Orthopedic device for supporting a joint

Abstract

The invention relates to an orthopedic device (1) for supporting a joint (A) between a first segment (O1) and a second segment (O2), the device being characterized in that it comprises: - a first holding element (11) intended to be secured to the first segment; - a second holding element (12) intended to be secured to the second segment; - two filiform joining elements (21, 22) connecting the first holding element to the second holding element, the two first joining elements extending parallel to one another, the two first joining elements being intended to deform elastically when the first holding element and the second holding element are secured to their respective segments and the joint is used.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Orthopedic device designed to support a joint

[0003] Technical field of the invention

[0004] The invention relates to an orthopedic device intended to support a joint, for example an ankle joint.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] The human body has over 300 joints through which body segments are connected in a mobile manner. These joints include, for example, those at the ankles, knees, pelvis, wrists, elbows, shoulders, and along the spine. These various joints can show signs of deterioration and experience dysfunctions, for example, due to trauma, pathology, congenital conditions, or aging. Examples include diarthroses, amphiarthroses, and synarthroses. To support a weakened or impaired joint, it is common practice to equip a person with an orthosis. An orthosis can be designed to temporarily immobilize a joint or to assist joint function in cases of sensorimotor deficits, with the aim of relieving pain and / or preventing injury.

[0007] Many types of orthoses are known. One type consists of a relatively rigid structure, for example, made of plastic. This rigid structure comprises two support elements, one for attaching to one segment of the joint, and the other for attaching to a second segment on the opposite side. This type of orthosis is primarily used to immobilize a joint, either temporarily or permanently. Depending on the rigidity of the structure, small ranges of motion may still be permitted. Such orthoses can be used as part of a therapeutic procedure in which a joint must be immobilized for a specific period, for example, to allow for the repair of damaged ligaments. In the case of temporary use, the orthosis is removed at the end of this period, and the joint is then completely free.The user therefore goes from a state of joint immobility when wearing the brace to a complete absence of immobility when removing the brace. Such a transition is abrupt and can lead to further injuries if no rehabilitation and / or re-adaptation follow-up is implemented.

[0008] Orthoses made of carbon fiber or composite materials are also available. Composites possess an elasticity that gives the orthosis a dynamism that can compensate for muscular or neurological deficiencies. Composite orthoses are complex to manufacture. Furthermore, such orthoses are generally designed for specific activities where particular muscle tone, strength, and / or elasticity are required. Outside of this activity, such an orthosis is generally impractical and difficult to readjust.

[0009] We are also familiar with articulated orthoses, such as hinged knee braces. These orthoses aim to ensure the knee joint functions around a predefined axis of rotation, preventing unwanted twisting movements of the knee. They offer greater ranges of motion, and some can be adjusted by trained professionals. However, these articulated systems are expensive, heavy, and bulky to be worn under clothing.

[0010] The various orthoses available today each have their own advantages and disadvantages: they are generally complex and expensive to manufacture, non-recyclable, and bulky. Furthermore, they assist users in very specific situations. In other cases, an orthosis often provides insufficient support for a joint, increasing pain and the risk of injury, or conversely, provides excessive support, causing discomfort. Users of these orthoses are therefore required to replace them regularly, maintain several models, and sometimes remove their orthosis altogether to avoid excessive restrictions in their movements or daily activities.

[0011] Presentation of the invention

[0012] The object of the invention is to provide an orthopedic device remedying the above disadvantages and improving upon known orthopedic devices of the prior art.

[0013] More specifically, a first object of the invention is an orthopedic device that is simple to manufacture, lightweight, compact, and practical to use.

[0014] Summary of the invention

[0015] The invention relates to an orthopedic device intended to support a joint between a first segment and a second segment, the orthopedic device comprising:

[0016] - a first retaining element intended to be attached to the first segment,

[0017] - a second retaining element intended to be attached to the second segment,

[0018] - at least two first thread-like connecting elements linking the first retaining element to the second retaining element, the first two connecting elements extending parallel to each other, the first two connecting elements being designed to deform elastically when the first retaining element and the second retaining element are subjected to their respective segments and the joint is stressed, and

[0019] - a first flange attached to the first two connecting elements, the first flange being able to slide along the first two connecting elements, the stiffness of the assembly formed by the first two connecting elements being dependent on the position of the first flange along the first two connecting elements. At least one of the first two connecting elements may include a plurality of reliefs able to cooperate with the first flange to define a plurality of stable positions of the first flange along the first two connecting elements.

