阅读说明：本技术 球窝关节固定支架 (Ball joint fixing support ) 是由 法布里齐奥·格拉涅里 于 2020-01-16 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于关节康复的设备(1),包括第一元件(2)和第二元件(3),第一元件(2)设置有用于紧固到肢体近侧部分的杆(24,25),第二元件(3)设置有用于紧固到肢体远侧部分的杆(34,35),所述第一元件(2)包括彼此相对的第一球壳部分(21)和第二球壳部分(22),并且所述第二元件(3)包括彼此相对的第一球壳部分(31)和第二球壳部分(32),各球壳部分(21,22,31,32)被配置成通过球形铰链联接部来紧固所述第一元件和第二元件,并且被配置成使得各球壳部分(21,22,31,32)内部包括的空间在被联接时使得康复的关节对象被允许接纳在其中。(A device (1) for joint rehabilitation comprising a first element (2) and a second element (3), the first element (2) being provided with a stem (24, 25) for fastening to a proximal portion of a limb, the second element (3) being provided with a stem (34, 35) for fastening to a distal portion of a limb, the first element (2) comprises a first spherical shell part (21) and a second spherical shell part (22) opposite to each other, and the second element (3) comprises a first spherical shell part (31) and a second spherical shell part (32) opposite to each other, each spherical shell part (21, 22, 31, 32) being configured to fasten the first and second element by means of a spherical hinge joint, and is configured such that the space comprised inside each spherical shell part (21, 22, 31, 32), when coupled, is such that the rehabilitated joint object is allowed to be received therein.)

1. A device (1) for joint rehabilitation comprising a first element (2) and a second element (3), the first element (2) being provided with a stem (24, 25) for fastening to a proximal portion of a limb, the second element (3) being provided with a stem (34, 35) for fastening to a distal portion of a limb,

the first element (2) comprising a first spherical shell part (21) and a second spherical shell part (22) opposite to each other, the second element (3) comprising a first spherical shell part (31) and a second spherical shell part (32) opposite to each other,

each spherical shell part (21, 22, 31, 32) is configured to secure the first and second elements by means of a spherical hinge coupling and configured such that a space contained inside each spherical shell part (21, 22, 31, 32) enables the rehabilitated joint object to be received therein when coupled,

the first (21, 31) and second (22, 32) spherical shell portions of each of the first (2) and second (3) elements being firmly connected to each other and configured to be located on opposite parts of the joint when the device (1) is worn,

the first spherical shell portion (21) of the first element (2) is configured to couple with the first spherical shell portion (31) of the second element (3), and the second spherical shell portion (22) of the first element (2) is configured to couple with the second spherical shell portion (32) of the second element (3).

2. Device (1) for the rehabilitation of joints according to claim 1, characterized in that said rods (34, 35) are telescopic, each provided with a first and a second part sliding with respect to their own axis, one of said parts being fixed to the relative spherical shell part and the other of said parts being movable with respect to the relative spherical shell part, so that during flexion-extension movements of the limb said joint can be positioned at the centre of rotation of said spherical hinge.

3. Device (1) for the rehabilitation of joints according to claim 2, further comprising fastening means for fastening the movable part of each rod to the distal or proximal part of the limb.

4. Device (1) for the rehabilitation of the joints according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diameter (H) of the base of the spherical cap of the second element (3) is lower than the distance (L) between the first and second spherical shell portions of the first element (2).

5. Device (1) for the rehabilitation of the joints according to any of the claims from 1 to 3, characterized in that the spherical shell portions of the first element (2) are detachable from each other and can be reassembled after positioning the second element (3) therein.

6. Device (1) for the rehabilitation of the joints according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second element (3) further comprises abutment means (36), said abutment means (36) being configured to limit the relative rotation allowed along one or more axes when said device is assembled.

7. Device (1) for the rehabilitation of the joints according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising actuation means allowing to apply a coupling between the first (2) and second (3) elements, so as to assist the patient in performing a full extension of the limb.

8. Device (1) for the rehabilitation of joints according to claim 7, characterized in that said actuation means apply said coupling only when the relative angular position of the first and second elements exceeds a determined angle.

