Wrist joint soft functional orthosis

Abstract

To provide a wrist joint soft function orthosis capable of assisting a wrist joint dorsiflexion muscle function during an intended motion by obtaining a fixed state of a wrist joint and a resting state of a wrist joint motion muscle.SOLUTION: The wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A of the embodiment includes a front arm band 2A attached by being wrapped around the front arm portion, a hand band 3A attached by being wrapped around the palm and the back of the hand, a support column housing portion 2A provided along the longitudinal direction formed by the front arm back surface side of the front arm band 3A and the back of the hand side of the hand band 4A, and a support column 4A that can be housed along the longitudinal direction of the support column housing portion 5A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a soft wrist orthosis that assists the dorsiflexion function of the wrist of patients suffering from diseases such as lateral epicondylitis of the humerus. [Background technology]

[0002] According to recent statistics, the prevalence of lateral epicondylitis is said to be 1-3% of the general population, and 2-14% among manual workers such as those in production line work. This disease is said to be caused and aggravated by overuse of the wrist dorsiflexor muscles, which causes degeneration and rupture of the tendon attachments, resulting in pain on the lateral side of the elbow when dorsiflexing the wrist or gripping.

[0003] According to the inventor's research, while conservative treatment improves 80-90% of patients within one year, 10-20% experience intractable symptoms, sometimes requiring surgery. These patients experience long-term difficulties in working, and even with a limited working population, the existence of such intractable patients results in economic losses due to lost work. For example, the estimated annual economic loss in the UK is 27 million pounds. While intractable cases represent only a small proportion of the total, the absolute number of intractable cases is likely to be large due to the large population. In today's world, where labor shortages due to population decline are a problem, overcoming lateral epicondylitis is a societal challenge.

[0004] A rehabilitation device used for radial nerve palsy is known that includes an arm band that is attached so as to wrap around a person's elbow or upper arm, a first arm band rubber fixing part that is attached at a first position on the arm band, a palm band that is attached so as to wrap around the person's palm, a first palm band rubber fixing part that is attached to the back of the hand on the palm band, and rubber that is attached to the first arm band rubber fixing part and the first palm band rubber fixing part, and the hand is dorsiflexed using the force of this rubber.Furthermore, finger bands are attached to the fingers and pulled toward the arm band by the rubber, which passively extends the metacarpal interphalangeal joint, thereby moving the lateral cord on the side of the finger dorsally and extending the proximal interphalangeal joint (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6033073 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] For example, the conventional treatment orthosis shown in Figure 20 is a diagram showing an overview of a hand dorsiflexion orthosis 100, an example of an Oppenheimer-type orthosis. The hand dorsiflexion orthosis 100 is an orthosis designed to stably hold the wrist in a slight dorsiflexed position (towards the back of the hand). The Oppenheimer-type orthosis is a movable cock-up splint that, for example, uses a coil spring 101 connected to a meniscus 110 in the forearm support section and a meniscus 120 in the wrist section, a thumb rubber traction unit 102, a palm rubber traction unit 103, and the like, from the forearm to the wrist, to hold the palm in a dorsiflexed position.

[0007] Another conventional example of a medical treatment device 200 shown in Figure 21 mainly uses a tennis elbow brace 201, a cock-up splint 202, and a band 203 for securing it, with the aim of maintaining stability at the tendon insertion site of the wrist dorsiflexor muscles, which is the lesion, as a basis for treatment. The tennis elbow brace 201 tightens the muscle belly of the forearm extensor muscles, thereby inhibiting the transmission of force to the tendon insertion site due to muscle contraction. The cock-up splint 202 and the band 203 for securing it maintain the wrist in a dorsiflexed position, thereby ensuring stability of the wrist dorsiflexor muscles against external palmar flexion forces.

[0008] However, the tennis elbow brace 201 has an insufficient effect in inhibiting the transmission of muscle contraction, and its therapeutic effect alone is limited. In addition, the cock-up splint 202 and the band 203 that secures it impair wrist joint movement, and the cock-up splint 202 is stiff, so there are many complaints and consultations that it cannot be worn while working, and based on the inventor's own experiences, there is no certainty that it will lead to an improvement in the efficacy rate.

[0009] Furthermore, according to the present inventor's experience in treatment and diagnosis as a medical professional, some patients with lateral epicondylitis prioritize work over treatment, and therefore, in order to improve the success rate of treatment, it was thought necessary to develop an orthosis that can be worn while working and that ensures rest at the tendon attachment site.

