Adaptive 3D Orthosis Structure for Swelling and Joint Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional splints and casts face challenges in accommodating swelling and preventing atrophy and joint stiffness during the healing process, often leading to complications such as compartment syndrome, delayed union, and mal-union of fractures.
Innovation Solution
The development of computer-aided design and digital manufacturing techniques to create adaptable exo-skeletal orthoses with semi-dynamic structures that expand and contract in response to swelling and atrophy, incorporating elastic restraints and modular components for controlled pressure application and limited joint mobility, along with integrated sensors for real-time monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a cast is made tightly to provide stable support for healing, then stability and support are improved, but circulation restriction and compartment syndrome risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cast incorporates an expandable structure with adjustable segments that can dynamically change volume. The segments can be separated to increase internal volume when swelling occurs, and brought together to provide tight stabilization during the healing process, allowing the cast to adapt its stability characteristics over time
Solution Approach 2:
The cast is divided into multiple expandable segments that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows localized volume changes in specific areas without affecting the entire cast structure, enabling precise control over pressure distribution and circulation while maintaining overall stability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a cast is made loosely to accommodate swelling, then circulation and comfort are improved, but support stability and healing environment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cast transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one where segments can be adjusted based on the patient's condition. When swelling is present, segments are separated to create loose accommodation; when swelling subsides, segments are brought together to provide tight healing support, reversing the traditional cast progression
Solution Approach 2:
The cast is initially configured in a loose state with segments separated to accommodate expected swelling from the outset. This preliminary loose configuration prevents circulation issues, and then segments are progressively brought together as healing progresses to provide increasing stability
3Stability of the object's composition
If a cast is applied to immobilize a fracture for healing, then fracture stability is improved, but muscle atrophy and joint stiffness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable cast structure allows for controlled movement of segments relative to each other, enabling limited joint motion while maintaining overall fracture stability. This dynamic capability prevents complete immobilization, reducing muscle atrophy and joint stiffness while preserving the stability needed for fracture healing
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
These orthoses effectively manage swelling and atrophy, promote bone healing, prevent joint stiffness, and enhance the healing environment by providing a customizable, adjustable, and monitored support system, reducing the risk of complications and improving rehabilitation outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The segments or cells are assembled with elastic mechanical restraints that hold the segments and cells together and further apply external pressure when a covered body surface undergoes swelling
Data Source
AI summary
A conformable body interface is fabricated using a data set representing a three-dimensional, soft tissue body surface. The conformable body interface includes a body scaffold that is divided into two or more longitudinal segments separated by axial joints. Optionally, the body scaffold is further divided into two or more circumferentially split segments separated by circumferential joints. The axial joints are circumferentially constrained by bands, tabs, or similar structures and the circumferential joints are longitudinally constrained by axial tethers or similar structures. In this way, the body interfaces can accommodate swelling and bending of the body surface.