9. Device (1) for the rehabilitation of joints according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that said actuation means comprise: a ferromagnetic core (7) fastened to the second element (3) so that its position can be changed by means of a motor (6B); and an electromagnet (6-a), said electromagnet (6-a) being configured to magnetize said ferromagnetic core (7) when supplied with current, and a permanent magnet (8) being located on said first element (2), and said system being configured such that, by changing the position of said ferromagnetic core (7), it is possible to change the angle at which said permanent magnet (8) exerts an attractive action, which assists the patient in moving.

10. Device (1) for the rehabilitation of joints according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that said actuation means comprise two electric wheels (60, 61) integral with the outer spherical shell portion and configured to act on the inner spherical shell portion, which is positioned on the opposite portion with respect to the middle of the device and configured so that, by controlling the rotation speed of the respective motors, it is possible to apply the desired portion of the prone/supine movement during the flexion-extension movement.

11. The device (1) for joint rehabilitation according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: two angular position sensors arranged on opposite sides of the spherical hinge, the angular position sensors configured to detect an angle formed between the first and second elements; and means for acquiring data detected by the angular position sensor and data processing means configured to detect and save information detected by the angular position sensor while the device is in use.

12. Device (1) for the rehabilitation of the joints according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said rod is telescopic and further comprises:

a linear actuator configured to control the telescoping rod;

position detection means capable of acquiring the relative position of an element controlled by the linear actuator;

an electronic control and actuation device able to acquire the signals acquired by the position detection device and to control the actuator,

and a device for acquiring an external instruction of a user.

Technical Field

The object of the present invention is an orthopaedic fixation support suitable for the rehabilitation of human joints, in particular of the elbow joint, but also of the knee, ankle and shoulder joints.

Background

It is well known that after surgery or trauma, rehabilitation exercises are required in order to restore correct joint function. Especially in the case of elbow joint rehabilitation, it is also necessary to repeatedly perform flexion-extension exercises in combination with prone/supine movements. In the state of the art, various machines are known which allow such movements to be carried out in a guided manner, both passively (the exercise being carried out by means of machines of the electrical system) and actively (the patient having to exert the forces necessary to carry out the exercise).

For simplicity, by analyzing the case of elbow rehabilitation, it should be emphasized that, in the prior art in the field of rehabilitation, many examples of devices are known which are configured to be fastened on the arm and forearm of a patient and to allow arm flexion-extension movements in a guided manner. Some non-limiting examples are described in CN103251493 (fig. 1), CN103536426 (fig. 2), CN103976852A (fig. 3), MI2010a001769 (fig. 4).

In any case, these and other devices known in the prior art are limited because the kinematic mechanisms implemented do not allow to constantly coincide the instantaneous centres of rotation of the joints with those of the kinematic mechanisms during the whole extension movement, and because they completely eliminate the possibility of rotation of the forearms around their own axis (on the abdomen/on the back).

In fact, it is well known that the elbow joint, even though it is often illustrated for simplicity as a cylindrical hinge arranged between the arm and the forearm, is in fact a complex kinematic mechanism and that the instantaneous centre of rotation does not remain constant during flexion/extension movements (in combination with prone/supine movements). By forcing the centre of rotation to be constant by the external device (in fact, this happens in all devices with a cylindrical hinge between the arm and forearm), the execution of the exercise becomes different from the natural movement without the support.

In addition to the change in the centre of rotation, in the natural movement of the forearm, during flexion/extension a slight rotation about its own axis (on the abdomen/on the back) is observed. In general, it can be said that the main axis of rotation can be formed solely in the joint (however this corresponds to the unique movement allowed by the devices known in the prior art), but this axis of rotation is not unique, since the joint allows movement around other axes, even with small angular extensions. By forcing the joint to move like a cylindrical hinge to avoid slight rotation, the benefits of rehabilitation therapy are reduced.

Another limitation of the devices known in the prior art is that they are either completely passive (they do not help the patient to exert force, but they only guide movement) or completely active (they exert a constant force throughout the exercise). For effective rehabilitation, it is preferable to assist the patient in moving (by applying appropriate forces) only those parts of the movement that the patient is unable to do by himself. It is clear that as rehabilitation progresses, the amplitude of motion that the patient is able to perform by himself increases until it coincides with the full range of motion. Thus, the rehabilitation device must allow for the modification of the portion of the motion the device assists the patient.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device for orthopedic rehabilitation which overcomes the limitations of the devices known in the prior art.

