Device for repeatedly stimulating a joint

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for repeatedly stimulating a joint which links first and second parts (10.1, 10.2) of a person (10). The device comprises: - at least a first support (12) suitable for supporting the first part (10.1), - at least a second support (18) configured to receive at least one area of the second part (10.2), - at least one lateral stop (26) configured to transversely block an area of the first part (10.1) adjoining the joint, - at least one stimulation system (30) comprising at least one actuator (34) configured to exert a tensile or compressive force in a tension or compression direction (T), as well as at least one annular strap (36) that is secured to the actuator (34) and is configured to be positioned around the second part (10.2), as close as possible to the joint.

Description

[0001] Device for repeated stressing of a joint

[0002] The present application relates to a device for repeated stressing of a joint, more particularly adapted for a hip joint.

[0003] As part of their practice, a physiotherapist may repeatedly and alternately apply traction and compression forces to a person's hip joint to relieve certain pains.

[0004] These alternating and repeated manipulations are relatively tiring for the practitioner.

[0005] Document EP2949306 describes a device for moving a person's leg in an alternating and repeated manner. This device includes a support on which a person can be positioned lying down, a rigid trough in which a limb of the person can be positioned, straps for securing the limb in the trough, at least one slide along which the trough can move relative to the support, and a mechanism for moving the trough along the slide in an alternating and repeated motion.

[0006] Although this device allows a joint to be stimulated without fatigue for the practitioner, it does not allow for precise manipulation of the joint.

[0007] According to documents US2017 / 042581, US2019 / 117488, US2010 / 313897, US2014 / 188129, and US2023 / 000710, a device for stimulating a patient's limb includes a rigid, gutter-shaped interface in contact with the limb being stimulated. This configuration does not allow for optimal stimulation of the limb.

[0008] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a device for repeated stressing of a joint connecting the first and second parts of a person.

[0010] This system includes:

[0011] At least one first support adapted to support the first part of the person, at least one second support configured to receive at least one area of ​​the second part of the person, the first and second supports being aligned along a longitudinal direction, at least one lateral stop configured to block, along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, an area of ​​the first part of the person adjoining the joint, at least one load-bearing system comprising: o at least one actuator configured to exert a tensile or compressive force along a tensile or compressive direction, o at least one annular strap attached to the actuator and configured to be positioned around the second part of the person, as close as possible to the joint.

[0012] This configuration allows for the precise positioning of two elements: a first element (the lateral stop) that immobilizes the first part of the body, and a second element (the annular strap of the mobilization system) that applies traction (or possibly compression) to the second part of the body. This device enables precise and repeatable joint manipulation without fatigue for the practitioner.

[0013] According to another feature, the actuator is adjustable so as to adjust at least one parameter of the tensile or compressive force among its intensity, amplitude, speed and frequency.

[0014] According to another feature, the device includes at least one linking system, connecting the stressing system and the first support, which can be removable and / or adjustable to adjust the direction of tension or compression relative to the first support.

[0015] According to another feature, the device includes at least one linking system connecting the side stop and the first removable and / or adjustable support in order to adjust the position of the side stop relative to the first support in the longitudinal direction and / or the transverse direction.

[0016] According to another feature, the ring strap includes an area for attaching to the actuator and has a significant width opposite the attachment area in order to increase the contact area between the ring strap and the person in order to improve the latter's comfort.

[0017] Finally, according to another feature, the device includes at least one control configured to trigger and stop a stimulus and / or adjust at least one parameter of the stimulus, such as its duration, intensity, frequency, speed, and amplitude. Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of the invention, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0018] Figure 1 is a top view of a device for repeated stressing of a joint, illustrating one embodiment of the invention.

[0019] Figure 2 is a side view of the repeated stress device for a joint visible in Figure 1.

[0020] Figure 3 is a top view of the repeated stress device for a joint visible in Figure 1, on which a person is seated.

[0021] Figure 4 is a side view of part of the repeated stress device for a joint visible in Figure 1, on which a person is seated.

[0022] Figure 5 is a front view of part of the repeated stress device of a joint visible in Figure 1 on which a person is seated.

[0023] A device for repeatedly stressing a joint, such as the hip joint, can be used to achieve decoupling, which consists of temporarily separating two surfaces of the joint. Of course, the invention is not limited to this type of stress and this joint. For example, the repeated stress device could be used for the cervical spine.

