BRACE FOR MANAGEMENT OF AN ANATOMICAL STRUCTURE

Abstract

A brace and a method for manufacturing a brace is disclosed. The brace is for management of an anatomical structure comprising a primary anatomical structure, a secondary anatomical structure, and a joint and/or an injury between the primary anatomical structure and the secondary anatomical structure. The brace comprises a first brace part extending from a first primary brace part end to a first secondary brace part end and being adapted to be positioned to cover a first part of the anatomical structure extending over the joint and/or injury such that the first primary brace part end is located on the primary anatomical structure and the first secondary brace part end is located on the secondary anatomical structure. The first brace part comprises a first rigid outer shell and one or more first lattice structures attached to a first inner side of the first rigid outer shell.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. A brace for management of an anatomical structure comprising a primary anatomical structure, a secondary anatomical structure, and a joint and/or an injury between the primary anatomical structure and the secondary anatomical structure, the brace comprising a first brace part extending from a first primary brace part end to a first secondary brace part end and being adapted to be positioned to cover a first part of the anatomical structure extending over the joint and/or injury such that the first primary brace part end is located on the primary anatomical structure and the first secondary brace part end is located on the secondary anatomical structure, the first brace part comprising a first rigid outer shell and one or more first lattice structures attached to a first inner side of the first rigid outer shell, the one or more first lattice structures having a first height in a height direction normal to the first inner side of the first rigid outer shell in a non-compressed state, and the one or more first lattice structures being adapted to: in response to increasing compression from the non-compressed state to a first compression amount in the height direction, exhibit stress increasing at a first rate, in response to increasing compression from the first compression amount to a second compression amount in the height direction, wherein the second compression amount corresponds to more than 50% of the first height, exhibit stress being uniform or increasing at a second rate lower than the first rate, and in response to decreasing compression from the second compression amount to the non-compressed state in the height direction, return to the first height, the one or more first lattice structures includes a first primary lattice structure covering a first primary region and a first secondary lattice structure covering a first secondary region, wherein the average stress exhibited by the first primary lattice structure in response to compression between the first compression amount and the second compression amount in the first primary region is lower than the average stress exhibited by the first secondary lattice structure in response to compression between the first compression amount and the second compression amount in the first secondary region.

17. Brace according to claim 16, wherein the first primary lattice structure and the first secondary lattice structure are independently manufactured lattice structures.

18. Brace according to claim 16, wherein the first primary lattice structure and the first secondary lattice structure are integrally formed.

19. Brace according to claim 16, wherein the first primary lattice structure differs from the first secondary lattice structure by their geometrical shape, their thickness of struts, and/or their length of struts.

20. Brace according to claim 16, wherein geometrical shape, thickness of struts, and/or length of struts of the first primary lattice structure and/or the first secondary lattice structure varies along the height direction.

21. Brace according to claim 16, wherein the brace is adapted to be positioned on the anatomical structure such that the first primary region is positioned on a part of the anatomical structure having a bony prominence and/or such that the first secondary region is positioned on a part of the anatomical structure with soft tissue.

22. Brace according to claim 16, wherein the brace is adapted to be positioned on the anatomical structure such that the first primary region is positioned closer to the joint and/or injury of the anatomical structure than the first secondary region, such as over the joint and/or injury.

23. Brace according to claim 16, wherein the one or more first lattice structures includes a first tertiary lattice structure covering a first tertiary region, wherein the average stress exhibited by the first primary lattice structure in response to compression between the first compression amount and the second compression amount in the first primary region is lower than the average stress exhibited by the first tertiary lattice structure in response to compression between the first compression amount and the second compression amount in the first tertiary region.

24. Brace according to claim 16, comprising one or more fasteners adapted to fasten the brace to the anatomical structure, the one or more fasteners may include one or more straps.

25. Brace according to claim 16, comprising a second brace part extending from a second primary brace part end to a second secondary brace part end and being adapted to be positioned to cover a second part, e.g. opposite the first part, of the anatomical structure extending over the joint and/or injury such that the second primary brace part end is located on the primary anatomical structure and the second secondary brace part end is located on the secondary anatomical structure, the second brace part comprising a second rigid outer shell.