[0010] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a flexible wrist joint functional orthosis that can immobilize the wrist and rest the wrist joint activating muscles when patients suffering from diseases such as lateral epicondylitis of the humerus are relaxed, and that can also assist the function of the wrist joint dorsiflexors when making intended movements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a wrist joint flexible functional orthosis comprising a forearm band that is wrapped around the forearm and attached to the hand, a wrist band that is wrapped around the palm and back of the hand and attached to the hand, a support pole storage section that is provided along the longitudinal direction formed by the back side of the forearm of the forearm band and the back side of the hand of the wrist band, and a support pole that can be stored in the support pole storage section along the longitudinal direction of the support pole storage section, wherein the forearm band and the wrist band are made of a resilient and stretchable material, and the angle between the support pole side located on the back side of the forearm of the forearm band and the support pole side located on the back side of the hand of the wrist band is a predetermined support dorsiflexion angle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The wrist joint soft functional orthosis of the present invention can stabilize the wrist joint and rest the wrist joint activating muscles when patients suffering from diseases such as lateral epicondylitis of the humerus are relaxed, and can also assist the function of the wrist joint dorsiflexor muscles when making intended movements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view seen from the back of the hand, showing the configuration of a first embodiment of a wrist joint soft functional orthosis according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an external view of the wrist joint soft functional orthosis of the first embodiment, viewed from the palm side of the hand. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an external view of the front side of a wrist joint flexible functional orthosis according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an external view of the back side of the wrist joint soft functional orthosis shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is an external view of the front side of the wrist joint flexible functional orthosis shown in FIG. 3 in an open state before being worn on the arm, with the forearm cuff and the hand cuff separated. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is an external view of the back side of the wrist joint flexible functional orthosis shown in FIG. 4 in an open state before being worn on the arm, with the forearm cuff and the hand cuff separated. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an external view showing the shape of a support plate used in the support. [Figure 8]FIG. 1 is an external view of a wrist joint flexible functional orthosis according to a first embodiment, worn on an arm, with the wrist joint bent in the palmar flexion direction. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is an external view of the wrist joint soft functional orthosis of the first embodiment in use, showing the action of grasping and lifting a sphere while worn on the arm. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a continuation of the external view of the first embodiment of the wrist joint soft functional orthosis in use, showing the action of grasping and lifting a sphere while the device is worn on the arm. [Figure 11] 2 is a photographed image of a prototype corresponding to the wrist joint soft functional orthosis of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 before being worn. [Figure 12] 2 is a photographed image of a prototype corresponding to the wrist joint soft functional orthosis of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 when worn. [Figure 13] 13 is an image showing test conditions for measuring the dorsiflexion torque generated by the wrist joint angle when the prototype shown in FIG. 12 is worn. [Figure 14] 14 shows the test results of measuring the dorsiflexion torque generated by the wrist joint angle under the test conditions shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] These are images taken of the test conditions for a subjective test on the intensity of pain experienced by test subjects. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a graph of data collected from the subjective experiment shown in FIG. 15. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is an external view showing the configuration of a wrist joint soft functional orthosis according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is an external view of the front side of the wrist joint flexible functional orthosis according to the second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an external view of the back side of the wrist joint soft functional orthosis shown in FIG. 18. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is an external view of a conventional medical treatment device. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is an external view of another conventional medical treatment device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the wrist joint soft function orthosis according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, identical or similar parts will be designated by common reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0015] [First embodiment] The configuration of a first embodiment of a wrist joint flexible function orthosis according to the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 10. Figure 1 shows the configuration of a first embodiment of a wrist joint flexible function orthosis 1A according to the present invention, viewed from the back of the hand when worn on a person's palm and arm. Figure 2 shows the configuration of a first embodiment of a wrist joint flexible function orthosis 1A according to the present invention, viewed from the palm of the hand. Figure 3 shows the configuration of the front side of the wrist joint flexible function orthosis 1A shown in Figure 1, and Figure 4 shows the configuration of the back side of the wrist joint flexible function orthosis 1A shown in Figure 3. The other figures will be explained below as appropriate.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a wrist joint soft function orthosis 1A according to a first embodiment is worn on the palm and arm of a person. It stabilizes the wrist and stabilizes the wrist-moving muscles during weakness in patients with diseases such as lateral epicondylitis, and also supports the function of the wrist dorsiflexors during intended movements. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the wrist joint soft function orthosis 1A includes a forearm cuff 2A that is wrapped around the forearm, a wrist cuff 3A that is wrapped around the palm and back of the hand, a support pole housing 4A that is provided along the longitudinal axis defined by the dorsal side of the forearm cuff 2A and the back of the hand of the wrist cuff 3A, and a support pole 5A that can be stored in the support pole housing 4A along the longitudinal axis. The wrist joint soft function orthosis 1A shown in Figures 1 and 2 illustrates an example of the wrist joint soft function orthosis 1A according to this embodiment worn on one arm (e.g., the right arm).

[0017] Fig. 3 is an external view of the front side of the wrist joint flexible function orthosis 1A in an unfolded state before being worn on one arm, and Fig. 4 is an external view of the back side of the wrist joint flexible function orthosis 1A in an unfolded state before being worn on one arm (corresponding to the back side when Fig. 3 is the front side). Fig. 5 is an external view of the front side of the wrist joint flexible function orthosis 1A shown in Fig. 3 in an unfolded state before being worn on one arm, with the forearm band 2A and the hand band 3A separated by the support column storage section 4A. Fig. 6 is an external view of the back side of the wrist joint flexible function orthosis 1A shown in Fig. 4 in an unfolded state before being worn on one arm, with the forearm band 2A and the hand band 3A separated by the support column storage section 4A.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the forearm band 2A can be attached by wrapping it around the forearm and is also removable. The forearm band 2A is made of a breathable, elastic, and stretchable material. The forearm band 2A is made of a synthetic rubber material such as neoprene. More specifically, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the forearm band 2A is made of a synthetic rubber material in the forearm covering portion 21a, the first wrapping portion 22a, the second wrapping portion 23a, the first forearm fastening portion 24a, and the second forearm fastening portion 25a.

[0019] 1 and 2, forearm covering portion 21a can be wrapped around and cover the forearm from the wrist joint side to the elbow joint side of the forearm. First wrapping portion 22a is provided continuously from forearm covering portion 21a and covers the forearm portion of support side 511a of support plate 51a near the elbow side.

