Hip Orthosis with Dynamic Spring Abduction for Osteoarthritis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hip braces and orthoses fail to effectively treat osteoarthritis of the hip and associated disorders, such as pelvic tilt and spinal stenosis, as they do not provide dynamic abducting force throughout the range of motion, leading to abnormal gait patterns and compliance issues, and lack solutions for reducing load on the hip joint.
Innovation Solution
A garment and/or hip orthosis with adjustable straps and a tensioning system that provides dynamic forces to guide the hip into a more stable position, offering trochanter compression, pelvis support, and lumbar compression to reduce pain and prevent dislocation, while allowing for full range of motion in the upper leg.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional hip braces provide rigid abduction support, then hip stability is improved, but abnormal gait patterns and compliance issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The hip orthosis employs a spring assembly that provides dynamic abducting force throughout the entire range of motion, transitioning from rigid support to flexible, adaptive support. The spring mechanism allows the leg to move naturally while maintaining hip stability, eliminating abnormal gait patterns associated with rigid bracing.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthosis changes the mechanical parameters of support by using a spring assembly that adjusts the abducting force dynamically. Instead of fixed rigid support, the spring provides variable force that adapts to different positions and movements, maintaining stability while allowing natural gait.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional hip orthoses provide abducting force only while standing, then standing hip support is improved, but sitting hip support is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly provides universal abducting force that functions in multiple positions - both standing and sitting. The mechanism is designed to deliver therapeutic force regardless of the user's posture, making the orthosis versatile for different daily activities without requiring separate devices.
3Ease of operation
If hip orthoses use adjustable hinges for rotation, then range of motion control is improved, but dynamic abducting force throughout range of motion is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly dynamically provides abducting force throughout the entire range of motion, including during rotation. Instead of using hinges that limit or control motion passively, the spring actively generates force during movement, maintaining stability while allowing full range of motion.
4Reliability
If hip braces are designed for postoperative treatment, then surgical recovery support is improved, but osteoarthritis treatment capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The hip orthosis provides universal therapeutic benefit for multiple conditions including both postoperative recovery and osteoarthritis. The spring assembly's dynamic abducting force mechanism addresses the underlying biomechanical issues common to both conditions, making the device versatile for different patient populations and treatment goals.
Data Source
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AI summary
An orthopedic device (200) is provided for treating complications of the hip and has means for trochanter compression, pelvis support, lumbar compression, variously directed straps, and thigh support. The trochanter compression and an internal/external rotation strap (217) provide pain relief through compression and skin protection, unloading of joints through compression and sealing, and unloading by load transfer. Means (220) for adjustably dosing of straps enables pain management and ease of use.