U.S. patent application number 10/855796 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-15 for fracture walker with horseshoe heel pad beneath insole.
Invention is credited to Schwartz, Richard B..
Application Number | 20050274046 10/855796 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35459026 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050274046 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schwartz, Richard B. |
December 15, 2005 |
Fracture walker with horseshoe heel pad beneath insole
Abstract
A method and apparatus for locating a calcaneus within a
fracture walker is disclosed. The apparatus includes a locating
device that has a notch formed therein, and an insole covering the
locating device whereby the ankle forms a depression in the insole
adjacent the notch when force is applied through the ankle on the
insole.
Inventors: |
Schwartz, Richard B.;
(Woodcliff Lake, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 828
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48303
US
|
Family ID: |
35459026 |
Appl. No.: |
10/855796 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/110 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 5/0127
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
036/110 |
International
Class: |
A43B 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A fracture walker comprising: a foot platform having a base; an
insole covering said base; and a locating device interposed between
the foot platform and the insole, wherein the locating device has a
fore portion, the fore portion having a notch therein extending to
a forward surface, wherein the locating device is adapted to locate
a calcaneus within the fracture walker.
2. The fracture walker of claim 1, wherein the durometer hardness
of the locating device is greater than the durometer hardness of
the insole.
3. The fracture walker of claim 1, further comprising a flexible
liner, wherein the liner is interposed between a human lower
extremity and the fracture walker.
4. The fracture walker of claim 1, wherein the locating device is
constructed of polyethylene foam.
5. The fracture walker of claim 1, wherein the insole is
constructed of polyethylene foam.
6. The fracture walker of claim 1, further comprising a lip formed
on said platform wherein the lip is adapted to abut the insole on
said platform.
7. The fracture walker of claim 1, wherein the locating device is
adapted to accommodate the calcaneus of either a left foot or a
right foot.
8. A method of locating a calcaneus within a fracture walker
comprising: providing a locating device for use with the fracture
walker, the locating device being adapted to correctly locate the
calcaneus laterally within a medial-lateral heel space adjacent the
calcaneus within the fracture walker.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the calcaneus is correctly
located by forming a depression.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein forming the depression includes
forming a notch within a locating device, wherein the locating
device includes a generally flat body with a top surface, a bottom
surface, and a fore portion, wherein at least the top surface and
fore portion define the notch.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the notch extends to the bottom
surface.
12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: positioning the
locating device within a fracture walker, wherein the bottom
surface of the locating device is generally horizontal.
13. The method of claim 10, further comprising: positioning an
insole within the fracture walker, wherein the locating device is
interposed between the insole and the fracture walker.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein forming the depression
includes: displacing a portion of the insole into the notch.
15. The method of claim 10, further comprising: positioning an
ankle within the fracture walker, wherein the ankle includes the
calcaneus and the locating device is interposed between the ankle
and the fracture walker, and the calcaneus is located generally
above the notch.
16. The method of claim 9, wherein forming the depression includes:
applying a force through the calcaneus to the fracture walker such
that the force forms the depression.
17. The method of claim 9, wherein the depression is formed within
an insole.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a fracture
walker, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for
locating the foot within a fracture walker.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Fracture walkers are often used to stabilize the ankle and
lower extremity to encourage healing after a surgery or injury. A
typical fracture walker can be used to limit the ankle flexion to
either a fixed position or to a chosen range of dorsiflexion and/or
plantarflexion. A typical fracture walker includes a foot platform
portion and a lower leg portion. Generally, adjustable hinges are
located between these two portions in order to allow some degree of
ankle movement or to lock the ankle from movement. A typical
fracture walker is sized such that it can be used for either the
right or left leg thereby requiring the foot portion to accommodate
either a right or left foot. Accordingly, the foot portion is
generally rectangular to accommodate the various shapes of feet.
Generally, straps are provided to secure the lower extremity within
a fracture walker. These straps are located across the forefoot and
around the lower leg in order to tighten the foot portion and the
lower leg portion. Typically, the rear of the foot portion is sized
to accommodate a variety of ankles while providing for ankle
movement and flexion.
[0003] When walking, the biomechanics of human gait involves the
calcaneus, or heel bone, inverting and everting as the tibia
rotates and counter rotates. This movement of the calcaneus occurs
after heel strike and during the midstance and terminal stance
phases of the walking cycle. Ideally, the non-parallel alignment of
the midtarsal axes permits the foot to become rigid to support the
body's weight and to provide a rigid lever for propulsion.
[0004] During heel strike with a fracture walker, the forefoot and
lower limb above the ankle are secured within the fracture walker.
