A PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC BRACE AND METHODS THEREOF

Abstract

The present invention discloses a modular brace, mountable on a joint, configured for exercising at least one muscle connected to, or otherwise affecting the function of, the joint, the brace comprising: lateral and medial rigid articulated cages, lateral and medial replaceable elastic members, and at least one joint-covering, replaceable elastic member. The lateral, medial, and at least one joint-covering, replaceable elastic members are configured to produce predetermined resistance force against muscles connected to the joint. The lateral and medial cages are configured for restriction of the joint's motion to the normal articulation of the joint. At least one joint-covering elastic member is adapted to simultaneously protect the joint from external insult while preventing pressure on the same.

Claims

1.-120. (canceled)

121. A method for providing exercise to at least one muscle connected to, or otherwise affecting the function of, a joint; said method comprising steps of: a. providing a modular brace; said modular brace comprises: i. lateral and medial rigid articulated cages; ii. lateral and medial replaceable elastic members; and iii. at least one joint-covering, replaceable elastic member, having a central opening; b. connecting each of said lateral and medial replaceable elastic members to end portions of said lateral and medial rigid articulated cages, respectively; and c. accommodating said at least one joint-covering, replaceable elastic member on said joint and connecting to both said lateral and medial rigid articulated cages; thereby producing predetermined resistance force against muscles of said limb, while restricting said joint's motion to its normal articulation; thereby simultaneously protecting said joint from external insult and preventing pressure on the same by said at least one joint-covering, replaceable elastic member.

122. The method of claim 121, additionally comprising the step of mounting said modular brace on a joint selected from the group consisting of knee, elbow or ankle.

123. The method of claim 121, additionally comprising the step of configuring said lateral and medial replaceable elastic members to each have a two-fold symmetrical axis.

124. The method of claim 121, additionally comprising the step of configuring said at least one joint-covering, replaceable elastic member to have a four-fold symmetrical axis.

125. The modular brace of claim 121, wherein dimensions of said central opening are configured for fixation of said joint.

126. The modular brace of claim 121, wherein said lateral and medial replaceable elastic member are adjustable.

127. The modular brace of claim 121, further comprising adjustable securing elements, configured for mounting said brace on said joint.

128. A set of replaceable elastic members for interconnecting lateral and medial rigid articulated cages of a modular brace which is mountable on a joint and configured for exercising at least one muscle connected to, or otherwise affecting the function of, said joint; said replaceable elastic members comprise at least one selected from a group comprising: lateral, medial, and joint-covering; said set comprise a plurality of elastic members selected from a group consisting of: at least two lateral elastic members, at least two medial elastic members, at least two joint-covering elastic members; wherein said replaceable elastic members are configured to produce predetermined resistance force against muscles connected to said joint; further wherein each of said components of said set is adapted to provide a different amount of said predetermined resistance force.

129. The set of claim 128, wherein said components of said set provide different amount of said predetermined resistance force by at least one selected from a group consisting of: differing in elasticity and differing in size.

130. The set of claim 128, wherein said lateral and medial cages are configured for restriction of said joint's motion to its normal articulation.

131. The set according to claim 128, wherein each of said elastic members have a color according to said amount of predetermined resistance force provided by them.

132. The set of claim 128, wherein said lateral and said medial replaceable elastic members, are adapted each to be connected to end portions of said lateral and medial rigid articulated cages, respectively.

133. The set of claim 128, wherein said at least one joint-covering, replaceable elastic member, has a central opening configured for accommodating said joint.

134. The set of claim 128, wherein said at least one joint-covering, replaceable elastic member is connected to both said lateral and medial rigid articulated cages.

135. The set of claim 128, wherein said at least one joint-covering, replaceable elastic member is adapted to simultaneously protect said joint from external insult while preventing pressure on the same.

136. The set of claim 128, wherein said replaceable elastic members are made of a material selected from a group consisting of: natural rubber, synthetic rubber, silicone rubber, latex, mesh, web, and any combination thereof.

