Anatomically Customized External Support for Joint Rehabilitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current external supports for synovial joint rehabilitation lack precision in replicating the anatomically correct path of movement, leading to inadequate nutrition of cartilage and potential further damage due to improper mobilization, especially in post-operative care where accurate timing and movement are crucial for successful recovery.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a co-ordinate measuring device to create a precise anatomically personalized external support by modeling the joint's movement, allowing for controlled and natural movement paths, with adjustable auxiliary joints and non-invasive attachment to minimize tissue disruption, enabling accurate replication of the joint's natural movement and reducing the risk of complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid external supports are used to protect the damaged joint, then protection from loads is improved, but cartilage nutrition is compromised due to lack of movement
Solution Approach 1:
The external support system transitions from a rigid, static structure to a dynamic system with mobile elements that allow controlled joint movement. The support includes movable connections between bone groups that enable physiological motion while maintaining protection, thereby allowing cartilage nutrition through fluid dynamics while preserving load protection functionality.
2Ease of operation
If early post-operative movement is permitted to nourish cartilage, then cartilage nutrition is improved, but risk of damage increases without precise movement control
Solution Approach 1:
The support system allows controlled changes in movement parameters (range, direction, intensity) through its mechanical design. The mobile elements and articulated connections enable precise control over the type and extent of movement permitted, ensuring that early post-operative movement provides cartilage nutrition while maintaining protection against damaging loads through controlled parameter ranges.
3Device complexity
If standard external supports with approximate movement paths are used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision of movement path is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates preliminary measurement and modeling of the patient's specific joint kinematics before support fabrication. By pre-determining the exact movement paths through coordinate measuring devices and digital modeling, the support can be manufactured with high precision to replicate individual anatomy, avoiding the need for complex adjustable mechanisms while achieving accurate movement path replication.
4Loss of time
If rapid installation of external support is achieved, then loss of time is reduced, but measurement precision of joint movement may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement and modeling of joint movement paths is performed preliminarily before support fabrication and installation. By completing the precise kinematic analysis and digital modeling in advance, the actual installation process requires only fabrication and fitting of the pre-customized support, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining high measurement precision through the preliminary measurement phase.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an anatomically personalized and mobilizing external support, a method for manufacturing is, as well as the use of a component of an invasively attached external support in determining the path of the joint being supported. In the method according to the invention, the kinetic dynamics of the joint are measured with the aid of a component of an external support invasively attached to two bone groups, on the basis of which an external support is arranged between the bone groups.