[0020] The said joint may include an axis of rotation, and the first two connecting elements may extend at different distances from said axis of rotation.

[0021] The first flange may include at least two through holes, each of the first joining elements passing through one hole of the first flange.

[0022] The first flange can be removably fixed to the first two joining elements, in particular the first flange can include a first half-flange and a second half-flange fixed to the first half-flange, in particular by fixing screws.

[0023] Each joining element can include a bent portion, the stiffness of the assembly formed by the first two joining elements increasing as the first flange is brought closer to the bent portion.

[0024] Each joining element may be made of polyamide, in particular polyundecanamide. Each joining element may include an orthogonal cross-section with a maximum width between 5 mm and 20 mm inclusive. Each joining element may include an orthogonal cross-section of circular, oval, or polygonal shape.

[0025] The first retaining element may include a first rigid structure intended to be attached to the first segment and at least two first wells integral with the first structure, each first well receiving a first end of a first connecting element, each first end of a first connecting element being removably fixed in a first well, in particular by a fixing screw or a fixing clip. The second retaining element may include a second rigid structure intended to be attached to the second segment and at least two second wells integral with the second structure, each second well receiving a second end of a first connecting element, each second end of a first connecting element being removably fixed in a second well, in particular by a fixing screw or a fixing clip.

[0026] The orthopedic device may include at least three first thread-like connecting elements linking the first retaining element to the second retaining element, the first three connecting elements extending parallel to each other, the first three connecting elements being intended to deform elastically when the first retaining element and the second retaining element are subjected to their respective segments and the joint is stressed, the first flange being attached to the first three connecting elements, the first flange being able to slide along the first three connecting elements, a stiffness of the assembly formed by the first three connecting elements being dependent on the position of the first flange along the first three connecting elements.

[0027] The orthopedic device may also include:

[0028] - at least two second thread-like connecting elements linking the first retaining element to the second retaining element, the two second connecting elements extending parallel to each other, the two second connecting elements being designed to deform elastically when the first retaining element and the second retaining element are subjected to their respective segments and the joint is stressed, the first two connecting elements being designed to extend from one side of the joint, the two second connecting elements being designed to extend from a second side of the joint opposite to the first side, and

[0029] - a second flange attached to the two second connecting elements, the second flange being able to slide along the two second connecting elements, a stiffness of the assembly formed by the two second connecting elements being dependent on the position of the second flange along the two second connecting elements.

[0030] The orthopedic device may be intended to support an ankle joint; the first support element may include a calf brace and the second support element may include an insole.

[0031] Presentation of the figures

[0032] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0033] Figure 1 is an isometric side view of an orthopedic device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0034] Figure 2 is a rear isometric view of the orthopedic device.

[0035] Figure 3 is a schematic view illustrating the deformations of connecting elements of the orthopedic device during walking.

[0036] Figure 4 is a detailed view illustrating a first flange of the orthopedic device.

[0037] Figure 5 is a view of the orthopedic device in disassembled parts.

[0038] Figure 6 is an isometric side view of an orthopedic device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0039] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a first flange of the orthopedic device according to the second embodiment.

[0040] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the orthopedic device according to the first embodiment.

[0041] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the orthopedic device according to the second embodiment.

[0042] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a variant of the orthopedic device according to the second embodiment. Detailed description

[0043] Figures 1 and 2 schematically illustrate an orthopedic device 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The orthopedic device 1 is intended to support a joint of the human body. In particular, the orthopedic device 1 may be intended to completely immobilize a joint or simply to add mechanical resistance to certain movements of the joint. In this second case, the joint is not completely immobilized, but the range of motion of the joint may be limited by the mechanical resistance provided by the orthopedic device 1. The orthopedic device 1 may also be intended to assist the function of the joint by producing an elastic force that allows the joint to return to a given equilibrium position.Thus, by "supporting a joint", we understand an action of blocking a joint, or an action of limiting the range of motion of a joint, or even assistance in the functioning of the joint to, for example, compensate for a muscular incapacity.

[0044] According to the embodiment presented, the orthopedic device 1 is intended to support an ankle joint, that is, a joint between a foot and a lower leg. Alternatively, and as will be explained below, the orthopedic device 1 could be adapted to assist any other joint in the human body, for example, a knee, pelvis, wrist, elbow, shoulder, or spinal joint. The orthopedic device 1 could also be adapted for the veterinary treatment of vertebrate animals.

