Adjustable Shoulder Immobilization System with Rotation and Abduction Hinges
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoulder immobilization braces lack the ability to adjust for large variations in shoulder rotation and abduction-adduction positioning, limiting their effectiveness in treating conditions like arthroscopy, rotator cuff surgery, and shoulder instability repairs.
Innovation Solution
A shoulder immobilization system comprising a frame, harness, sling, and lining that allows adjustable shoulder rotation from 20 degrees internal to 45 degrees external rotation and abduction-adduction from neutral to 90 degrees, using adjustable components like geared hinges and pliable materials to accommodate different positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art braces (ARC, ARC-XR, Quadrant, Acro Assist) are used to achieve specific positioning, then certain shoulder positions can be maintained, but the ability to adjust for large variations in both rotation and abduction-adduction positioning is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder immobilization system integrates multiple positioning functions into a single device. The frame includes an abduction hinge allowing 0-90 degrees of abduction-adduction adjustment and a rotation mechanism enabling 20 degrees internal to 45 degrees external rotation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized braces (ARC, ARC-XR, Quadrant, Acro Assist) while providing comprehensive adjustment coverage for various shoulder immobilization needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs adjustable mechanisms that allow dynamic repositioning of the shoulder. The abduction hinge and rotation mechanism can be adjusted to different angles and locked into place, enabling the device to adapt to various treatment requirements. This dynamic adjustability contrasts with fixed-position braces and allows a single device to serve multiple positioning needs.
2Reliability
If prior art braces restrict positioning to specific ranges, then device complexity is reduced, but the effectiveness in treating various shoulder conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is divided into independent adjustment segments: an abduction hinge for 0-90 degrees abduction-adduction control and a separate rotation mechanism for 20-45 degrees internal-external rotation control. This segmentation allows each degree of freedom to be independently adjusted and optimized for specific treatment requirements, enhancing both reliability and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus regarding a Rotation & Abduction Device (“RAD”) for shoulder immobilization in treating shoulder instability, wherein the ability to maintain particular degrees of shoulder rotation and abduction is desired or necessary. An exemplary RAD shoulder immobilization system may include: a frame; a harness connected to the frame and including a waist support and a neck/shoulder strap; a sling connected to the frame and the harness; and a lining covering parts of the frame, the harness, and/or the sling. A method of treating a shoulder disorder may include: providing a shoulder immobilization system capable of shoulder rotation positioning adjustment and capable of shoulder abduction-adduction positioning adjustment; putting the shoulder immobilization system on a wearer; adjusting the shoulder immobilization system for shoulder rotation positioning; and adjusting the shoulder immobilization system for shoulder abduction-adduction positioning. Numerous other aspects are provided.