HRP20200856A1 - Hip traction and vibration device - Google Patents

Abstract

The device for traction and vibration of the hip belongs to the field of medical equipment. The X-axis movement assembly (3) comprises custom-made bearings (16) which provide the possibility of placing the device on the left or right side of the physiotherapy table. By making the fixator of the proximal part of the lower leg (4) and the ball joint assembly (11) which rotates by 30 °, traction force is enabled in all directions (ventral / lateral / caudal). The ball joints (14) allow the mobility of the proximal lower leg holder (10a) and the lower lower leg holder (10b) for the purpose of placing the upper leg and lower leg in a position where their tingling will not occur and which suits each patient individually due to anatomical damage. given the direction of the traction force. The holder for the proximal part of the lower leg (10a) contains a sensor (18) that reads the traction force and sends back information to the screen (8) of the user. A fixation mechanism consisting of a belt (23) with a spongy part (24), a closing buckle (26) and an adjusting buckle (25) fixes the patient's pelvis to the base. Simultaneous interaction of the traction force produced by the fixator of the proximal part of the lower leg (4) and the vibration produced by the electric motor with the eccentric (27) enables even distribution of synovial fluid in the joint so that it reaches the damaged cartilage parts and relaxes the musculature. vibration device belongs to the field of medical equipment. The X-axis movement assembly (3) comprises bearings (16) made to measure, which provide the possibility of placing the device on the left or right side of the physiotherapy table. By making the fixator of the proximal part of the lower leg (4) and the ball joint assembly (11) which rotates by 30 °, the traction force in all directions (ventral / lateral / caudal) is enabled. The ball joints (14) allow the mobility of the holder for the proximal part of the lower leg (10a) and the holder for the distal part of the lower leg (10b) for the purpose of placing the upper leg and lower leg in a position where they will not sting and which suits each patient individually given the anatomical damage and given the direction of the traction force. The holder for the proximal part of the lower leg (10a) contains a sensor (18) that reads the traction force and sends information back to the screen (8) of the user. A fixation mechanism consisting of a belt (23) with a spongy part (24), a closure clip (26) and an adjustment clip (25) fixes the patient's pelvis to the base. Simultaneous interaction of the traction force produced by the fixator of the proximal lower leg (4) and the vibration produced by the electric motor with the eccentric (27) enables even distribution of synovial fluid in the joint so that it reaches the damaged cartilage parts and relaxes the muscles.

Description

The field to which the invention relates

This invention belongs to the field of medical equipment used in the therapy of hip pain caused by coxarthrosis, nerve compression, labral pathology and the like.

According to the international IPC classification, the invention is classified as... A61H 99/0.

Technical problem

One of the methods of rehabilitation of painful conditions of the hip is the manual technique of traction and simultaneous application of vibration to the surrounding structures and soft tissues, often performed by physiotherapists. Human factors such as fatigue and the inability to apply equal force and uniform vibrations to the hip joint and surrounding structures affect the quality and effectiveness of the therapy. During the research and development of a medical device that automates the manual technique of traction and vibration, we encountered the following technical problems; How to adapt the device to different heights of the surface such as the physiotherapeutic table where the patient will be positioned, how to provide the possibility that intervention (therapy) with the device is possible regardless of the patient's anatomical side of the damage, how to enable the easiest and simplest management of the device, how to objectify the method in terms of obtaining specific (quantitative) data on the applied traction force and vibration on the patient, how to obtain a traction force and vibration equivalent to that applied manually by a physiotherapist, how to enable device therapy for patients who have a reduced range of motion in the hip joint and require individual positioning and direction of the traction force, how to fix the pelvis to the base in order to perform the separation of the articular bodies in the hip joint (acetabulum and femur) and how to achieve relaxation of the surrounding structures of the hip joint and soft tissues and the penetration of synovial fluid into the damaged parts of the cartilage.

The primary goal of the invention is to automate the manual traction and vibration technique normally performed by physiotherapists, which is possible in all directions (ventral/caudal/lateral) with respect to the biomechanics of the hip joint. The secondary goal is to integrate the vibration component (unit) into the system. A further goal of the invention is to enable constant force and modular management of the intensity of traction force and vibration, which will contribute to effective therapy and objectification of the work method. Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be learned through practice of the invention.