[0045] This principle can also be adapted for the creation of non-motorized exoskeletons, for load carrying or the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders related to certain workstations.

[0046] In general, the orthopedic device 1 is designed to support a joint A between a first segment 01 and a second segment 02. The first segment 01 and the second segment 02 generally refer to two parts of the human (or animal) body articulated by said joint A. According to the embodiment presented, the first segment 01 is a lower leg including, in particular, the tibia and fibula bones, and the second segment 02 is a foot including, in particular, the tarsal and metatarsal bones. Joint A is a joint whose function is primarily exerted by flexion and extension of the foot, that is to say, by a rotational movement of the foot relative to the lower leg around a transverse axis of rotation Y1 passing substantially through the medial and lateral malleoli.

[0047] Orthopedic apparatus 1 mainly comprises:

[0048] - a first support element 11 intended to be attached to the first segment 01, in this case the lower leg,

[0049] - a second retaining element 12 intended to be attached to the second segment 02, in this case the foot,

[0050] - two first thread-like connecting elements 21, 22 linking the first retaining element 11 to the second retaining element 12, and

[0051] - a first flange 31, attached to the first two connecting elements 21, 22 and able to slide along the first two connecting elements.

[0052] Generally speaking, a support element 11, 12 refers to a part of the orthopedic appliance intended to be secured, that is, fixed, to a segment. The characteristics of the support element 11, 12 depend, in particular, on the type of segment to which it is fixed. Each support element 11, 12 preferably includes a rigid structure 111, 121. By "rigid" is understood that the structure 111, 121 is adapted to transmit a force to the segment to which it is fixed. The rigid structure may, for example, include at least one wall made of plastic or a material of equivalent rigidity. This wall may have a shape that conforms to the shape of the segment to which it is fixed. Optionally, each support element 11, 12 may further include a cushioning layer, for example made of foam and / or textile material, intended to be interposed between the skin and the structure 111, 121 to avoid direct contact between the skin and the rigid structure.According to the embodiment shown, the structure 111 includes a substantially C-shaped support for attachment to the rear of the lower leg, above the calf and below the popliteal fossa. Advantageously, the first support element 11 is also provided with a fastening means 112, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener, a strap, or an adhesive strip. The fastening means 112 can be configured to tighten the first support element 11 around the lower leg.

[0053] The rigid structure 121 of the second support element 12 is designed to extend under the foot, like a shoe sole, and around the heel. The structure 121 may have a thickness of the same order of magnitude as that of a shoe sole, i.e., a thickness on the order of a few millimeters. The second support element 12 may be without any means of attachment around the foot and be intended for use in combination with a shoe. The shoe's fastening means then allow the structure 121 to be pressed against the user's foot. Advantageously, the structure 121 is thin enough to allow the foot and structure 121 to be inserted into a shoe. Alternatively, the second support element could also be equipped with a means of fastening the structure 121 around the user's foot.Such a tightening method could include, for example, a self-gripping closure strip, a strap, or even an adhesive strip.

[0054] The first two connecting elements 21, 22 are wire-like. They are preferably profiled, meaning they have a cross-section orthogonal to the direction in which they extend, which is generally constant between their two opposite ends. Each connecting element 21, 22 has a first end attached to the structure 111 of the first support element 11 and a second end attached to the structure 121 of the second support element 12. The first two connecting elements 21, 22 are thus adapted to transmit a force between the two support elements 11 and 12. When undeformed, the first two connecting elements 21, 22 extend parallel to each other. In other words, the first two connecting elements 21, 22 extend parallel to each other when the orthopedic device is in its equilibrium position.The first two connecting elements 21, 22 are then separated from each other by a distance D1 that is substantially constant between their two respective ends.

[0055] The first two connecting elements 21, 22 are designed to deform elastically when the first retaining element 11 and the second retaining element 12 are fixed to their respective segments and the joint is subjected to stress. The elasticity of the connecting elements tends to return the retaining elements 11, 12 to their relative equilibrium position. When the joint is subjected to stress, the first two connecting elements 21, 22 deform differently. The distance D1 is then not constant along the first two connecting elements 21, 22.

