Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An orthotic joint, and the orthosis with which it is used, for the protective treatment of ligamentous injuries or deficiencies, or as a supplement to total joint replacement. The joint includes a tibial member defining a narrow, upwardly-opening socket and a femoral member having a planar head portion slidably received within that socket. Therefore, on each side of the head portion are a pair of opposing and slidably engaging surfaces, one provided by the head portion and the other by the side wall of the socket. One of those opposing surfaces is provided with a recess having its major dimensions extending in the plane of that surface and having a narrow cam track about its periphery; the other of the opposing surfaces being provided with at least one protuberance engageable with portions of that narrow cam track during flexion and extension for exerting constraining forces similar to those that would be exerted by selected ligaments of a patient's knee if such ligaments were present, healthy, and functioning properly.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim