Gravity-Assisted Knee Flexion Apparatus for Post-Surgery Rehabilitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an apparatus and method to assist in regaining knee joint flexibility and range of motion following surgery, arthritic treatment, or injury, particularly for providing stable support and promoting gradual muscle and tendon stretching while reducing pain and swelling.
Innovation Solution
A knee joint flexibility rehabilitation apparatus comprising a tubular strut with a support foot, a height-adjustment bar, and a padded support bar, allowing for adjustable positioning and gravity-assisted passive flexion to promote gradual stretching and decompression of the knee joint, featuring a locking mechanism to stabilize the apparatus during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a physical therapy rehabilitation program is used to restore knee joint motion and flexibility, then knee joint flexibility and range of motion are improved, but the rehabilitation process is time-consuming and requires consistent patient effort and participation
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus enables gravity-assist passive flexion where the patient's own body weight and gravity provide the therapeutic force, eliminating the need for external therapists or active patient effort. The system automatically performs the rehabilitation function through passive positioning, allowing the knee joint to be stretched and flexed without requiring patient participation or therapist intervention during the actual therapy delivery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If passive flexion therapy is applied to stretch muscles and tendons, then muscle and tendon suppleness are improved, but pain and swelling may increase during the stretching process
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus incorporates a padded support bar that contacts the patient's knee, providing cushioning and protection during the passive flexion process. This pre-applied cushioning reduces the risk of pain and tissue damage before harmful effects can occur, allowing the stretching therapy to proceed without exacerbating pain or swelling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support bar is made adjustable in height, then the apparatus can accommodate different patient sizes and knee positions, but the device complexity increases due to additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The height-adjustment bar is segmented with multiple apertures at different heights, allowing discrete adjustment positions. This segmentation enables the apparatus to accommodate various patient sizes and knee positions while keeping the adjustment mechanism simple - only requiring a pin to be inserted into the appropriate aperture rather than complex continuous adjustment mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the support strut is made pivotable to form an acute angle, then the apparatus can provide varied therapeutic angles for different rehabilitation stages, but the stability of the apparatus during use may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support strut is designed to be pivotable, transitioning from a static structure to a dynamic one that can assume different angular positions. This allows the apparatus to adapt to different rehabilitation stages and therapeutic requirements while maintaining stability through controlled pivoting motion and secure positioning at selected angles.
Solution Approach 2:
A pin acts as an intermediary element that secures the support strut at selected pivot angles. This simple locking mechanism maintains apparatus stability during therapy by preventing unintended movement, while still allowing deliberate angle changes when needed for different rehabilitation stages.
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 apparatus effectively reduces muscle spasm, pain, and swelling, providing stable support for the knee joint, allowing for gradual stretching and decompression, thereby aiding in the rehabilitation of knee joint flexibility and strength post-surgery or injury.
Implementation Method 1
allowing the lower portion of the patient's leg to extend past the support bar in cantilever fashion so as to permit a gravitational force on the lower portion to promote rehabilitation of the knee joint
Data Source
AI summary
Knee joint flexibility rehabilitation apparatuses and methods specifically adapted for knee joint flexibility rehabilitation following knee joint surgery or other type of knee joint treatment are described. In some embodiments, a knee joint flexibility apparatus may include a padded knee posterior support bar disposed atop an adjustable rod and collaborating strut tube. Apparatuses and methods herein may be used to promote gravity passive flexion specific towards gradual knee joint muscle and tendon stretching.