Flexible wrist orthosis

Abstract

To provide a soft wrist joint functional brace that can stabilize the wrist joint and keep the wrist joint moving muscles in a resting state, thereby assisting the wrist joint dorsiflexion muscle function during intended movements. [Solution] The embodiment of the wrist joint soft functional brace 1A includes a forearm band 2A that is wrapped around the forearm, a wrist band 3A that is wrapped around the palm and back of the hand, a pillar storage section 4A that is arranged along the longitudinal direction formed by the back side of the forearm of the forearm band 2A and the back of the hand side of the wrist band 3A, and a pillar 5A that can be stored along the longitudinal direction of the pillar storage section 4A.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] According to recent statistics, the prevalence of lateral epicondylitis of the humerus is said to be 1-3% of the general population, and 2-14% of manual laborers such as those in production line work. This disease is said to develop and worsen when the attachment of the tendons of the wrist joint is degenerated or ruptured due to overuse of the wrist joint dorsiflexion muscles, causing pain on the outside of the elbow joint when dorsiflexing the wrist joint or gripping.

[0003] According to the inventor's research, 80-90% of patients improve within one year with conservative treatment, while 10-20% of patients develop intractable symptoms and may require surgery. These patients have difficulty working for a long time, and even with a limited working population, the existence of such people with inability to work results in economic losses due to lost work. For example, the amount of such economic losses is estimated to be 27 million pounds per year in the UK. Although intractable cases are only a part of the total, the absolute number of intractable cases is thought to be large because the base number is large. In today's world, where labor shortages due to population decline are a problem, overcoming lateral epicondylitis is also a social issue.

[0004] A rehabilitation brace used for radial nerve palsy includes an arm band that is attached so as to be wrapped around a person's elbow or upper arm, a first arm band rubber fixing part provided at a first position of the arm band, a palm band that is attached so as to be wrapped around the palm of the person's hand, a first palm band rubber fixing part provided on the back side of the hand of the palm band, and rubber 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. Also, a finger band is attached to the finger and pulled toward the arm band by the rubber, thereby passively extending 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 brace shown in Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an overview of a hand dorsiflexion brace 100, which is an example of an Oppenheimer type brace. The hand dorsiflexion brace 100 is a brace that aims to stably hold the wrist in a slightly dorsiflexed position (towards the back of the hand). The Oppenheimer type brace is a movable type of cock-up splint, and for example, from the forearm to the wrist, a coil spring 101 connected to the meniscus 110 of the forearm support part and the meniscus 120 of the wrist part, a thumb rubber traction part 102, a palm rubber traction part 103, etc. are used to hold the palm in a dorsiflexed position.

[0007] Also, for example, another conventional treatment brace 200 shown in Fig. 21 mainly uses a tennis elbow brace 201, a cock-up splint 202, and a band 203 for fixing it, etc., for the purpose of keeping the attachment of the tendon of the wrist dorsiflexor muscles, which is the lesion, at rest as a basic treatment. The tennis elbow brace 201 tightens the muscle belly of the forearm extensor muscles, thereby inhibiting the transmission of force to the attachment of the tendon due to muscle contraction. The cock-up splint 202 and the band 203 for fixing it, etc., keep the wrist in a dorsiflexed position, thereby ensuring the rest of the wrist dorsiflexor muscles against the external force of palmar flexion.

[0008] However, the effect of inhibiting the transmission of muscle contraction by the tennis elbow brace 201 is insufficient, and there is a limit to the therapeutic effect of using it alone. In addition, the cock-up splint 202 and the band 203 that fixes it impair the movement of the wrist joint, and since the cock-up splint 202 is stiff, there are many complaints and consultations that it cannot be worn during work, and based on the inventor's own experience, there is no certainty that it will lead to an improvement in the efficacy rate.

