External ankle distraction and load bypassing system and method

摘要

Ankle distraction or load bypassing devices include a shoe or shoe insert that securely holds a patient's foot, and a cuff that securely holds the patient's lower leg. A load bypassing device can transmit force between the cuff and the shoe or shoe insert bypassing a portion of the load around the joint. A distraction force generating mechanism between the cuff and the shoe or shoe insert can distract the patient's ankle, while permitting the ankle to flex at a joint which joins together the cuff and the shoe.

主权项

1. A device useful for treatment of the ankle joint of a patient, the device comprising:
a first external member configured and arranged to receive a portion of the patient's leg between the patient's ankle and the patient's knee; a second external member configured and arranged to receive at least a portion of the foot of the patient, wherein the second external member is movable with respect to the first external member; at least one joint connecting the first and second external members in a movable manner which allows the patient to walk and bend the ankle; and at least one bone securing element configured and arranged to be implanted in the patient's tibia, fibula, or both, the at least one bone securing element including ends configured and arranged to be connected to the first external member, wherein the device is configured and arranged to at least partially unload the ankle joint by transmitting a portion of the weight of the patient from the first external member to the second external member during loading of the ankle.