second wells 123 may be attached to the second structure 121, in particular by gluing or welding.Each second well 123 accommodates a second end of a first connecting element 21, 22. Advantageously, each second end of a first connecting element is fixed in a second well by a fixing screw or a fixing clip. If fixing screws are used, screws of [specific type] may be used. Headless fixing to limit the bulk of the orthopedic device. The fixing screws can be oriented perpendicular to the axis in which the corresponding holes extend.

[0064] Each connecting element 21, 22 can be made of polyamide, in particular polyundecanamide, commonly known as PAU. Such a material is biocompatible and, in particular, complies with ISO 10993:2005. Furthermore, such a material exhibits impact resistance, resilience, and rigidity characteristics that are particularly well-suited to the manufacture of connecting elements. In addition, such a material is easily recyclable, which is advantageous since an orthopedic device is generally intended for use for a relatively short period. Such a material is also convenient to use in an additive manufacturing process. Custom manufacturing of each connecting element by additive manufacturing is thus possible.Finally, such a material remains thermoformable even after shaping, which makes it easy to adapt the shape of the joining elements, for example, for reuse by a second user.

[0065] The use of polyamide, in particular polyundecanamide, can also be considered for manufacturing the structures 111, 121 of the retaining elements 11, 12. Alternatively, other materials could be considered: for example, PA 12, polypropylene (PP), a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE or TPU). Or any other future material that would provide an improvement in the desired mechanical properties.

[0066] To manufacture the first flange 31, a rigid material, such as polyamide, can be used, or a flexible material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, or even an elastic material such as silicone. Depending on the material chosen, the flexibility, cushioning, or responsiveness of the orthopedic device can be increased.

[0067] Figures 6, 7, and 8 illustrate a variant of the IB orthopedic device according to the invention. In this variant, the IB orthopedic device is equipped with three connecting elements 21B, 22B, and 23B on each side of the joint, linking the support elements 11B and 12B. The straps 31B are adapted accordingly, each having three openings 31 IB intended to cooperate respectively with one of the connecting elements. This embodiment makes it possible to offer an orthopedic device with adjustable rigidity, but within an overall higher rigidity range. This embodiment also makes it possible to offer an orthopedic device with thinner connecting elements for a rigidity equivalent to that of an orthopedic device equipped with two pairs of connecting elements, thus making it easier to wear the orthopedic device with clothing.

[0068] According to other embodiments of the invention, the orthopedic device could comprise an even greater number of connecting elements, for example, four, five, or even six connecting elements on each side of the joint. The orthopedic device could also comprise a different number of connecting elements on each side of the joint. The flange(s) could optionally cooperate with only some of the connecting elements.

[0069] As illustrated in Figures 8, 9, and 10, each connecting element can comprise an orthogonal cross-section of circular or oval shape. A circular cross-section makes the connecting element easier to manufacture. An oval cross-section allows for a smaller size and reduced weight of the orthopedic device for equivalent rigidity. The orthopedic device can thus be more easily worn with clothing. Alternatively, other orthogonal cross-sectional shapes for each connecting element could be considered: for example, a polygonal cross-section, in particular a rectangular cross-section, a square cross-section, a parallelogram cross-section, a pentagonal cross-section, or a hexagonal cross-section.

[0070] The largest width of the orthogonal cross-section of each joining element may be between 5 mm and 20 mm inclusive. One or more joining elements may comprise a circular orthogonal cross-section with a diameter between 6 mm and 10 mm inclusive, for example 8 mm. One or more joining elements may comprise an oval cross-section with a longer length between 10 mm and 16 mm inclusive and a shorter length between 6 mm and 8 mm inclusive.

[0071] As mentioned previously, the orthopedic device just described with reference to Figures 1 to 10 is adapted to support an ankle joint. The invention can nevertheless be adapted to support any other type of joint in the human or animal body. For example, the orthopedic device can be designed to support a knee joint. In this case, the first support element can comprise a thigh brace and the second support element can comprise a calf brace. Alternatively, the orthopedic device can be designed to support an elbow joint. In this case, the first support element can comprise a hamstring brace and the second support element can comprise a forearm brace. Alternatively, the orthopedic device can be designed to support a wrist joint.In this case, the first support element may include a forearm brace, and the second support element may include a glove or gauntlet. The length, orthogonal cross-section, and shape of the connecting elements can, of course, be adapted according to the joint being treated. Alternatively, the orthopedic device may be designed to support the spine. In this case, the various elements of... support will come together to form a corset that will extend over the surface of the spine to be contained or treated.

[0072] The joints of the human (and animal) body do not function precisely like simple mechanical joints such as pivot joints, translational joints, or ball-and-socket joints. A joint in the human body generally results from a combination of more complex mechanical systems and the mobilization of several bones under muscular stress and the patient's load. This generates mobilization of the segments around several instantaneous centers of rotation. Unlike known prior art orthoses, the orthopedic device according to the invention respects the physiology of human movement. The orthopedic device allows for a greater range of motion without generating mechanical stress on the joint, without increasing the weight or bulk of the orthopedic device, and while providing significant support to compensate for a deficiency.

