US Patent:
20090306801, Dec 10, 2009
Inventors:
Mark L. Sivak - Boston MA, US
Richard G. Ranky - Ridgewood NJ, US
Joseph A. DiPisa - Wyckoff NJ, US
Alyssa Leigh Caddle - South Boston MA, US
Kara Lyn Gilhooly - Watertown MA, US
Lauren Chiara Govoni - Quincy MA, US
Seth John Sivak - Cambridge MA, US
Michael Lancia - Wakefield RI, US
Paolo Bonato - Somerville MA, US
Constantinos Mavroidis - Arlington MA, US
Assignee:
NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY - Boston MA
TECHNEST HOLDINGS INC. - Bethesda MD
SPAULDING REHABILITATION HOSPITAL CORPORATION - Boston MA
International Classification:
G06F 17/50
Abstract:
The unique advantages of computer-controlled fabrication of a patient-specific orthotic device using an automated fabrication machine capable of following computer instructions to create 3D surface contours and new developments in non-invasive three-dimensional (3D) scanning have made it possible to acquire digital models of freeform surfaces such as the surface anatomy of the human body and to then fabricate such a patient-specific device with high precision. Such a patient-specific device brings significant improvement in patient-specific fit, comfort, and function of medical devices (and, in particular, to orthoses that require a close fit to the wearer's body to act effectively). The combination of these two technologies is ideally suited for the development of patient-specific orthotic devices.A patient specific ankle-foot orthotic device using this technology is disclosed. This exemplary device is used to help stabilize the ankle-foot region, for example, in patients with impaired gait.