[0024] Regardless of the joint, a person 10 comprises first and second parts 10.1, 10.2 connected by the joint (visible in Figures 3 to 5). In the case of the hip joint, the first part 10.1 corresponds to the pelvis or trunk of person 10 and the second part 10.2 corresponds to one of person 10's legs.

[0025] During repeated stress, the first part 10.1 of person 10 is substantially static and at least one area of ​​the second part 10.2 of person 10 closest to the joint is displaced.

[0026] According to an embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, a device for repeated stressing of a joint includes at least one first support 12 adapted to support the first part 10.1 of the person 10. This first support 12 has a surface, in contact with the person 10, which may include a comfort covering. In the case of hip joint decompression, the first support 12 is configured to receive the person 10 in a supine position. According to this configuration, the first support 12 comprises a frame 14 and a platform 16 supported by the frame 14. This platform 16 has an upper surface configured to receive the first part 10.1 of the person 10, namely their trunk, head, and possibly their upper limbs. This platform 16 is not flat but shaped according to the morphology of the person 10's body.

[0027] The frame 14 may include at least one adjustment system for adjusting the height and / or tilt of the platform 16. The frame 14 may include wheels to make it mobile. In a non-limiting embodiment, the frame 14 is a mechanically assembled structure. By way of example, the first support 12 may be a physiotherapist's table.

[0028] Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for support 12. The latter can take any other configuration.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the device for repeated stressing of a joint includes at least a second support 18 configured to receive at least one area of ​​the second part 10.2 of the person 10. Generally, the device includes at least a first linking system 20 connecting the first and second supports 12, 18.

[0030] The first and second supports 12, 18 are aligned along a longitudinal direction X.

[0031] The second support 18 has a surface, in contact with the person 10, which may include a comfort covering.

[0032] In the case of hip joint decoaptation, the second support 18 is configured to support the lower part of one of the person's legs 10.

[0033] This second support 18 includes a leg rest 22 configured to receive the calf of one of the lower legs and a support 24 which has an upper end connected to the leg rest 22 and a lower end connected, via the first linkage system 20, to the first support 12 and more particularly to the frame 14 of the first support 12. In operation, the leg rest 22 is positioned so as to maintain the leg of the person 10 being used in a position in which the upper part of the leg of the person 10 forms an angle of approximately 90° with the trunk of the person 10 and the lower part of the leg of the person 10 forms an angle of approximately 90° with the upper part of the leg of the person 10 (as illustrated in Figure 4).

[0034] In one configuration, the first connecting system 20 is a removable and / or adjustable connection along the longitudinal direction X. In one arrangement, the first connecting system 20 comprises a first longitudinal member 20.1 parallel to the longitudinal direction X and a guide or sleeve 20.2 attached to the lower end of the support 24 and configured to slide along the first longitudinal member 20.1. The first connecting system 20 is configured to allow adjustment of the position of the guide or sleeve 20.2 along the first longitudinal member 20.1 and to lock it in a given position along the first longitudinal member 20.1.

[0035] Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the second support 18. The latter is adapted according to the morphology of the area of ​​the second part 10.2 of the person 10 to be supported. Providing a first removable connection system 20 allows different second supports 18, adapted to support different parts of the person 10's body, to be attached to the same first support 12. Thus, the device for repeated stressing of a joint can be configured to stress the right hip. In this case, a second support 18 adapted to support the right lower leg is connected to the first support 12. The device for repeated stressing of a joint can be configured to stress the left hip. In this case, a second support 18 adapted to support the left lower leg is connected to the first support 12.The device for repeated stressing of a joint includes at least one lateral stop 26 configured to block an area of ​​the first part 10.1 of the person 10 adjacent to the joint in a transverse direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. This lateral stop 26 has a contact surface 26.1 against which the body of the person 10 can bear, more specifically the area of ​​the first part 10.1 of the person 10 adjacent to the joint. This contact surface 26.1 generally includes a comfort covering.

[0036] In addition to the lateral stop 26, the repeated stress device for a joint includes at least one second connecting system 28 linking the lateral stop 26 and the first support 12, more specifically the lateral stop 26 and the frame 14 of the first support 12. In one configuration, the second connecting system 28 is adapted to adjust the position of the lateral stop 26 relative to the first support 12 along the longitudinal direction X and / or the transverse direction Y. In one embodiment, the second connecting system 28 includes at least one removable part to allow the lateral stop 26, 26' to be detached from the first support 12. Thus, it is possible to attach different types of lateral stops 26 to the same first support 12.