[0020] 3 and 4, forearm first locking portion 24a is a surface locking device provided by stitching 241a to the end side in the winding direction of first wrapping portion 22a. Forearm first locking portion 24a can be detachably locked to the surface side of the portion of forearm covering portion 21a wrapped around the forearm portion closer to the elbow, the support column housing portion 4A, and first wrapping portion 22a, or the portion of forearm covering portion 21a wrapped around the forearm portion closer to the elbow, the support column housing portion 4A, or first wrapping portion 22a.

[0021] Second wrapping portion 23a is provided continuously from forearm covering portion 21a and covers the forearm portion of support side 511a of support plate 51a near the wrist joint. First wrapping portion 22a and second wrapping portion 23a are separated along the wrapping direction around the forearm.

[0022] 3 and 4, forearm second locking portion 25a is a surface locking device provided by stitching 251a to the end side in the winding direction of second wrapping portion 23a. Forearm second locking portion 25a can be detachably locked to the surface side of the portion of forearm covering portion 21a wrapped around the forearm portion closer to the wrist, support column housing portion 4A, and second wrapping portion 23a, or the portion of forearm covering portion 21a wrapped around the forearm portion closer to the wrist, support column housing portion 4A, or second wrapping portion 23a.

[0023] The surface fastening devices of the first forearm fastening portion 24a and the second forearm fastening portion 25a are, for example, hook-and-loop fasteners, and can be attached and detached freely to the portion of the forearm covering portion 21a wrapped around the forearm portion, the support storage portion 4A, the first winding portion 22a, and the second winding portion 23a.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the hand strap 3A can be attached by wrapping it around the back of the hand and the palm of the hand, and is also removable. The hand strap 3A is made of a breathable, elastic, and stretchable material. The hand strap 3A is made of a synthetic rubber material such as neoprene. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the hand strap 3A is made up of parts such as a back-of-hand covering part 31a, a palm-wrapping part 32a, a back-of-hand fastening part 33a, and a non-slip part 34a.

[0025] The back-of-hand covering portion 31a can cover at least the back of the hand from the back side to the palm side, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The palm-wrapping portion 32a is provided continuously from the back-of-hand covering portion 31a, and can be wrapped around the hand from the palm side to the back side, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0026] 1 and 2, the back of the hand locking portion 33a is a surface locking device that is attached by stitching 331a to the end of the palm wrapping portion 32a in the wrapping direction. The back of the hand locking portion 33a can be detachably locked to the surface side of the back of the hand covering portion 31a and the support column housing portion 4A, or to the surface side of the back of the hand covering portion 31a or the support column housing portion 4A.

[0027] The anti-slip portion 34a is a non-slip portion provided mainly on the surface covering portion on the palm side of the hand. The anti-slip portion 34a is made of a material with frictional force or a fabric with an uneven friction surface, and is sewn with stitching 341a from the back covering portion 31a to a position on the palm wrapping portion 32a.

[0028] The pole storage section 4A is a section for storing a pole 5A, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, on the back side (the back side of the forearm and the back of the hand) of the forearm band 2A and the hand band 3A, as shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, etc. The pole storage section 4A is structured so that the pole 5A can be inserted and removed. As shown in Figures 3 to 6, etc., the pole storage section 4A is structured so that it comprises, for example, a forearm storage section 41a provided in the forearm band 2A and a hand band storage section 42a provided in the hand band 3A.

[0029] The forearm storage section 41a is provided in a position that will be located on the dorsal side of the forearm on the surface of the forearm covering section 21a when the forearm band 2A is wrapped around the forearm. For example, the forearm storage section 41a is sewn to the forearm covering section 21a by stitching 412a so as to provide an opening at one end of the support column storage in the longitudinal direction, in a position as shown in Figures 3 to 6.

[0030] The hand band storage section 42a is located at a position that is positioned on the back side of the back of the hand on the surface of the back covering section 31a when the hand band 3A is wrapped around the back and palm of the hand, and is arranged so that it coincides with the longitudinal direction of the forearm storage section 41a when the forearm band 2A is wrapped around the forearm and the support storage. For example, the hand band storage section 42a is sewn to the back covering section 31a with stitching 422a so as to provide an opening midway along the longitudinal direction of the support storage, at a position as shown in Figures 3 to 6.

[0031] 3 and 4, the storage surface locking portion 421a is provided on one longitudinal side of the forearm storage portion 41a, in a portion that overlaps with the hand band storage portion 42a when the forearm band 2A and hand band 3A are combined. The back side of the storage surface locking portion 421a can be detachably locked to the front side of the hand band storage portion 42a. By detaching the storage surface locking portion 421a from the front side of the hand band storage portion 42a, the support pole 5A can be inserted into the pole storage portion 4A. After insertion, the support pole 5A can be stably stored in the pole storage portion 4A by locking the storage surface locking portion 421a to the front side of the hand band storage portion 42a.

[0032] Note that any or all of stitching 241a, stitching 251a, stitching 331a, stitching 341a, stitching 412a, stitching 422a, etc. may be bonded with adhesive or the like, or each of the stitching and adhesive or the like may be combined.

[0033] The support pillar 5A is a support material for generating dorsiflexion torque in the dorsiflexion direction (toward the back side of the back of the hand) in response to the movement of the wearer's wrist. As shown in Fig. 7 etc., the support pillar 5A is formed by bending, for example, a flat plate-like material so that the angle between the support pillar side 511a located on the back side of the forearm of the forearm band 2A and the support pillar side 512a located on the back side of the hand of the hand band 3A is a predetermined support dorsiflexion angle α. The support pillar 5A is stored in a support pillar storage section 4A on the back side of the wrist joint, which is provided in the forearm band 2A and the hand band 3A that cover the hand and forearm.