A misalignment of step or nonlevel walking surface may result in a
shifting or twisting of the foot platform as weight is applied
through the lower limb (loading response phase of the walking
cycle). This shifting or twisting can cause a loss of balance to
the patient to the extent that additional weight is shifted to the
lower limb as the upper body is rotated to regain balance. This
twisting of the foot platform relative the upper body can cause an
unrestrained calcaneus to relocate within the fracture walker. With
the forefoot essentially immobile relative to the fracture walker,
movement of the calcaneus relative to the fracture walker can occur
to alter the ideal alignment of the midtarsal axes. During further
movement (midstance), the calcaneus will not be properly positioned
for supporting body weight. This misalignment can cause new
injuries, prolong healing or complicate existing injuries.
[0005] A typical method for properly locating the calcaneus in a
fracture walker involves wrapping pads around the vertical surfaces
of the heel in order to position the calcaneus within the foot
portion. These pads are wrapped around the heel and are required to
fit tightly to prevent undesirable movement. Tightly restraining
the ankle is undesirable for patients with an ankle injury and is a
special concern for patients with edema in the lower extremity or
diabetes. Additionally, the heel is ideally allowed to move within
a fracture walker when the patient's weight is not being applied
thereto. What is needed is an improved positioning system for a
fracture walker to locate the calcaneus during weight bearing and
heel strike.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In accordance with the teaching of the present invention, a
method and apparatus for locating a calcaneus within a fracture
walker is disclosed. In one form, the present invention provides a
fracture walker having a foot platform with a base and an insole
covering the base. A locating device is interposed between the foot
platform and the insole. The locating device includes a fore
portion having a notch therein extending to a forward surface. The
locating device is adapted to locate a calcaneus within the
fracture walker. In another form, the present invention provides a
method of locating a calcaneus within a fracture walker wherein a
locating device adapted to correctly locate the calcaneus laterally
within a medial-lateral heel space adjacent the calcaneus within
the fracture walker is provided.
[0007] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.
It should be understood that the detailed description and specific
examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the
invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are
not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description and the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a fracture walker
in accordance with the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of a left ankle located within the
fracture walker of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is an exploded partial perspective view of the
fracture walker of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a locating device shown
within a partial section of the fracture walker of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 5 is an alternate embodiment of the locating device of
FIG. 4; and
[0014] FIG. 6 is a further alternate embodiment of the locating
device of FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] The following description of the preferred embodiment of a
method and apparatus for locating a calcaneus within a fracture
walker is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to
limit the invention, its applications or uses. It should be
appreciated that the locating device, while shown as a horseshoe
shaped member, may be any shape that allows the calcaneus to be
properly positioned within a fracture walker.
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a fracture walker in accordance with the
present invention referred to generally as numeral 10. Fracture
walker 10 includes a foot platform 12, a pair of hinge assemblies
14, a leg assembly 16, a liner 18, straps 20, an insole 22, and a
locating device 24. Foot platform 12 includes a base 26 with a rear
lip 28 around the back of a foot and frame members 30 extending
therefrom around the medial and lateral sides of a foot. Frame
members 30 have strap attachment apertures 32 and hinge attachment
locations 34 formed therein. Leg assembly 16 includes uprights 38
with hinge attachment apertures 40 and strap apertures 42 formed
therein. Straps 20 include straps 20a that are used to tighten leg
assembly 16 and straps 20b that are used to tighten base 26. Insole
22 is positioned on base 26 while covering foot platform 12.
Locating device 24 is interposed between foot platform 12 and
insole 22, as discussed below. Preferably, locating device 24 and
insole 22 are constructed of foam. Even more preferably, the
durometer hardness of locating device 24 is higher than the
durometer hardness of insole 22.
[0017] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate insole 22 to include an outer edge
44, a rear portion 46, and a fore portion 48. As best seen in FIG.
4, locating device 24 includes a top surface 50, a bottom surface
52, an inside surface 54 defining a notch 56, a curved rear surface
58 defining a rearward portion 60, and a forward portion 62 having
a forward surface 64.
[0018] Curved rear surface 58 and outer edge 44 at rear portion 46
of insole 22 are formed to contour lip 28 such that insole 22 and
locating device 24 are restrained from lateral movement within
fracture walker 10, as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. In this manner,
insole 22 and locating device 24 can be positioned within foot
platform 12 without the use of a guide or tool. Preferably, insole
22 and locating device 24 are affixed together and to foot platform
12 with an adhesive to prevent relative movement therebetween.
