Development of a hinge compatible with the kinematics of the knee joint

This study aims to present a new concept of a knee hinge based on a crossed four-bar linkage mechanism which has been designed to optimally follow a motion curve representing the knee kinematics in the position at which the knee hinge should be placed. The methodology used to determine the optimal knee hinge is based on the optimization of certain variables of the crossed four-bar mechanism using genetic algorithms in order to follow a certain motion curve, which was determined using a biomechanical model of the knee motion. Two current, commercially available knee hinges have been used to theoretically determine their motion by means of the path performed by their instantaneous helical axis. Comparison between these two different knee hinges, Optimal Knee Hinge and the theoretical motion performed by a human knee reveals that a common monocentric hinge has a maximum misalignment of up to 27.2 mm; a polycentric hinge has a maximum misalignment of 23.9 mm. In contrast, the maximum misalignment produced by the Optimal Knee Hinge is 1.99 mm. The orthotic joint presented significantly improves the kinematical compatibility and the adjustment between orthotic and human joint motion, and should provide several advantages in terms of comfort and safety. Furthermore, the determination of the instantaneous helical axis for a particular user, by means of human movement measurement techniques, will enable the optimal crossed four-bar mechanisms to be determined in a customized and personalized manner. As a consequence, this new concept of orthotic knee joint design may improve the adaptability of lower limb orthoses for the user, and may lead to significant advantages in the field of orthotics for the lower limb.