Shoulder brace

Abstract

The present invention provides a medical orthosis to be worn to prevent and treat subluxation or dislocation of a shoulder joint. A shoulder brace of the present invention comprises: a proximal supporting part for supporting a proximal body area of a shoulder joint; a proximal fixing part for fixing the proximal supporting part to a torso; a distal supporting part for supporting a distal body area of the shoulder joint; a tensioning part having a connection member to which a tensile force is applied, and connecting the proximal supporting part and the distal supporting part; and a sliding track for inducing movement of the connection member.

Description

shoulder brace

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical brace worn for the prevention and treatment of subluxation or dislocation of the shoulder joint.

[0002] Generally, shoulder joint subluxation and dislocation refer to the partial or complete slipping out of the socket-shaped glenoid fossa of the scapula due to trauma or neurological and musculoskeletal disorders.

[0003] FIG. 23 is a drawing illustrating a conventional brace for preventing and treating shoulder subluxation. The brace for shoulder subluxation applies the same mechanical principle that brings the proximal body area and the distal body area of ​​the shoulder joint closer together. That is, the conventional shoulder brace consists of a proximal supporting part that supports the proximal body area and a distal supporting part that supports the distal body area relative to the shoulder joint, and a force that pulls the proximal supporting part and the distal supporting part together acts in common.

[0004] As illustrated in FIGS. 23 (a) to (c), conventional shoulder braces are broadly classified into three types depending on the body part supported by the distal supporting part. FIG. 23 (a) is a type in which the distal supporting part supports the upper arm, FIG. 23 (b) is a type in which the distal supporting part supports the forearm with the elbow joint bent, and FIG. 23 (c) is a type in which the distal supporting part supports the forearm (illustrated on the left side of FIG. 23 (c)) or the forearm (FA) and the hand (illustrated on the right side of FIG. 23 (c)) with the elbow joint extended.

[0005] As illustrated in FIGS. 23 (a) to (c), conventional shoulder braces apply a force that fixes the proximal supporting part and the distal supporting part without causing them to move apart. Consequently, movement is not permitted in the joints located between the proximal supporting part and the distal supporting part. In the case of FIG. 23 (a), movement of the shoulder joint is restricted; in the left-hand drawings of FIG. 23 (b) and FIG. 23 (c), movement of the shoulder joint and the elbow joint is restricted; and in the right-hand drawing of FIG. 23 (c), movement of the shoulder joint, the elbow joint (EJ), and the wrist joint (WJ) is all restricted. Restriction of movement of the aforementioned joints can cause joint contracture and can worsen flexion synergy in patients with brain disease.

[0006] Furthermore, all conventional shoulder braces lack a corrective device that pulls the distal supporting part upward relative to the proximal supporting part, and correction must be achieved through length adjustment using leather or fabric webbing or straps. Consequently, it is impossible to achieve sufficient correction to overcome the weight of the arm and pull it upward against gravity, and it is not possible to adjust the appropriate corrective force according to the degree of subluxation of the patient.

[0007] In the case where the distal supporting part supports the upper arm as in the conventional brace shown in FIG. 23 (a), the upper arm slips downward from the distal supporting part of the brace due to the cylindrical shape of the upper arm, and thus sufficient correction is impossible.

[0008] A systematic review of the literature on braces for the prevention and treatment of shoulder subluxation concludes that there are no shoulder braces worldwide capable of completely correcting shoulder subluxation (Ada, L., Foongchomcheay, A., & Canning, CG, 2005. "Supportive devices for preventing and treating subluxation of the shoulder after stroke," Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Version published: 24 January 2005.)

[0009] Accordingly, the present invention is proposed to solve the aforementioned problems, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a shoulder brace that does not restrict the movement of upper limb joints, including the shoulder joint to be corrected, and can produce a continuous and maximized corrective effect for a subluxated or dislocated shoulder joint.

[0010] In addition, the present invention provides a shoulder brace that reduces the occurrence of contracture that may occur during the patient's treatment process and prevents the deterioration of flexor synergy.

[0011] In addition, the present invention provides a shoulder brace that allows a patient or medical staff to easily adjust the tensile force acting between the proximal support and the distal support.

[0012] In addition, the present invention provides a shoulder brace that enables traction and correction tailored to the patient's unique level of subluxation, thereby allowing the corrective force to be adjusted according to the degree of subluxation.

[0013] In addition, the present invention provides a shoulder brace that allows for easy adjustment of the corrective force according to the degree of subluxation, thereby enabling the same corrective effect to be obtained every time it is worn.