26. Brace according to claim 25, wherein the second brace part comprises one or more second lattice structures attached to a second inner side of the second rigid outer shell, the one or more second lattice structures having a second height in a height direction normal to the second inner side of the second rigid outer shell in a non-compressed state, and the one or more second lattice structures being adapted to: in response to increasing compression from the non-compressed state to a primary compression amount in the height direction, exhibit stress increasing at a primary rate, in response to increasing compression from the primary compression amount to a secondary compression amount in the height direction, exhibit stress being uniform or increasing at a secondary rate lower than the primary rate, and in response to decreasing compression from the secondary compression amount to the non-compressed state in the height direction, return to the second height.

27. Brace according to claim 26, wherein the one or more second lattice structures covering a plurality of second regions including a second primary region and a second secondary region, wherein the average stress exhibited by the one or more second lattice structures in response to compression between the primary compression amount and the secondary compression amount in the second primary region is lower than the average stress exhibited by the one or more second lattice structures in response to compression between the primary compression amount and the secondary compression amount in the second secondary region.

28. Method for manufacturing a brace for management of an anatomical structure comprising a primary anatomical structure, a secondary anatomical structure, and a joint and/or an injury between the primary anatomical structure and the secondary anatomical structure, the method comprising: providing a first rigid outer shell for a first brace part of the brace extending from a first primary brace part end to a first secondary brace part end, wherein the first brace part is adapted to be positioned to cover a first part of the anatomical structure extending over the joint and/or injury such that the first primary brace part end is located on the primary anatomical structure and the first secondary brace part end is located on the secondary anatomical structure, forming one or more first lattice structures having a first height in a height direction in a non-compressed state, and the one or more first lattice structures being adapted to: in response to increasing compression from the non-compressed state to a first compression amount in the height direction, exhibit stress increasing at a first rate, in response to increasing compression from the first compression amount to a second compression amount in the height direction, wherein the second compression amount corresponds to more than 50% of the first height, exhibit stress being uniform or increasing at a second rate lower than the first rate, and in response to decreasing compression from the second compression amount to the non-compressed state in the height direction, return to the first height, wherein the one or more first lattice structures are formed to include a first primary lattice structure covering a first primary region and a first secondary lattice structure covering a first secondary region, wherein the average stress exhibited by the first primary lattice structure in response to compression between the first compression amount and the second compression amount in the first primary region is lower than the average stress exhibited by the first secondary lattice structure in response to compression between the first compression amount and the second compression amount in the first secondary region, attaching the one or more first lattice structures to a first inner side of the first rigid outer shell, such that the height direction of the one or more first lattice structures are arranged normal to the first inner side of the first rigid outer shell.

29. Method according to claim 28 comprising obtaining a three-dimensional model of the anatomical structure including the location of the joint and/or the injury, and wherein forming the one or more first lattice structures is based on the three-dimensional model, optionally wherein the three-dimensional model includes information of tissue type at a plurality of locations of the anatomical structure, and wherein forming the one or more first lattice structures and/or attaching the one or more first lattice structures to the first inner side of the first rigid outer shell may comprise arranging the first primary region to cover a part of the anatomical structure having bony prominences and the first secondary region to cover a part of the anatomical structure having soft tissue.

30. Method according to claim 28, wherein forming the one or more first lattice structures comprises forming a single lattice structure comprising the first primary lattice structure and the first secondary lattice structure and/or being adapted to extend from the first primary brace part end to the first secondary brace part end.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0042] Embodiments of the disclosure will be described in more detail in the following with regard to the accompanying figures. The figures show one way of implementing the present disclosure and are not to be construed as being limiting to other possible embodiments falling within the scope of the attached claim set.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary brace,

[0044] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary anatomical structure,

[0045] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the exemplary brace,

[0046] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross sectional view of the first brace part or the second brace part of the exemplary brace,

[0047] FIGS. 5a and 5b schematically illustrates stress-strain relationships,

[0048] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary lattice structure,

[0049] FIGS. 7a-7c schematically illustrates exemplary lattice structures,

[0050] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary brace, and

[0051] FIGS. 9a and 9b are schematic diagrams illustrating exemplary braces.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Various exemplary embodiments and details are described hereinafter, with reference to the figures when relevant. It should be noted that the figures may or may not be drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are represented by like reference numerals throughout the figures. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention or as a limitation on the scope of the invention. In addition, an illustrated embodiment needs not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiments even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.