[0034] Specifically, in the support plate 51a used in the support 5A, as shown in Figures 1 and 7, the portions of the support sides 511a and 512a near the flexion of the predetermined support dorsiflexion angle α are stored in the forearm storage section 41a along the forearm, and the portions of the support side 512a from near the flexion of the predetermined support dorsiflexion angle α to the end are stored in the forearm storage section 41a and the hand band storage section 42a from the wrist to the back of the hand. When at least the forearm band 2A is wrapped around and fastened to the forearm in the resting position, the flat portion of the support side 511a abuts against the dorsal side of the forearm. When at least the hand band 3A is wrapped around and fastened to the back and palm of the hand, the flat portion of the support side 512a abuts against the back of the hand at the predetermined support dorsiflexion angle α of the wrist in the resting position.

[0035] The number of plates used in the support 5A may be one support plate 51a or multiple (two or more) support plates 51a and 54a, as shown in FIG. 5, for example. The number of plates used in the support 5A is determined based on factors such as the shape and material of the plates, as well as gender, physique, age, and severity of the affected area. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, rubber protective covers, i.e., support end caps 52a and 53a, are preferably attached to the ends of support sides 511a and 512a of one support plate 51a. Rubber protective covers, i.e., support end caps 55a and 56a, are preferably attached to the ends of support sides 541a and 542a of the additional support plate 54a.

[0036] FIG. 7 is an external view showing the shape of the support plate 51a used in the support 5A. FIG. 7(a) is a side view of the support plate 51a, and FIG. 7(b) is a plan view of the support plate 51a. The forearm length La of the support side 511a shown in FIG. 7(a) is longer than the back-of-hand length Lb of the support side 512a shown in FIG. 7(a), and the forearm length La of the support side 511a shown in FIG. 7(a) is shorter than the length from the wrist to the elbow. The dimensions of the support plate 51a shown in FIGS. 7(a) and (b) are the plate thickness ta and the plate width Wa.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 7, the support sides 511a and 512a are bent at a predetermined support dorsiflexion angle α at positions corresponding to positions near the wrist joint. The predetermined support dorsiflexion angle α is, for example, 30 degrees. Preferably, the predetermined support dorsiflexion angle α at rest, as shown in Figs. 1 and 7(a), is in the range of 15 to 45 degrees. Note that the range of the predetermined support dorsiflexion angle α was determined based on a study (described in Reference 1) that showed that grip strength in a resting position using a wrist orthosis or the like is not reduced when the dorsiflexion angle of the wrist itself is in the range of 15 to 45 degrees. (Reference 1) Title: "The Effect of Wrist Position on Grip Endurance and Grip Strength", Authors: Julia-Ann Lee, Sreedharan Sechachalam, Journal Name: The Journal of Hand Surgery, Volume 41, Issue 10, October 2016, Pages e367-e373

[0038] As described above, by wearing the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A of this embodiment, patients suffering from diseases such as lateral epicondylitis of the humerus can obtain the effect of immobilizing the wrist joint when relaxed and the effect of resting the wrist joint operating muscles.

[0039] Next, the functional assistance of the wrist dorsiflexor muscles during an intended movement starting from wrist palmar flexion using the wrist joint flexible functional orthosis 1A of this embodiment will be described below. Figure 8(a) is a side external view of the wrist joint flexible functional orthosis 1A shown in Figure 1 worn on one arm with the wrist bent in the palmar flexion direction, and Figure 8(b) is an external view of the hand worn in this state as seen from the fist side. Figures 9 and 10 are external views of the wrist joint flexible functional orthosis 1A shown in Figure 1 worn on one arm, showing the movement of grasping and lifting a sphere about the size of a tennis ball.

[0040] As described above, Fig. 1 shows the state in which the wearer wears the wrist joint flexible functional orthosis 1A on one arm in a state in which it is bent at a predetermined support dorsiflexion angle α. Meanwhile, Fig. 8 shows the state in which the wearer wears the wrist joint flexible functional orthosis 1A on one arm, and in which the wrist joint is bent at a palmar flexion angle β of several tens of degrees (for example, about 30 to 60 degrees), and the support dorsiflexion angle αu after deformation of the support column 5A is shown. Here, the relationship is such that the predetermined support dorsiflexion angle α of the support column 5A shown in Fig. 7 is greater than the support dorsiflexion angle αu after deformation shown in Fig. 8(a).

[0041] When a wearer transitions from the wrist position at rest with the wrist joint flexible orthosis 1A shown in FIG. 1 to the wrist joint palmar flexion state with the wrist joint flexible orthosis 1A shown in FIG. 8, the wrist joint flexible orthosis 1A operates as follows. The support 5A restricts the stretching of the wrist band 3A during the wearer's palmar flexion, as shown in FIG. 8, etc., and the forearm band 2A prevents the forearm support 5A from lifting up due to the force applied to the support 5A on the hand band 3A side. Furthermore, this palmar flexion generates a traction force between the elastic support 5A and the elastic hand band 3A, etc., which can generate a dorsiflexion torque in the wrist joint flexible orthosis 1A. The wearer can adjust the tightness of the forearm band 2A and the hand band 3A when putting on the orthosis or after putting it on.

[0042] 9 and 10, specifically, FIG. 9(a) is a diagram showing the state of the wrist joint flexible functional orthosis 1A before the wearer grasps the sphere, FIG. 9(b) is a diagram showing the state of the wrist joint flexible functional orthosis 1A when the wearer goes to grasp the sphere, FIG. 10(a) is a diagram showing the state of the wrist joint flexible functional orthosis 1A immediately after the wearer has grasped the sphere, and FIG. 10(b) is a diagram showing the state of the wrist joint flexible functional orthosis 1A after the wearer has grasped the sphere.

