Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090124936 | Multi-Section Limb and Ligament Evaluation Apparatus and Associated Methods For Using Same - A method and apparatus for reliably positioning a 3-segment limb, such as a leg or arm for imaging and medical analysis, which can accommodate for the patient's “natural alignment”. The apparatus positions the limb in such a way that the position of the proximal segment is controlled while an known external torque is applied at a known rate to the distal segment. The location of each of the limb's three segments is recorded using either external or internal measurement techniques, and the relative motions between the proximal and intermediate segments are used in the orthopedic evaluation of the proximal joint. Furthermore, the relative motions between the intermediate and distal segments are used in the orthopedic evaluation of the distal joint. By applying a known torque at a known rate, clinicians will be provided with valuable information related to joint range of motion, stability, laxity, and compliance. | 05-14-2009 |
20090143708 | ORTHOTIC APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR USING SAME - An inflatable bladder position a distance from a joint is attached to an external structural support which crosses the joint but does not support it. By inflating the bladder one limb segment is forced towards the external support thereby increasing the ranges of motion of that joint. Further, the inflatable bladder has an instant release valve which, when pressed, will instantly release the pressure within the bladder. The limb is positioned intermediate the bladder and the external structural support for optimal biomechanical efficiency. | 06-04-2009 |
20100010396 | SHOULDER EXTENSION CONTROL DEVICE - Methods and apparatuses for providing range of motion control devices, and particularly relates to an apparatus for providing control of the range of motion of a human shoulder. | 01-14-2010 |
20100179605 | KNEE ALIGNER FOR SURGERY - Generally described the invention relates to methods and apparatuses for aligning the lower extremities of a patient with a mechanical axis. More specifically, the present invention provides an exoskeleton or external framework that positions a patient's leg into a desired mechanical axis in preparation for surgery or other medical treatment. | 07-15-2010 |
20100229874 | Method and Apparatus for Multidirectional Positioning of a Shoulder - The invention relates to a method and apparatus for manipulating a shoulder joint, by independently manipulating the upper arm in two directions. One direction is “longitudinal”, wherein the upper arm moves substantially along its longitudinal axis. The second is “lateral”, in which the upper arm moves laterally from a first to a second position, with the second position being spaced apart from the first and such that the longitudinal axes of the upper arm in the two positions are substantially parallel. The apparatus is adjustable, but includes two parts stationary during use; an elongate yet platelike “upper arm supporting plate” configured to be situated under the upper arm of the patient (extending proximate the armpit and extending proximate the elbow) and an elongate “forearm member” configured to be positioned proximate the forearm of the user when the user's arm is in position bent approximately 90 degrees. Two other elements cause controlled movement of the arm relative to the structure so the surgeon may perform the desired procedure. These inflatable bladders may be selectively inflated or deflated to provide a desired effect. These can be referenced as an “upper arm bladder” and a “forearm bladder”, although they may be also referenced as first and second bladders, although not necessarily in that order. By inflating the upper arm bladder, the upper arm is moved away from the upper arm supporting plate, causing perpendicular (a.k.a., “lateral”) force to occur to elevate the humerus perpendicularly from the glenoid to allow good clean glenoid work. | 09-16-2010 |
20100249666 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR EVALUATING LIGAMENTS - The present invention is generally directed to apparatuses and methods for evaluating the amount of “play” in a joint. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that quantifies the rotation of the tibia in response to a known torque. The apparatus is configured to minimize the influence of other joints on the rotation analysis. Other embodiments provide data related to movement of the tibia in other degrees of freedom. | 09-30-2010 |
20110218469 | ORTHOTIC APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR USING SAME - An inflatable bladder position a distance from a joint is attached to an external structural support which crosses the joint but does not support it. By inflating the bladder one limb segment is forced towards the external support thereby increasing the ranges of motion of that joint. Further, the inflatable bladder has an instant release valve which, when pressed, will instantly release the pressure within the bladder. The limb is positioned intermediate the bladder and the external structural support for optimal biomechanical efficiency. | 09-08-2011 |
