Reconfigurable orthosis for deformity correction
Inventors
Thompson, Matthew • Gittings, Darin
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11980562-B2
Publication Date
2024-05-14
Expiration Date
Abstract
Systems and methods for correcting spinal deformity utilize a dynamic, multi-structure torso orthosis that allows motion during wear. The disclosed embodiments utilize a series of elastically coupled ring structures 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 these ring structures. In some instances, the ring structures are formed from individual elements that can be linked to accommodate particular anatomies. In other instances, a superior ring structure can be configured to accommodate the patient's upper torso.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a system for externally applying corrective force to a torso of a patient for spinal deformity correction. It uses a plurality of ring structures spaced-apart along a vertical axis, including an inferior terminal ring structure, a superior terminal ring structure, and at least one intermediate ring structure disposed between them. The ring structures conform to a circumference of the torso through ring elements linked together by complementary mating surfaces on lateral ends of a curved center region.
Circumferentially adjacent ring elements have complementary shapes that allow them to be linked and, in selected cases, configured to rigidly attach to form a selectively rigid assembly. The system further includes at least one coupling member disposed between each vertically adjacent pair of ring structures, where each coupling member is adjustably fixated at an inferior end to a ring structure on an inferior side and at a superior end to a ring structure on a superior side.
In another embodiment, the invention configures ring structures in a spaced, substantially coaxial arrangement about a vertical axis, with the superior terminal ring structure configured to span an upper region of the patient's back and extend downward to span the torso below the patient's arms. Elastic members disposed between each vertically adjacent pair of ring structures are secured and adjustably fixated at inferior and superior ends.
In a related method, the system is configured by providing ring elements with complementary mating surfaces, linking them into inferior, superior, and intermediate ring structures that conform to the torso circumference, and elastically joining the ring structures along a vertical axis.
Claims Coverage
The provided set includes three independent claims. Across these claims, the inventive coverage is organized around torso-conforming, linked ring structures with complementary mating surfaces that can form selectively rigid or rigid assemblies, and adjustable elastic coupling or elastic member connection between vertically adjacent rings.
Torso-conforming linked ring structures with complementary mating surfaces
A system comprising a plurality of ring structures spaced-apart along a vertical axis, including an inferior terminal ring structure, a superior terminal ring structure, and at least one intermediate ring structure, wherein ring elements have mating surfaces on lateral ends of a curved center region and circumferentially adjacent ring elements have complementary shapes that allow them to be linked together so that the ring structures conform to a circumference of the torso; some mating surfaces are configured to rigidly attach to form a selectively rigid assembly.
Adjustably fixated coupling member between vertically adjacent ring structures
At least one coupling member disposed between each vertically adjacent pair of ring structures, each coupling member being adjustably fixated at an inferior end to a ring structure on an inferior side and at a superior end to a ring structure on a superior side.
Coaxial torso-conforming ring structures with superior ring spanning below the arms
A system for externally applying corrective force to a torso comprising a plurality of ring structures each configured to conform to a circumference of the torso and positioned in a spaced, substantially coaxial configuration about a vertical axis, including an inferior terminal ring structure, a superior terminal ring structure, and at least one intermediate ring structure; the superior terminal ring structure is configured to span an upper region of the patient's back and extend downward to span the torso below the patient's arms.
Adjustably fixated elastic member between vertically adjacent ring structures
At least one elastic member disposed between each vertically adjacent pair of ring structures, each elastic member being secured and adjustably fixated at an inferior end to a ring structure on an inferior side and at a superior end to a ring structure on a superior side.
Configuring linked rigid ring structures and elastically joining along a vertical axis
A method for configuring a system to apply a corrective force to a vertebral column of a patient comprising providing ring elements with mating surfaces on lateral ends of a curved center region and complementary shapes on circumferentially adjacent ring elements; linking them to form an inferior terminal ring structure, a superior terminal ring structure, and at least one intermediate ring structure that conform to a circumference of a torso; and elastically joining the ring structures along a vertical axis.
Across the independent claims, the invention covers externally applying corrective force using torso-conforming ring structures built from linked ring elements with complementary mating surfaces and adjustable elastic coupling between vertically adjacent rings. One independent system embodiment further requires a superior terminal ring configured to span the upper back and extend downward below the arms.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
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