[0043] The movement shown in Figure 9(a) shows the state before the wearer wearing the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A grasps the sphere. The predetermined support dorsiflexion angle α of the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A at this time is in the range of the dorsiflexion angle (e.g., 15 to 45 degrees) when the wrist is in a resting position. The movement shown in Figure 9(b) shows the force F1 acting on the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A during the palmar flexion movement when the wearer attempts to grasp the sphere. The movement shown in Figure 9(b) also shows the state in which the predetermined support dorsiflexion angle α in the movement shown in Figure 9(a) changes to the support dorsiflexion angle αu after deformation. Note that the relationship is: predetermined support dorsiflexion angle α > support dorsiflexion angle αu after deformation.

[0044] The action shown in Figure 10(a) shows force F2 acting from wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A immediately after the wearer grasps the sphere. As in the example of Figure 9(b), when the wrist joint is bent in the palmar flexion direction, the supporter portion on the wrist band 3A side is stretched with support post 5A as the fulcrum, and as in the example of Figure 10(a), force F2 in the wrist joint dorsiflexion direction is generated by the elastic force of support post 5A and the traction force of the supporter portion on the wrist band 3A side.

[0045] After the palmar flexion movement, a force F2 acting from the wrist joint flexible functional orthosis 1A generates a dorsiflexion torque with the vicinity of the wrist as a fulcrum, so that the wearer can grasp and lift the sphere up to near the predetermined support dorsiflexion angle α with the assistance of the wrist joint flexible functional orthosis 1A, as shown in Figure 10(b). Also, the movement shown in Figure 10(b) shows how the support dorsiflexion angle αu after deformation in the movement shown in Figure 9(b) returns to the predetermined support dorsiflexion angle α after passing through the movement state shown in Figure 10(a).

[0046] 9(a) and (b) and 10(a) and (b), the wrist joint flexible functional orthosis 1A can be used to assist the dorsiflexion of the wrist joint by utilizing the palmar gripping movement of the wearer wearing the orthosis. As described above, the wrist joint flexible functional orthosis 1A of this embodiment assists the dorsiflexion function of the wearer's wrist joint without interfering with palmar flexion movement, and can therefore be worn while working, for example.

[0047] As described above, by wearing the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A of this embodiment, patients suffering from diseases such as lateral epicondylitis of the humerus can receive assistance with the function of the wrist joint dorsiflexor muscles during intended movements.

[0048] As described above, the flexible wrist orthosis 1A according to the embodiment of the present invention can achieve both (1) the effect of immobilizing the wrist and the effect of resting the wrist joint activating muscles when the patient is suffering from a disease such as lateral epicondylitis of the humerus, and (2) the function of the wrist joint dorsiflexor muscles when performing intended movements starting from palmar flexion of the wrist.

[0049] <About verification tests, etc.> An example of the action and effect of the wrist joint flexible function orthosis 1A of this embodiment will be described in the verification tests shown in Figs. 11 to 16. Fig. 11 is a photographic image of a prototype corresponding to the configuration of the wrist joint flexible function orthosis 1A of this embodiment shown in Fig. 5 etc. before being worn. Fig. 12 is a photographic image of a prototype corresponding to the configuration of the wrist joint flexible function orthosis 1A of this embodiment shown in Fig. 1 etc. when worn. Specifically, the photographic image of the wrist joint flexible function orthosis 1A shown in Fig. 12(a) when worn was taken from the lateral side of the forearm with a dorsiflexion angle of approximately 30 degrees in the wrist position at rest corresponding to Fig. 1. Furthermore, the photographic images of the wrist joint flexible function orthosis 1A shown in Figs. 12(b) and 12(c) when worn were taken from the diagonal front side of the forearm with a palmar flexion angle β of approximately 60 degrees during palmar flexion of the wrist corresponding to Fig. 8. Fig. 12(b) was taken from the diagonal front side of the forearm, and Fig. 12(c) was taken from the lateral side of the forearm.

[0050] 11 to 16, in a prototype corresponding to the configuration of the wrist joint flexible functional orthosis 1A of this embodiment, the support plate 51a used in the support 5A had, for example, a forearm length of the support side 511a, La = 131 (mm), a back-of-hand length of the support side 512a, Lb = 52 (mm), a plate thickness ta = 0.7 (mm), and a plate width Wa = 9 (mm) as shown in Figures 7(a) and (b). The plate thickness ta = 0.7 (mm) includes the thickness of paint such as a waterproof coating. The support plate 54a used in the support 5A shown in Figure 6 also had, for example, a forearm length of the support side 541a, La = 131 (mm), a back-of-hand length of the support side 542a, Lb = 52 (mm), a plate thickness ta = 0.7 (mm), and a plate width Wa = 9 (mm).

[0051] The main component of the steel material of the plate material such as the support plate 51a used for the support 5A is iron (Fe), and other components are as shown in Table 1. [Table 1]

[0052] Fig. 13 shows images of test conditions for measuring the dorsiflexion torque generated by the wrist angle when wearing the prototype shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 14 shows test results for measuring the dorsiflexion torque generated by the angle due to the wrist position of the dominant arm under the test conditions shown in Fig. 13.

