Segmented Heel Wedge for Controlled Achilles Tendon Stretching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating and rehabilitating Achilles tendon injuries, whether operative or non-operative, are time-consuming, inconvenient, and prone to causing drastic changes in tendon stretching, leading to increased risk of re-rupture and prolonged rehabilitation times.
Innovation Solution
An Achilles tendon stretching device with manual or automatic mechanisms for incremental height adjustments within walking boots or orthopedic shoes, utilizing screw mechanisms, pneumatic systems, or heel wedges with removable layers to provide controlled and gradual tendon stretching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heel wedges or insoles are used for non-operative management, then the foot can be positioned in equinus to allow tendon reattachment, but reducing the height of wedges/insoles can be too drastic for the injured tendon
Solution Approach 1:
The insole is divided into multiple height-adjustable segments or layers that can be independently removed or adjusted. This segmentation allows for incremental height reduction rather than drastic changes, enabling controlled tendon stretching while maintaining safety during rehabilitation
Solution Approach 2:
The insole height is made dynamically adjustable during the rehabilitation process. The system transitions from a static fixed-height insole to a dynamic system where height can be modified incrementally based on healing progress, allowing the equinus position to be gradually decreased in a controlled manner
2Adaptability or versatility
If casts or walking boots are removed frequently to adjust equinus position or replace heel wedges, then the stretching can be adjusted, but the process becomes time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The insole system is designed to be self-adjusting or easily adjustable by the patient without requiring professional intervention or removal of the walking boot. The patient can independently modify the insole height or configuration, eliminating the need for frequent clinic visits and cast removals while maintaining adaptability in stretching adjustment
3Adaptability or versatility
If the height of heel wedges or insoles is reduced incrementally, then stretching can be adjusted, but existing methods cause drastic changes in tendon stretching length increasing re-rupture risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by making small, incremental adjustments to the insole height rather than large changes. Each adjustment is controlled to be within a safe threshold that prevents over-stretching, thereby reducing re-rupture risk while still achieving the necessary stretching for rehabilitation
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor tendon healing progress and adjust the insole height accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that stretching adjustments are based on actual healing status, preventing excessive stretching that could lead to re-rupture while maintaining adequate stretching for recovery
Data Source
AI summary
An Achilles heel wedge can include a single member having an anterior portion and a plurality of layers integrally connected at the anterior portion. A plurality of slits can differentiate the layers. Each slit can include a terminal end in the anterior portion having a perforation with a dimension greater than a width of the slit. The layers of the heel wedge can be selectively cut, ripped, or torn from the anterior portion of the heel wedge along the perforations to achieve incremental height adjustment of the heel wedge and stretching of the Achilles tendon.