[0014] To achieve the above-mentioned objective of the present invention, the present invention provides a shoulder brace comprising: a proximal support member that supports a proximal body part of a shoulder joint; a proximal fixing member that fixes the proximal support member to a torso; a distal support member that supports a distal body part of a shoulder joint; a tensioning member that connects the proximal support member and the distal support member and is provided with a connecting member to which a tensile force is applied; and a sliding track that induces movement of the connecting member.

[0015] In addition, the present invention provides a shoulder brace comprising: a proximal support member that supports a proximal body part of a shoulder joint; a proximal fixing member that fixes the proximal support member to a torso; a distal support member that supports a distal body part of a shoulder joint; a tensioning unit that adjusts the tension according to the degree of subluxation; and a tensioning member that connects the proximal support member and the distal support member.

[0016] It is preferable that the above tension force adjustment unit be composed of a ratchet mechanism that adjusts the tension force of the above tensioning part.

[0017] The tensioning member includes a connecting member, and the shoulder brace includes a sliding track, and it is preferable that the sliding track induces movement of the connecting member.

[0018] The tensioning member preferably includes an upper connecting member with both ends connected to the proximal support member, a lower connecting member with both ends connected to the distal support member, and a sliding track on which the upper connecting member and the lower connecting member are installed.

[0019] The tensioning portion preferably includes an elbow unit having a joint portion positioned parallel to the rotation axis of the elbow joint, a lower extension portion extending from the joint portion toward the forearm, and an upper extension portion extending from the joint portion toward the upper arm.

[0020] In addition, the present invention provides a shoulder brace comprising: a proximal support member supporting a proximal body part of a shoulder joint; a proximal fixing member fixing the proximal support member to a torso; a distal support member supporting a distal body part of a shoulder joint; and an elbow unit comprising a joint member positioned parallel to the rotation axis of an elbow joint, a lower extension member extending from the joint member toward the forearm, and an upper extension member extending toward the upper arm, and a tensioning member connecting the proximal support member and the distal support member.

[0021] The tensioning member includes a connecting member, and the shoulder brace includes a sliding track, and it is preferable that the sliding track induces movement of the connecting member.

[0022] It is preferable that the above sliding track be installed in any one of the above proximal support part, the above distal support part, and the above tensioning part.

[0023] It is preferable that the above sliding track be installed on the upper extension of the elbow unit.

[0024] It is preferable that the above tensioning part includes a tension force control unit in which the tension force is adjusted according to the degree of subluxation.

[0025] It is preferable that the above tension force adjustment unit be composed of a ratchet mechanism that adjusts the tension force of the above tensioning part.

[0026] The present invention allows for continuous and maximized corrective effects on a subluxated shoulder joint by installing a tensioning part and a slide track that allow movement of the human joints located between the proximal and distal support parts while maintaining tension for the treatment of subluxation of the shoulder joint between the proximal and distal support parts.

[0027] In addition, the present invention allows the upper limb to move freely while wearing a shoulder brace, thereby preventing the worsening of contracture and flexor synergy.

[0028] In addition, the present invention installs a tension control unit that adjusts the tension acting between the proximal support and the distal support, allowing the patient or medical staff to easily adjust it and check the degree of tension applied to each patient, thereby enabling the same corrective effect to be obtained every time it is worn.

[0029] In addition, the shoulder brace of the present invention is positioned to align the axis of the elbow joint with the rotational axis of the orthotic joint of the elbow unit, thereby having the effect of lifting the axis of the elbow joint, and thus allowing for freer movement of the elbow joint even while wearing the shoulder brace.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating the upper limb of the human body to explain an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a normal human shoulder joint, a subluxated shoulder joint, and a dislocated shoulder joint to explain an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a state in which a shoulder brace according to the first embodiment of the present invention is worn.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a tensioning part and a sliding track of a shoulder brace according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating another example of a shoulder brace according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a state in which a shoulder brace according to a second embodiment of the present invention is worn.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a tensioning part of a shoulder brace according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a state in which a shoulder brace according to the third embodiment of the present invention is worn.

[0038] FIG. 9 is a disassembled drawing of the tensioning part of a shoulder brace according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a state in which a shoulder brace according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is worn.

[0040] FIG. 11 is a front exploded perspective view of a tension control unit of a shoulder brace according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 12 is a rear exploded perspective view of a tension control unit of a shoulder brace according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a ratchet mechanism in a tension control unit of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating a shoulder brace according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 15 is a drawing for explaining the elbow unit of a shoulder brace according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a state in which a shoulder brace according to the 6th embodiment of the present invention is worn.