[0053] Specifically, four subjects (two men and two women) with healthy wrists and forearms wore a prototype corresponding to wrist orthosis 1A with the forearm in a pronated position, and measurements were taken under four different wrist positions: (a) 30° dorsiflexion (dorsiflexion angle 30°), (b) 0° dorsiflexion and palmar flexion (dorsiflexion angle 0°, palmar flexion angle β = 0°), (c) 30° palmar flexion (angle tilted toward the palmar flexion side, palmar flexion angle β = 30°), and (d) 60° palmar flexion (also palmar flexion angle β = 60°). Regarding support 5A, two support plates (support plates 51a and 54a) shown in (a) of (b) were used for men, and one support plate (support plate 51a) shown in (b) of (c) of (dorsiflexion and palmar flexion) was used for women.

[0054] The measurement method was as follows: each subject gripped the handle of a measuring device as shown in the image in Figure 13, and the torque sensor of the measuring device read torque every 0.1 milliseconds a total of 100 times, and these data obtained from the measuring device were averaged. The measuring device was specially manufactured, and the torque sensor used was a UTMII (product name) made by Unipulse Corporation.

[0055] As a reference for the data measurement method, the following reference 2 (title: "Sex differences in wrist torque and endurance - Biomechanical factors associated with developing lateral epicondylitis of the humerus", authors: Kazuhiro Ikeda, Yuichi Yoshii, Sho Kohyama, Akira Ikumi, Reimi Ikeda, Masashi Yamazaki, journal name: Journal of Orthopaedic Research 41 (8), 1670-1677) was used as a reference.

[0056] <Verification data, etc.> In the graphs shown in Figures 14(a) and (b), the orthosis generates dorsiflexion torque in response to palmar flexion, i.e., in response to the palmar flexion angle of the wrist. For example, the assisted dorsiflexion torque increases as the palmar flexion angle increases. For example, when a wearer bends their wrist 60 degrees toward the palm, the orthosis can assist approximately half of the maximum dorsiflexion torque (bending toward the back of the hand) of a healthy male or female through the elastic force of the supporter 5A and the traction force of the elastic supporter (e.g., wrist band 3A). In this case, the supporter 5A may be made of steel with a plate thickness ta = 0.7 mm and a plate width Wa = 9 mm, as described above. It is recommended to consider the dimensions and number of supporter plates used, taking into account differences in gender, age, and physique, such as using two for men and one for women.

[0057] The data explained below is based on (1) verification data of wrist joint torque of healthy subjects, and (2) verification data of the wrist joint flexible functional orthosis 1A of this embodiment (referred to as this orthosis). (1) The verification data for the maximum dorsiflexion torque (mean ± standard deviation) [Nm] of healthy individuals below was based on TABLE 4 in Reference 2. Male: 6.1±1.0[Nm] Female: 3.3±0.8[Nm] (2) The verification data for the dorsiflexion torque (mean ± standard deviation) [Nm] generated when wearing the orthosis described below and performing palmar flexion at a palmar flexion angle β = 60 degrees is shown in Figures 14(a) and (b). Male: 3.2~3.3[Nm] Female: 1.5~1.6[Nm]

[0058] From the results of (1) and (2) above, for example, when the wrist is flexed at a flexion angle β = 60 degrees, the proportion of the wrist dorsiflexion torque that can be assisted by this orthosis is as follows: Men: 45-65% Women: 37-64% In other words, when a wearer wears this orthosis and the wrist is in a resting position (for example, when the specified support dorsiflexion angle α of the support column 5A is 30 degrees), the orthosis does not generate any dorsiflexion torque. However, when the wrist is flexed at a palmar flexion angle β of 60 degrees, for example, it was confirmed that the orthosis can assist 37% to 65% of the maximum dorsiflexion torque of a healthy person.

[0059] The plate materials such as the support plate 51a used for the support 5A may be made of elastic materials such as synthetic resin or rubber, in addition to the steel materials shown in Table 1. In this case, the thickness ta, width Wa, etc. of the plate materials such as the support plate 51a used for the support 5A are determined taking into consideration the same functions and effects as those of the above-mentioned verification tests, etc.

[0060] <Subjective experiment on pain intensity> The inventors conducted a subjective pain intensity experiment as shown in Figures 15(a) and 15(b) on 12 patients with lateral epicondylitis (hereafter referred to as subjects). The subjects lifted a 1 kg sandbag (a bag filled with sand) placed on a table in the position shown in Figure 15(a) to shoulder height with their forearm in the pronated position shown in Figure 15(b). The subjects performed the experiment under the operating conditions shown in Figure 16 (a) without an orthosis, (b) with an existing orthosis (e.g., a tennis elbow brace as shown in Figure 21), and (c) with a wrist soft functional orthosis 1A (referred to as this orthosis). The subjects themselves evaluated their pain intensity, and the data collected was used.

[0061] Figure 16 is a graph of the data collected from the subjective experiment on pain intensity shown in Figure 15. Note that the pain intensity is a relative self-evaluation by the subject himself / herself, ranging from 0 (no pain) to 100 (severe pain). In the graph shown in Figure 16, the average data on pain intensity (mean ± SD, SD: standard deviation) is as follows: (a) Without brace: 66.0±17.2 (b) Existing brace: 56.5±21.2 (c) Main brace: 38.8±25.4

[0062] In the graph shown in Figure 16, for example, when determining significant differences using the P value in statistical hypothesis testing, the hypothesis that there is no significant difference between (c) the wrist joint flexible functional orthosis 1A shown in Figure 16 and (a) no orthosis has a P value of <0.01, so the hypothesis is invalid. Therefore, it is determined that there is a significant difference between (c) the wrist joint flexible functional orthosis 1A and (a) no orthosis. Similarly, the hypothesis that there is no significant difference between (c) the wrist joint flexible functional orthosis 1A shown in Figure 16 and (b) an existing orthosis has a P value of <0.01, so the hypothesis is invalid. It is determined that there is a significant difference between (c) the wrist joint flexible functional orthosis 1A and (b) an existing orthosis. As a result of analysis of variance of the data related to Figure 16, it was confirmed that (c) the wrist joint flexible functional orthosis 1A tends to have a significantly stronger pain-reducing effect than (a) no orthosis and (b) an existing orthosis.