[0056] Advantageously, the first two connecting elements 21 and 22 extend to different distances D21 and D22 respectively from the axis of rotation Y1 of the joint A. In this case, connecting element 21 is closer to the axis of rotation Y1 than connecting element 22. The distance D21 is therefore strictly less than the distance D22. This allows the differences in deformation between the first two connecting elements 21 and 22 to be accentuated when the joint is under load.

[0057] The stiffer the connecting elements 21, 22, the more difficult it is to move the second retaining element 12 relative to the first retaining element 11. When the stiffness of the connecting elements 21, 22 is sufficiently high compared to the force exerted by the user, the joint can be considered locked. When the stiffness of the connecting elements 21, 22 is negligible compared to the force exerted by the user, the joint can be considered free. In practice, the stiffness of the connecting elements 21, 22 is determined between these two extremes, taking into account the required support and the user's anatomy. The connecting elements 21, 22 are not in contact with the user. Thus, the operation of the joint does not disturb the deformation of the connecting elements.

[0058] According to the embodiment presented, the two connecting elements 21, 22 extend from the inner side of the foot and the lower leg. The connecting elements 21, 22 include an angled portion that curves around the medial malleolus from behind. Each connecting element 21, 22 also includes a substantially vertical upper portion and an oblique lower portion oriented forward and downward. The angle formed between the upper and lower portions may, for example, be between 30° and 60° inclusive. Such an arrangement of the connecting elements is compatible with wearing trousers and shoes. The user can therefore be dressed and shod normally while wearing the orthotic device 1.

[0059] Figure 3 illustrates the behavior of the connecting elements 21, 22 within an ankle orthopedic device during walking. The orthopedic device is assumed to be without the first flange 31, which will be described later.

[0060] A stride can be broken down into four successive phases P1, P2, P3, P4, as shown in Figure 3. During the first phase, P1, the heel makes contact with the ground. The angle between the foot and the lower leg is approximately 90°, which corresponds to the equilibrium position of the orthotic device. The orthotic device is not under any stress, and the first two connecting elements 21 and 22 are parallel to each other. During the second phase, P2, the foot is fully supported on the ground, and the lower leg is inclined backward and upward. The angle between the foot and the lower leg is strictly greater than that of the first phase, P1, for example, on the order of 100°. In this configuration, the first two connecting elements 21 and 22 are deformed and are not parallel to each other.The distance D1 between the connecting elements is locally strictly greater than that obtained during the first phase, i.e., when the orthopedic device is in equilibrium. During the third phase P3, the foot is still fully supported on the ground, and the lower leg is inclined forward and upward. The angle between the foot and the lower leg is strictly less than that of the first phase P1, for example, on the order of 80°. In this configuration, the first two connecting elements 21, 22 are also under stress and are therefore not parallel to each other. The distance D1 between the connecting elements is also locally strictly greater than that obtained during the first phase. During the fourth phase P4, the heel lifts off the ground, and the foot is supported on the ground only by the toes.The angle between the foot and the lower leg is virtually identical to that of the first phase P1. In this configuration, the orthotic device is not under any stress and returns to its equilibrium position. The first two connecting elements 21 and 22 are again parallel to each other. It is therefore clear that with each stride, a deformation occurs in the connecting elements 21 and 22, and that this deformation results in a variation in the distance between the two connecting elements.

[0061] The first flange 31 is configured to locally impose a given spacing between the two connecting elements 21 and 22. Thus, the flange constrains the deformation of the first connecting elements 21, 22 during movement of the joint. The stiffness of the assembly formed by the first two connecting elements 21, 22 and the flange 31 is therefore dependent on the position of the first flange 31 along the first two connecting elements.

[0062] The first strap 31, which could also be called a "slider" or "shuttle," is designed to be manually moved along the two connecting elements 21, 22 to adjust the stiffness of the orthopedic device. Preferably, the first strap 31 is moved when the orthopedic device is in its equilibrium position. Depending on its position, the force exerted by the first strap 31 on the connecting elements 21, 22 is greater or lesser, thus allowing for easy adjustment of the orthopedic device's stiffness. The user can therefore easily increase or decrease the stiffness of the orthopedic device by moving the first strap along the connecting elements. Advantageously, adjusting the orthopedic device requires neither disassembly nor the use of any tools. Advantageously, the first strap 31 can even be moved through clothing.It is therefore particularly simple to execute.