[0046] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a state in which a shoulder brace according to the 7th embodiment of the present invention is worn.

[0047] FIG. 18 is a drawing illustrating a tensioning part of a shoulder brace according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIGS. 19 and FIGS. 20 are drawings for explaining various ways of implementing a distal support in the shoulder brace of the present invention.

[0049] FIGS. 21 and FIGS. 22 are drawings for explaining various ways of implementing a proximal support part and a proximal fixing part in the shoulder brace of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 23 is a drawing for explaining the prior art, illustrating a conventional brace for preventing and treating shoulder subluxation.

[0051] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In the drawings, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted to clearly explain the present invention, and the same reference numerals are assigned to identical or similar components throughout the specification.

[0052] Throughout the specification, when a part is described as "comprising" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components. Furthermore, terms such as "…part," "…unit," and "module" as used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0053] Throughout the specification, terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. For the sole purpose of distinguishing one component from another, for example, without departing from the scope of rights according to the concept of the present invention, a first component may be named a second component, and similarly, a second component may be named a first component.

[0054]

[0055] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating the upper limb of the human body to explain an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper limb (UL) consists of a shoulder (SH), an upper arm (UA), a forearm (FA), and a hand (H). The shoulder joint (SJ) is located between the shoulder (SH) and the upper arm (UA), the elbow joint (EJ) is located between the upper arm (UA) and the forearm (FA), and the wrist joint is located between the forearm (FA) and the hand (H). The scapula (SC) and the humerus (HU) serve as the frameworks of the shoulder (SH) and the upper arm (UA), respectively.

[0056]

[0057] FIG. 2(a) is a drawing illustrating a normal human shoulder joint (SJ) to illustrate an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2(b) and (c) are drawings illustrating a subluxated and dislocated shoulder joint (SJ) to illustrate an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 2(a), the shoulder joint (SJ) is a term generally used to refer to the glenohumeral joint between the scapula (SC) and the humerus (HU), and is a ball-and-socket joint formed between the ball-shaped humeral head and the socket-shaped glenoid fossa of the scapula.

[0059] As shown in Figures 2 (b) and (c), shoulder joint subluxation and dislocation refer to the partial or complete slipping out of the glenoid fossa of the scapula due to trauma or neurological and musculoskeletal diseases.

[0060]

[0061] The terms used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention shall be defined as follows.

[0062] Anterior (A) refers to the front direction relative to the human body, and Posterior (P) refers to the back direction of the human body.

[0063] Based on a specific point or structure of the human body, the proximal region refers to the area towards the center or torso of the human body, while the distal region generally refers to the area further from the center of the human body. In the specification of the present invention below, the proximal region is defined as the area towards the torso with respect to the shoulder joint (SJ), and the distal region is defined as the area towards the distal end of the shoulder joint (SJ).

[0064] In the specification of the present invention below, the term "shoulder joint" (SJ) refers to the glenohumeral joint, and the term will be consistently used for description. Since shoulder joint subluxation and dislocation differ only in the degree of slip-out of the humeral head, and to avoid repetition of terminology and identical descriptions, the embodiments of the present invention will be described below limited to shoulder joint subluxation.

[0065] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention for solving the problems of conventional shoulder braces will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 22. All shoulder braces according to the embodiment of the present invention basically include a proximal supporting part (100) that supports a proximal body area, a distal supporting part (200) that supports a distal body area, a tensioning part (300) that connects the proximal supporting part (100) and the distal supporting part (200), and a proximal securing part (400) that fixes the proximal supporting part (100) to the torso (TR) so that it does not move.

[0066] The tensile force generated between the proximal support (100) and the distal support (200) acts on the tensioning part (300). That is, the tensile force acts on the tensioning part (300) connecting the proximal support (100) and the distal support (200), thereby correcting the subluxated shoulder joint (SJ).

[0067]

[0068] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a shoulder brace according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a worn state, where FIG. 3 (a) is a front view, FIG. 3 (b) is a rear view, and FIG. 3 (c) is a side view. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a tensioning part (300) of a shoulder brace according to the first embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 4 (a) is a drawing showing the tensioning part (300) and the sliding track (500) separated, and FIG. 4 (b) is a drawing showing the tensioning part (300), the sliding track (500), and the strap (201) of the distal support part (200) combined.

[0069] A shoulder brace according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a proximal support portion (100), a distal support portion (200), a tensioning portion (300), and a proximal fixing portion (400).

