Dynamic exoskeletal orthosis
Inventors
Assignees
United States Department of the Army • US Army Medical Research and Development Command
Publication Number
US-9186270-B2
Publication Date
2015-11-17
Expiration Date
2032-04-19
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Abstract
An exoskeletal orthosis includes a proximal cuff comprising a hinge along an upper edge of the cuff; an ankle section/footplate; and at least one posterior strut connecting the proximal cuff to the ankle section and foot plate.
Core Innovation
The invention is a dynamic exoskeletal orthosis designed to support the ankle and foot, comprising a proximal cuff with a hinge along its upper edge, an ankle section or footplate, and at least one posterior strut connecting the proximal cuff to the ankle section and footplate. This orthosis permits part of the lower edge of the anterior portion of the proximal cuff to open upward via the hinge, facilitating donning and accommodating leg volume fluctuations.
The problem addressed involves limited bracing options for individuals with pain, weakness, or decreased range of motion in the ankle. Traditional ankle foot orthoses often either immobilize the ankle with stiff materials, preventing normal gait and higher activity levels, or provide compensation insufficient for complex injuries including nerve impairments or fractures. The present invention aims to provide a dynamic, durable orthosis that allows walking and running with improved gait mechanics despite severe lower limb impairments.
The orthosis incorporates features such as a supramalleolar ankle section with a lateral wing to enhance stability, a footplate extending to the toes with an arch for improved foot positioning and rollover, and a posterior strut of adjustable materials and configurations to accommodate various activity levels. The device may be modular or fixed, includes options for knee attachment, and is engineered for use in regular shoes or military boots. Its design enables early ambulation post-injury, provides impact resilience, and supports higher intensity activities with improved energy return compared to existing orthotic designs.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes one independent orthosis claim and one independent method claim, presenting four main inventive features related to structural components and functional capabilities of the orthosis and methods of treating injuries with it.
Proximal cuff with hinged opening
The orthosis comprises a proximal cuff with at least one hinge along the upper edge forming a proximal fixed axis point, allowing the lower edge of the anterior portion to open upward and away from the vertical axis while the posterior portion remains positionally stable.
Integrated ankle section and posterior strut connection
The device includes an ankle section/footplate connected by at least one posterior strut to the proximal cuff, forming a vertical axis. The strut may have various shapes and configurations, including dual tubular struts, and may either be integrally attached or removably fastened.
Material and dimensional specifications
Components of the orthosis, including the proximal cuff, posterior strut, and ankle section/footplate, comprise reinforced carbon fiber compositions or similar materials. The posterior strut length ranges from about 5 to 12 inches. The ankle section includes a supramalleolar section with a lateral wing and a footplate extending to the toes with an arch.
Method of treating injury with orthosis fitting
The method involves fitting an individual having an injury with the orthosis and placing the attached foot inside a shoe or boot, progressing the individual from early ambulation post-injury to agility and impact activities, and potentially modifying the stiffness of the posterior strut over time to accommodate recovery and activity level.
The claims collectively cover a dynamic exoskeletal orthosis system featuring a hinged proximal cuff for adjustable fit, a posterior strut linking the cuff to an anatomically contoured ankle/footplate, material constructions for durability and functionality, and a method of treatment applying this orthosis to facilitate rehabilitation and enhanced mobility post-injury.
Stated Advantages
Allows greater ability to walk and run despite severe lower extremity physical impairments.
Supports early walking post-injury and enables progression to high level activities with the same orthosis.
May be lightweight and durable to tolerate high-impact activities, including running with heavy loads (up to about 120 lbs).
Compatible for use in regular shoes and military boots, facilitating practical integration into daily and demanding activity scenarios.
Documented Applications
Treatment for injuries and conditions causing weakness, pain, or decreased range of motion at the ankle such as ankle fusion, talus or calcaneus fractures, tibial nerve injury, peroneal nerve injury, partial foot amputation, and soft tissue loss in the leg.
Use during early postoperative period after leg/foot/ankle surgery as an alternative to traditional walking boots.
Application for individuals with severe lower limb impairments to allow more normal gait patterns, running, sprinting, and deploying in military contexts.
Pediatric use for cerebral palsy patients with ankle plantarflexion weakness associated with Achilles lengthening and hamstring weakness.
Dynamic knee ankle foot orthosis configuration for injuries involving the knee, allowing detachable or fixed components for varying stability and activity needs, including parachuting and military operations.
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