[0037] According to one configuration, the repeated stress device of a joint comprises two lateral stops 26, 26', positioned on either side of a longitudinal plane parallel to the longitudinal direction X, configured to cooperate with the right and left hips of the person 10. For each lateral stop 26, 26', the second linkage system 28 comprises a longitudinal member 28.1 parallel to the longitudinal direction X, a substantially vertical upright 28.2 which has at a first end a first guide or sleeve 28.3 sliding along the longitudinal member 28.1 and at a second end a guide or sleeve 28.4 as well as a cross member 28.5 substantially parallel to the transverse direction Y and sliding in the guide or sleeve 28.4, the lateral stop 26, 26' being connected to one end of the cross member 28.5.

[0038] To adjust the position of the lateral stop 26, 26', the first sleeve 28.3 is moved along the longeron 28.1 to position the lateral stop 26, 26' in the longitudinal direction X. When the latter is correctly positioned in the longitudinal direction X, the first guide or sleeve 28.3 is secured along the longeron 28.1. The cross member 28.5 is moved in the second guide or sleeve 28.4 to position the lateral stop 26, 26' in the transverse direction Y. When the latter is correctly positioned in the Y direction, the cross member 28.5 is secured relative to the second guide or sleeve 28.4.

[0039] To stress the joint, the repeated stress device for a joint includes at least one stress system 30 configured to exert a tensile or compressive force along a tensile or compressive direction T forming a non-zero angle with the longitudinal direction X. The stress system 30 is configured to stress the joint rhythmically (at a more or less regular rate). Generally, the repeated stress device for a joint includes at least one third connecting system 32 linking the stress system 30 and the first support 12, more particularly the stress system 30 and the frame 14 of the first support 12.

[0040] This third linkage system 32 is adjustable and includes at least one articulation system allowing adjustment of the direction of traction or compression T relative to the first support 12. Thus, the direction of traction or compression T can be adjusted according to a first angle A1 formed between a horizontal plane and the direction of traction or compression T, and a second angle A2 formed between the longitudinal direction and the direction of traction or compression T. Depending on the configuration, the second angle A2 formed between the longitudinal direction and the direction of traction or compression T is between 30° and 90°. In practice, the direction of traction or compression T is oriented by a practitioner according to the individual being treated. Once correctly oriented, the direction of traction or compression T is maintained during the application of force to the joint.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the third linkage system 32 comprises a longitudinal member 32.1 (which may be common with the second adjustment system 28), an upright 32.2 which has at a first end a first guide or sleeve 32.3 sliding along the longitudinal member 32.1 and at a second end a ball joint 32.4 as well as a cross member 32.5 integral with the ball joint 32.4. Thus, the position of the direction of tension or compression T is adjusted by changing the position of the cross member 32.5 relative to the upright 32.2 and by moving the first guide or sleeve 32.3 along the longitudinal member 32.1.

[0042] Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the third linking system 32. Other solutions can be considered for adjusting the direction of tension or compression T.

[0043] According to one configuration, the third linking system 32 includes at least one removable part to allow the stressing system 30 to be detached from the first support 12. Thus, the same stressing system 30 can be positioned to the right or left of the first support 12 in order to stress the right or left hip.

[0044] The load-bearing system 30 includes at least one actuator 34 configured to alternately exert a tensile or compressive force along the tensile or compressive direction T and a release force. This actuator 34 is integral with the third connecting system 32, more specifically with the cross member 32.5, and includes an attachment point 34.1 movable along the tensile or compressive direction T. Depending on one configuration, the actuator 34 is adjustable to modify at least one parameter among the intensity of the tensile or compressive force, the amplitude of the tensile or compressive force, the speed of the tensile or compressive force, and the frequency of the tensile or compressive force.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, the actuator 34 is configured to alternately exert a traction force along a traction direction T and a release.

[0046] The application system 30 also includes at least one annular strap 36 attached to the actuator 34, more specifically to its attachment point 34.1. This annular strap 36 is configured to be positioned around the second part 10.2 of the person 10, as close as possible to the joint to be applied. This annular strap 36 is by nature a flexible element that forms a loop and, unlike a rigid element, can be positioned around the second part 10.2, as close as possible to the joint to be applied. This configuration optimizes the application.