[0070] As illustrated in FIG. 3 (a) to (c), the proximal support portion (100) of the shoulder brace according to the first embodiment is manufactured in a saddle shape that wraps around the body part on the torso (TR) side relative to the subluxated shoulder joint (SJ), preferably the upper aspect of the shoulder. This proximal support portion (100) is positioned on the upper part of the shoulder as described above. That is, the proximal support portion (100) supports the proximal body area. The proximal fixing portion (400) is fixed to the torso (TR) so that the proximal support portion (100) does not detach from the upper aspect of the shoulder. The distal support portion (200) of the first embodiment of the present invention supports the forearm (FA) among the body parts on the distal side relative to the subluxated shoulder joint (SJ). Unlike the upper arm (UA), the lower arm (FA) has a truncated cone shape with a diameter that decreases toward the end; therefore, the distal support member (200) is also formed as a truncated cone with the same or similar shape as the lower arm (FA) to prevent the lower arm (FA) from slipping out of the distal support member (200). That is, the distal support member (200) is formed with a shape corresponding to the lower arm (FA) and is formed as a truncated cone shape with a diameter that decreases toward the end. The distal support member (200) is arranged in a manner that wraps around the lower arm (FA). The distal support member (200) is equipped with a distal support member strap (201) that is partially extended. The distal support strap (201) comprises a first distal support strap (201a, see FIG. 3 (a) and (c)) provided on the front side of the forearm (FA) and a second distal support strap (201b, see FIG. 3 (b) and (c)) provided on the rear side of the forearm (FA). As shown in FIG. 4 (a) and FIG. 4 (b), the tensioning member (300) of the shoulder brace according to the first embodiment is provided with a joining member (303) for fastening with the distal support member (200) on a connecting member (301).The connecting member (303) comprises a first connecting member (303a) connected to a first distal support strap (201a) and a second connecting member (303b) connected to a second distal support strap (201b).

[0071] In addition, the connecting member (301) of the first embodiment of the present invention is positioned on the anterior and posterior sides of the upper arm (UA) and connected as a single member. This connecting member (301) can freely slide and move along the path of the sliding track (500) provided in the proximal support member (100). One end of the connecting member (301) is coupled to a first coupling member (303a) positioned on the anterior side of the upper arm (UA), and the first coupling member (303a) is coupled to a first distal support member strap (201a). The connecting member (301) is coupled to a second coupling member (303b) positioned on the posterior side of the upper arm (UA), and the second coupling member (303b) is coupled to a second distal support member strap (201b).

[0072] The sliding track (500) may be formed in the shape of a hole, a groove, or a rail. The sliding track (500) is formed in a shape that allows the connecting member (301) to slide freely. That is, the sliding track (500) can guide the connecting member (301) to move freely to the front and rear sides of the upper arm (UA). When a patient moves the upper arm (UA) and the forearm (FA) while wearing the shoulder brace of the present invention, the connecting member (301) slides forward or backward by the sliding track (500), allowing the movement of the upper arm (UA) and the forearm (FA) to be free without being restricted. That is, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the connecting member (301) can slide in the direction of the dotted arrow in FIG. 3 (c) or in the opposite direction of the dotted arrow by the sliding track (500), thereby allowing the movement of the upper arm (UA) and the forearm (FA) to be free.

[0073] As illustrated in FIG. 4(b), the first distal support strap (201a) is inserted into and connected to the first connecting member (303a). Then, the second distal support strap (201b) is inserted into and connected to the second connecting member (303b). Thus, the tensile force acting on the connecting member (301) can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the first distal support strap (201a) or the second distal support strap (201b). In the first embodiment of the present invention, the sliding track (500) induces free movement of the connecting member (301) and can be installed on the proximal support member (100).

[0074] Accordingly, the shoulder brace according to the first embodiment of the present invention does not restrict the movement of the shoulder joint (SJ) and the elbow joint (EJ) located between the proximal support part (100) and the distal support part (200), even while a tensile force is applied between the proximal support part (100) and the distal support part (200).

[0075] In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example in which a sliding track (500) is installed on a proximal support member (100) has been illustrated and described, but in another example, it may be installed on a distal support member (200). That is, both ends of the connecting member (301) are connected to the proximal support member (100), and the connecting member (301) can move freely on the sliding track (500) installed on the distal support member (200). Such other examples of the first embodiment of the present invention allow for various implementations of the present invention and can be manufactured in various ways depending on the patient's condition or design convenience.