[0009] In addition, according to the present inventor's experience in treatment and diagnosis as a medical professional, some patients with lateral epicondylitis of the humerus prioritize work over treatment, and therefore, in order to improve the success rate of treatment, it was felt that there was a need to develop an orthosis that could be worn while working and that ensured rest at the tendon attachment site.

[0010] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a soft functional wrist orthosis that can immobilize the wrist and rest the wrist-moving muscles when a patient suffering from a disease such as lateral epicondylitis of the humerus relaxes their wrist, and that can assist the function of the wrist dorsiflexor muscles when making intended movements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a wrist joint soft functional brace, which comprises: A wrist joint soft functional orthosis that does not have a support on the palm side of the hand,A forearm band that is wrapped around the forearm and attached to the forearm, a hand 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 band and the back side of the hand of the hand band, and a support pole storage section that can be stored in the support pole storage section along the longitudinal direction of the support pole storage section and has elasticity. The above The forearm band and the hand band are made of a material having elasticity and stretchability, and the support pole has an 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 hand band, which is a predetermined support dorsiflexion angle. The forearm band and the hand band, together with the support pole stored in the support pole storage section, keep the wrist joint fixed when the wearer is wearing the band and relaxed, and the wrist joint is supported by the wrist joint palmar flexion as the starting point. Within the range of a specified support dorsiflexion angle to palmar flexion angle of 60 degrees During the intended action According to the direction of increase in palmar flexion angle Assists the wrist dorsiflexion movement When the wearer flexes the wrist to a palmar flexion angle of 60 degrees, a dorsiflexion torque of 1.5 to 3.3 Nm is generated. . Effect of the Invention

[0012] The soft wrist functional orthosis of the present invention can stabilize the wrist and rest the wrist-moving muscles when a patient suffering from a disease such as lateral epicondylitis of the humerus relaxes their wrist, and can also assist the function of the wrist dorsiflexor muscles when making intended movements. [Brief description 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. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is an external view of a wrist joint soft functional orthosis according to a first embodiment, as viewed from the palm side of the hand. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an external view of the front side of the wrist joint soft functional orthosis according to the 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. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is an external view of the front side of the wrist joint soft functional orthosis shown in FIG. 3 in an open state before being worn on the arm, and with the forearm band and the hand band separated. [Figure 6]FIG. 5 is an external view of the back side of the wrist joint soft functional orthosis shown in FIG. 4 in an open state before being worn on the arm, and with the forearm band and the hand band separated. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 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 soft functional orthosis according to a first embodiment in a state where it is worn on an arm and the wrist joint is bent in a palmar flexion direction. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is an external view of the wrist joint soft functional orthosis according to the first embodiment in a state of use, illustrating the action of grasping and lifting a sphere while the orthosis is worn on the arm. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a continued external view of the wrist joint soft functional orthosis of the first embodiment, illustrating the action of grasping and lifting a sphere while the orthosis is worn on the arm. [Figure 11] 2 is a photographed image of a prototype of the wrist joint soft functional orthosis of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 before it is worn. [Figure 12] 2 is a photographed image of a prototype of 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. 13 is an external view showing the configuration of a wrist joint soft functional orthosis according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is an external view of the front side of the wrist joint soft 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. 13 is an external view of another conventional medical treatment device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, a wrist joint soft function brace according to some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, the same or similar parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

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

[0016] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the wrist joint soft function orthosis 1A of the first embodiment is an orthosis that can fix the wrist joint and rest the wrist joint movement muscles when a patient suffering from a disease such as lateral epicondylitis of the humerus is relaxed, and can assist the function of the wrist joint dorsiflexion muscles when an intended movement is made. As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the wrist joint soft function orthosis 1A includes a forearm band 2A that is wrapped around the forearm, a hand band 3A that is wrapped around the palm and back of the hand, a support column storage section 4A that is provided along the longitudinal direction formed by the forearm back side of the forearm band 2A and the back side of the hand of the hand band 3A, and a support column 5A that can be stored in the support column storage section 4A along the longitudinal direction of the support column storage section 4A. The wrist joint soft function orthosis 1A shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is an example of a state in which the wrist joint soft function orthosis 1A of the present embodiment is worn on one arm (for example, the right arm).

