Angular digital device for joint deformity or imbalance
View Patent ↗Embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein are directed to an angular digital device for joint deformity or imbalance. A device formed from a soft material shaped to fit a digit with straight segments and angled transitions at the interphalangeal joint levels such that rotational force(s) are created at the joint line(s). Additionally, an ‘open transition’ design with a dorsal strap element is described, and a design with an additional moldable, semi-rigid component added. A retention strap is described to prevent the splint from migrating off during sleep.
1 . A device configured to produce a rotational force at one or more interphalangeal joints of a digit, the device comprising:
a tubular component formed from a sheet of stretchable material and configured to extend over adjacent phalanges of the digit;
one or more elliptical-shaped cutouts located within the sheet of stretchable material;
one or more seams adapted to fasten opposing edges of each of the one or more elliptical-shaped cutouts such upon that the one or more elliptical-shaped cutouts are closed, the tubular component defining one or more angular transitions;
wherein the one or more angular transitions are adapted to overlie the one or more interphalangeal joints when the device is applied over the digit, and wherein the one or more angular transitions are configured to create a rotational force at the one or more interphalangeal joints.
2 . The device as in claim 1 wherein the device is configured with a smooth interior surface, the smooth surface configured to provide circumferential contact of the stretchable material with the digit in order to produce a compressive force.
3 . The device as in claim 1 wherein the device further comprises a malleable, angled element wherein the malleable, angled element is configured to modify the rotational force at the interphalangeal joint.
4 . A device configured to produce a rotational force at one or more interphalangeal joints of a digit, the device comprising:
a tubular component formed from a sheet of stretchable material configured to extend over adjacent phalanges of the digit;
at least one opening in the tubular component adapted to overlie the one or more interphalangeal joints when the device is applied over the digit wherein, after placement on the digit, a strap is subsequently configured to be secured across the at least one opening in the sheet of stretchable material and adapted to create a rotational force at the one or more interphalangeal joints.
5 . The device as in claim 4 wherein the device is configured with a smooth interior surface, the smooth surface configured to provide circumferential contact of the stretchable material with the digit in order to produce a compressive force.
6 . The device as in claim 4 wherein the device further comprises a malleable, angled element wherein the malleable, angled element is configured to modify the rotational force at the interphalangeal joint.
7 . An orthotic device for use with one or more interphalangeal joints of a finger, the orthotic device comprising:
a sheet of neoprene joined lengthwise to itself at an edge so as to form a tubular component configured to extend over the phalanges of the finger adjacent to an one or more interphalangeal joints;
one or more elliptical-shaped cutouts formed within the sheet of the stretchable material;
one or more seams adapted to fasten opposing edges of each of the one or more elliptical-shaped cutout such that upon the one or more elliptical shaped cutouts are closed, the tubular component defining one or more angular transitions;
wherein the one or more angular transitions are configured to create a rotational force at the one or more interphalangeal joints; and
wherein the tubular component is configured to fit the finger.
8 . The device as in claim 7 wherein the orthotic device is configured with a smooth interior surface, the smooth surface providing circumferential contact of the sheet of neoprene with the finger and producing a compressive force.
9 . The device as in claim 7 wherein the orthotic device further comprises a malleable, angled element configured to modify the rotational force at the interphalangeal joint.