[0076] FIG. 5 illustrates another example of a shoulder brace according to the first embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 5(a) is a front view and FIG. 5(b) is a rear view. As shown in FIG. 5, the shoulder brace according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be provided to suit the patient's physical characteristics or preferences by lengthening the distal support strap (201) and instead shortening the connecting member (301) of the tensioning part (300). This second embodiment of the present invention demonstrates that it can be implemented in various ways depending on the patient's condition.

[0077]

[0078] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a shoulder brace according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a worn state, where FIG. 6 (a) is a front view and FIG. 6 (b) is a rear view. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a tensioning part (300) of a shoulder brace according to a second embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 7 (a) is a drawing showing the connecting member (301) and the sliding track (500) constituting the tensioning part (300) separately, and FIG. 7 (b) is a drawing showing the connecting member (301) and the sliding track (500) constituting the tensioning part (300) combined.

[0079] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, unlike the first embodiment, the sliding track (500) that was provided in the proximal support portion (100) of the shoulder brace according to the second embodiment is provided in the tensioning portion (300). As illustrated in FIG. 7 (a), the tensioning portion (300) of the shoulder brace according to the second embodiment is composed of a connecting member (301) and a sliding track (500) through which the connecting member (301) can move freely.

[0080] The sliding track (500) has holes formed through both sides to guide it to slide freely while the connecting member (301) is inserted. The sliding track (500) is formed in a semicircular shape and positioned on the outer part of the patient's upper arm (UA) so as not to interfere with the free movement of the upper limb (UL). Therefore, the patient can move the upper limb (UL) more freely even while wearing a shoulder brace that corrects subluxation.

[0081] As illustrated in FIG. 7(a) and FIG. 7(b), a proximal join member (311) for connection with the proximal support member (100) is provided at the ends of the connecting member (301). The distal support member strap (201) may be directly connected to the sliding track (500) or connected by a separate distal join member (313). In the second embodiment of the present invention, an example in which the distal support member strap (201) is directly connected to the distal join member (313) of the sliding track (500) is illustrated and described. As illustrated in FIG. 7(b), the proximal join member (311) is connected by being inserted into the hole (101a) of the proximal support member (100) by means of a hook (311c, hook structure). And the distal connecting member (313) is connected to the strap (201) of the distal support member (200), and the tensile force acting on the tensioning member (300) can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the strap (201). The shoulder brace according to the second embodiment of the present invention also does not restrict the movement of the shoulder joint (SJ) and the elbow joint (EJ) even when a tensile force is applied between the proximal support member (100) and the distal support member (200).

[0082]

[0083] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a shoulder brace according to a third embodiment of the present invention in a worn state, where FIG. 8 (a) is a front view and FIG. 8 (b) is a rear view. FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the tensioning part (300) of the shoulder brace according to a third embodiment of the present invention in an exploded view.

[0084] As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the shoulder brace according to the third embodiment is equipped with two connecting members (301a, 301b) in the tensioning member (300) to allow for freer movement of the upper limb joint even when the shoulder brace is worn. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the tensioning member (300) of the shoulder brace according to the third embodiment consists of an upper connecting member (301a), a lower connecting member (301b), and a sliding track (500). A proximal connecting member (311a, 311b) is connected to the end of the upper connecting member (301a) and connected to the proximal support member (100). A distal connecting member (313) is connected to the end of the lower connecting member (301b) and connected to the distal support member (200). The upper connecting member (301a) and the lower connecting member (301b) can each slide freely on the sliding track (500).

[0085] Accordingly, the shoulder brace according to the second embodiment of the present invention allows for freer movement of the shoulder joint (SJ) and elbow joint (EJ) compared to the above-described embodiment, even when a tensile force is applied between the proximal support portion (100) and the distal support portion (200), that is, when the subluxation of the shoulder joint is corrected by wearing the brace.

[0086]

[0087] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a shoulder brace according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention in a worn state, where FIG. 10 (a) is a front view and FIG. 10 (b) is a rear view. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing an exploded view of the tension control unit (330) of the shoulder brace according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 11 is a front exploded perspective view and FIG. 12 is a rear exploded perspective view. FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a ratchet mechanism for unidirectional rotation in the tension control unit (330) of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] The shoulder brace according to the fourth embodiment is equipped with a tension force adjustment unit (330) in the tensioning part (300) to provide sufficient tension force to overcome the weight of the arm and completely correct the shoulder joint subluxation, and to facilitate tension force adjustment according to the degree of subluxation of the patient. The tension force adjustment unit (330) allows the connecting member (301) to be easily wound with a small force and allows the magnitude of the tension force to be visually checked. One side of the tension force adjustment unit (330) of the fourth embodiment of the present invention is coupled to the proximal support part (100).