[0017] Fig. 3 is an external view of the front side of the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A in an open state before being worn on one arm, and Fig. 4 is an external view of the back side of the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A in an open 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 soft functional orthosis 1A shown in Fig. 3 in an open state before being worn on one arm, and 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 soft functional orthosis 1A shown in Fig. 4 in an open state before being worn on one arm, and with the forearm band 2A and the hand band 3A separated by the support column storage section 4A.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the forearm band 2A can be attached by wrapping it around the forearm and can be removed. The forearm band 2A is made of a material that is breathable, elastic, and stretchable. The forearm band 2A is made of a synthetic rubber material such as neoprene. In more detail, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the forearm band 2A is made of a synthetic rubber material in the forearm covering portion 21a, the first winding portion 22a, the second winding portion 23a, the forearm first locking portion 24a, the forearm second locking portion 25a, and other portions.

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

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

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

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

[0023] The surface fastening devices of the forearm first engaging portion 24a and the forearm second engaging portion 25a are, for example, hook-and-loop fasteners, and can be freely attached and detached 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 can be removed. The hand strap 3A is made of a material that is breathable, elastic, and stretchable. 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 of parts such as a back of the hand covering part 31a, a palm wrapping part 32a, a back of the hand locking part 33a, and a slip-resistant 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 can be 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 part 33a is a surface locking device that is sewn to the end side in the wrapping direction of the palm wrapping part 32a by stitching 331a. The back of the hand locking part 33a can be detachably locked to the surface side of the back of the hand covering part 31a and the support column housing part 4A, or to the surface side of the back of the hand covering part 31a or the support column housing part 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 having frictional force, a fabric having an uneven surface on the friction surface, etc., and is sewn with stitching 341a from the back covering portion 31a to any position on the palm wrapping portion 32a.

[0028] The pole storage section 4A is a section for storing the pole 5A as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 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 Fig. 1, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, etc. The pole storage section 4A has a structure that allows the pole 5A to be inserted and removed. As shown in Fig. 3 to Fig. 6, etc., the pole storage section 4A has a structure that includes 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 at a position that is located on the forearm back side of 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 column storage in the longitudinal direction at a position as shown in Figures 3 to 6.

[0030] The hand band storage section 42a is located at a position that is located on the back side of the back of the hand of the surface of the back of the hand covering section 31a when the hand band 3A is wrapped around the back of the hand and the palm of the hand, and is provided so as to coincide 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 of the hand covering section 31a by stitching 422a at a position as shown in Figures 3 to 6, so as to provide an opening midway along the longitudinal direction of the support storage.

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

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

[0033] The support 5A is a support material for generating a dorsiflexion torque in the dorsiflexion direction (towards the back side of the back of the hand) in response to the movement of the wrist of the wearer. As shown in Fig. 7 etc., the support 5A is, for example, a flat plate material bent so that the angle between the support side 511a located on the back side of the forearm of the forearm band 2A and the support side 512a located on the back side of the hand of the hand band 3A is a predetermined support dorsiflexion angle α. The support 5A is stored in the support storage section 4A on the back side of the wrist joint 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 Figs. 1 and 7, the portions of the support side 511a and the support side 512a near the bend 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 the bend 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 the forearm in the resting position and locked, the flat portion of the support side 511a abuts against the back side of the forearm. When at least the hand band 3A is wrapped around the back of the hand and the palm of the hand and locked, the flat portion of the support side 512a abuts against the back side of the hand at the predetermined support dorsiflexion angle α of the wrist joint in the resting position.

