Adjustable Hip Orthosis Using Three-Point Force Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hip orthoses are inadequate for post-surgery patients, particularly after hip arthroscopy, as they fail to provide sufficient support and stability against dislocation, and there is a need for a lightweight, adjustable, and cost-effective solution that encourages prolonged use and early mobility.
Innovation Solution
A multi-component adjustable hip orthosis featuring a flexible waist band with a post and pulley system, a semi-rigid hip paddle with adjustable straps, and a thigh support unit that applies lateral force to the femur, providing three-point pressure to stabilize the hip joint and prevent dislocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a customized orthosis is made from body measurements, then the orthosis conforms to the patient's body configuration, but the medical and insurance costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis employs adjustable components including multiple straps with buckles, extendable side bars with adjustment holes, and a removable thigh support unit that can be positioned at different heights. These dynamic adjustment mechanisms allow a single pre-manufactured orthosis to adapt to different body configurations without requiring custom manufacturing for each patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthosis design incorporates variable parameters such as adjustable strap lengths, removable and repositionable support units, and extendable components with multiple length configurations. These parameter changes enable the same orthosis to accommodate different patient body measurements while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
2Reliability
If the hip orthosis provides rigid support to prevent dislocation, then the hip joint is stabilized, but the orthosis becomes heavier and less comfortable for prolonged use
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis is divided into separate functional components including a waist band, hip pads, thigh support units, and restraining straps. The thigh support unit can be removed when not needed, allowing the orthosis to provide rigid support when required while reducing weight for comfort during less critical periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthosis utilizes a flexible waist band made of adjustable straps and buckles rather than a rigid circumferential structure. The hip pads are contoured to fit the body shape while maintaining necessary rigidity for stabilization. This combination of flexible and rigid elements provides stability without excessive weight.
3Reliability
If the orthosis controls hip flexion and rotation to prevent dislocation, then the hip joint is protected, but the patient's mobility and ability to perform daily activities is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms including removable thigh support units that can be taken off to allow greater freedom of movement, and adjustable straps that can be loosened or tightened based on activity level. This enables the patient to perform daily activities with appropriate mobility while maintaining protection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthosis is designed to control hip flexion to prevent dislocation during high-risk activities while allowing controlled movement during safe activities. The adjustable nature enables preliminary planning of movement restrictions based on the specific activity, balancing protection with mobility needs.
4Weight of moving object
If a lightweight orthosis structure is used to encourage prolonged use, then patient comfort is improved, but the orthosis may lack sufficient rigidity to stabilize the hip joint
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis uses segmented rigid components (hip pads, thigh support units) connected by adjustable straps and hinges. This segmentation allows the rigid elements to provide necessary stabilization while the flexible connections reduce overall weight and improve comfort for prolonged wear.
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
The orthosis effectively stabilizes the hip joint, allowing for early mobility and prolonged use by distributing pressure across three points, thereby reducing the risk of dislocation and promoting muscle rehabilitation during the recovery period.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible waist band with a post and pulley system to multiply the forces applied in attaching the waist band to the user
Implementation Method 2
providing three-point pressure to stabilize the hip joint and prevent dislocation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
A hip orthosis having a flexible waist band for conforming to the waist of a user can be attached at any position on the exterior of the waist band with adjustments in a vertical circumferential and rotational position for connecting a hip support unit at a desired position to maintain the head of a femur into the acetabulum of a user. The hip support unit is connected to a hinge member and an extension unit that is secured at a lower portion of the thigh wherein a thigh support unit can be adjusted so that a three point force system can be applied to the user.