Segmented Orthopaedic Splint for Achilles Tendon Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthopaedic boots for treating Achilles' tendon tears are bulky, heavy, uncomfortable, and not water-resistant, making them difficult to wear at night and use while washing, and they lack support for the lower leg during removal.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, comfortable orthopaedic splint that maintains the foot and leg at an obtuse angle, preventing relative movement and immobilizing the ankle joint, with a rigid shell and adjustable straps for secure attachment, allowing for use during sleep and washing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multipurpose orthopaedic boot is used to maintain the foot in a plantar flexed position, then the foot position is maintained and the tendon is protected, but the device becomes large, heavy, and uncomfortable to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The orthopaedic device is divided into two separate sections: a leg section that maintains the lower leg and a foot section that maintains the foot in plantar flexion. These sections are connected by a hinge joint that allows controlled movement. This segmentation reduces the overall weight and bulk compared to a single-piece boot while maintaining the necessary positional control for tendon healing.
2Reliability
If a multipurpose orthopaedic boot is used to maintain the foot in a plantar flexed position, then the foot position is maintained and the tendon is protected, but the device becomes bulky, heavy, and hot making nighttime wear difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the device into leg and foot sections connected by a hinge, the overall bulk is reduced. The foot section can be designed to fit more closely to the foot anatomy, improving comfort for nighttime wear while still maintaining the plantar flexed position necessary for tendon healing.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates flexible materials and thin-shell construction in the foot section, allowing it to conform to the foot's shape and provide comfort during nighttime wear. The flexibility maintains positional control without the excessive bulk and heat retention of traditional rigid boots.
3Reliability
If a multipurpose orthopaedic boot is used, then the foot is supported, but the device is not water-resistant and requires removal during washing leaving the lower leg vulnerable
Solution Approach 1:
The separation into leg and foot sections allows the leg section to remain in place and continue providing support during washing activities. The foot section can be removed for hygiene purposes while the hinge connection maintains the structural integrity and support function of the overall device.
4Reliability
If the foot and leg are maintained at an obtuse angle with rigid sections, then tension on the healing Achilles' tendon is limited, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the device into leg and foot sections connected by a hinge simplifies the overall structure compared to a fully rigid boot. The hinge joint naturally maintains the obtuse angle required for tendon protection while allowing for easier manufacturing and adjustment, reducing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopaedic device, the device includes a splint and attachment means for removably securing the splint to a user's foot and lower leg, wherein the splint is configured such that in use, the user's foot and leg are maintained at an obtuse angle to one another and relative movement between the foot and the leg is substantially prevented.