20120046540 | Robotic Knee Testing Device, Subjective Patient Input Device and Methods for Using Same - An apparatus for evaluating leg movement characteristics of a patient is provided. The apparatus comprises a base assembly configured to at least partially support the patient's torso; and first and second leg support assemblies independently pivotably mounted about a pivot axis relative to the base assembly. Each leg support assembly is configured to at least partially support a portion of a respective one of the first and second legs, independent of the support of the torso. Each of the leg support assemblies also comprises: a first leg support member including a foot rotation assembly configured to at least partially retain and support an associated foot of the patient and to rotate it about an axis of rotation relative to the base assembly; and a second leg support member configured for supporting a portion of the leg at a location proximal relative to the first leg support member. | 02-23-2012 |
20120143103 | Range of Motion and Similar Devices with Temperature Controlled Fluids - Various orthotic devices for attachment to and for manipulating a user's limb having a joint are provided. The device generally comprises an inflatable motive bladder containing a first fluid and positioned adjacent a first portion of the user's limb, and a separate therapy pad positioned adjacent a second portion of the user's limb. The motive bladder is inflatable from a lesser inflated mode to a more inflated mode, and further configured to provide a motive force to move the first portion of the user's limb so as to cause a flexion in the joint. The therapy pad includes a treatment material configured to provide thermotherapy for the second portion of the user's limb. In certain embodiments, the second portion is the user's joint. Various methods of using the orthotic devices are also provided. | 06-07-2012 |
20140081181 | ROBOTIC KNEE TESTING (RKT) DEVICE HAVING DECOUPLED DRIVE CAPABILITY AND SYSTEMS AND METHODS PROVIDING THE SAME - Various limb manipulation and evaluation devices are provided. The devices generally include three drives, namely a first drive configured to manipulate a first bone relative to a second bone in a first direction, a second drive configured to manipulate the first bone relative to the second bone in a second direction, a third drive configured to manipulate the first bone relative to the second bone in a second direction. The three directions are different relative to each other and in some embodiments represent three distinct axes. The devices are further configured such that at least one of the drives is mutually decoupled relative to at least one other drive, such that operation of the one drive does not affect the position or movement of the another drive. One or multiple of the drives may be decoupled. A corresponding method of operating such decoupled drives is also provided. | 03-20-2014 |
20140276250 | DEVICE WITH THERAPEUTIC FEATURES - Disclosed is a therapeutic stretching apparatus, which in particular provides a user with a system for providing an assist to increase knee extension as well as for maintaining stability of the knee after surgery. This device can not only act as a therapeutic stretching apparatus but also can act as a primary post-op knee brace with locks/limits on hinge to prevent user from further injuring the joint. | 09-18-2014 |
20140358042 | Pronation and/or Dorsiflexion of First Joint For Evaluation of Second Joint - A method and apparatus for reliably positioning a 3-segment limb, such as a leg or arm for imaging and medical analysis, which can accommodate for the patient's “natural alignment”. The apparatus positions the limb in such a way that the position of the proximal segment is controlled while an known external torque is applied at a known rate to the distal segment. The location of each of the limb's three segments is recorded using either external or internal measurement techniques, and the relative motions between the proximal and intermediate segments are used in the orthopedic evaluation of the proximal joint. Furthermore, the relative motions between the intermediate and distal segments are used in the orthopedic evaluation of the distal joint. By applying a known torque at a known rate, clinicians will be provided with valuable information related to joint range of motion, stability, laxity, and compliance. | 12-04-2014 |
20150011915 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR EVALUATING JOINT PERFORMANCE - The present invention is generally directed to apparatuses and methods for evaluating the amount of “play” in a joint. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that quantifies the rotation of the tibia in response to a known torque. The apparatus is configured to minimize the influence of other joints on the rotation analysis. Other embodiments provide data related to movement of the tibia in other degrees of freedom. | 01-08-2015 |