[0035] The number of plates used in the support 5A is, for example, one support plate 51a or multiple (two or more) support plates 51a and 54a, as shown in FIG. 5. The number of plates used in the support 5A is determined not only by the shape and material of the plates, but also by factors such as gender, physique, age, and severity of the affected area. In addition, in one support plate 51a, rubber protective covers such as support end caps 52a and 53a are preferably attached to the end sides of the support sides 511a and 512a, as shown in FIG. 6. In the additional support plate 54a, rubber protective covers such as support end caps 55a and 56a are preferably attached to the end sides of the support sides 541a and 542a.

[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 the 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 FIG. 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 a position corresponding to a position near the wrist joint. The predetermined support dorsiflexion angle α is, for example, 30 degrees. Preferably, the range of the predetermined support dorsiflexion angle α at rest shown in Figs. 1 and 7(a) is 15 degrees to 45 degrees. The range of the predetermined support dorsiflexion angle α was determined with reference to a study (described in Reference 1) showing that when the dorsiflexion angle of the wrist joint itself is in the range of 15 degrees to 45 degrees, the grip strength of the limb at rest using a wrist joint brace or the like is not reduced. (Reference 1) Title: "The Effect of Wrist Position on Grip Endurance and Grip Strength", Author: 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 brace 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 wrist joint dorsiflexor function assistance during intended movement starting from wrist joint palmar flexion by the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A of this embodiment will be described below. Figure 8(a) is a side external view of the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A shown in Figure 1 worn on one arm with the wrist joint bent in the palmar flexion direction, and Figure 8(b) is an external view seen from the fist side of the hand in the worn state. Figures 9 and 10 are external views of a usage state showing an action of grasping and lifting a sphere about the size of a tennis ball with the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A shown in Figure 1 worn on one arm.

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

[0041] When the wearer moves from the wrist position at rest of the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A shown in FIG. 1 to the wrist joint palmar flexion state of the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A shown in FIG. 8, the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A acts as follows. The support 5A restricts the wrist band 3A from stretching during the wearer's palmar flexion movement shown in FIG. 8, etc., and the forearm band 2A prevents the forearm side support 5A from lifting up due to the force applied to the support 5A on the hand band 3A side. Furthermore, such palmar flexion movement generates a traction force of the elasticity of the support 5A and the hand band 3A having elasticity, etc., and can generate a dorsiflexion torque in the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A. The wearer can adjust the tightness of the forearm band 2A and the hand band 3A when wearing or after wearing.

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

[0043] The movement shown in FIG. 9(a) shows the state before the wearer wearing the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A grasps the ball. The predetermined support dorsiflexion angle α of the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A at that time is in the range of the dorsiflexion angle (for example, 15 to 45 degrees) in the resting position of the wrist joint. The movement shown in FIG. 9(b) shows the force F1 acting on the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A during the palmar flexion movement when the wearer goes to grasp the ball. Also, the movement shown in FIG. 9(b) shows the state in which the predetermined support dorsiflexion angle α in the movement shown in FIG. 9(a) has changed to the support dorsiflexion angle αu after deformation. Note that the relationship is the predetermined support dorsiflexion angle α>the support dorsiflexion angle αu after deformation.

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

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

[0046] As explained above with respect to the actions shown in Figures 9(a) and (b) and Figures 10(a) and (b), the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A can be used to assist the wrist joint dorsiflexion action by utilizing the palm grip action of the wearer wearing the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A. As described above, the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A of this embodiment assists the wrist joint dorsiflexion function of the wearer, but does not interfere with palm flexion movement, and can be worn, for example, during work or other activities.

[0047] As described above, by wearing the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A of this embodiment, a patient suffering from a disease 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 wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A according to an embodiment of the present invention can achieve both (1) the effect of fixing the wrist joint and the effect of resting the wrist joint moving muscles when the patient suffers from a disease such as lateral epicondylitis of the humerus when the patient is relaxed, and (2) the functional assistance of the wrist joint dorsiflexor muscles when the patient makes an intended movement starting from palmar flexion of the wrist.

[0049] <About verification tests, etc.> An example of the action and effect of the wrist joint soft function orthosis 1A of this embodiment will be described in the verification test shown in Fig. 11 to Fig. 16. Fig. 11 is a photographed image of a prototype corresponding to the configuration of the wrist joint soft function orthosis 1A of this embodiment shown in Fig. 5 before wearing. Fig. 12 is a photographed image of a prototype corresponding to the configuration of the wrist joint soft function orthosis 1A of this embodiment shown in Fig. 1 when worn. In detail, the photographed image of the wrist joint soft function orthosis 1A shown in Fig. 12(a) when worn is taken from the side of the forearm at a dorsiflexion angle of about 30 degrees in the resting position of the wrist joint corresponding to Fig. 1. Moreover, the photographed images of the wrist joint soft function orthosis 1A shown in Fig. 12(b) and (c) when worn are taken from the diagonal front side of the forearm at a palmar flexion angle β of about 60 degrees during the palmar flexion movement of the wrist joint corresponding to Fig. 8, Fig. 12(b) is taken from the diagonal front side of the forearm, and Fig. 12(c) is taken from the side of the forearm.

[0050] In the verification tests shown in Fig. 11 to Fig. 16, in a prototype corresponding to the configuration of the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A of this embodiment, the support plate 51a used in the support 5A has, for example, the forearm length La of the support side 511a shown in Fig. 7(a) and (b), the back part length Lb of the support side 512a shown in Fig. 7(a) and (b), the plate thickness ta = 0.7 (mm), and the plate width Wa = 9 (mm) shown in Fig. 7(b). The plate thickness ta = 0.7 (mm) is a thickness including paint such as waterproof coating, and the support plate 54a used in the support 5A shown in Fig. 6 etc. has, for example, the forearm length La of the support side 541a = 131 (mm), the back part length Lb of the support side 542a = 52 (mm), the plate thickness ta = 0.7 (mm), and the 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 the 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 the prototype shown in Fig. 12 is worn. 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 the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A with the forearm in a pronated position, and then measurements were taken for four wrist positions, as test conditions: Fig. 13(a) dorsiflexion 30 degrees (dorsiflexion angle 30 degrees), Fig. 13(b) dorsiflexion-palmar flexion 0 degrees (dorsiflexion angle 0 degrees, palmar flexion angle β = 0 degrees), Fig. 13(c) palmar flexion 30 degrees (angle leaning toward the palmar flexion side, palmar flexion angle β = 30 degrees), and Fig. 13(d) palmar flexion 60 degrees (similarly, palmar flexion angle β = 60 degrees). In addition, for the support 5A, two support plates (support plates 51a and 54a) shown in Fig. 14(a) were used for men, and one support plate (support plate 51a) shown in Fig. 14(b) 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, the torque sensor of the measuring device read the 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 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 Figs. 14(a) and (b), the brace generates a dorsiflexion torque according to the palmar flexion motion, i.e., according to the palmar flexion angle of the wrist. For example, as the palmar flexion angle increases, the assisting dorsiflexion torque increases. For example, when the wearer bends the wrist 60 degrees toward the palm, the brace can assist about half of the maximum dorsiflexion torque (bending toward the back of the hand) of a healthy man or woman by the elastic force of the support 5A and the traction force of the elastic supporter (hand belt 3A, etc.). In this case, for example, the support 5A is made of steel with a plate thickness ta = 0.7 (mm) and a plate width Wa = 9 (mm) as described above, and it is advisable to consider the dimensions of the support plate material to be used, the number of plates to be used, etc., taking into account gender, age, physical differences, etc., such as using two for men and one for women.

[0057] The data described below is based on (1) verification data of the wrist joint torque of a healthy subject, and (2) verification data of the wrist joint soft 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 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, the percentage of dorsiflexion torque of the wrist that can be assisted by this orthosis when the wrist is flexed at a palmar flexion angle β = 60 degrees 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 pillar 5A is 30 degrees), the orthosis does not generate a 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 material 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 that case, the thickness ta, width Wa, etc. of the plate material such as the support plate 51a used for the support 5A are determined in consideration of the same actions and effects as those of the above-mentioned verification test, etc.

