Motion-guiding load-bearing external linkage for the knee
US4637382A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 22, 1984 |
| Grant date | Jan 20, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 22, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/567
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A motion guiding load bearing external linkage for a knee is provided by plates fixed to the medial and lateral sides of the tibia and femur by transcutaneous pins or incorporated in a knee brace fitting above and below the knee joint. The tibial plates have a planar load bearing surface while the femoral plates have a circular load bearing surface. Linkages are provided for guiding the center of rotation of the femoral load bearing surfaces in the direction of the tibial load bearing surfaces as a function of the degree of knee flexure. This linkage comprises an extension of the tibial plate having a slot which engages a pin fixed to the femoral plate at a point off-set from the center of rotation. This linkage positively guides the motion of the center of rotation along a single path which is predetermined by the radial and annular position of the pin. The guidance characteristics of the predetermined path can be determined to fit the lateral and medial sides of an individual knee by the proper positioning of the pin.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.