[0047] Depending on one configuration, the ring strap 36 has at least one adjustment 36.1 to allow adjustment of its diameter in order to adapt it to the morphology of the person 10.

[0048] This ring sling 36 includes an attachment zone for the actuator 34, specifically at the attachment point 34.1, and has a significant width opposite the attachment zone, greater than that of the rest of the circumference of the ring sling 36, in order to increase the contact area between the ring sling 36 and the person 10 and thus ensure greater comfort. In all cases, the ring sling 36 is configured to avoid injuring the person 10. The ring shape of the sling allows it to be positioned as close as possible to the joint and to apply traction or compression force as close as possible to it.

[0049] The device for repeated stressing of a joint includes at least one control 38 allowing control of the actuator 34 and, ultimately, the repeated stressing on the joint.

[0050] This command 38 is configured to start and stop the stimulation and / or adjust at least one stimulus parameter among its duration, intensity (force), frequency, speed and amplitude.

[0051] According to one operating mode, the actuator 34 is configured so as not to exert a force greater than 300 N.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the stressing system 30 includes at least one force sensor 40 configured to measure the actual force exerted by the actuator 34 on the annular strap 36. The measurement obtained by the force sensor 40 can be used by the control 38 to better control the actuator 34. In one configuration, the force sensor 40 is positioned between the actuator 34 and the attachment point 34.1 of the strap 36.

[0053] In another application, the 40 stress sensor can determine whether the patient's muscles are tense or relaxed and adjust at least one parameter of the exercise accordingly. Data from the 40 stress sensor can be recorded to collect information and create a database.

[0054] Of course, the invention is not limited to these parameters. Other parameters could be adjusted.

Claims

9 DEMANDS 1. Device for repeated stressing of a joint connecting first and second parts (10.1, 10.2) of a person (10), said device comprising at least a first support (12) adapted to support the first part (10.1) of the person (10), at least a second support (18) configured to receive at least an area of ​​the second part (10.2) of the person (10), the first and second supports (12, 18) being aligned along a longitudinal direction (X); characterized in that the device comprises at least a lateral stop (26) configured to block, along a transverse direction (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X), an area of ​​the first part (10.1) of the person (10) adjoining the joint and at least one arousal system (30) comprising at least one actuator (34), configured to exert a tensile or compressive force along a tensile or compressive direction (T), as well as at least one annular strap (36) attached to the actuator (34) and configured to be positioned around the second part (10.2) of the person (10), as close as possible to the joint.

2. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the actuator (34) is adjustable.

3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises at least one linking system (32), connecting the stressing system (30) and the first support (12), adjustable to adjust the direction of tension or compression (T) relative to the first support (12).

4. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the linkage system (32) connecting the stressing system (30) and the first support (12) comprises a longitudinal member (32.1), an upright (32.2) which has at a first end a first guide or sleeve (32.3) sliding along the longitudinal member (32.1) and at a second end a ball joint (32.4) as well as a cross member (32.5) integral with the ball joint (32.4).

5. Device according to any one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that the linkage system (32) connecting the stressing system (30) and the first support (12) includes a removable part to allow the stressing system (30) to be separated from the first support (12).

6. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises at least one second linking system (28), connecting the lateral stop (26) and the first support (12), configured to adjust the position of the lateral stop (26) relative to the first support (12) along the longitudinal direction (X) and / or the transverse direction (Y).

7. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second linking system (28) connecting the lateral stop (26) and the first support (12) comprises at least a second removable part to be able to detach the lateral stop (26, 26') from the first support (12).

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises two lateral stops (26, 26') positioned on either side of a longitudinal plane parallel to the longitudinal direction (X).

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the annular strap (36) has at least one adjustment (36.1) to be able to adjust its diameter.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the annular strap (36) includes an area for attachment to the actuator (34) and has a significant width opposite the attachment area, greater than that of the rest of the circumference of the annular strap (36) so as to increase the contact area between the annular strap (36) and the person (10).

11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises at least one control (38) configured to trigger and stop a stimulus and / or adjust at least one parameter of the stimulus among its duration, intensity, frequency, speed and amplitude.

12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arousal system (30) comprises at least one force sensor (40) configured to measure an actual force exerted by the actuator (34) on the annular strap (36).

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