137. A modular ankle brace, mountable on a foot configured for exercising at least one muscle connected to an ankle joint, comprising: a. lateral and medial rigid articulated cages having each a central opening configured for accommodation on said ankle; b. lateral and medial replaceable elastic members, each connected to end portions of said lateral and medial rigid articulated cages, respectively; c. a rear replaceable elastic member, configured for accommodation on a heel, connected to both said lateral and medial rigid articulated cages; wherein said lateral, medial and rear replaceable elastic members are configured to produce predetermined resistance force against muscles connected to said ankle, while said lateral and medial cages are configured for restriction of said ankle motion to its normal articulation; further wherein said lateral and medial rigid articulated cages are adapted to simultaneously protect said ankle from external insult while preventing pressure on the same.

138. The modular ankle brace according to claim 137, wherein said lateral and said medial replaceable elastic members, are adapted each to be connected to end portions of said lateral and medial rigid articulated cages, respectively.

139. The modular ankle brace according to claim 137, wherein said rear replaceable elastic member, has a central opening configured for accommodating the heel.

140. The modular ankle brace according to claim 137, wherein said rear replaceable elastic member is connected to both said lateral and medial rigid articulated

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0205] In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be implemented in practice, a plurality of embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0206] FIG. 1 presents the knee's anatomy;

[0207] FIG. 2 presents the elbow's anatomy;

[0208] FIG. 3 presents the ankle's anatomy;

[0209] FIGS. 4A and 4B present illustrated, detailed views of the modular brace mounted on a knee;

[0210] FIG. 5 presents an illustrated view of the modular brace, with a rear, adjustable pivot securing strap, mounted on a knee;

[0211] FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C present illustrated views of the modular brace mounted on an elbow;

[0212] FIGS. 7A and 7B present illustrated views of the modular ankle brace mounted on an ankle;

[0213] FIG. 8 presents an illustrated view of the brace's replaceable elastic members;

[0214] FIG. 9 presents an illustrated view of a set of lateral, medial, and joint-covering, replaceable elastic members each exerting different amount of resistant force when attached to the brace;

[0215] FIG. 10 presents an illustrated view of the two-fold symmetry of the lateral and medial replaceable elastic member;

[0216] FIG. 11 presents an illustrated view of the four-fold symmetry of the at least one joint-covering, replaceable elastic member;

[0217] FIG. 12 presents an illustrated view of the location of the sensory array (243) interconnecting to lateral and medial rigid articulated cages (110, 120).

[0218] FIG. 13 presents a scheme of a system (240) for conducting a remote medical examination of patient and joint.

[0219] FIG. 14 presents a method of conducting a remote medical examination of patient and joint.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0220] The following description is provided, alongside all chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, are adapted to remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide a physiotherapeutic brace.

[0221] The term articulated used herein refers having two or more sections connected by a joint.

[0222] The term knee used herein refers to the joint that joins the thigh with the leg and consists of two articulations: one between the femur and tibia, and one between the femur and patella. It is the largest joint in the human body. The knee is a mobile trocho-ginglymus (a pivotal condylar joint), which permits flexion and extension as well as a slight internal and external rotation. FIG. 1 presents the knees anatomy.

[0223] The term patella used herein refers to the kneecap which is a thick, circular-triangular bone which articulates with the femur (thigh bone) and covers and protects the anterior articular surface of the knee joint. The patella can be observed in FIG. 1.

[0224] The term elbow used herein refers to the synovial hinge joint between the humerus in the upper arm and the radius and ulna in the forearm. Being a hinge joint, the only movements allowed by the elbow are flexion and extension of the joint and rotation of the radius. The range of motion of the elbow is limited by the olecranon of the ulna, so that the elbow can only extend to around 180 degrees. Flexion of the elbow is limited only by the compression soft tissues surrounding the joint. FIG. 2 presents the elbow's anatomy.

[0225] The term olecranon used herein refers to the large, thick, curved bony eminence of the forearm that projects behind the elbow. The olecranon can be observed in FIG. 2.

[0226] The central opening of the frontal elastic member is adapted to fit and protect the olecranon situated at the upper (proximal) end of the ulna bone.

[0227] The term ankle used herein refers to the talocrural region, where the foot and the leg meet. The ankle includes three joints: the ankle joint proper or talocrural joint, the subtalar joint, and the Inferior tibiofibular joint. The movements produced at this joint are dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the foot. The bony architecture of the ankle consists of three bones: the tibia, the fibula, and the talus. The articular surface of the tibia is referred to as the plafond. FIG. 3 presents the ankle's anatomy.