[0063] That is, the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A of this embodiment assists the wearer's wrist dorsiflexion function without interfering with palmar flexion, making it possible to wear it while working or performing other tasks. Furthermore, the supporter (e.g., neoprene) used in the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A of this embodiment can be made of a material also used in wetsuits, making it suitable for use by workers and other personnel who handle water. Furthermore, by prescribing the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A of this embodiment to patients with lateral epicondylitis, for example, it is expected that treatment compliance will improve and treatment outcomes will be improved.

[0064] The advantages of the wrist joint soft functional orthosis of this embodiment over conventional orthoses include, for example, 1) it does not impair wrist joint volar flexion movement while wearing it, and 2) the entire orthosis is soft and does not interfere with grasping objects. These are essential conditions when lifting objects during work such as assembly line work, but have been difficult to achieve with conventional orthoses (e.g., cock-up splints and rigid functional orthoses). The wrist joint soft functional orthosis of this embodiment is a functional orthosis that can be worn practically by workers with lateral epicondylitis while working.

[0065] As described above, the wrist joint soft functional orthosis of this embodiment can stabilize the wrist joint and rest the wrist joint activating muscles when a patient suffering from a disease such as lateral epicondylitis of the humerus relaxes their muscles, and can also assist the function of the wrist joint dorsiflexors during intended movements.

[0066] [Second embodiment] The configuration of a second embodiment of a wrist joint flexible function orthosis according to the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 17 to 19. Figure 17 is an external view showing the configuration of a second embodiment of a wrist joint flexible function orthosis 1B. In detail, Figure 17(a) is an external view of the wrist joint flexible function orthosis 1B worn on a person's palm and arm, as seen from the back of the hand, and Figure 17(b) is an external view of the same as seen from the palm of the hand.

[0067] Also, Figure 18 is an external view of the front side of the wrist joint flexible functional orthosis 1B in an unfolded state before being worn on one arm, and Figure 19 is an external view of the back side of the wrist joint flexible functional orthosis 1B in an unfolded state before being worn on one arm (corresponding to the back side when Figure 18 is the front side).

[0068] 17(a) and 17(b), a wrist joint soft function orthosis 1B of the second embodiment is an orthosis that can be worn on the palm and arm of a person to immobilize the wrist and rest the wrist joint moving muscles when a patient suffering from a disease such as lateral epicondylitis of the humerus relaxes, and can also support the function of the wrist joint dorsiflexor muscles during intended movements. As shown in Figures 17 to 19, the wrist joint soft function orthosis 1B includes a forearm cuff 2B that is wrapped around and attached to the forearm, a hand cuff 3B that is wrapped around and attached to the palm and back of the hand, a support pole housing 4B that is provided along the longitudinal direction formed by the dorsal side of the forearm cuff 2B and the back side of the hand of the hand cuff 3B, and a support pole 5B that can be stored in the support pole housing 4B along the longitudinal direction of the support pole housing 4B. The wrist joint flexible function orthosis 1B shown in Figures 17(a) and (b) and the like shows a state in which the wrist joint flexible function orthosis 1B of this embodiment is worn on one arm (for example, the right arm).

[0069] The main structural differences between wrist joint flexible function orthosis 1B of this embodiment and wrist joint flexible function orthosis 1A of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 etc. are that forearm cuff 2B and wrist cuff 3B are connected together, and that multiple storage pockets 422b for support pole 5B are provided in support pole storage section 4B. The following explanation will focus on these main differences.

[0070] As shown in Figures 17(a) and 17(b), the forearm band 2B can be attached by wrapping it around the forearm and is also detachable. The forearm band 2B is made of a breathable, elastic, and stretchable material. The forearm band 2B is made of a synthetic rubber material such as neoprene. More specifically, as shown in Figures 18 and 19, the forearm band 2B is made of a synthetic rubber material in the forearm covering portion 21b, the first wrapping portion 22b, the second wrapping portion 23b, the first forearm fastening portion 24b, the second forearm fastening portion 25b, and other portions.

[0071] As shown in Figures 17(a) and 17(b), the hand strap 3B can be wrapped around the back and palm of the hand and is detachable. The hand strap 3B is made of a breathable, elastic, and stretchable material. The hand strap 3B is made of a synthetic rubber material such as neoprene. As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the hand strap 3B is made up of parts such as a back-of-hand covering portion 31b, a palm-wrapping portion 32b, a back-of-hand fastening portion 33b, a little finger-side wrapping portion 34b, and a little finger-side fastening portion 35b.

[0072] As shown in Figures 17 to 19, the little finger side wrapping portion 34b is provided continuously from the back of the hand covering portion 31b and can be wrapped from the palm side of the hand to the back side of the hand. The little finger side locking portion 35b is a surface locking device that is provided by sewing with stitching 351b to the end side of the wrapping direction of the little finger side wrapping portion 34b. The little finger side locking portion 35b can be detachably locked to the surface side of the back of the hand covering portion 31b and the support column housing 4B, or the back of the hand covering portion 31b or the support column housing 4B. The back of the hand locking portion 33b can be detachably locked to the surface side of the little finger side locking portion 35b and the support column housing 4B, or the little finger side locking portion 35b or the support column housing 4B.

[0073] The support column storage section 4B is a section for storing the support column 5A (which can also be applied to the support column 5B) shown in Figures 5 and 6 on the dorsal side of the wrist joint of the forearm cuff 2B and the wrist cuff 3B shown in Figures 18 and 19. The support column storage section 4B has a storage structure that allows the support column 5B (one support plate or multiple support plates, the support plate corresponding to the support column 51a shown in Figure 7) to be inserted into and removed from the storage pocket 422b.

[0074] 17 to 19, the storage pocket 422b is divided into, for example, a plurality of independent storage sections (for three in the figures). As shown in Fig. 18, the support pole storage section 4B allows one or more support pole plates to be inserted into and removed from the storage pocket 422b as needed through an opening in the storage pocket opening 411b, which can be fastened with, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0075] In addition, any or all of stitching 241b, stitching 251b, stitching 331b, stitching 351b, etc. may be sewn together, or may be bonded with adhesive or the like, or each may be combined with stitching and adhesive or the like.

[0076] The support pillar 5B is a support material for generating dorsiflexion torque in the dorsiflexion direction (toward the back side of the back of the hand) in response to the movement of the wearer's wrist. The support pillar 5B is bent, for example, so that the support pillar side located on the back side of the forearm of the forearm cuff 2B (corresponding to support pillar side 511a shown in FIG. 7) and the support pillar side located on the back side of the hand of the hand cuff 3B (corresponding to support pillar side 512a shown in FIG. 7) form a predetermined support dorsiflexion angle α. In the support pillar 5B, one or more support pillar plates are stored in the support pillar storage section 4B on the back side of the wrist joint, which is provided in the forearm cuff 2B and hand cuff 3B that cover the hand and forearm.

[0077] For example, two support plates of the support 5B may be used in the left and right storage pockets 422b shown in Figure 17 for men, and one support plate of the support 5B may be used in the center storage pocket 422b shown in Figure 17 for women.The number of support plates to be used may be determined taking into consideration gender, age, physical differences, etc.

[0078] As described above, the wrist joint flexible functional orthosis 1B of this embodiment differs from the wrist joint flexible functional orthosis 1A of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 etc. in that the forearm cuff 2B and the wrist cuff 3B are connected together, and multiple storage pockets 422b for the support pole 5B are provided in the support pole storage section 4B.

[0079] The advantages of the wrist joint soft functional orthosis of this embodiment over conventional orthoses include, for example, 1) it does not impair wrist joint volar flexion movement while wearing it, and 2) the entire orthosis is soft and does not interfere with grasping objects. These are essential conditions when lifting objects during work such as assembly line work, but were not achieved with conventional orthoses (e.g., cock-up splints or rigid functional orthoses). The wrist joint soft functional orthosis of this embodiment is a functional orthosis that can be worn practically by workers with lateral epicondylitis while working.

[0080] Furthermore, compared to the wrist joint flexible functional orthosis 1A of the first embodiment, the wrist joint flexible functional orthosis 1B of this embodiment has an integrated structure in which the forearm cuff 2B and the hand cuff 3B are connected as an orthosis, so that the forearm cuff and the hand cuff are less likely to shift when worn, or shift due to wrist positioning movements after wearing.

[0081] As described above, the wrist joint soft functional orthosis of this embodiment can stabilize the wrist joint and rest the wrist joint activating muscles when a patient suffering from a disease such as lateral epicondylitis of the humerus relaxes their muscles, and can also assist the function of the wrist joint dorsiflexors during intended movements.

[0082] [Other embodiments] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, for example, the features of each embodiment may be combined. Furthermore, these embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as the inventions and their equivalents as set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1A, 1B... Wrist joint soft functional orthosis, 2A, 2B... Forearm cuff, 3A, 3B... Hand cuff, 4A, 4B... Support storage section, 5A, 5B... Support, 21a, 21b... Forearm covering section, 22a, 22b... First wrapping section, 23a, 23b... Second wrapping section, 24a, 24b... Forearm first locking section, 25a, 25b... Forearm second locking section, 31a, 31b... Back of hand covering section, 32a, 32b... Palm wrapping section, 33a, 33b... Back of hand locking section, 34a... Anti-slip section, 34b... Little finger side wrapping Attachment portion, 35b...little finger side locking portion, 41a...forearm storage portion, 42a...hand band storage portion, 51a, 54a...support plate, 52a, 53a...support end, 55a, 56a...support end cap, 241a, 251a, 331a, 341a, 412a, 422a, 241b, 251b, 331b, 351b...stitching, 421a...storage surface locking portion, 411b...storage pocket opening, 422b...storage pocket, 511a, 512a, 541a, 542a...support side

Claims

1. a forearm band that is wrapped around the forearm; A hand belt that is wrapped around the palm and back of the hand; A support column storage section provided along the longitudinal direction formed by the back side of the forearm of the forearm cuff and the back side of the hand of the hand cuff; a support that can be stored in the support storage section along the longitudinal direction of the support storage section, The forearm band and the hand band are made of elastic and stretchable material, The support pillar has an angle formed by a support pillar side located on the back side of the forearm of the forearm cuff and a support pillar side located on the back side of the hand of the hand cuff, which is a predetermined support dorsiflexion angle. A flexible functional wrist orthosis characterized by:

2. The predetermined support dorsiflexion angle is in the range of 15 degrees to 45 degrees. The wrist joint soft functional orthosis according to claim 1.

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