[0063] For example, a person might need a particularly rigid orthotic device for walking and a much more flexible one for driving a car to operate the pedals. This person will then be able to easily and intuitively switch from a rigid to a more flexible configuration of the orthotic device without removing it. With practice, each user will be able to memorize the position of the first strap that is suitable for a given activity and will be able to quickly adjust their orthotic device.

[0064] In another example, the rigidity of the orthotic device can be gradually reduced during the healing process. The user can then use their joint with an increasing range of motion until the orthotic device is completely removed at the end of the healing process. In the case of a degenerative condition, the user can gradually increase the rigidity of the orthotic device.

[0065] Figure 1 shows two possible positions of the first flange 31 with dashed lines identified by references 31' and 31". The range of movement of the first flange can be limited by stops formed respectively on the first retaining element 11 and on the second retaining element 12.

[0066] The first flange 31 can be in the form of a body comprising two through holes, each of the first connecting elements passing through one of the holes in the first flange. Advantageously, the holes have a shape complementary to the shape of the connecting elements so as to eliminate any play between the flange and the connecting elements. A slight interference between the holes and the connecting elements can be provided to stabilize the position of the first flange 31.

[0067] When the joining elements have a bent portion, as is for example the case of the embodiment shown in the figures, the stiffness of the assembly formed by the first two joining elements can increase when the first flange is brought closer to the bent portion.

[0068] As can be seen in Figure 2, the orthopedic device 1 further comprises two second, thread-like connecting elements 23, 24 linking the first support element 11 to the second support element 12, and a second strap 32. The two second connecting elements 23, 24 and the second strap 32 are analogous, respectively, to the first two connecting elements 21, 22 and the first strap 31 described previously and function in the same way. The first two connecting elements 21, 22 extend from one side of the joint, while the two second connecting elements 23, 24 extend from a second side of the joint opposite to the first side. According to the embodiment shown, the two second connecting elements 23, 24 therefore extend on the lateral side of the ankle joint. The joint can thus be supported symmetrically.The forces exerted by the connecting elements are balanced, thus preventing asymmetrical stress on the joint. Alternatively, asymmetrical stress may be desired, for example, to perform rehabilitation or realign a joint. Asymmetrical stress can also be achieved by positioning each flange 31, 32 asymmetrically.

[0069] According to a simplified embodiment, the orthopedic device could comprise only two connecting elements, one on the inner side and one on the outer side. According to another simplified embodiment, the orthopedic device could comprise both connecting elements on either side of the joint but only one of the following: the first connecting element 31 or the second connecting element 32. In the remainder of this description, reference will be made to the first connecting elements 21, 22 and the first connecting element 31, bearing in mind that their characteristics or options can be transposed to the second connecting elements 23, 24 and the second connecting element 32.

[0070] Advantageously, at least one of the first two connecting elements 21, 22 may include a plurality of ridges capable of cooperating with the first flange 31 to define a plurality of stable positions of the first flange along the first two connecting elements. The ridges may, for example, be positive ridges formed at regular intervals along at least one connecting element 21 or 22. Alternatively, the ridges could also be negative ridges, i.e., recessed. The presence of ridges offers several advantages. Firstly, the ridges help stabilize the position of the first flange. The first flange 31 is less likely to slip downwards under the effect of gravity or impacts, for example, when the user walks. Secondly, the ridges allow the position of the first flange to be easily and intuitively identified.This makes it easier to find a given setting on the orthopedic device.

[0071] Alternatively or in addition, at least one connecting element 21 or 22 could be equipped with visual markers to identify the position of the first flange. However, the use of visual markers requires that the connecting element 21 or 22 be visible when adjusting the position of the first flange 31.

[0072] Alternatively or in addition, the first flange 31 could be equipped with a clamping means configured to clamp the first flange onto at least one connecting element. Such a clamping means would more reliably prevent unwanted slippage of the first flange along the first connecting elements during use of the orthopedic device.

[0073] In one embodiment, the first flange 31 can be removably attached to the first two connecting elements 21, 22. This allows the first flange to be completely removed from the orthopedic device, thus achieving maximum flexibility. Alternatively, several flanges can be assembled to the same pair of connecting elements to obtain even greater rigidity of the orthopedic device.