State of the art

Today, the method of manual traction and vibration performed by a physiotherapist is still the most widely used. Nowhere is it shown or recorded in an objective way how much traction force the physiotherapist applied to the patient, how long he can withstand applying a constant force in a period of 20 minutes, and how successful the traction is with regard to the fixation of the pelvis and torso, which the physiotherapist must also perform at the same time. Due to the lack of such medical hip traction devices intended for professional use, in the medical equipment market, physical therapists continue to use their strength and auxiliary props such as belts in the performance of hip traction and vibration therapy. Several similar devices have been developed abroad, but most of them are intended for home use and do not incorporate modern technology. Some similar devices include the HipTrack (MedRock Inc, 101 SW Madison Suite 9262, Oregon) and the Tombo-brace (not commercialized). HipTrack has been clinically tested on patients with painful hip conditions, and benefits have been shown at the anatomical level and in the daily functioning of these patients. The differences between HipTrack and devices for traction and vibration of the hip joint are that HipTrack provides the possibility of only caudal traction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the body (long-axis traction), i.e. traction in only one direction with the lower leg extended, it does not use a vibration component, does not use modern technology and is intended for home use, while the device for traction and vibration of the hip joint uses an efficient mechanism for fixing the pelvis and trunk, enables traction in the ventral, lateral and or caudal direction with regard to the biomechanics of the hip joint and the position of the lower leg, uses a vibration component, incorporates modern technology and is intended for professional use. According to a personal search on the Internet (Google Patent Search, United States Patent & Trademark Office, Japan Patent Office, WIPO), we did not come across such or similar solutions that would enable what the technical solution of our invention enables. Given that devices from the state of the art do not solve these technical problems and are not similar to our invention, this application is submitted.

Presentation of the essence of the invention

One of the methods of rehabilitation of a painful condition of the hip is the manual technique of traction of the hip joint and the simultaneous application of vibration to the surrounding structures and soft tissues. The traction technique in physiotherapy reduces the pressure on the hip joint, i.e. on its joint bodies that make up the acetabulum (part of the pelvis) and the head of the femur (thigh bone). By the term traction and vibration of the hip we mean the pulling out (traction) of the femur in relation to the pelvis and the vibration that we transmit to the joint via the femur. By separating the joint bodies and using vibration, we enable the synovial fluid, which is in the joint, to be evenly distributed and reach the damaged parts of the cartilage. Using the manual technique of traction and vibration, we also stretch the joint capsule, which closes the joint, not allowing the capsule to lose elasticity and shorten, which is essential for maintaining the normal range of motion in the hip joint. With this technique, we also work on the muscles and tendons that are most often hard and tense in hip pathology. We stretch soft tissues with traction and relax them with vibration. We can conclude that the traction and vibration technique works on the hip joint itself, but also on the surrounding soft tissues, reducing pain and increasing the range of motion. This technique can also serve as a prevention against injuries and possible pathology in individual athletes or certain jobs where the risk of hip injury is increased. As problems with the hip arise from heavy loads on the joint and mutual pressure of the articular bodies, we use the technique in the majority of patients who come with symptoms in the hip area. The technique is painless and creates a feeling of comfort and relief in patients, especially those with hip arthrosis in the initial or middle stages. The technique can postpone hip surgery in the group that is in the final, most severe stage of arthrosis. The technique itself lasts 20 minutes and is recommended at least 3 times a week for a period of one month, and in more severe cases up to 2 months.

This technique is normally performed by one or two physiotherapists using their hands. During the performance of this manual technique, the physiotherapist fixes the patient's pelvis and torso by pressing them into the base with his hand and at the same time pulls the femur out of the pelvis with his other hand and his upper leg and transmits the vibration to the patient's upper leg, thus exerting traction on the hip joint and vibration on the surrounding structures. In the literature, it is considered that traction is achieved with a traction force of approximately 400N on the joint bodies and a relaxing vibration of 7Hz on the surrounding structures. When performing these techniques manually, the problem arises of a lack of clear and objective data on the used traction force and vibration. Furthermore, a physiotherapist performs the traction and vibration technique 4-5 times a day for 20 minutes per therapy, which leads to the physiotherapist's fatigue, thus reducing the quality of the therapy and its effectiveness. Given that in rehabilitation, the highest degree of objectification of work methods is aspired to, this invention solves the technical problem of obtaining precise and objective data on the applied traction force and vibration on the patient. Furthermore, the invention solves the problem of automating the manual technique of traction and vibration, which includes designing and making a fixation mechanism, a traction mechanism, a vibration unit and a software program. The inventor considers the invention's ability to perform automated traction and vibration therapy of the hip joint to be innovative, at the same time providing the physiotherapist with the ability to modulate the strength of the applied traction force and vibration at any time, providing objective and concrete data on the intensity of the therapy. Furthermore, it is innovative that the invention provides the possibility of traction in all directions (ventral/lateral/caudal) with regard to the biomechanics of the hip joint and the position of the upper leg (abduction, adduction, flexion) in the ranges that are most optimal for the patient. This also allows patients with severe damage and limited range of motion to find a comfortable and optimal position for hip traction.