[0073] To manufacture the orthopedic device, the precise dimensions of the support and connecting elements can be determined by measuring the user and taking into account the support required by the user. The support elements can then be modeled using computer-aided design. Subsequently, the support and connecting elements can be manufactured by additive manufacturing, for example, by powder melting. Alternatively, the orthopedic device could have standard dimensions and be mass-produced. The use of thermoformable material would then allow each orthopedic device to be adapted to the anatomy of its user.

[0074] Finally, thanks to the invention, we have an orthopedic device that is simple to manufacture, customizable to all body types or pathologies, and whose stiffness can be easily adjusted. The same orthopedic device can thus be used for various activities requiring more or less support for the joint. It can also be adapted to follow the progression of joint dysfunction by gradually lowering or increasing the support provided by the orthopedic device.

Claims

Demands

1. An orthopedic device (1) intended to support a joint (A) between a first segment (01) and a second segment (02), characterized in that it comprises: - a first retaining element (11) intended to be attached to the first segment, - a second retaining element (12) intended to be attached to the second segment, - at least two first thread-like connecting elements (21, 22) linking the first retaining element to the second retaining element, the first two connecting elements extending parallel to each other, the first two connecting elements being intended to deform elastically when the first retaining element and the second retaining element are attached to their respective segments and the joint is stressed, and - a first flange (31) attached to the first two connecting elements, the first flange being able to slide along the first two connecting elements,The stiffness of the assembly formed by the first two connecting elements is dependent on the position of the first flange along the first two connecting elements.

2. Orthopedic device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one first connecting element among the at least two first connecting elements (21, 22) comprises a plurality of reliefs capable of cooperating with the first flange (31) to define a plurality of stable positions of the first flange along the two first connecting elements.

3. Orthopedic device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said joint comprises an axis of rotation (Y 1), and in that the first two connecting elements (21, 22) extend at different distances (D21, D22) from said axis of rotation.

4. Orthopedic device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first flange (31) comprises at least two through holes, each of the first connecting elements (21, 22) passing through an hole in the first flange.

5. Orthopedic device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first flange (31) is removably fixed to the first two connecting elements, in particular in that the first flange comprises a first half-flange (311) and a second half-flange (312) fixed to the first half-flange, in particular by fixing screws (313).

6. Orthopedic device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each connecting element (21, 22) comprises an angled portion, the stiffness of the assembly formed by the first two connecting elements being increasing when the first flange is brought closer to the angled portion.

7. Orthopedic device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: - each connecting element (21, 22) is made of polyamide, in particular polyundecanamide, and / or - each connecting element (21, 22) comprises an orthogonal section whose greatest width is between 5mm and 20mm inclusive, and / or - each connecting element (21, 22) comprises an orthogonal section of circular, oval or polygonal shape.

8. Orthopedic device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: - the first support element (11) comprises a first rigid structure (111) intended to be attached to the first segment and at least two first wells (113) integral with the first structure, each first well receiving a first end of a first connecting element (21, 22), each first end of a first connecting element being removably fixed in a first well, in particular by a fixing screw or a fixing clip, and / or in that - the second support element (12) comprises a second rigid structure (121) intended to be attached to the second segment and at least two second wells (123) integral with the second structure, each second well receiving a second end of a first connecting element (21, 22),each second end of a first connecting element being removably fixed in a second well, in particular by a fixing screw or a fixing clip.

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11. Orthopedic device (IB) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least three first thread-like connecting elements (21B, 22B, 23B) linking the first retaining element (1 IB) to the second retaining element (12B), the first three connecting elements extending parallel to each other, the first three connecting elements being intended to deform elastically when the first retaining element and the second retaining element are subjected to their respective segments and the joint is stressed, the first flange (31B) being attached to the first three connecting elements, the first flange being able to slide along the first three connecting elements, a stiffness of the assembly formed by the first three connecting elements being dependent on the position of the first flange along the first three connecting elements. An orthopedic device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises: - at least two second thread-like connecting elements (23, 24) linking the first retaining element (11) to the second retaining element (12), the two second connecting elements extending parallel to each other, the two second connecting elements being designed to deform elastically when the first retaining element and the second retaining element are subjected to their respective segments and the joint is stressed, the first two connecting elements being designed to extend from a first side of the joint, the two second connecting elements being designed to extend from a second side of the joint opposite to the first side, and - a second flange (32) attached to the two second connecting elements, the second flange being able to slide along the two second connecting elements, the stiffness of the assembly formed by the two second connecting elements being dependent on the position of the second flange along the two second connecting elements. Orthopedic device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the orthopedic device is intended to support an ankle joint, and in that the first support element comprises a calf strap and the second support element comprises a sole.

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