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Publication Number
US-11547591-B2
Publication Date
2023-01-10
Expiration Date
Abstract
Disclosed are systems and methods of correction of spinal deformity that overcome current limitations by utilizing a dynamic, multi-segment torso orthosis that allows motion during wear. The disclosed embodiments utilize a series of elastically coupled segments that conform to the circumference of the torso of a patient. Adjustable elastic coupling mechanisms are utilized to create and alter forces and moments that are applied to the torso through the segments. These elastic coupling mechanisms also allow each circumferential segment to move relative to the other segments giving the brace dynamic capability.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a system for externally applying corrective forces to a vertebral column of a patient by using separate circumferential ring segments that fully circumscribe the front, the back, and two sides of the patient’s torso. An inferior terminal ring segment, at least one intermediate ring segment, and a superior terminal ring segment are spaced-apart along a vertical axis, and elastic members extend between vertically adjacent rings and apply forces through receivers on adjacent ring segments.
Each ring segment includes first and second adjustable coupling mechanisms mounted on back surfaces and configured to rotate and to fixate an end of an attached elastic member so that the elastic member applies force to dorsal receivers on a vertically adjacent ring segment, wherein the force rotates the adjacent ring about the vertical axis. In further implementations, additional adjustable coupling mechanisms mounted on a lateral surface apply rotational force that deflects an elastic-member axis to apply a force in a sagittal plane to a laterally adjacent ring segment via a lateral receiver.
The receivers include geometry configured to constrain limited motion by anatomical planes. The invention further encompasses a method for externally applying corrective forces by placing inferior, intermediate, and superior ring segments about lumbar, thoracic, and cervical regions, respectively, and securing terminal and intermediate elastic members between adjacent ring segments.
Claims Coverage
The document contains two independent claims: one directed to a system for externally applying corrective forces using adjustable couplings and circumferential ring segments, and one directed to a method for applying such corrective forces by placing and securing ring segments and rotating/fixating elastic-member ends. The inventive features cover multi-segment circumferential ring bracing with adjustable rotational elastic coupling, force application that rotates adjacent rings about a vertical axis, and optional additional coupling to produce sagittal-plane force components and plane-constrained motion at receivers.
Vertically spaced circumferential ring segments fully circumscribing the torso
A system comprises an inferior terminal ring segment, at least one intermediate ring segment disposed between the inferior terminal ring segment and the superior terminal ring segment, and a superior terminal ring segment, wherein each ring segment has a front, a back, and two sides configured to fully circumscribe the front, the back, and the two sides of the torso of the patient, and wherein the ring segments are separate and spaced-apart along a vertical axis.
Adjustable dorsal coupling mechanisms that rotate and fixate elastic-member ends
First adjustable coupling mechanisms and second adjustable coupling mechanisms are mounted on back surfaces of terminal and intermediate ring segments, wherein each adjustable coupling mechanism is configured to rotate and to fixate an end of the attached elastic member so that the elastic member applies a force to a dorsal receiver on the adjacent ring segment, wherein the force rotates the adjacent ring about the vertical axis.
Elastic members extending to dorsal receivers on vertically adjacent rings
A first elastic member attached to each of the first adjustable coupling mechanisms extends to the first dorsal receiver on a vertically adjacent ring segment, and a second elastic member attached to each of the second adjustable coupling mechanisms extends to the second dorsal receiver on the vertically adjacent ring segment.
Lateral-surface coupling for sagittal-plane force components
A system further includes third adjustable coupling mechanisms mounted on a lateral surface of one terminal ring segment and on each intermediate ring segment, where the mechanisms rotate and fix an attached elastic member’s end to deflect the elastic member’s axis and thereby apply a force to a lateral receiver on an adjacent ring segment in a sagittal plane.
Method placing ring segments and rotating/fixating elastic-member ends
A method comprises placing an inferior terminal ring segment about a circumference of a lumbar region, a superior terminal ring segment about a circumference of a cervical region, and at least one intermediate ring segment about a circumference of the thoracic region, with ring segments separate and spaced-apart along a vertical axis, securing first and second terminal elastic members and first and second intermediate elastic members between adjacent ring segments, and rotating and fixating an end of each attached elastic member so that an opposite end applies a force to the adjacent ring segment, wherein the force rotates the adjacent ring about the vertical axis.
Across the independent claims, the core coverage is the multi-segment external bracing architecture using vertically spaced, fully circumscribing ring segments, where adjustable coupling mechanisms rotate and fixate elastic-member ends to apply forces to dorsal receivers and rotate adjacent rings about the vertical axis. Optional claim refinements support additional lateral-surface couplings for sagittal-plane force components and constrained motion at receivers by plane-based limitations.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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