[0053] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary brace 2 according to the present disclosure. The brace 2 is attached to an anatomical structure 70, in the present case a wrist. The exemplary anatomical structure 70 is further schematically illustrated in FIG. 2. Although in the presently illustrated example, the anatomical structure 70 is a wrist, it should be understood that the brace according to the present disclosure may be shaped to be fitted to other anatomical structures, such as an ankle, a knee, an elbow etc.

[0054] The anatomical structure 70 comprises a primary anatomical structure 72, e.g. the forearm, and a secondary anatomical structure 74, e.g. the hand. The anatomical structure 70 further comprises a joint 76, e.g. the wrist and/or an injury 78, e.g. a bone fracture, tissue damage, or similar. The joint 76 and/or the injury 78 is located between the primary anatomical structure 72 and the secondary anatomical structure 74.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the exemplary brace 2. The brace 2 comprises a first brace part 10 extending from a first primary brace part end 12 to a first secondary brace part end 14. The first brace part 10 is adapted to be positioned to cover a first part 80 (see FIG. 2) of the anatomical structure 70 extending over the joint 76 and/or injury 78, such that the first primary brace part end 12 is located on the primary anatomical structure 72 and the first secondary brace part end 14 is located on the secondary anatomical structure 74.

[0056] The first brace part 10 comprises a first rigid outer shell 16. The first rigid outer shell 16 is sufficiently rigid to provide the necessary stability of the brace 2 to support the anatomical structure 70. The first rigid outer shell 16 comprises a first inner side 18. The first inner side 18 is concave to at least partially enclose the first part 80 of the anatomical structure 70. The first brace part 10 further comprises one or more first lattice structures 20 attached to the first inner side 18 of the first rigid outer shell 16. The one or more first lattice structures 20 may be elastomeric and/or polymeric lattice structures. In some examples, the one or more first lattice structures 20 may be divided into a plurality of individually manufactured portions each being attached to the first inner side 18. In other examples, the one or more first lattice structures 20 may be formed by a single lattice structure extending from the first primary brace part end 12 to the first secondary brace part end 14. The one or more first lattice structures 20 may be attached to the first inner side 18 by gluing, by hooks and loops, or by another attachment method known in the art. The one or more first lattice structures 20 may be only lightly attached, as the positioning of the brace 2 on the anatomical structure will help maintain the position of the one or more first lattice structures 20 with respect to the first rigid outer shell 16.

[0057] The brace 2, as exemplified in FIG. 3, comprises a second brace part 40. The second brace part 40 extends from a second primary brace part end 42 to a second secondary brace part end 44. The second brace part 40 is adapted to be positioned to cover a second part 82 (see FIG. 2) of the anatomical structure 70 extending over the joint 76 and/or injury 78, such that the second primary brace part end 42 is located on the primary anatomical structure 72 and the second secondary brace part end 44 is located on the secondary anatomical structure 74. The second part 82 of the anatomical structure may be opposite the first part 80 of the anatomical structure. For example, the first part 80 may be a posterior side of the forearm, wrist, hand, as illustrated in FIG. 2, and the second part 82 may be an anterior side of the forearm, wrist, hand, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0058] The second brace part 40 comprises a second rigid outer shell 46. The second rigid outer shell 46 is sufficiently rigid to provide the necessary stability of the brace 2 to support the anatomical structure 70. The second rigid outer shell 46 comprises a second inner side 48. The second inner side 48 is concave to at least partially enclose the second part 82 of the anatomical structure 70. The second brace part 40 further comprises one or more second lattice structures 50 attached to the second inner side 48 of the second rigid outer shell 46. The one or more second lattice structures 50 may be elastomeric and/or polymeric lattice structures. In some examples, the one or more second lattice structures 50 may be divided into a plurality of individually manufactured portions each being attached to the second inner side 48. In other examples, the one or more second lattice structures 50 may be formed by a single lattice structure extending from the second primary brace part end 42 to the second secondary brace part end 44. The one or more second lattice structures 50 may be attached to the second inner side 48 by gluing, by hooks and loops, or by another attachment method known in the art. The one or more second lattice structures 50 may be only lightly attached, as the positioning of the brace 2 on the anatomical structure will help maintain the position of the one or more second lattice structures 50 with respect to the second rigid outer shell 46.

