Constant torque range-of-motion splint

Abstract

A range-of-motion splint for applying constant torque across a joint undergoing rehabilitative therapy. The splint includes a first brace section configured to engage a portion of a patient's body on a first side of a joint, and a second brace section configured to engage a portion of the patient's body on a second side of the joint. A first arm extends from the first brace section and a second arm extends from the second brace section. The first and second brace section arms are pivotally connected about a splint pivot axis by a pivot mechanism. A driven pulley is mounted to the second arm about the splint pivot axis. A drive pulley is rotatably mounted to the first arm about a drive axis which is spaced from the splint pivot axis. Torque is applied to the drive pulley with respect to the first arm by a spiral spring positioned about the drive axis. A belt couples the drive pulley and the driven pulley to transfer the rotation of the drive pulley to the driven pulley and apply torque between the first and second brace sections. The amount of torque applied between the brace sections can be adjusted by a torque adjusting mechanism which winds and unwinds the spring. An adjustable stop mechanism can be used to limit the range of rotational motion between the brace sections. The brace sections can be locked with respect to one another by a locking mechanism which engages and prevents movement of the drive pulley.