DEVICE HAVING HINGE FOR TREATMENT OF ANTERIOR AND POSTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURIES AND METHOD FOR USING THE SAME

摘要

A device and method for using the device arranged to maintain anatomical alignment between a joint by creating a dynamic load around the joint to restore and maintain the anatomical alignment. The orthotic device uses a hinge to create a directed force on a tibia by maintaining misalignment of an instant center of rotation (ICoR) of the hinge at a position relative to an anatomical knee joint.

主权项

1. An orthotic device having a first and second cuffs connected to one another by an articulating hinge between first and second positions, the orthotic device defining a proximal-distal plane, and an anterior-posterior plane intersecting one another to form an intersection axis, the hinge comprising:
a first linkage system having a first end connecting to the first cuff and a second end; a second linkage system having a first end connecting to the second cuff and a second end pivotally connecting to the second end of the first linkage, the pivotal connection of the first and second linkage systems forming an instant center of rotation (ICoR) located at an anterior or posterior side relative to the anterior-posterior plane, and urging a force directed through the second cuff due to a relative displacement of the first cuff relative to the second cuff which increases as the orthotic device approaches full flexion; wherein the ICoR of the hinge shifts to a position relative to the anatomical knee joint axis to create a misalignment of the ICoR depending on the angle of flexion.