[0089] As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the tension adjustment unit (330) includes a body case (331), a bobbin member (333), a spiral torsion spring (335), a stopper member (337), a rotary knob (339), and a tension display disc (341).

[0090] The body case (331) of the tension force adjustment unit (330) serves as the overall frame. A bobbin part (333), a mainspring (335), and a rotary knob (339) are assembled on the circular structure at the top of the body case (331), and a stopper (337) is assembled on the bottom. As shown in FIG. 12, a hook member (331a) located on the back of the body case (331) is inserted into a hole (101a) of the proximal support part (100) and connected to the proximal support part (100).

[0091] A connecting member (301) is wound on the winding portion (333a) of the bobbin portion (333), and a spring catch portion (333b) is provided on the inner surface to connect the outer end (335a, Outer end) of the mainspring (335). As shown in FIG. 12, the center end (335b) of the mainspring (335) is connected to the central axis column of the rotary knob (339). Therefore, when the rotary knob (339) is turned, the mainspring (335) is wound starting from the center, and the bobbin portion (333) connected to the outer end (335a) of the mainspring (335) rotates, causing the connecting member (301) to be wound.

[0092] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the stopper (337) forms a ratchet mechanism with the outer surface of the rotary knob (339) to allow only unidirectional rotation of the rotary knob (339) (in the direction of the solid arrow in FIG. 13). The stopper (337) is partially made of an elastic body to maintain an initial setting state and is equipped with a release button (337a) and a pawl (337b). The release button (337a) can move the position of the pawl (337b) by moving it in the direction of the dotted arrow in FIG. 13. The pawl (337b) can restrict the rotational movement of the rotary knob (339) while supporting the locking projection (339a) of the rotary knob (339).

[0093] When the release button (337a, Release button) provided on the stopper (337) is pressed downward (in the direction of the dotted arrow in FIG. 12), the ratchet mechanism is released and the wound connecting member (301) is unwound.

[0094] Meanwhile, a tension indicator plate (341) is attached to the bobbin portion so that the magnitude of the tension applied to the connecting member (301) can be displayed as a number. Therefore, compared to conventional braces in which the degree of correction of subluxation could not be checked each time the brace was worn, the shoulder brace according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention can adjust the tension applied to the connecting member (301) at a constant level, so the same correction effect can be expected each time it is worn.

[0095] Accordingly, the shoulder brace according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention provides sufficient tensile force for correcting subluxation of the shoulder joint, allows for easy adjustment of the tensile force according to the degree of subluxation, and enables the same corrective effect to be expected each time the brace is worn.

[0096]

[0097] The above-described tension force adjustment unit (330) is preferably located in front of the proximal support member (100) as in the fourth embodiment, but provides the same correction effect whether it is provided at the end of the connecting member (301) or at any location of the tensioning member (300).

[0098] Additionally, the tension force adjustment unit (330) can be implemented with various mechanical configurations. For example, it can be made simpler by removing the mainspring, or by adding gears or using a planetary gear system. The tension force adjustment unit (330) can also provide tension by utilizing a mechanical combination structure such as a worm gear and a pinion gear.

[0099] In addition, the tension force adjustment unit (330) deviates from the method of manually providing and adjusting tension force and is equipped with a tension force detection sensor (not shown) on the connecting member (301), and by adding a rotary motor (not shown) and a control device (not shown) to the tension force adjustment unit (330), the correction of shoulder joint subluxation can be performed more precisely and easily.

[0100] In addition, the tension control unit (330) can automatically correct the subluxation of the shoulder joint (SJ) at the moment the patient's torso (TR) is raised, that is, at the moment the subluxation of the shoulder joint (SJ) occurs due to gravity, by attaching a tilting sensor (not shown) to the proximal support part (100) or the proximal fixing part (400), and can also prevent the occurrence of the subluxation itself.

[0101]

[0102] FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating a shoulder brace according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 14 (a) is a front view, FIG. 14 (b) is a rear view, and FIG. 14 (c) is a side view. FIG. 15 (a) is a side view of a human elbow joint (EJ) viewed from the side, FIG. 15 (b) is a perspective view illustrating an elbow unit (360) of a shoulder brace according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 (c) is a side view illustrating the elbow unit (360) of a shoulder brace according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention being worn.

