Hip Orthosis with Dynamic Spring Abduction for Osteoarthritis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hip braces and orthoses fail to effectively treat osteoarthritis of the hip and provide dynamic abducting force throughout a range of motion, leading to abnormal gait patterns and compliance issues, while also lacking solutions for osteoarthritis-specific load reduction and addressing associated disorders like pelvic tilt and spinal stenosis.
Innovation Solution
A garment and/or hip orthosis with adjustable straps and a tensioning system that provides dynamic force to the hip joint, allowing for all-directional movement, trochanter compression, and lumbar support to reduce pain and prevent dislocation, while also treating osteoarthritis, pelvic tilt, and spinal stenosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hip orthoses hold the leg in abduction rigidly, then hip dislocation prevention is improved, but abnormal gait patterns and compliance issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing rigid abduction holding with a dynamic spring assembly that provides continuous abducting force while allowing natural leg movement. The spring mechanism adapts to the user's gait cycle, providing support when needed and allowing freedom during natural motion, thereby preventing dislocation without causing abnormal gait patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of abduction force from static (rigid holding) to dynamic (variable spring force). The spring assembly adjusts the abducting force based on the leg's position and movement, providing optimal support throughout the range of motion while maintaining natural gait patterns and improving user compliance.
2Device complexity
If conventional hip orthoses provide only forward and backward rotation, then simple structure is maintained, but dynamic abducting force throughout entire range of motion is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the orthosis into distinct functional components: a pelvic support portion, a leg support portion, and a spring assembly connecting them. This segmentation allows the spring assembly to specifically provide dynamic abducting force while the other components provide structural support, achieving comprehensive functionality without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring assembly serves multiple functions: it provides abducting force, allows rotational movement, and adapts to different positions throughout the range of motion. This multi-functionality enables the orthosis to maintain relatively simple structure while delivering reliable dynamic support throughout the entire range of motion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hip orthoses are designed for post-operative treatment only, then specific surgical recovery needs are met, but osteoarthritis treatment and other hip complications are not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the hip orthosis with universal applicability by incorporating a spring assembly that provides dynamic abducting force beneficial for multiple conditions. The same basic structure addresses post-operative recovery, osteoarthritis, pelvic tilt, and other hip complications, achieving broad treatment coverage without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic spring mechanism provides adaptable support that can benefit various hip conditions. The same dynamic abducting force that aids post-operative recovery also relieves pressure on osteoarthritic joints and corrects pelvic tilt, allowing one device design to treat multiple conditions effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic device comprises a hip plate, a first strut defining an anatomical curvature between first and second ends, and a second strut having a first end slidably received by the hip plate. A hinge couples the first and second struts to one another at the first end of the first strut and the second end of the second strut, and is arranged to provide adjustable abduction ranging from a plurality of angles. A thigh cuff connects to the second end of the first strut.