Preliminary clinical experience of a contracture correction device

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Biomechanical Engineering

Background:

• Joint contractures unresponsive to conventional physiotherapy present a significant clinical challenge.
• Existing treatments like serial plastering are effective but costly and inconvenient, limiting patient hygiene and monitoring.
• There is a need for accessible, effective, and patient-friendly methods for managing resistant joint contractures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and practicality of a novel mechanical orthosis for treating joint contractures.
• To assess the transferability of this treatment system to an independent clinical setting.
• To gather preliminary data supporting a formal clinical trial.

Main Methods:

• A mechanical hinged orthosis with an integrated gas strut was developed to apply controlled corrective moments to affected joints.
• The device was applied by an independent orthotic supply center to patients with elbow and knee contractures unresponsive to physiotherapy.
• Treatment outcomes, including reduction in contracture and applied corrective moment, were recorded over a defined period.

Main Results:

• All nine elbow and three knee joints treated showed improvement.
• Elbow joints averaged a 25.6-degree reduction in contracture with a 6.8 Nm corrective moment over 3.9 weeks.
• Knee joints averaged a 10.7-degree reduction in contracture with a 12.7 Nm corrective moment over 4 weeks.

Conclusions:

• The mechanical orthosis system is practical for application in independent clinical centers.
• The treatment demonstrates significant efficacy in improving joint range of motion for resistant contractures.
• Results provide evidence supporting further investigation through a prospective clinical trial.