Therapeutic Device for Post-Operative Knee Rehabilitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rehabilitation methods for total knee replacement (TKR) patients face challenges in achieving full range of motion due to scar tissue formation and fluid accumulation, with existing devices like CPM machines lacking precision and variability in pressure application, leading to inadequate pain management and limited mobility gains.
Innovation Solution
An exercise device with an actuation member, foot plate load cell, and restrictor that measures force exerted by the patient and restricts movement unless a predetermined force is met, allowing controlled and variable resistance to enhance range of motion without excessive pain or injury, and a method involving passive and active isotonic modes to facilitate fluid drainage and scar tissue breakdown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If early range of motion therapy is applied to prevent scar tissue formation, then mobility recovery is improved, but patient pain increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically adjusts the resistance force applied to the patient's limb during therapy. The motor controller modulates the force output in real-time based on the patient's pain threshold and progress, allowing the system to optimize between therapeutic effectiveness and patient comfort. This dynamic adjustment enables early therapy intervention while managing pain levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the motor controller monitors patient response and adjusts therapy parameters accordingly. This feedback loop allows the device to adapt the range of motion and force applied based on real-time patient conditions, preventing excessive pain while maintaining therapeutic benefits for scar tissue prevention.
2Productivity
If manual manipulation with high force is applied to achieve full range of motion, then mobility improvement is enhanced, but risk of joint damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces manual mechanical manipulation by a physical therapist with a motorized actuation system. The motor provides controlled, consistent, and programmable forces that eliminate the variability and potential for excessive force inherent in manual manipulation. This substitution ensures precise control over the forces applied to the joint, maintaining safety while achieving therapeutic range of motion goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized system dynamically controls the force and speed of manipulation throughout the range of motion. The controller can adjust parameters in real-time to optimize therapy effectiveness while preventing forces that would exceed safe thresholds and cause joint damage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If manual manipulation with low force is applied to minimize pain, then patient comfort is maintained, but insufficient progress in range of motion is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized actuation system dynamically adjusts the force applied during therapy sessions. It can start with lower forces to accommodate patient comfort and progressively increase forces as the patient's pain threshold adapts and improves, thereby achieving both comfort and therapeutic progress.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables continuous therapy sessions with consistent, optimized force application. Unlike intermittent manual manipulation, the motorized system can maintain therapeutic forces continuously within safe limits, maximizing range of motion progress while managing patient comfort through sustained, controlled action.
4Productivity
If CPM machines are used for passive motion therapy, then mobility maintenance is improved, but precision and variability in pressure application are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces traditional CPM machine mechanics with a motorized actuation system that offers superior control. The motor controller provides precise regulation of force magnitude, direction, and timing, enabling customized pressure profiles that adapt to individual patient needs and therapeutic goals, far exceeding the fixed, non-adjustable pressure of conventional CPM devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts pressure application in real-time during therapy sessions. The motor controller modulates force parameters based on patient response and therapeutic requirements, providing variable and precise pressure control that enhances mobility maintenance while preventing tissue damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for exercising a joint and a limb including the following: preventing movement of an exercise device actuation member in a first direction unless pressure exerted by the limb against the actuation member is equal to or greater than a predetermined first target pressure; permitting movement of the actuation member in the first direction at a first predetermined speed when pressure exerted by the limb against the actuation member is equal to or greater than the predetermined first target pressure; preventing movement of the actuation member in a second direction unless pressure exerted by the limb against the actuation member is equal to or greater than a predetermined second target pressure; and permitting movement of the actuation member in the second direction at a second predetermined speed when pressure exerted by the limb against the actuation member is equal to or greater than the predetermined second target pressure.