[0019] When assembled, straps 20a are threaded through the strap
apertures 42 of uprights 38, as best seen in FIG. 1. Each strap
attachment aperture 32 has a chafe 72 attached thereto. Straps 20b
are threaded through chafes 72. Straps 20a and straps 20b are used
to restrain the lower leg and the forefoot as discussed below.
Hinge assemblies 14 attach uprights 38 and frame members 30 via
hinge attachment apertures 40 and hinge attachment locations 34.
Preferably, hinge assembly 14 can be either locked to restrain
flexion by the ankle, or restrained in such a manner as to allow a
certain degree of dorsiflexion and/or plantarflexion of the ankle
when positioned within the fracture walker. Such hinge assemblies
are well known in the art and, therefore, are not described in
detail herein.
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a cutaway view of a partial lower
extremity 78 within a fracture walker 10 wherein a left ankle 80
includes a calcaneus 82, a tibia 84, a fibula 86, ligaments 88, and
flesh portion 90. Left ankle 80 is supported by fracture walker 10
on base 26. Preferably, liner 18 is form fitted about the lower
extremity 78. Liner 18 is placed around left ankle 80 in order to
provide a degree of cushioning and prevent chafing of the skin.
Frame members 30 are shown to define a medial-lateral heel space 96
adjacent calcaneus 82 that is roughly twice the width at the base
of left ankle 80. The heel space 96 allows the calcaneus 82 to
invert and evert by anatomical rotation relative left ankle 80.
Tibia 84 and fibia 86 are shown to fit within leg assembly 16 and
frame members 30 of fracture walker 10 with relatively less
medial-lateral ankle space when compared to the heel space 96. Left
ankle 80 rests within liner 18 on insole 22 which is above locating
device 24. Locating device 24 is positioned such that the notch 56
is located directly below calcaneus 82. As the weight of a patient
is applied through ankle 80 and calcaneus 82 onto insole 22 and
locating device 24, notch 56 allows insole 22 to flex downwardly
such that a portion of the insole 22 is displaced into the notch
56, thereby forming a depression in a portion of insole 22. This
displacement of insole 22 results in at least a portion of left
ankle 80 with liner 18 attached thereon to reside in the
depression. This depression is spaced from frame members 30 and
inhibits medial-lateral movement of calcaneus 82 as medial-lateral
forces are translated from calcaneus 82 through flesh portion 90,
liner 18, and insole 22 to inner surface 54 of locating device 24.
Thus, the ankle 80 is allowed heel space 96, but is correctly
positioned by the locating device 24 during the calcaneus 82 weight
bearing portion of walking.
[0021] When use of a fracture walker 10 is desired, the patient
places the lower extremity 78 in liner 18. Preferably, liner 18 is
a flexible, cushioned cloth member that is wrapped around the lower
extremity 78 with overlapping portions. Liner 18 may include a
plurality of hook and loop type stays to retain the position of
liner 18 relative to lower extremity 78. Lower extremity 78 is then
placed in fracture walker 10 and straps 20 are tightened to snug
fracture walker 10 to the lower limb and forefoot.
[0022] As best seen in FIG. 2, fracture walker 10 will allow free
medial-lateral rotation of the calcaneus 82 during non-weight
bearing phases of walking. Thus provided, locating device 24
provides a system to locate calcaneus 82 during heel strike and
weight bearing without unnecessarily restraining calcaneus 82. As
will be appreciated, locating device 24 also provides a
one-size-fits-all solution for locating the calcaneus 82, thereby
eliminating the need for locating devices of various shapes.
Additionally, locating device 24 can be cut from sheets of
adhesive-backed foam for installation or retrofit into fracture
walkers, thereby simplifying manufacture and installation.
[0023] FIG. 5 shows an alternate embodiment of locating device 24
illustrated as locating device 124 including a top surface 150, a
bottom surface 152, an inside surface 154 defining a notch 156, a
curved rear surface 158 defining a rearward portion 160, and a
forward portion 162 having a forward surface 164. Inside surface
154 intersects top surface 150. FIG. 6 shows an additional
alternate embodiment of locating device 24 illustrated as locating
device 224 including a top surface 250, a bottom surface 252, an
inside surface 254 defining a notch 256, and a curved rear surface
258 defining a rearward portion 260, and a forward portion 262
having a first forward surface 264 and a second forward surface
266. As will be appreciated, top surfaces 50, 150, or 250 and/or
side surfaces 54, 64, 154, 164, 254, 262 or 266 can be beveled to
provide a differing contour of insole 22 when weight is
applied.
[0024] The description of the invention is merely exemplary in
nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of
the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention.
Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the
spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *