Multiaxis controlled motion knee orthosis

Abstract

An improved multiaxis controlled motion knee orthosis in the form of a knee brace appliance wherein a joint mechanism is provided that utilizes two camming slots and cam pin followers to achieve an arthrokinematic movement comprised of an anterior motion of a femoral link relative to a tibial link during an initial phase of flexion followed by a unicentric phase of movement. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, during the initial range of motion, pivoting occurs through a short transverse arc segment about an upper one of the cam pin followers that is disposed within a longitudinally extending arcuate slot forming one of the two camming slots, while the unicentric movement is produced, after a lower one of the cam pin followers reaches the anterior end of a transverse slot forming the other of the two camming slots, the lower cam pin follower serves as the axis of rotation or pivot point for movement of the upper cam pin follower along the longitudinally extending arcuate slot. Additionally, an internal range of motion limiter comprised of one or more pins that can be selectively interconnected between the femoral link and a joint cover plate provide a selective control of extension and/or flexion over a wide range. Furthermore, a femoral cuff is provided that is comprised of a pair of side wings interconnected, solely at an upper end thereof, by a narrow bridge, thereby giving the cuff a generally n-shaped appearance and providing increased comfort for the wearer.