[0228] The term malleolus used herein refers to the bony prominence on each side of the ankle. The medial malleolus is the prominence on the inner side of the ankle, formed by the lower end of the tibia. The lateral malleolus is the prominence on the outer side of the ankle, formed by the lower end of the fibula. The malleolus can be observed in FIG. 3.

[0229] The present invention provides a modular brace (100), mountable on a joint configured for physiotherapeutic exercising, demonstrated in details at FIG. 1. The brace comprising: (a) lateral and medial rigid articulated cages (110, 120); (b) lateral and medial replaceable elastic members (115, 125), each connected to end portions of said lateral and medial rigid articulated cages (110, 120), respectively; (c) a at least one joint-covering, replaceable elastic member (140), having a central opening (140A) configured for accommodation of joint of said limb, connected to both said lateral and medial rigid articulated cages (110, 120); The central opening of the frontal elastic member prevents pressure on the joint (the patella, for instance) and also provides protection. The protection is provided by the elastic member according to its thickness. wherein said lateral, medial and at least one joint-covering, replaceable elastic members (115, 125, 140) are configured to produce predetermined resistance force against muscles connected to said joint, while said lateral and medial cages (110, 120) are configured for restriction of said joint's motion to a given direction; further wherein said at least one joint-covering, replaceable elastic member is adapted to simultaneously protect said joint from external insult while preventing pressure on the same.

[0230] FIGS. 4A and 4B: presents an illustrated detailed view of the modular brace;

[0231] According to an embodiment of the invention, the brace (140) is mountable on a joint selected from a group consisting of: knee, elbow, ankle, and any combination thereof. FIG. 4 is an illustration of the brace mounted on the knee.

[0232] According to an embodiment of the invention, The modular brace of claim 2, wherein said at least one muscle is selected from a group consisting of Articularis genus, Sartorius, Quadriceps femoris, Rectus femoris, Vastus lateralis, Vastus intermedius, Vastus medialis, Biceps femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus, Gastrocnemius, Plantaris, Popliteus, Gracilis, and any combination thereof.

[0233] If the modular brace (100) is mounted on the knee then the opening of the joint-covering, replaceable elastic member is placed on the patella and provides protection and prevents pressure. FIGS. 4A and 4B present illustrated, detailed views of the modular brace mounted on a knee.

[0234] If the modular brace (100) is mounted on the elbow then the opening of the j joint-covering, replaceable elastic member is placed on the olecranon and provides protection and prevents pressure. FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C present an illustrated views of the modular brace mounted on an elbow.

[0235] The modular brace (100) designated for the ankle (not shown) will comprise two joint-covering, replaceable elastic members. One will be placed on the medial malleolus and the other on the lateral malleolus and therefore protects it and prevents pressure.

[0236] The present invention further provides a method for providing physiotherapeutic training to a limb's joint, comprising steps of: (a) providing: (i) lateral and medial rigid articulated cages (110, 120); (ii) lateral and medial replaceable elastic members (115, 125), each connected to end portions of said lateral and medial rigid articulated cages (110, 120), respectively; and (iii) a at least one joint-covering, replaceable elastic member (140), having a central opening (140A) configured for accommodating said joint, tensionally connected to both said lateral and medial rigid articulated cages (110, 120); (b) producing predetermined resistance force against muscles of said limb, while (c) restricting said joint's motion to a given direction; (d) simultaneously protecting said joint from external insult while preventing pressure on the same by said at least one joint-covering, replaceable elastic member.

[0237] The lateral and medial replaceable elastic members (115, 125) and the joint-covering, replaceable elastic member (140) are set in a stretched posture between the rigid articulated cages (110, 120) and any extension or flexion of the limb extends at least one of the elastic members (115, 125, 140) such that a resistance tension force is applied on the limb's muscles.

[0238] The present invention further provides a modular ankle brace (300), mountable on a foot configured for physiotherapeutic exercising of an ankle, comprising: (a) lateral and medial rigid articulated cages (110, 120) having each a central opening (113) configured for accommodation on said ankle; (b) lateral and medial replaceable elastic members (115, 125), each connected to end portions of said lateral and medial rigid articulated cages (110, 120), respectively; (c) a rear replaceable elastic member (140), configured for accommodation on a heel, connected to both said lateral and medial rigid articulated cages (110, 120); wherein said lateral, medial and rear replaceable elastic members (115, 125, 140) are configured to produce predetermined resistance force against muscles connected to said ankle, while said lateral and medial cages (110, 120) are configured for restriction of said ankle motion to its normal articulation; further wherein said lateral and medial rigid articulated cages are adapted to simultaneously protect said ankle from external insult while preventing pressure on the same.

[0239] Reference is now made to FIGS. 7A and 7B. The modular ankle brace (300) differs from the modular brace (100) in that the rigid articulated cages (110, 120) are placed on the malleolus while the opening (113) is circling it. The rigid medial articulated cage is encircling the medial malleolus and the rigid lateral articulated cage is encircling the lateral malleolus and provides them protection as well as prevents pressure on them. The rear replaceable elastic member (140) is placed on the heel.

[0240] The present invention further provides a set of replaceable elastic members for interconnecting lateral and medial rigid articulated cages (110, 120) of a modular brace which is mountable on a joint and configured for physiotherapeutic exercising; the replaceable elastic members (115, 125, 140) comprise at least one selected from a group comprising of: lateral (115), medial (125), and joint-covering (140); the set comprise a plurality of elastic members selected from a group consisting of: at least two lateral elastic members, at least two medial elastic members, at least two joint-covering members; wherein said replaceable elastic members (115, 125, 140) are configured to produce predetermined resistance force against muscles connected to said joint; further wherein each of said components of said set is adapted to provide a different amount of said predetermined resistance force.

[0241] The medial, lateral and at least one joint-covering, replaceable elastic members may be supplied as a set, each providing a different amount of predetermined resistance force against muscles connected to said joint. Each degree of elasticity may be presented by a different color, thus enabling the user to decide which one to use. For example, the user will begin with the elastic member with the highest degree of elasticity and with progress will move gradually to the members with the lowest degree of elasticity. The user may also follow different instructions of a physiotherapist or physician to use the members of the different elasticity in any other order they will find suitable.

[0242] The different amount of resistance force can be achieved by changing size of the elastic members as shown in FIG. 9 or by changing the elasticity of the material from which they are made.

[0243] The present invention further provides a at least one joint-covering, replaceable elastic member (140) for accommodation of a joint; said a at least one joint-covering, replaceable elastic member (140) is adapted to connect to lateral and medial rigid articulated cages (110, 120) of a modular brace (100) configured for physiotherapeutic exercising; wherein said at least one joint-covering, replaceable elastic member (140) has a central opening (140A) adapted to simultaneously protect said joint from external insult while preventing pressure on the same.

[0244] According to an embodiment of the invention, the lateral and medial replaceable elastic members (115) have a two-fold symmetrical axis (115B).

[0245] Reference is now made to FIG. 10, which shows an illustrated view of the two fold symmetry of the lateral and medial replaceable elastic members. The symmetry enables simple securing of the lateral and medial cages on the brace with no directionality problems. The lateral and medial replaceable elastic member may also be identical in both their sides, therefore making it insignificant to which side is facing the skin and which side is facing the outer environment. These features will make the assembly of the members on the brace very simple without any consideration of directionality making it approachable even for elderly. It will also provide a quick way to replace those members which will induce compliance of the user.

[0246] Reference is now made to FIG. 11, which shows an illustrated view of the four fold symmetry (140B) of joint-covering, replaceable elastic member (140). The symmetry enables simple securing of the joint-covering, replaceable elastic member to the brace with no directionality problems. The joint-covering member may also be identical in both its sides, therefore making it insignificant to which side is facing the skin and which side is facing the outer environment. The lack of directionality makes the brace approachable even for elderly. It will also provide a quick way to replace those members which will induce compliance of users.

[0247] According to an embodiment of the invention, the dimensions of the central opening (140A) are configured for fixation of the joint for example the elbow, the ankle or the knee's patella.

