Angular digital orthosis for loss of distal joint extension
View Patent ↗Embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein are directed to an angular digital device for loss of distal joint extension. A device formed from a thin, rigid material shaped to fit the dorsal soft-tissue contour of the middle phalanx of a digit with one or more apex volarly angled distal projections which arise at the level of the distal interphalangeal joint and with a thin sling of material secured to the distal projection(s) by which the volar pad of the distal phalanx is supported in order to provide hyperextension of the distal joint of the digit while maintaining tactile function of the pad of the digit.
1 . A device configured to produce an extension force at the distal interphalangeal joint of a digit while not encumbering the proximal interphalangeal joint of a digit, the device comprising:
a proximal rigid portion configured to be secured to the middle phalanx and configured for spanning a longitudinal length of greater than one-half the length of the middle phalanx;
a distal rigid portion comprising one or more apex volarly angled distal extensions arising from the proximal rigid portion thereby providing an inclined angle at the joint between the proximal and distal rigid portions;
a thin flexible material secured to the extension(s) configured such that when the device is applied to a digit, a hyperextension force is created at the distal interphalangeal joint.
2 . The device as recited in claim 1 , wherein the thin flexible material is configured to support the pad of the digit and is configured to readily allow perception of light touch where covered by the material while wearing the device.
3 . The device as recited in claim 2 , created in various constructions such that the angle between the proximal and distal rigid portions is in the range between 10 and 60 degrees.
4 . The device as recited in claim 3 , the proximal rigid portion configured to be secured to the skin of the middle phalanx utilizing tape or a strap circumferentially wrapped.
5 . The device as recited in claim 4 , constructed in various sizes to fit digits of various sizes.
6 . A device as recited in claim 5 , wherein the thin, flexible material comprises a fabric, mesh, or other thin material configured such that tactile function of the pad of the digit where covered by the material is maintained.
7 . A device as recited in claim 1 , wherein the thin, flexible material comprises a fabric, mesh, or other thin material configured such that tactile function of the pad of the digit where covered by the material is maintained.