[0059] In some examples, the second brace part 40 may omit the one or more second lattice structures 50 (see FIG. 8). In some other examples, the second brace part 40 may be omitted.

[0060] The brace 2 comprises fasteners 4 adapted to fasten the brace 2 to the anatomical structure 70. For example, the fasteners may include straps, such as hook and loop straps. The fasteners 4 may facilitate incrementally tightening or loosening of the brace. The fasteners 4, in the illustrated example, are adapted to fasten the first brace part 10 to the second brace part 40, so as to fasten the brace 2 around the anatomical structure 70. In some examples, e.g. if omitting the second brace part 40, the fasteners 4 may fasten the brace 2 directly to the anatomical structure 70, e.g. by the fasteners extending from one side of the first brace part 10 and around the anatomical structure 70 to the opposite side of the first brace part 10.

[0061] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross sectional view of the first brace part 10 or the second brace part 40 of the exemplary brace 2, as illustrated in the previous figures. The one or more first and second lattice structures 20, 50 have respective first and second heights 22, 52 in a height direction h normal to the respective inner side 18, 48 of the rigid outer shell 16,46. The illustrated example, shows the heights 22, 52 in a non-compressed state. In case of compression, i.e. a decrease in the height, the lattice structures 20, 50 are adapted to exhibit stress, which when being compressed from the non-compressed state to a first compression amount in the height direction h, increases at a first rate. When further being compressed from the first compression amount to a second compression amount, the lattice structures 20, 50 are adapted to exhibit stress being uniform or increasing at a second rate lower than the first rate.

[0062] The stress strain relationship is illustrated in FIG. 5a, which schematically illustrates an exemplary stress-strain curve for a lattice structure, such as the one or more first and/or second lattice structures 20, 50. The horizontal axis is strain, i.e. the amount of compression, whereas the vertical axis is showing stress, i.e. pressure or force, exhibited by the lattice structure when being compressed. As mentioned, when being compressed from the non-compressed state co to a first compression amount c1, the lattice structures 20, 50 exhibits stress increasing at a first rate. This may be referred to as the linear elasticity zone. When further being compressed from the first compression amount c1 to a second compression amount c2, the lattice structures 20, 50 are adapted to exhibit stress being uniform or increasing at a second rate lower than the first rate. This may be referred to as a plateau zone. In response to decreasing compression from the second compression amount c2 and/or from the first compression amount c1 to the non-compressed state c1, the lattice structures 20, 50 return to their initial height 22, 52. Returning to the initial height may take some time, but is preferably a short time, i.e. seconds or milliseconds. The first compression amount c1 may correspond to 5% compression, such as less than 5% compression.

[0063] The second compression amount c2 may correspond to more than 50% compression, such as 50%. 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% compression, or more than 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% compression.

[0064] When being further compressed beyond the second compression amount c2, the lattice structures 20, 50 may exhibit stress increasing at a third rate. For the purpose of the brace as disclosed herein, it is intended that the lattice structures are compressed to between the first compression amount c1 and the second compression amount c2, when being fastened to the anatomical structure. Thereby, substantially the same pressure will be applied to the anatomical structure even if swelling is reduced or if swelling occurs after applying the brace.

[0065] FIG. 5b schematically illustrates, for comparison, an exemplary stress-strain curve for a regular padding of a brace.