[0248] According to an embodiment of the invention, the lateral and medial replaceable, elastic members are adjustable.

[0249] According to an embodiment of the invention, the brace further comprises two adjustable securing elements (131, 132), configured for mounting the brace (100) on the limb of the joint, for example on the arm around the elbow, as shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C or on the leg around the knee, as demonstrated in FIG. 3. FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C further demonstrate the brace in use, showing flexed and extended positions of the arm.

[0250] According to an embodiment of the invention, the securing elements (131, 132) are padded, for comfortable use of the brace.

[0251] According to an embodiment of the invention, the securing elements (131, 132) comprise a fabric fastener such as Velcro (150), configured for size adjustment to the user's measures.

[0252] According to an embodiment of the invention, the lateral and medial cages (110, 120) are configured to simulate lateral and medial collateral ligaments of a knee, as demonstrated in prior art FIG. 8.

[0253] According to another embodiment of the invention, the lateral and medial cages (110, 120) are configured to simulate radial and ulnar collateral ligaments of an elbow.

[0254] According to an embodiment of the invention, the lateral, medial and at least one joint-covering, replaceable elastic members (115, 125, 140) are supplied in various degrees of elasticity thereby for activating various degrees of resistance force, as demonstrated in FIG. 4. According to another embodiment lateral and medial replaceable elastic members (115, 125) are similar.

[0255] According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one joint-covering, replaceable elastic member (140) comprises a ring (145) for the accommodation of the joint and four extensions or wings (141, 142, 143, 144) connecting the ring to both the lateral and medial rigid articulated cages (110, 120), as demonstrated in FIG. 1.

[0256] According to an embodiment of the invention, the rigid articulated cages (110, 120) each comprise at least two elements (111, 112, 121, 122) and articulation means therebetween, said articulation means selected from a group consisting of: [0257] (a) a pivot pin or ratchet pin (113); [0258] (b) intermeshing gears; [0259] (c) pivoting ratchet assembly, for example, male and female elements.

[0260] According to an embodiment of the invention, the modular brace further comprises at least one pivot securing element (133) for stabilizing the location of the pivot pins or ratchet pins (113, 123) relative to the joint.

[0261] According to an embodiment of the invention, the pivot securing element (133) comprises a strap configured opposite the joint-covering, replaceable elastic member (140) on the brace.

[0262] According to an embodiment of the invention, the pivot securing element (133) is padded.

[0263] According to an embodiment of the invention, the pivot securing element (133) comprises at least one fabric fastener (150) (, such as Velcro).

[0264] According to an embodiment of the invention, the pivot securing element (133) comprises at least one fastener from a group comprising: clip fasteners, lever fasteners, clamp fasteners, ratchet fasteners, and buckles.

[0265] FIG. 5 presents a preferred embodiment of the modular brace (100) configured for the knee. A soft strap embodies the pivot securing element (133), securing the brace across the back of the knee, stabilizing the brace's pivots (113, 123) by countering the stress forces exerted on the pivots by the joint-covering, replaceable elastic member (140). Two plastic adjustment straps (135) are sewn as extensions to both sides of the soft strap pivot securing element (133). Each plastic adjustment strap is threaded through strap-locking mechanisms (136) located at the brace's lateral and medial pivots (113, 123). The strap-locking mechanisms are integrated with the pivots (113, 123) such that the mechanisms do not hinder the pivots' function of enabling free rotation of the brace's rigid upper parts (111, 121) relative to its lower parts (112, 122).

[0266] The plastic adjustment straps (135) are configured with notches or protruding ridges for enabling the straps (135) to be fastened with ratcheting strap-locking mechanisms (136). The plastic adjustment straps (135) are pulled through the strap-locking mechanisms (136) until the soft strap pivot securing element (133) is appropriately situated around the back of the knee and tightened. A central button (137) on each strap-locking mechanism (136) releases its fastened strap (135), for when the wearer removes or readjusts the brace.

[0267] The ratchet mechanism embodiment (136) does not limit the claim. The soft strap pivot securing element (133) may also be held in place by other fastening embodiments, including methods such as Velcro strap loops, tied laces, clasps, and buckles.

[0268] According to an embodiment of the invention, the brace further comprises a supporting stretch sleeve (not shown), also configured for thermal isolation.