A short list of drawings

Sl. 1 shows the external components of the traction vibration device

Sl. 2 shows a cross-section of the Z-axis movement assembly

Sl. 3 shows a cross-section of the X-axis movement assembly

Sl. 4 shows a section of the fixator of the distal part of the lower leg

Sl. 5 shows a section of the fixator of the proximal part of the lower leg

Sl. 6 shows a detail of the ball joint in cross-section, which enables traction in all directions

Sl. 7 shows the procedure for positioning the vibration unit on the upper leg, through which the low-frequency vibrations will spread to the hip joint and the surrounding structures.

Sl. 8 shows the procedure for positioning and fixing the patient's pelvis against the base to enable separation of the articular bodies (traction).

Sl. 9 shows a cross section of the ball joint assembly

List of used callsigns

1 - Stand

2 - Z-axis movement assembly

3 - Assembly for movement along the X axis

4 - Fixator of the proximal part of the lower leg

5 - Fixator of the distal part of the lower leg

6 - 4 Wheels

7 - Main housing

8 - Screen

9 - Acceptance for the screen

10a - Holder for the proximal part of the lower leg

10b - Holder for the distal part of the lower leg

11 - Ball joint assembly

12 - Central linear electric motor

13 - Horizontal linear electric motor

14 - Ball joint

15 - Right linear electric motor

16 - Bed

17 - Left linear electric motor

18 - Sensor

19 - Bowl

20 - Border guard

21 - Slider

22 - Ball joint housing

23 - Belt

24 - Spongy part

25 - Adjustment clip

26 - Closing clip

27 - Electric motor with eccentric

28 - Vibration unit housing

29 - Belt

30 - Linear electric motor for ball joint

31 - Spring

A detailed description of at least one way of realizing the invention

The device for traction and vibration of the hip joint consists of a traction mechanism, a fixation mechanism, a vibration unit and software.

The traction mechanism contains a base 1 placed on four wheels that serve for the mobility of the entire invention 6. The base also contains the main housing 7 where the electronic components are located (FIG. 1). The assembly for movement along the Z axis 2 using the central linear electric motor 12 is attached to the base in order to adjust the device to the height of the physiotherapy table (FIG. 2). The assembly for moving along the X axis 3 serves to make it easier to adjust the device for a certain length of the lower leg and to make it easier to accept the patient's lower extremity (FIG. 3). In the assembly for movement along the X axis 3, there are bearings 16 that enable bilaterality, i.e. provide the possibility to place the device on the left or right side of the physiotherapeutic table, depending on the patient's side of the anatomical damage (FIG. 4). The movement is performed using a horizontal linear electric motor 13 (FIG. 3). Furthermore, the proximal lower leg fixator 4 and the distal lower leg fixator 5 continue to the X-axis movement assembly 3 (FIG. 1). The fixator of the proximal part of the lower leg 4 is used to place and accept the proximal part of the lower leg of the patient and enables a traction force in the range of 0-1000 N (FIG. 5). The fixator of the proximal part of the lower leg 4 contains in its lower part a ball joint assembly 11 that enables traction (ventral/lateral/caudal) by rotational movement in all directions by 30° (degrees) (FIG. 1). The ball joint assembly 11 consists of a ball 19, a stop 20, a ball joint housing 22, a slider 21, a spring 31 and a linear electric motor for the ball joint 30 (FIG. 9). By activating the linear electric motor for the ball joint 30, the spring 31 that moves the slider 21 (FIG. 9) is compressed. Slider 21 is designed so that it contains a slope along which the stop 20 slides, and in this way the movement of the stop 20 along the z axis is achieved. This blocks the ball 19 in a specific position that is most optimal for the position of the patient's extremity and the required direction of the traction force (FIG. 6). In the upper part of the fixator of the proximal part of the lower leg 4, there is a ball joint 14 that enables a more comfortable grip of the extremity and the holder of the proximal part of the lower leg 10a (FIG. 1). In the holder of the proximal part of the lower leg 10a, there is a sensor 18 that reads the intensity of the applied traction force (FIG. 5). One right linear electric motor 17 drives the fixator of the proximal part of the lower leg 4 which moves along the Z axis (length range 150 mm). The fixator of the distal part of the lower leg 5 contains in its upper part one ball joint 14 and the holder for the distal part of the lower leg 10b, which serve for a better grip of the extremity (FIG. 4). Said fixator is moved along the z axis (length range 200 mm) by means of the left linear electric motor 15 (FIG. 4). The ball joints 14 located in the fixator of the proximal part of the lower leg 4 and the fixator of the distal part of the lower leg 5 enable the mobility of the holder for the proximal part of the lower leg 10a and the holder for the distal part of the lower leg 10b for the purpose of placing the upper leg and lower leg in a position in which they will not blister and which it is individually suitable for each patient, considering the anatomical damage and the direction of the traction force (ventral/caudal/lateral) (FIG. 1). The screen 8 and the support for the screen 9 are located on the assembly for movement along the X axis 3 (FIG. 1). Screen 8 is used to manage all electric motors in the device. Electric motors can also be controlled using a mobile device, tablet or computer, allowing the physiotherapist to determine and modulate the intensity, direction and duration of the traction force applied to the patient at any time. The fixation mechanism consists of a belt 23, a spongy part 24, an adjusting clip 25 and a closing clip 26 (FIG. 8). The belt is four meters long and eight cm wide. Part of the belt is lined with a thin sponge and covered with a leather material (or imitation material) that covers the sponge part 24.