[0074] With reference to Figure 4, the first flange 31 may include a first half-flange 311 and a second half-flange 312 fixed to the first half-flange, in particular by two fixing screws 313. The two half-flanges 311, 312 may be assembled to each other in a plane passing through the two joining elements 21, 22. Each half-flange may include two half-holes, the assembly of two half-flanges 311, 312 reconstituting the holes through which the joining elements are arranged. Such a solution makes it possible to consider the assembly and disassembly of the first flange without disassembling the joining elements 21, 22 from the retaining elements 11, 12. The fixing screws 313 by which the half-flanges 311, 312 are fixed to each other can form a suitable clamping means to prevent undesired sliding of the first flange 31 along the first joining elements 21, 22.The 313 fixing screws may optionally be equipped with a butterfly-type gripping means to allow tightening or loosening without tools.

[0075] With reference to Figure 5, we observe that the orthopedic device 1 is ultimately made up of a limited number of elements, namely the two support elements 11, 12, the connecting elements 21, 22, 23, 24 and the straps 31, 32. The orthopedic device 1 is thus very simple to manufacture and assemble.

[0076] Furthermore, the first retaining element 11 comprises two first wells 113 integral with the first structure 111. The first two wells 113 and the first structure 111 may, in particular, be formed in a single piece. Alternatively, the first two wells 113 may be attached to the first structure 111, in particular by bonding or welding. Each first well 113 accommodates a first end of a first connecting element 21, 22. Advantageously, each first end of a first connecting element is fixed in a first well by a fixing screw or a fixing clip. Similarly, the second retaining element 12 comprises two second wells 123 integral with the second structure 121. The two second wells 123 and the second structure 111 may, in particular, be formed in a single piece. Alternatively, the two second wells 123 may be attached to the second structure 121, in particular by bonding or welding.Each second well 123 accommodates a second end of a first connecting element 21, 22. Advantageously, each second end of a first connecting element is secured in a second well by a fixing screw or a fixing clip. If fixing screws are used, headless fixing screws may be used to reduce the overall size of the orthopedic device. The fixing screws may be oriented perpendicular to the axis in which the corresponding wells extend.

[0077] Each connecting element 21, 22 can be made of polyamide, specifically polyundecanamide, commonly known as PA11. This material is biocompatible and, in particular, complies with ISO 10993:2005. Furthermore, it exhibits impact resistance, resilience, and rigidity characteristics that are particularly well-suited to the production of connecting elements. In addition, this material is easily recyclable, which is advantageous since orthopedic devices are generally intended for relatively short-term use. This material is also convenient for use in additive manufacturing processes. Therefore, individual connecting elements can be custom-made using additive manufacturing.Finally, such a material remains thermoformable even after shaping, which makes it easy to adapt the shape of the joining elements, for example, to reuse them with a second user.

[0078] The use of polyamide, particularly polyundecanamide, can also be considered for manufacturing the structures 111, 121 of the retaining elements 11, 12. Alternatively, other materials could be considered: for example, PA12, polypropylene (PP), a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE or TPU). Or any other future material that would provide an improvement in the desired mechanical properties.

[0079] To manufacture the first flange 31, a rigid material, such as polyamide, can be used, as well as a flexible material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, or an elastic material such as silicone. Depending on the material chosen, the flexibility, cushioning, or responsiveness of the orthotic device can be enhanced.

[0080] Figures 6, 7, and 8 illustrate a variant of the orthopedic device 1 B according to the invention. In this variant, the orthopedic device 1 B is equipped with three connecting elements 21 B, 22 B, and 23 B on each side of the joint, linking the support elements 11 B and 12 B. The straps 31 B are adapted accordingly, each having three openings 31 B designed to cooperate with one of the connecting elements. This embodiment makes it possible to offer an orthopedic device with adjustable rigidity, but within a generally higher rigidity range. This embodiment also makes it possible to offer an orthopedic device with thinner connecting elements for a rigidity equivalent to that of an orthopedic device equipped with two pairs of connecting elements, thus making it easier to wear the orthopedic device with clothing.

[0081] According to other embodiments of the invention, the orthopedic device could comprise an even greater number of connecting elements, for example, four, five, or even six connecting elements on each side of the joint. The orthopedic device could also comprise a different number of connecting elements on each side of the joint. The flange(s) could optionally cooperate with only some of the connecting elements.

[0082] As illustrated in Figures 8, 9, and 10, each connecting element can comprise a circular or oval cross-section. A circular cross-section makes the connecting element easier to manufacture. An oval cross-section allows for a smaller overall size and reduced weight of the orthotic device while maintaining equivalent rigidity. This makes the orthotic device easier to wear over clothing. Alternatively, other cross-sectional shapes for each connecting element could be considered: for example, a polygonal cross-section, including a rectangular, square, parallelogram, pentagonal, or hexagonal cross-section.

