Method of and system for joint therapy and stabilization
Inventors
McSpadden, Sam K. • Quisenberry, Tony
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-8282587-B2
Publication Date
2012-10-09
Expiration Date
Abstract
A joint therapy system and method is shown for proving thermal therapy and joint stability in dual modes of operation. In some embodiments, a treatment system is shown utilizing an orthopedic support for supporting a joint region and having one or more of temperature control capabilities, compression capabilities, and bracing capabilities that may, for example, be used to reduce recover time, limit edema, and protect joints from improper movement while healing from orthopedic surgeries.
Core Innovation
The disclosed expandable orthopedic device uses removable components to support thermal therapy and joint stabilization. A thermal therapy wrap attaches to the inside surface of the device for treatment and compression; after its removal, a buttress attaches to that surface. Opposed, adjustable joint stabilization members accommodate the two configurations and can align their points of rotation with the joint region. The buttress may be positioned around a patella opening.
The method describes securing the expandable device around a user’s joint region with the thermal therapy wrap attached, positioning stabilization members, and providing thermal therapy. It then describes removing the wrap, attaching a buttress, securing the device around the joint region again, and adjusting the stabilization members. The partial content does not explicitly describe the problem being solved in the background section.
Claims Coverage
The provided relevant claims identify one independent claim: a method for providing orthopedic therapy. Its claim elements cover use of an expandable orthopedic device first with a thermal therapy wrap and then with a buttress, while joint stabilization members provide stabilization.
Expandable orthopedic device with upper and lower fastener assemblies
The method provides an expandable orthopedic device having an upper fastener assembly comprising a first strap and a lower fastener assembly comprising a second strap.
Thermal therapy wrap for joint treatment
The thermal therapy wrap attaches to the inside surface of the device, which wraps around and secures to the user’s joint region; first and second joint stabilization members are positioned on opposite sides of the joint region, and thermal therapy is provided via the wrap.
Replacement of the thermal therapy wrap with a buttress
The method removes the thermal therapy wrap from the inside surface, attaches a buttress to that surface, and secures the device incorporating the buttress around the joint region.
Adjustment of joint stabilization members
After the device is secured around the joint region incorporating the buttress, the first and second joint stabilization members are adjusted to provide joint stabilization.
The independent claim covers an expandable orthopedic device used in successive thermal-therapy and buttress configurations, with adjustable members providing joint stabilization.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
The device is described for post-surgical recovery and treatment of swelling, inflammation, sprains, and joint or muscle pain.
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