[0269] According to an embodiment of the invention, the lateral and medial replaceable elastic members (115, 125) are made of a material selected from a group consisting of: natural rubber, synthetic rubber, silicone rubber, latex, mesh, web, and any combination thereof.

[0270] According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one joint-covering, replaceable elastic member (140) is made of a material selected from a group consisting of: natural rubber, synthetic rubber, silicone rubber, latex, mesh, web, and any combination thereof.

[0271] According to an embodiment of the invention, the central opening (140A) is covered. The covering is not necessarily elastic and is made of different materials than the frontal member. The aim of the covering is to provide protection to the skin covering the joint. The cover is not meant to have any therapeutic effect.

[0272] FIG. 12 presents the location of the sensory array (243) interconnecting to lateral and medial rigid articulated cages (110, 120).

[0273] FIG. 13 presents the system of a remote medical examination of patient and joint

[0274] The system comprises a sensor array (243) interconnected within the wearable brace, configured to measure physiological data of said patient and said joint; a digital processing means (241) configured to analyze said measured data, and presenting the input data by statistics graphs, further configured to store data in a server (248); a communication means (245) configured to receive said measured data and transmit data to at least one selected from the group consisting of a wireless module connection (244), a patient (242), a physician (246), a physiotherapist (246), and a dedicated web-based application (247).

[0275] Additionally, the system includes a dedicated web-based application (247) further configured to intercommunicating with said patient (242) or with Physiotherapist or Physician (246).

[0276] Cloud (249) and computer (250) are used to store data to store data, said data further includes input sensory data, recommendation/notification/hazards/maintenance, treatment plan etc.

[0277] FIG. 14 presents a method of conducting a remote medical examination of patient and joint. comprising steps of: [0278] (a) Acquiring input (310) via a sensory array (243) [0279] (b) Transferring the input data (312) from the sensory array (243) to a digital processor (241), via wireless means [0280] (c) Transferring the data (311) from the digital processor (241) to storage via computer or cloud (312) [0281] (d) Transferring the data (313) from the digital processor to a communication means (245) via wireless means [0282] (e) Transferring the data (314) from the communication means (245) to a patient (242) via wireless means [0283] (f) Transferring the data (315) from the communication means (245) to a physiotherapist/physician (246) via wireless means [0284] (g) Transferring the data (316) from the communication means (245) to a dedicated web-based application (247) via wireless means [0285] (h) Diagnosing the data (317) by the physiotherapist/physician (246) [0286] (i) Feedback to patient (242) and to physiotherapist/physician (246) by means of the dedicated web-based application (247) [0287] (j) Loading treatment plan (319) on cloud and download in real timevia wireless means and cloud [0288] (k) Sending recommendation/notification/hazards/maintenance (320) by physiotherapist/physician (246) to patient (242) via wireless means and cloud [0289] (l) Collecting data for personalized patient files and for general research by physiotherapist/physician (246) via computer and/or cloud [0290] (m) Changing/modifying treatment (322) by physiotherapist/physician (246) via wireless and cloud.

[0291] According to embodiments of the invention, the brace may be used for: [0292] control, guide, limit and/or immobilize an extremity, joint or body segment for a particular reason [0293] restrict movement in a given direction; [0294] assist movement generally; [0295] reduce weight bearing forces for a particular purpose; [0296] aid rehabilitation from fractures after the removal of a cast; and [0297] to otherwise correct the shape and/or function of the body, to provide easier movement capability or reduce pain.

[0298] According to embodiments of the invention, the physiotherapy treatment, using the physiotherapeutic brace, adapted to: [0299] reduce pain and inflammation; [0300] normalize the joint range of motion; [0301] strengthen the knee: Quadriceps and Hamstrings; [0302] strengthen the lower limb: Calves, Hip and Pelvis muscles; [0303] improve patellofemoral (knee cap) alignment; [0304] normalize the muscle lengths; [0305] improve the proprioception, agility and balance; [0306] improve technique and function: walking, running, squatting, hopping and landing; and [0307] minimize the chance of repeat injury.

[0308] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that embodiment of the invention are not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of at least one embodiment of the invention is defined by the claims below.