[0060] <Subjective experiment of pain intensity> The present inventor conducted a subjective experiment on the intensity of pain as shown in Fig. 15(a) and (b) on 12 patients with lateral epicondylitis of the humerus (hereinafter referred to as subjects). The subjects lifted a 1 kg sandbag (a bag filled with sand) placed at the table position shown in Fig. 15(a) to shoulder height with the forearm in the pronated position shown in Fig. 15(b). The subjects performed the experiment under the operating conditions shown in Fig. 16 (a) without the brace, (b) with the existing brace (for example, a tennis elbow brace as shown in the example of Fig. 21), and (c) with the wrist joint soft functional brace 1A (referred to as this brace), and the data at that time was collected.

[0061] Fig. 16 is a graph of the data collected from the subjective experiment on pain intensity shown in Fig. 15. 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 Fig. 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 FIG. 16, for example, when the significant difference is judged by the P value in the statistical hypothesis test, the hypothesis that there is no significant difference between (c) the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A and (a) no orthosis shown in FIG. 16 is not established because the P value is <0.01, and therefore it is judged that there is a significant difference between (c) the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A and (a) no orthosis. Similarly, the hypothesis that there is no significant difference between (c) the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A and (b) the existing orthosis shown in FIG. 16 is not established because the P value is <0.01, and it is judged that there is a significant difference between (c) the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A and (b) the existing orthosis. As a result of the variance analysis of the data on FIG. 16, it was confirmed that (c) the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A tends to have a significantly stronger pain reducing effect than (a) no orthosis and (b) the existing orthosis.

[0063] That is, the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A of this embodiment assists the wearer's wrist joint dorsiflexion function, but does not hinder palmar flexion movement, making it possible to wear it during work, etc. Furthermore, the supporter (e.g., neoprene, etc.) used in the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A of this embodiment can use materials that are also used in wetsuits, so it can be worn by workers and other workers who handle water. In addition, by prescribing the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A of this embodiment to a patient with lateral epicondylitis of the humerus, for example, it is expected that treatment compliance will improve and treatment outcomes will improve.

[0064] The advantages of the wrist joint soft functional orthosis of this embodiment over conventional orthoses are, in particular, for example, 1) that the wrist joint palmar flexion movement is not impaired while wearing it, and 2) that the entire orthosis is soft and does not interfere with the gripping of objects. These points are essential conditions when lifting objects during work such as line work, but were difficult to achieve with conventional orthoses (for example, cock-up splints and rigid functional orthoses). The wrist joint soft functional orthosis of this embodiment is a functional orthosis that can be realistically worn by workers suffering from 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 moving muscles when the patient suffers from a disease such as lateral epicondylitis of the humerus is relaxed, and can also assist the function of the wrist joint dorsiflexion muscles when making intended movements.

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

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

[0068] The 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's hand as shown in Figures 17(a) and 17(b) to immobilize the wrist joint and rest the wrist joint movement muscles when the patient suffers from a disease such as lateral epicondylitis of the humerus is relaxed, and can also assist the function of the wrist joint dorsiflexion muscles when the patient intends to move. As shown in Figures 17 to 19, the wrist joint soft function orthosis 1B includes a forearm band 2B that is wrapped around the forearm, a hand band 3B that is wrapped around the palm and back of the hand, a support pole storage section 4B that is provided along the longitudinal direction formed by the forearm back side of the forearm band 2B and the back side of the hand of the hand band 3B, and a support pole 5B that can be stored in the support pole storage section 4B along the longitudinal direction of the support pole storage section 4B. 17(a) and (b) and the like show a wrist joint soft function orthosis 1B in a state where the wrist joint soft function orthosis 1B of this embodiment is worn on one arm (for example, the right arm).