More specifically, the present invention provides a device for joint rehabilitation that allows rehabilitation exercises to be performed by facilitating natural joint kinematics, in particular by constantly following an instantaneous centre of rotation.

However, the present invention provides a device for orthopaedic rehabilitation in which, in addition to rotation about the main axis of rotation of the joint, relative movement of the joint is permitted (e.g. relative movement of the forearm relative to the arm, rather than relative movement of the tibia relative to the femur), and rotation about its own axis is also permitted.

According to another object, the invention provides a device for orthopedic rehabilitation comprising a spherical hinge configured to constantly maintain its own centre of rotation at the instantaneous centre of rotation of the joint, which combines flexion, extension and supine/prone movements.

The present invention, however, provides an orthopaedic brace provided with means for applying a force tending to assist in performing a movement, the means being configured such that the force may be applied alternately throughout the performance of the movement, to a portion of the movement, or not at all.

Finally, the invention provides an orthopaedic brace which has all the advantages just described, but which is nevertheless simple and inexpensive to implement, and which is also small in size, so that it can be easily transported and worn by the patient.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device that can be used as an exoskeleton while maintaining all the advantages just described.

The invention achieves the above object in that it is a device (1) for joint rehabilitation comprising a first element (2) and a second element (3), the first element (2) being provided with a stem (24, 25) for fastening to a proximal part of a limb, the second element (3) being provided with a stem (34, 35) for fastening to a distal part of the limb, the first element (2) comprising a first spherical shell part (21) and a second spherical shell part (22) opposite each other, the second element (3) comprising a first spherical shell part (31) and a second spherical shell part (32) opposite each other, each spherical shell part (21, 22, 31, 32) being configured to fasten the first and second element by means of a spherical hinge coupling and being configured such that a space comprised inside each spherical shell part (21, 22, 31, 32) enables a rehabilitated joint object to be received therein when coupled,

the first (21, 31) and second (22, 32) spherical shell portions of each of the two elements (2, 3) are firmly connected to each other and are configured to lie on opposite parts of the joint when the device (1) is worn,

the first spherical shell portion (21) of the first element (2) is configured to couple with the first spherical shell portion (31) of the second element (3), and the second spherical shell portion (22) of the first element (2) is configured to couple with the second spherical shell portion (32) of the second element (3).

Detailed Description

These and other advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention with reference to fig. 1 to 23.

First of all, it is to be noted that even though, for simplicity of explanation, the device is shown in the drawings and described in the text for elbow rehabilitation, the device can be used for other joints, with suitable modifications that the expert in the field can implement without inventive effort, without departing from the object of the present invention.

With reference to fig. 5, the device (1) comprises a first element (2) and a second element (3) configured to be assembled by means of a spherical hinge that can be arranged with its own centre of rotation at the centre of rotation of the joint to be recovered, for example the elbow joint.

To this end, the first element (2) comprises a first spherical shell portion (21) and a second spherical shell portion (22) (spherical cap) opposite each other. The spherical caps (21, 22) are connected by a coupling device (23) positioned so as not to hinder the articulation. Conveniently, in the case of an elbow, said element (23) can be positioned at the rear of the arm.

Each of said caps (21, 22) is then connected to an associated rod (24, 25) configured to be fastened to a limb (for example an arm) according to what is described in detail below.

Similarly, the second element (3) comprises a first spherical shell portion (31) and a second spherical shell portion (32) (spherical cap) opposite to each other. The spherical caps (31, 32) are connected by a coupling element (33) positioned so as not to hinder the articulation. Conveniently, in the case of an elbow, said element (33) may be arranged at the rear of the forearm.

With reference to the figures, it is to be noted that by indicating that each element (2, 3) comprises a first spherical shell portion (21, 31) and a second spherical shell portion (22, 32) that are "opposite each other", it is meant that the first and second spherical shell portions of each of the two elements are firmly connected to each other and are configured so that they are located on opposite parts of the joint when the device (1) is worn.

Furthermore, it is to be noted that when the elements are coupled by means of a spherical hinge, the first spherical shell portion (21) of the first element is coupled with the first spherical shell portion (31) of the second element (3), and the second spherical shell portion (22) of the first element (2) is coupled with the second spherical shell portion of the second element (3).