[0083] The largest width of the orthogonal cross-section of each joining element may be between 5 mm and 20 mm inclusive. One or more joining elements may comprise a circular orthogonal cross-section with a diameter between 6 mm and 10 mm inclusive, for example, 8 mm. One or more joining elements may comprise an oval cross-section with a longer length between 10 mm and 16 mm inclusive and a shorter length between 6 mm and 8 mm inclusive.

[0084] As mentioned previously, the orthopedic device just described in relation to Figures 1 to 10 is adapted to support an ankle joint. However, the invention can be adapted to support any other type of joint in the human or animal body. For example, the orthopedic device can be designed to support a knee joint. In this case, the first support element can comprise a thigh brace and the second support element can comprise a calf brace. Alternatively, the orthopedic device can be designed to support an elbow joint. In this case, the first support element can comprise a hamstring brace and the second support element can comprise a forearm brace. Alternatively, the orthopedic device can be designed to support a wrist joint.In this case, the first support element may consist of a forearm brace, and the second support element may consist of a glove or gauntlet. The length, orthogonal cross-section, and shape of the connecting elements can, of course, be adapted to suit the joint being treated. Alternatively, the orthopedic device may be designed to support the spine. In this case, the various support elements will come together to form a brace that will extend over the surface of the spine to be supported or treated.

[0085] The joints of the human (and animal) body do not function precisely like simple mechanical joints such as pivot joints, translational joints, or ball-and-socket joints. A human joint generally results from a combination of more complex mechanical systems and the mobilization of several bones under muscular stress and the patient's load. This generates mobilization of the segments around several instantaneous centers of rotation. Unlike known prior art orthoses, the orthopedic device according to the invention respects the physiology of human movement. The orthopedic device allows for a greater range of motion without generating mechanical stress on the joint, without increasing the weight or bulk of the orthopedic device, and while providing significant support to compensate for a deficiency.

[0086] To manufacture the orthotic device, the precise dimensions of the support and connecting elements can be determined by measuring the user and taking into account the user's required support. The support elements can then be modeled using computer-aided design. Subsequently, the support and connecting elements can be manufactured using additive manufacturing, for example, by powder fusion. Alternatively, the orthotic device could have standard dimensions and be mass-produced. The use of thermoformable material would then allow each orthotic device to be adapted to the anatomy of its user.

[0087] Finally, thanks to this invention, we have a simple orthopedic device that is easy to manufacture, customizable to all body types and pathologies, and whose stiffness can be easily adjusted. The same orthopedic device can therefore be used for various activities requiring varying degrees of joint support. It can also be adapted to follow the progression of joint dysfunction by gradually decreasing or increasing the support provided by the orthopedic device.

Claims

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

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

3. Orthopedic device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said joint comprises an axis of rotation (Y1), and in that the first two connecting elements (21, 22) extend at different distances (D21, D22) from said axis of rotation.

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

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

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

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

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

9. Orthopedic device (1 B) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least three first thread-like connecting elements (21 B, 22 B, 23 B) linking the first retaining element (11 B) to the second retaining element (12 B), the first three connecting elements extending parallel to each other, the first three connecting elements being intended to deform elastically when the first retaining element and the second retaining element are subjected to their respective segment and the joint is stressed, the first flange (31 B) being attached to the first three connecting elements, the first flange being able to slide along the first three connecting elements, a stiffness of the assembly formed by the first three connecting elements being dependent on the position of the first flange along the first three connecting elements.

10. Orthopedic device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises: - at least two second thread-like connecting elements (23, 24) linking the first retaining element (11) to the second retaining element (12), the two second connecting elements extending parallel to each other, the two second connecting elements being designed to deform elastically 25 when the first and second retaining elements are attached to their respective segments and the joint is stressed, the first two connecting elements being intended to extend from one side of the joint, the second two connecting elements being intended to extend from a second side of the joint opposite to the first side, and - a second flange (32) attached to the two second connecting elements, the second flange being able to slide along the two second connecting elements, a stiffness of the assembly formed by the two second connecting elements being dependent on the position of the second flange along the two second connecting elements.

11. Orthopedic device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the orthopedic device is intended to support an ankle joint, and in that the first support element comprises a calf support and the second support element comprises a sole.

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