[0069] The main structural differences between the wrist joint soft function orthosis 1B of this embodiment and the wrist joint soft function orthosis 1A of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1 etc. are that the forearm cuff 2B and the wrist cuff 3B are connected together, and that the support column storage section 4B has a plurality of storage pockets 422b for the support column 5B. The following description will focus on these main differences.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 17(a) and (b), the forearm band 2B can be attached by wrapping it around the forearm, and can be removed. The forearm band 2B is made of a material that is breathable, elastic, and stretchable. The forearm band 2B is made of a synthetic rubber material such as neoprene. In more detail, as shown in Fig. 18 and Fig. 19, the forearm band 2B is made of a synthetic rubber material in the forearm covering portion 21b, the first winding portion 22b, the second winding portion 23b, the forearm first locking portion 24b, the forearm second locking portion 25b, and other portions.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 17(a) and (b), the hand belt 3B can be attached by wrapping it around the back of the hand and the palm of the hand, and can be removed. The hand belt 3B is made of a material that is breathable, elastic, and stretchable. The hand belt 3B is made of a synthetic rubber material such as neoprene. As shown in Fig. 18 and Fig. 19, the hand belt 3B is made of parts such as a back of the hand covering part 31b, a palm wrapping part 32b, a back of the hand locking part 33b, a little finger side wrapping part 34b, and a little finger side locking part 35b.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0078] As described above, the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1B of this embodiment differs from the wrist joint soft 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 are, in particular, for example, 1) that the wrist joint palmar flexion movement is not impaired while wearing it, and 2) that the entire orthosis is soft and does not interfere with the gripping of objects. These points are essential conditions when lifting objects during work such as line work, but could not be achieved with conventional orthoses (for example, cock-up splints and rigid functional orthoses). The wrist joint soft functional orthosis of this embodiment is a functional orthosis that can be realistically worn by workers suffering from lateral epicondylitis while working.

[0080] Furthermore, compared to the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1A of the first embodiment, the wrist joint soft functional orthosis 1B of this embodiment has an integrated structure in which the forearm band 2B and the hand band 3B are connected as an orthosis, so that the forearm band and the hand band are less likely to shift when put on, or shift due to movement of the wrist joint after putting them on.

[0081] As described above, the wrist joint soft functional orthosis of this embodiment can stabilize the wrist joint and rest the wrist joint moving muscles when the patient suffers from a disease such as lateral epicondylitis of the humerus is relaxed, and can also assist the function of the wrist joint dorsiflexion muscles when making 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. In addition, 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 gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims, as well as the scope and gist of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] Reference Signs List 1A, 1B... Wrist joint soft functional orthosis, 2A, 2B... Forearm band, 3A, 3B... Hand band, 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 wrap Attachment portion, 35b...little finger side locking portion, 41a...forearm storage portion, 42a...hand belt 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 wrist joint soft functional orthosis that does not have a support on the palm side of the hand, 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 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 hand band; The support can be housed in the support housing along the longitudinal direction of the support housing, and has elasticity. The forearm band and the hand band are made of elastic and stretchable material, The support has an angle between a support side located on the back side of the forearm of the forearm band and a support side located on the back side of the hand of the hand band, which is a predetermined support dorsiflexion angle, The forearm cuff and the hand cuff, together with the support stored in the support storage section, keep the wrist joint fixed when the wearer is wearing the device and relaxed, and assist the dorsiflexion movement of the wrist joint dorsiflexor muscles according to the direction of increase in the palmar flexion angle during intended movement within a range of a predetermined support dorsiflexion angle to a palmar flexion angle of 60 degrees starting from the palmar flexion of the wrist, and generate a dorsiflexion torque of 1.5 to 3.3 Nm when the wearer flexes the wrist joint to a palmar flexion angle of 60 degrees. A soft functional wrist orthosis characterized by the above features.

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

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