The spongy part 24 is placed over the patient's pelvis at hip level and the length of the belt is adjusted using the adjustment clip 25. The belt 23 therefore passes over the patient's pelvis and continues under the physiotherapy table where there is a closure clip 26 that joins the two ends of the belt 23 causing pressure on the patient's pelvis and hips vertically, thus fixing the pelvis to the floor. This achieves successful traction or extraction of the femur (femur head) in relation to the pelvis (acetabulum) (FIG. 8).

The vibration unit consists of a belt 29, a housing 28 in which there is an electric motor with an eccentric 27 that produces vibrations in the range of 0-33Hz (FIG. 7). The housing of the vibration unit 28 contains a holder for the belt 29. The intensity and duration of the vibration is controlled using a web application via a screen/mobile phone/computer. The vibration unit is placed on the patient's upper leg and thus relaxes the muscles and surrounding structures (FIG. 7). Also, the joint action of traction with vibration enables the synovial fluid, which is in the joint, to be evenly distributed and reach the damaged parts of the cartilage.

The software works on the principle of a web application located on the screen of the device itself 8. Using the software, the user can control all electric motors 12, 13, 15, 17, 27, 30 and can set and modulate the duration, direction and intensity of the traction force, as well as the duration and intensity vibrations at any time.

Method of application of the invention

The housing of the device as well as the fasteners are made of cut and bent sheets. Sheets in cut and bent form are welded or assembled with screws, depending on the need. Wheels, electric motors, screen, screws, nuts, pins are among the standard purchased parts that are subsequently attached to the device with screws. Joints are made by mechanical processing, more precisely by turning or multi-axis milling. The purchased device comes in a folded state, that is, it only needs to be unpacked and placed on the physiotherapist's table. The device is used in a clinical environment. It is intended for professional use in all healthcare institutions that carry out the activity of physiotherapy, physical medicine and rehabilitation, where licensed healthcare professionals manage and determine the course of therapy with the device depending on the assessment of the patient's condition. The device is placed at the height of the physiotherapist's table. The patient lies in a supine position, his lower extremity is placed on the holders of both fixators, in a position of flexion-abduction or adduction of the upper leg, and an individual optimal position for traction is found. The extremity is fixed in that position. Then the physiotherapist fixes the pelvis to the base in such a way as to place and tighten the belt over the patient's pelvis, which is then closed under the physiotherapist's table using a closing clip. Next, the physiotherapist then places a special vibration unit, placing and fixing it on the patient's upper leg using a strap. The physiotherapist then controls the intensity and duration of the traction force and low-frequency vibrations via the screen. By activating the right linear electric motor, the fixator of the proximal part of the lower leg moves along the z axis, thus producing a traction force, while by activating the left linear electric motor, the fixator of the distal part of the lower leg moves along the z axis, which contributes to a more comfortable grip of the lower leg and effective traction.

