Description:[001] The present invention relates to the field of Biomechanical correction, electrical stimulation and pressure feedback knee strap and more particularly, the present invention relates to the device which is proved to be milestone in preventing ever progressive Osteoarthritis and treat its associated symptoms.
BACKGROUND FOR THE INVENTION:
[002] The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known, or part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction as of the priority date of the application. The details provided herein the background if belongs to any publication is taken only as a reference for describing the problems, in general terminologies or principles or both of science and technology in the associated prior art.
[003] As the sedentary lifestyle is increasing, so are the cases of OA has also increased and during our practice in OPD and various ward, there seems a gap in rehabilitation for cases of knee Osteoarthritis. Generally exercises are advised and home program taught, electrotherapy treatment given but all this require substantial amount of time, therapist supervision and multiple visits which has low percentage of footfall resulting in low success rate. The current invention may do multiple chores simultaneously with added advantage of visual feedback ,providing pain relief, edema reduction, muscle strengthening, biomechanical correction through one strap, hence filling all these gaps and may prove to be beneficial.
[004] The present practices has straps available which is only limited for providing support to knee joint. It does not have the property to correct biomechanical error. Due to this biomechanical error, it leads to weakness of quadriceps muscle and doesn’t work on effect of progressive degenerated knee osteoarthritis.
[005] In light of the foregoing, there is a need for the biofeedback strap for knee osteoarthritis that overcomes problems prevalent in the prior art.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows.
[007] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantage of the simple knee cap without biofeedback.
[008] An object of the present invention has two straps in opposite direction assisting in tibial and femoral rotation which is lateral and medial respectively. This biomechanical correction assists in knee extension which is affected in Knee OA in weight bearing and walking.
[009] Another objective of the present invention is that it has a pressure measuring device placed in popliteal fossa, which act as a biofeedback unit assisting in correct amount of pressure application and torque generation by muscle for a given time.
[010] Another object of the present invention is that it has a digital screen placed in front displaying require pressure application with time duration standardizing the treatment protocol.
[011] Another object of the present invention is that it has an Electrode placed in the pockets attached to the strap, which will counter pain and strengthen muscle to overcome symptoms and weakness of muscle limiting functional outcome.
[012] Another objective of the present invention is that it can be used in patients with anterior cruciate ligament injuries.
[013] Another objective of the present invention is that it can be used in patients with posterior cruciate ligament injuries.
[014] Another objective of the present invention is that it can be used in patients with meniscus injuries.
[015] Another objective of the present invention is that it can be used in muscle re-education required in any kind of injuries related to knee.
[016] Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[017] The present invention provides a device for biofeedback strap for knee which may be used in knee pain, biomechanical correction and muscle strengthening.
[018] Treating patient who are having OA, the conventional way are not having accuracy as how much pressure should be applied, for how much timing the pressure should be there. The current invention will have both the accuracy with stimulation at muscles which are generally weak in OA (VMO and quadriceps) with biofeedback system which will be provided through pressure measuring device and it will be displayed on screen.
[019] The current invention can be moved easily from one position to another. The current invention can be used according to patient requirement. The knee strap is unique in nature as it has two straps which are opposite in direction assisting in lateral tibial rotation and medial rotaion of femure. The current invention can be manufactured at reasonable cost. The placement of electrode in the present invention is precisely placed according to the knowledge of anatomy. The current invention is patient friendly and structurally adaptive. Wide range of conditions from OA knee, ACL (Anterior cruciate ligament) injuries, PCL (Posterior cruciate ligament) injuries, meniscus injuries, knee pain, condition requiring muscle re-education, can be achieved through the biofeedback strap. The current invention is totally safe and shock proof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
[020] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
[021] Figure 1: Open knee cap (right) – front view;
[022] Figure 2: Close knee cap (Right) – Front view; and
[023] Figure 3: Open knee cap (Right) – Back view.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
[024] While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and the detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claim.
[025] As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one” and the word “plurality” means “one or more” unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein are solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers, or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, and the like are included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.
[026] In this disclosure, whenever a composition or an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase “comprising”, it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element, or group of elements with transitional phrases “consisting of”, “consisting”, “selected from the group of consisting of, “including”, or “is” preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.
[027] The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawing correspond to the like elements throughout the description. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, several materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations. These materials are to be treated as exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[028] The present invention provides Biofeedback strap for knee osteoarthritis.
[029] The present invention is made with non-latex neoprene material and for correction of biomechanical error, the strap is pulled/wrapped superiorly on femur and inferiorly on tibia in opposite direction preferably medial and lateral respectively correcting rotation of femur on tibia, helping better extension at knee joint (locking Mechanism) with pockets at superior end to accommodate electrode which stimulates VMO and other quadriceps muscles (medialis, intermedialis, rectus femoris and lateralis) assisting knee functions. The present invention helps in reducing pain and edema.
[030] The present invention has a pressure measuring device attached at center of knee strap which will be at back of the knee (popliteal fossa). This pressure measuring device allows the patient and therapist to measure and judge appropriate pressure required for optimal outcome during isometric contraction along with timer. The present invention counters 4 different aspect of knee osteoarthritis (strength, pain, biomechanical correction and support) with one strap and is beneficial for both patients and therapist. The present invention is useful in both clinical settings & home treatment and research purpose to evaluate overall maximal voluntary contraction.
[031] The present invention is useful in preventing progressive degenerative OA knee with help of feedback and precise pressure monitoring which is displayed on screen, counteracting the detrimental effect of progressive osteoarthritis.
[032] The present invention use electrode which provides calculated current. Specification of current: periodic sinusoidal, carrier frequency of 2500Hz, waveform; sinusoidal waveform current, Amplitude: maximum - 100mA, Burst frequency: 50 Hz burst, Duration: one cycle -10 sec muscle contractions followed by 50 sec relaxation for 5-10 cycle.
[033] The pressure measuring device specification: This device has pressure measuring device placed at popliteal fossa, measuring maximum voluntary contraction of quadriceps for an individual, understanding the required torque, helping both therapist and patient to understand the amount of pressure needed to be applied for maximum effect on muscle with feedback to the patient.
[034] The screen specification: The screen size (1.9inches) will display both the amount of pressure applied by patient and time duration for treatment protocol, helping therapist and patient to apply accurate amount of pressure for given time and maximum torque generation.
[035] Figure 1 provides an open knee cap (right) – front view. It discloses 1. Strap for medial rotation; 2. Strap for lateral rotation; 3. Patellar opening; 4. Tibial support; 5. Femoral support; 6. Electrode pocket first; and 7. Electrode pocket second.
[036] Figure 2 provides close knee cap (Right) – Front view. It discloses 1. Strap for medial rotation; 2. Strap for lateral rotation; 3. Patellar opening; and 8. Screen.
[037] Figure 3 provides open knee cap (Right) – Back view. It discloses 1. Strap for medial rotation; 2. Strap for lateral rotation; and 9. Pressure measuring device.
[038] The present invention provides the following advantages:
? The current invention can be moved easily from one position to another as required.
? The design of strap is specifically designed for knee OA and is unique in nature and not interchangeable as the location of Electrode is precise.
? The current invention can be manufactured at a reasonable cost.
? The current invention will be extremely durable.
? Placement of Electrode in the current invention are precisely placed with the knowledge of Anatomy for the given body parts.
? The current invention is patient friendly and structurally adaptive.
? The current invention is totally safe and shock proof.
? The specification of various parts such as pressure measuring device, screen, and electrode used in knee strap can be modified if required.
? Further modification in parts of knee strap can be done.
[039] The disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein.
[040] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully revealed the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described herein.
, Claims:1) A biofeedback strap for knee osteoarthritis, the biofeedback strap comprises:
- 1. Strap for medial rotation;
- 2. Strap for lateral rotation;
- 3. Patellar opening;
- 4. Tibial support;
- 5. Femoral support;
- 6. Electrode pocket first;
- 7. Electrode pocket second;
- 8. Screen; and
- 9. Pressure measuring device.
2) The biofeedback strap as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biofeedback strap is made with non-latex neoprene material.
3) The biofeedback strap as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pressure measuring device is attached at center of knee strap.
4) The biofeedback strap as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biofeedback strap provides feedback and precise pressure monitoring which is displayed on screen.
5) The biofeedback strap as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electrodes provides calculated current.
6) The biofeedback strap as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pressure measuring device is placed at popliteal fossa, measuring maximum voluntary contraction of quadriceps for an individual, understanding the required torque, helping both therapist and patient to understand the amount of pressure needed to be applied for maximum effect on muscle with feedback to the patient.
7) The biofeedback strap as claimed in claim 1, wherein the screen displays both the amount of pressure applied by patient and time duration for treatment protocol, helping therapist and patient to apply accurate amount of pressure for given time and maximum torque generation.