Each of said caps (31, 32) is then connected to an associated rod (34, 35) configured to be fastened to a limb (for example an arm) according to what is described in detail below. The second element (3) may comprise further abutment means (36) configured to limit the relative rotation allowed along one or more axes when the device is assembled. In this way, overstretching or overtorquing can be avoided. Preferably, the first element (2) comprises adjustment means (26) allowing to adjust the maximum angle of relative rotation at which said abutment means (36) come into play. As an example, the adjustment device (26) may comprise a screw (26) configured to block the abutment device (36).

In fig. 6, the assembled device is shown, and in it the arm (4) and forearm (5) are schematically shown.

For coupling, according to fig. 6, the spherical shell parts (21, 22, 31, 32) are configured such that the outer surface of the shell (31, 32) of the second element (3) may constitute a spherical hinge with the inner surface of the shell (21, 22) of the first element (2). Such a hinged coupling forces the second element (3) to rotate relative to the first element (2) only with respect to an axis passing through the centre of the coupling. In other words, between said first element (2) and second element (3), only the relative movements obtained by the synthesis of the rotations about the three axes (x, y, z) are allowed, as shown in fig. 7.

As mentioned above, by suitably configuring the geometry of the abutment means (36), or by providing suitable undulations and protrusions on the spherical shell portion, the amplitude of the relative movement allowed according to the various axes can be limited.

However, as is clear from fig. 6, the space comprised between the outer (21, 22) and inner (31, 32) spherical shell parts must be such that the limb, the rehabilitation subject (e.g. arm and forearm, with the elbow in the centre of the spherical hinge) is received therein.

As mentioned above, each element (2, 3) is provided with a rod (24, 25, 34, 35) for fastening it to a relatively proximal or distal portion of the relevant limb (e.g. arm, forearm).

Conveniently, the rods are telescopic, each rod being provided with a first portion integral with the spherical shell and a second portion slidable with respect to its own axis, the second portion being movable with respect to the spherical shell. In order to minimize friction, suitable coupling means, such as linear ball bearings, may be used to implement the telescopic rod.

This is shown in fig. 10 with reference to the first portion (341) and the second portion (342) of the rod (34). The same is true for the other connecting rods.

Thus, fastening means of known type, such as bracelets (27, 37), strings or other types, are used to fasten the movable part of each rod to the arm, or to the forearm, respectively.

Furthermore, preferably, the fastening means (27, 37) are adjustably fastened to the rods so that they can adapt to the size of the patient's limb. The adjustment can be conveniently made through elongated apertures (271, 371) that allow the bracelet to slide relative to the stem.

Furthermore, preferably, at least one of the fastening means (27, 37) is configured to allow rotation of the hemilimb about its own axis (e.g. thereby allowing rotation of the forearm about its own axis). For this purpose, the fastening means are preferably realized with a first part fastened to the associated rod and a second part fastened to the first part, the second part being configured such that it can be rotated relative to the axis of the fastened semilimb (for example the forearm).

Having described the elements that constitute the device according to the invention at least from a strict kinematic point of view, its function can now be described.

For wearing the support, the arm (4) is fastened to the telescopic portion of the first element (2) and the forearm (5) is fastened to the telescopic portion of the second element by positioning the elbow in the centre of the spherical hinge.

In this regard, when performing the movement, the spherical hinge will spontaneously position relative to the telescoping portion secured to the arm and forearm, such that its own center of rotation remains aligned with the instantaneous center of rotation of the joint.

Preferably, but not exclusively, the device comprises further actuation means allowing a coupling to be applied between said first element (2) and second element (3) to assist the patient in completing the full extension of the limb. Conveniently, the actuation means only applies the coupling when the relative angular position of the first and second elements exceeds a determined angle that can be adjusted. In this way, the patient is forced to perform the first part of the movement without external assistance, and he is only assisted to perform the end part of the extension movement. As the treatment progresses, and as the patient's condition improves, the angle at which the actuation means intervenes can be adjusted so that the amplitude of the movement performed by the patient himself increases.

A first embodiment of the actuating device is shown in fig. 11, in which a ferromagnetic core (7) is shown fastened to the second element (3) so that its position can be changed by means of a motor (6B). The second element (3) further comprises an electromagnet (6-A), the electromagnet (6-A) being configured to magnetize the ferromagnetic core (7) when supplied with an electric current. The permanent magnet (8) is located on the first element (2). The system is configured such that by changing the position of the ferromagnetic core, the angle at which the permanent magnet exerts an attractive effect that assists the patient in moving can be changed. By acting on the tension applied to the electromagnet (6-a), the polarity, the current and the time of supplying the current, an overall control of the position, intensity and duration of the application of the coupling is obtained.

According to another embodiment shown in fig. 13, the actuating means may comprise a motor (19) which rotates a wheel (20) configured to act on the guide (29). The motor (19) and the guide (29) are integral with the first and second elements (2, 3), respectively, and are configured so that when the wheel (20) engages the guide (29), it exerts an effect tending to increase the opening angle of the device. According to a first embodiment, the wheel (20) is a toothed wheel and the guide (29) is provided with teeth configured to engage said wheel. According to another embodiment, the wheel (20) acts by friction and the device comprises a pretensioning system configured to push the motor and the wheel towards said guide (29) by means of a spring.

Furthermore, preferably, the device comprises at least one angular position sensor (50), and preferably it comprises two angular position sensors arranged on opposite sides of said spherical hinge, configured to detect the angle formed between said first and second elements, and means for acquiring the data detected by said sensors and data processing means configured to detect and save the information detected by said angular position sensors when the device is in use.

According to another embodiment, the device comprises two electric wheels (60, 61) integral with the outer spherical shell portion and configured to act on the inner spherical shell portion, preferably by friction. The wheels (60, 61) are located on opposite parts relative to the mid-section of the device and are configured such that by controlling the respective motors such that the wheels (60, 61) rotate at the same rate of movement, the resulting movement is pure flexion/extension, whereas by controlling the motors such that the wheels rotate at different rates, the resulting movement is a combination of flexion/extension and supine/prone movement. In short, during the rehabilitation movement, the desired rotation of the forearm about its own axis can be imposed by controlling the rotation speed of the two wheels (60, 61). Preferably, the device will also include an angular position sensor configured to measure flexion/extension angles and supine/supine angles.

Without limiting the object of the invention, fig. 8 shows an embodiment in which the mechanism assembly is particularly convenient. In particular, the assembly described below is possible if the base diameter (H) of the small spherical cap is lower than the distance (L) between the two caps of the housing. Under these conditions, the assembly can be carried out according to the following steps:

figure 15 the second element (3) is detached from the first element, rotating with respect to its end position;

figure 16-the second element is introduced into the first element by simple translation.

Figure 17-simple rotation of the second element (3) allows to place the device in its working position.

It should be noted that in the end position, the two half-hinges cannot be extracted, except by a reverse movement with respect to the one just described, which is obviously not possible when the device is worn.

An alternative embodiment provides that the at least one first element (2) is realized in two parts which can be detached from one another and can therefore be reassembled after the second element (3) has been positioned therein.

However, according to another embodiment, the device according to the invention may comprise two spherical shells of opposite blocking means in determined positions, configured to allow immobilization of the limb of the patient. In this way, the device can also be replaced by a plaster or other type of fixing bandage known in the art.

According to another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises:

-a linear actuator configured to control the telescopic rod;

-an actuator for controlling said at least fastening means (27, 37), the actuator being configured to allow the semilimb to rotate about its own axis;

-position detection means able to acquire the relative position of the element controlled by the actuator;

-electronic control and actuation means able to acquire the signals acquired by said detection means and to control said actuator.

Means for acquiring an external command of the user (for example means for acquiring an electromyographic signal).

Conveniently, the device comprising said further elements may be used as an exoskeleton, with rehabilitation or support functions, for increasing the lifting power of the person wearing it.

For this reason, it is convenient that the use as the exoskeleton is performed by a first learning step in which the user performs a lifting motion without a load, and the control means acquires a change over time in the position detected by each of the position detecting means.

In a second step of the execution of the movement, the electronic device controls the actuators so that each actuator covers the same trajectory.

A movement start or stop instruction is sent by the electronic device to the actuator according to a signal detected by the means for acquiring an external instruction of the user (for example, electromyographic signal acquisition means).