Selectively Lockable Knee Brace
Edsko Hekman
Description
Collection
Title:
Selectively Lockable Knee Brace
Creator:
Edsko Hekman
Date:
9/16/1999
Text:
Hi Steve,
At 08:12 AM 9/15/99 -0700, you wrote:
>Take a look at the NASA press release at:
>
> <URL Redacted>
>
Looked up the press release and photo's. The concept has some nice
features. For instance, it appears to involve a very 'open' structure. The
limited skin covering should enhance the wearing comport for the user.
However, NASA is not very specific about the workings of the orthosis. For
instance, does it lock in completely extended position during stance? Is
the suggestion that the orthosis frame might be one-sided (instead of a
frame on both sides of the leg) correct? What is the function of the rather
heavy footplate?
And a biomechanical question: In order to stabilize the knee during stance,
the orthosis must be able to exert an extending moment, preventing the knee
to flex. I do not quite understand how one support (strap?) on the upper
leg and one on the lower leg can achieve this. Mechanically, it can not.
What am I missing?
Okay, I may have a chip on my shoulder since an automatically locking KAFO
(the 'UTX-SWING') has been developed in our department. For comparison with
the NASA/Horton brace, one may look at:
<URL Redacted>
Regards,
Edsko Hekman
At 08:12 AM 9/15/99 -0700, you wrote:
>Take a look at the NASA press release at:
>
> <URL Redacted>
>
Looked up the press release and photo's. The concept has some nice
features. For instance, it appears to involve a very 'open' structure. The
limited skin covering should enhance the wearing comport for the user.
However, NASA is not very specific about the workings of the orthosis. For
instance, does it lock in completely extended position during stance? Is
the suggestion that the orthosis frame might be one-sided (instead of a
frame on both sides of the leg) correct? What is the function of the rather
heavy footplate?
And a biomechanical question: In order to stabilize the knee during stance,
the orthosis must be able to exert an extending moment, preventing the knee
to flex. I do not quite understand how one support (strap?) on the upper
leg and one on the lower leg can achieve this. Mechanically, it can not.
What am I missing?
Okay, I may have a chip on my shoulder since an automatically locking KAFO
(the 'UTX-SWING') has been developed in our department. For comparison with
the NASA/Horton brace, one may look at:
<URL Redacted>
Regards,
Edsko Hekman
Citation
Edsko Hekman, “Selectively Lockable Knee Brace,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 2, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/213173.