[0103] The fifth embodiment of the present invention provides an elbow unit (360) in the tensioning portion (300) to allow for freer movement of the human elbow joint (EJ) while wearing the shoulder brace. As illustrated in FIG. 14 (a) to (c), the tensioning portion (300) of the shoulder brace according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a strap-shaped connecting member (301) extending from the proximal support portion (100) and an elbow unit (360).

[0104] As illustrated in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 (b), the elbow unit (360) of the shoulder brace according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a joint portion (363, orthotic joint) corresponding to the rotational axis of the elbow joint (EJ) of the human body, a lower extension portion (365, lower extension) extending from the joint portion (363) toward the forearm (FA), and an upper extension portion (367, upper extension) extending toward the upper arm (UA). The joint portion (363) is a rotational joint such as a pivot joint.

[0105] The upper extension (367) is provided with a coupling member (303) for length adjustment of the connecting member (301), and the lower extension (365) can be attached or detached from the distal support (200) in various ways, such as by a Velcro fastener or pin-and-hole fastening. As shown in FIG. 15 (b), in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, an auxiliary attachment member (369) is attached to the lower extension (365) of the elbow unit (360) using a pin-and-hole method, and the auxiliary attachment member (369) and the distal support (200) are attached using a Velcro fastener. The auxiliary attachment member (369), made of soft synthetic resins, is attached more comfortably and securely to the distal support (200) in accordance with the three-dimensional curvature of the forearm (FA).

[0106] The lower extension (365) of the elbow unit (360) is attached to the distal support (200) so that the rotation axis (363a) of the joint part (363, orthotic joint) and the axis of the human body’s elbow joint (EJ) are aligned (see FIG. 15 (a) to (c). Therefore, the shoulder brace according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention has the distal support (200) wrapping around and supporting the forearm (FA), but a tensile force is applied between the joint part (363, orthotic joint) and the proximal support (100), thereby having the effect of lifting the axis of the human body’s elbow joint (EJ). Accordingly, even while wearing the shoulder brace of the present invention, the human body’s elbow joint (EJ) is allowed to move more freely.

[0107]

[0108] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a shoulder brace according to the 6th embodiment of the present invention being worn, where FIG. 16 (a) is a front view and FIG. 16 (b) is a rear view.

[0109] As illustrated in FIG. 16, the shoulder brace according to the sixth embodiment combines the effects of the third and fourth embodiments by providing a tension force adjustment unit (330) and a sliding track (500) in the tensioning part (300).

[0110] Accordingly, the shoulder brace according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention provides sufficient tensile force for correcting subluxation of the shoulder joint (SJ) without restricting the movement of the shoulder joint (SJ) and the elbow joint (EJ), allows for easy adjustment of the tensile force according to the degree of subluxation, and enables the same corrective effect to be expected each time the brace is worn.

[0111]

[0112] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a shoulder brace according to the 7th embodiment of the present invention in a worn state, where FIG. 17 (a) is a front view and FIG. 17 (b) is a rear view. FIG. 18 is a drawing showing the tensioning part (300) of the shoulder brace according to the 7th embodiment of the present invention, showing the movement path of the connecting member (301) by separating the cover of the sliding track (500).

[0113] As illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, the shoulder brace according to the seventh embodiment combines the effects of the braces of the third, fourth, and fifth embodiments by providing a tension force adjustment unit, a sliding track (500), and an elbow unit (360) in the tensioning part (300).

[0114] As illustrated in FIG. 18, a sliding track (500) is provided on the upper extension (367) of the elbow unit (360) so that the connecting member (301) can slide freely. Accordingly, the shoulder brace according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention easily provides sufficient tensile force for correcting subluxation, while allowing the movement of the human elbow joint (EJ) more freely while wearing the shoulder brace.

[0115]

[0116] The connecting member (301) described above in the embodiments of the present invention is manufactured in the form of a cord, wire, lace, strap, etc., of various materials, and preferably uses slip materials or is coated with such materials.

[0117] Additionally, as described in the description of the embodiment, a coupling member (303) for connecting with a proximal support member (100) or a distal support member (200) may be provided at the end of the tensioning member (300), but of course, the coupling member (303) may be provided on the proximal support member (100) or the distal support member (200) to connect with the tensioning member (300).

[0118] In addition, the fastening method of the tensioning part (300), the proximal support part (100), and the distal support part (200) in the shoulder brace of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described herein, and various fastening methods such as commonly used buckles, Velcro, sliding clips, and pin-and-hole fastening may be used.

[0119]

[0120] FIGS. 19 and FIGS. 20 are drawings illustrating various methods of implementing a distal support member (200) in the shoulder brace of the present invention.

[0121] The distal support portion (200) of the shoulder brace of the present invention can be manufactured in various cuff shapes using a flexible synthetic resin such as medical-grade silicone. As illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, the cuff-shaped distal support portion (200) can be manufactured with a ventilation structure in which the inner surface of the cuff in contact with the skin does not slip and does not accumulate sweat. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the distal support portion (200) can be made to cover not only the forearm (FA) but also the hand (H), thereby allowing the distal support portion (200) to be more securely fixed to the distal body area. The distal support portion (200) of the shoulder brace of the present invention may use various fastening methods, such as Velcro fasteners, zippers, buckles, and hook loops, to secure the distal support portion (200) to the forearm (FA).

[0122]

[0123] FIGS. 21 and 22 are drawings illustrating various ways of implementing the proximal support portion (100) and the proximal fixation portion (400) in the shoulder brace of the present invention. The proximal support portion (100) supports a proximal body area based on the subluxated shoulder joint (SJ). The proximal support portion (100) preferably supports the upper aspect of the subluxated shoulder to support the weight of the upper limb (UL), but as shown in FIG. 21, it can also support the body area between the opposite shoulder and the neck.

[0124] As illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22, the proximal support part (100) can be made using a flexible synthetic resin and various fabrics. The proximal securing part (400) can be made using neoprene, straps, band-shaped fabrics, and various connecting members. Additionally, the proximal securing part (400) can be an extension of the proximal support part (100) or can be made integrally with the proximal support part (100).

[0125] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto and can be implemented with various modifications within the scope of the claims, the detailed description of the invention, and the attached drawings, and it is obvious that such modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A proximal support portion that supports the proximal body part of the shoulder joint; A proximal fixing part that fixes the above-mentioned proximal support part to the torso; A distal support member that supports a distal body part of the shoulder joint; A connecting member to which tensile force is applied is provided, and a tensioning member connecting the proximal support member and the distal support member; and A sliding track that induces the movement of the above-mentioned connecting member Shoulder brace including 2. A proximal support portion that supports the proximal body part of the shoulder joint; A proximal fixing part that fixes the above-mentioned proximal support part to the torso; A distal support member that supports a distal body part of the shoulder joint; and A tension force adjustment unit is provided for which the tension force is adjusted according to the degree of subluxation, and a tensioning part connecting the proximal support part and the distal support part. Shoulder brace including 3. In Claim 2, The above tension adjustment unit is Ratchet mechanism for controlling the tensile force of the above tensioning part A shoulder brace made of 4. In Claim 2, The above tensioning part Includes a connecting member, The above shoulder brace includes a sliding track, and The above sliding track is A shoulder brace that induces movement of the above-mentioned connecting member.

5. In either claim 1 or 2, The above tensioning part An upper connecting member having both ends connected to the proximal support side, A lower connecting member having both ends connected to the above-mentioned distal support member, and A sliding track on which the upper connecting member and the lower connecting member are installed Shoulder brace including 6. In either claim 1 or 2, The above tensioning part An elbow unit having a joint portion positioned parallel to the rotation axis of the elbow joint, a lower extension portion extending from the joint portion toward the forearm, and an upper extension portion extending from the joint portion toward the upper arm. Shoulder brace including 7. A proximal support member that supports the proximal body part of the shoulder joint; A proximal fixing part that fixes the above-mentioned proximal support part to the torso; A distal support member that supports a distal body part of the shoulder joint; and An elbow unit is provided comprising a joint portion arranged parallel to the rotation axis of the elbow joint, a lower extension portion extending from the joint portion toward the forearm, and an upper extension portion extending toward the upper arm, and a tensioning portion connecting the proximal support portion and the distal support portion. Shoulder brace including 8. In Claim 7, The above tensioning part Includes a connecting member, The above shoulder brace includes a sliding track, and The above sliding track is A shoulder brace that induces movement of the above-mentioned connecting member.

9. In any one of Claim 1, 2 or 8, The above sliding track is A shoulder brace installed on any one of the above-mentioned proximal support member, the above-mentioned distal support member, and the above-mentioned tensioning member.

10. In Claim 9, The above sliding track A shoulder brace installed on the upper extension of an elbow unit.

11. In either Claim 1 or 7, The above tensioning part A shoulder brace including a tension adjustment unit that adjusts tension according to the degree of subluxation.

12. In Claim 11, The above tension adjustment unit is A shoulder brace comprising a ratchet mechanism for adjusting the tensile force of the above-mentioned tensioning part.

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