Claims (7)

1. A device for traction and vibration of the hip joint that is used for physical therapy and serves to perform precise traction of the hip and application of vibration to the surrounding structures and soft tissues, often performed by physiotherapists, characterized by the fact that it includes a traction mechanism consisting of integrated circuits for moving x (3) and z axes (2), fixator of the proximal part of the lower leg (4) and fixator of the distal part of the lower leg (5). It then includes a fixation mechanism, or a belt (23) that contains a closing clip (26) and an adjustment clip (25) and a vibration unit consisting of a belt (29) and an electric motor with an eccentric (27) in the housing of the vibration unit (28), and motors (12), (13), (15), (17), (27), (30), which are used to set and modulate the duration, direction and intensity of the traction force, as well as the duration and intensity of the vibration through the software via the screen (8) . 2. Device for traction and vibration of the hip joint, on the base (1) of which the circuit for movement along the Z axis (2) continues using a central linear electric motor (12) for the purpose of adjusting the device to the height of the physiotherapy table according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it includes a fixation mechanism consisting of a belt (23) with a spongy part (24), a closing clip (26) and an adjustment clip (25), where the spongy part (24) is placed over the patient's pelvis at hip level, with an adjustment clip (25) the length of the belt is adjusted and the two ends of the belt (23) are connected with the closing clip (26), causing pressure on the patient's pelvis and hips vertically, thus fixing the pelvis to the base, with a synergistic effect. The simultaneous synergistic action of the traction force produced by the fixator of the proximal part of the lower leg (4), the movement of the fixator of the distal part of the lower leg (5) along the z axis and the action of the fixation mechanism, achieves successful traction, i.e. pulling out the head of the femur in relation to the acetabulum. 3. Device for traction and vibration of the hip joint according to claim 1, 2 characterized by the fact that in the assembly for movement along the X axis (3) which is driven by a horizontal linear electric motor (13) in order to adjust the device to a certain length of the lower leg, there are non-standard bearings ( 16) made dimensionally to measure in order to be integrated into the assembly for movement along the X axis (3) and to provide the possibility to place the device on the left or right side of the physiotherapy table depending on the patient's impairment. 4. Device for traction and vibration of the hip joint according to claim 1, 2, 3 characterized by the fact that the fixator of the proximal part of the lower leg (4) which is driven by the right linear electric motor (15) for the purpose of performance continues on the assembly for movement along the x axis (3) traction forces in the range of 0-1000 N along the z axis and the fixator of the distal part of the lower leg (5) driven by the left linear electric motor (17) for the purpose of placing and fixing the lower leg in a flexion position that suits each patient individually due to anatomical damage. 5. Device for traction and vibration of the hip joint according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 characterized by the fact that in the fixator of the proximal part of the lower leg (4) there is a ball joint assembly (11) consisting of a ball (19), a stop (20) , the housing of the ball joint (22), the slide (21), the spring (31) and the linear electric motor for the ball joint (30). By activating the linear electric motor for the ball joint (30), the spring (31) that moves the slider (21) is pressed, where the slider (21) contains a slope along which the stop (20) slides, which achieves the movement of the stop (20) along the z axis, and thus the ball (19) is locked in a certain position that is most optimal for the position of the patient's extremity and the required direction of the traction force (ventral/lateral/caudal). 6. Device for traction and vibration of the hip joint according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 characterized by the fact that in the upper parts of the fixator of the proximal part of the lower leg (4) and the fixator of the distal part of the lower leg (5) there are ball joints (14) that enable mobility of the holder for the proximal part of the lower leg (10a) and the holder for the distal part of the lower leg (10b) for the purpose of placing the upper leg and lower leg in a position in which they will not blister and which is individually suitable for each patient with regard to the anatomical damage and the direction of the traction force ( ventral/caudal/lateral). The holder for the proximal part of the lower leg (10a) contains a sensor (18) that reads the traction force and sends information back to the screen (8) of the user. 7. Device for traction and vibration of the hip joint according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 characterized in that it includes a vibration unit consisting of a belt (29), a housing of the vibration unit (28) in which there is an electric motor with an eccentric (27) which produces vibrations in the range of 0-33Hz, where the vibration unit is placed on the upper leg of the patient using a belt (29), and by the simultaneous interaction of the traction force produced by the fixator of the proximal part of the lower leg (4) and the vibration produced by the electric motor with eccentric ( 27), distributes the synovial fluid evenly in the joint so that it reaches the damaged parts of the cartilage and relaxes the muscles.