[0066] The greyed area in the middle of the graphs in FIGS. 5a and 5b, illustrates optimal pressure or force s1 to be applied to the anatomical structure. As seen, the lattice structures 20, 50 are preferably designed such that the stress exhibited in the plateau zone, i.e. between the first compression amount c1 and the second compression amount c2, is within this optimal value s1. For comparison, as seen in FIG. 5b, only a very specific compression of the padding results in a stress corresponding to the optimal value, which means that, for example, a reduced swelling will result in the brace becoming loose and not sufficiently supporting the anatomical structure as intended.

[0067] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary lattice structure 20, 50, e.g. of the brace 2 as described with respect to the previous figures. The illustrated example shows the one or more first lattice structures 20 as also shown in FIG. 2. However, it should be understood that the one or more second lattice structures 50 of FIG. 2 may comprise the same overall features, although possibly being differently shaped. Thus, for simplicity, the present explanation with reference to FIG. 6 is provided with respect to both the one or more first lattice structures 20 and the one or more second lattice structures 50.

[0068] The one or more lattice structures 20, 50 comprises a plurality of regions including a primary region 24, 54 and a secondary region 26, 56. The plurality of regions may further comprise a tertiary region 28, 58. These regions may differ by being provided with different hardness, i.e. exhibiting different stress in the plateau zone, as explained in relation with FIG. 5. This may provide for the stabilizing of the anatomical structure being maintained mainly by parts of the anatomical structure, which may be subject to a certain amount of pressure, while relieving other parts of the anatomical structure, such as joints or bony prominences, from too much pressure. For example, the brace may be adapted to be positioned on the anatomical structure such that the primary region 24, 54, which is softer than the secondary region 26, 56 is positioned closer to the joint and/or injury of the anatomical structure than the secondary region 26, 56. For example, the primary region 24, 54 may be positioned over the joint and/or injury. The brace may be adapted to be positioned on the anatomical structure such that the (softer) primary region 24, 54 is positioned on a part of the anatomical structure having a bony prominence and/or such that the (harder) secondary region 26, 56 is positioned on a part of the anatomical structure with soft tissue, such as the forearm.

[0069] The differing hardness in the different regions is achieved by the lattice structures 20, 50 comprising different lattice structures in the different regions. Some examples, of different lattice structures are provided in FIG. 7. For example, the lattice structures 20, 50 may include a primary lattice structure 20A, 50A, as illustrated in FIG. 7a. The primary lattice structure 20A, 50A may cover the primary region 24, 54. The lattice structures 20, 50 may include a secondary lattice structure 20B, 50B, as illustrated in FIG. 7c. The secondary lattice structure 20B, 50B may cover the secondary region 26, 56. The average stress exhibited by the primary lattice structure 20A, 50A in response to compression in the plateau zone (i.e. between the first compression amount c1 and the second compression amount c2, cf. FIG. 5) is lower than the average stress exhibited by the first secondary lattice structure 20B, 50B in response to compression in the plateau zone (i.e. between the first compression amount c1 and the second compression amount c2, cf. FIG. 5). As illustrated, this difference in exhibited stress, may be achieved by changing the structure of the lattice, e.g. by changing the size of the structures of the lattice, e.g. the length of the individual struts. However, the exhibited stress may also be modified by changing the geometrical shape of the lattice, the thickness of the individual struts.

[0070] The lattice structures 20, 50 may include a tertiary lattice structure 20C, 50C, as illustrated in FIG. 7b. The tertiary lattice structure 20C, 50C may cover the tertiary region 28, 58. The average stress exhibited by the primary lattice structure 20A, 20A in response to compression in the plateau zone may be lower than the average stress exhibited by the tertiary lattice structure 20C, 50C in response to compression in the plateau zone. The average stress exhibited by the tertiary lattice structure 20C, 20C in response to compression in the plateau zone may be lower than the average stress exhibited by the secondary lattice structure 20B, 50B in response to compression in the plateau zone. The average stress exhibited by the tertiary lattice structure 20C, 20C in response to compression in the plateau zone may be between the average stress exhibited by the primary lattice structure 20A, 50A in response to compression in the plateau zone and the average stress exhibited by the secondary lattice structure 20B, 50B in response to compression in the plateau zone.

[0071] Although not specifically illustrated, it is noted that the lattice structures, such as their geometrical shape, thickness of struts, and/or length of struts, may vary along the height of the lattice structure, i.e. along the height direction h1 (cf. FIG. 4). Thus, the lattice structure, e.g. in one or more regions 24, 26, 28, 54, 56, 58 may have one structure, e.g. corresponding to the lattice structure as illustrated in FIG. 7a towards the rigid outer shell, while having another lattice structure, e.g. corresponding to the lattice structure as illustrated in FIG. 7c towards the anatomical structure.

[0072] Although being described collectively with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, it should be understood that the stress-strain relationships within regions of the one or more first lattice structures 20 may differ from the stress-strain relationships within regions of the one or more second lattice structures 50.

[0073] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary brace 2. The exemplary brace 2 comprises a first brace part 10, which is similar to the first brace part 10 of the brace 2 of FIG. 3. Thus, for the description of the first brace part 10, reference is made to the corresponding description in relation to FIG. 3. The brace 2 also comprises a second brace part 40, which slightly differ from the brace part 40 of the brace 2 of FIG. 3, in that the second brace part 40 is provided without the one or more lattice structures. The lattice structures may in some situations be omitted from at least one of the brace parts. Thus, in the illustrated example, the second inner side 48 of the second rigid outer shell 46 may be abutting the second part of the anatomical structure.

[0074] Although not specifically illustrated in FIG. 8, it should be understood that the brace 2, similar to the brace 2 of FIG. 3 may comprise fasteners adapted to fasten the brace 2 to the anatomical structure, e.g. by fastening the first brace part 10 to the second brace part 40.

[0075] FIGS. 9a and 9b are schematic diagrams each illustrating an exemplary braces 2, 2, according to the present disclosure. More specifically FIGS. 9a and 9b are examples of braces 2, 2 being adapted to be attached to another exemplary anatomical structure 70, wherein the anatomical structure 70 as depicted in FIGS. 9a and 9b, comprises a leg, an ankle and/or a foot. Other than being shaped differently, and the different regions of the one or more lattice structures being arranged differently to accommodate the shape and anatomy of the leg/ankle/foot, the braces 2 2 are similar to the braces as described previously. FIG. 9a show an example of a brace 2 comprising only the first brace part 10. FIG. 9b shows an example of a brace 2 comprising both the first brace part 10 and the second brace part 40.

[0076] The disclosure has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and alterations and modifications can be carried out without deviating from the scope of the invention.

[0077] Throughout the description, the use of the terms first, second, third, fourth, primary, secondary, tertiary etc. does not imply any particular order or importance but are included to identify individual elements. Furthermore, the labelling of a first element does not imply the presence of a second element and vice versa.

LIST OF REFERENCES

[0078] 2 brace [0079] 4 fastener [0080] 10 first brace part [0081] 12 first primary brace part end [0082] 14 first secondary brace part end [0083] 16 first rigid outer shell [0084] 18 first inner side [0085] 20 first lattice structure [0086] 20A first primary lattice structure [0087] 20B first secondary lattice structure [0088] 20C first tertiary lattice structure [0089] 22 first height [0090] 24 first primary region [0091] 26 first secondary region [0092] 28 first tertiary region [0093] 40 second brace part [0094] 42 second primary brace part end [0095] 44 second secondary brace part end [0096] 46 second rigid outer shell [0097] 48 second inner side [0098] 50 second lattice structure [0099] 50A second primary lattice structure [0100] 50B second secondary lattice structure [0101] 50C second tertiary lattice structure [0102] 52 second height [0103] 54 second primary region [0104] 56 second secondary region [0105] 58 second tertiary region [0106] 70 anatomical structure [0107] 72 primary anatomical structure [0108] 74 secondary anatomical structure [0109] 76 joint [0110] 78 injury [0111] 80 first part [0112] 82 second part