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Orthotics: New Ideas
By Judith Philipps Otto The Bellacure Osteoarthritis Treatment Device is one
of those ideal solutions that make us wonder why someone didn't
think of it years ago. This unique orthosis not only relieves pain,
but is simple to don, requires no readjustment after the first
donning, is comfortable to wear, and cosmetically more appealing
than most braces.
Bellacure refers to it as a "treatment device" rather
than a brace, because it includes a revolutionary built-in dosing
mechanism that allows the patient to dial in the correct amount of
decompressing force to the arthritic compartment of the patient's
knee. The pain relief level is sensed and displayed electronically,
allowing patients to accurately reproduce the physician's
prescription for pain relief.
Mike Cannon, executive vice president-sales & marketing for
Bellacure Inc., Seattle, Washington, said the new product was
developed in response to surveys of patients and practitioners to
determine what they disliked about available orthotic products, and
what would have to go into the design of a device that would
encourage patient compliance.
"We needed a simplified device that was easy to don and easy to
apply with respect to how the forces were delivered to unload a
patient's knee," explained Cannon. "Patients don't like a lot of
straps and hard shells that make braces really uncomfortable to
wear."
Since many patients have poor hand dexterity, an electromechanical
dosing system was developed to allow accurate and repeatable
application of the appropriate level of pain-relieving forces, by
setting a simple dial. This dial-up dosing technology is the first
of its kind in the O&P marketplace. A further benefit of the
dosimeter is the associated forced feedback system that tells the
practitioner how much unloading force is being generated and
delivered to the patient's knee.
The computer chip technology that is incorporated into the
treatment device includes LED indicators that warn the patient if
they dial in too much force. A force sensor in the computer tells
the patient when they've dialed in 50 lb. of torsional
decompression, and continues to measure forces up to 150 torsional
lb. of decompression.
"We developed a three-point pressure unloading system that is very
user-friendly, and also very comfortable, so we could ensure that
the patient would actually want to wear this treatment device,"
Cannon said. "We also felt the need to really bring the technology
up to [today's] standards. That meant creating garment structures
that were abrasion-resistant, stretchable, had a long lifespan, and
were comfortable for the patient."
Also new in the Bellacure brace is a cabling mechanism that is
applied across soft dampening beds of material. "The patient does
not feel all that force," said Cannon. "What they feel is the pain
relief."
In addition, a 60-percent stretch textile that is lightweight and
breathable incorporates impressive stretch memory for a secure and
repeatable fit. The incorporated cabling mechanism allows the
device to bio-comform to the patient's anatomy straight out of the
box.
The device includes only one strap, which is adjusted during the
initial fitting; once set, it provides stable alignment of the
internal support shells, and never needs readjusting. Its structure
allows direct biomechanical matching to each patient.
Introduced in August 2005, the Bellacure OA Treatment Device has an
estimated 1,000 satisfied customers, and it continues to sell
vigorously, Cannon said. "Our guarantee says that if patients don't
get pain relief in 30 days, we'll refund the product price. So far,
not a single unit has been returned because a patient did not
receive adequate or full pain relief as a result of wearing the
product."
Bellacure is committed to constantly reevaluating design
improvements, and keeps a close eye on outcomes studies, said
Cannon. "Are patients getting sustained practical pain relief? Is
it facilitating their ability to restore their lifestyle to what it
was before they had a debilitating injury or an osteoarthritic
condition? We consistently examine and monitor this information. We
will be moving forward with much more advanced studies related to
the Bellacure treatment device. We will never stop recreating or
advancing the technology for our O&P professionals out there,
to ensure that they get a much better outcome for their patient
than what is available on the market at this point."
For more information, call 206.762.3609 or 800.795.2070, e-mail mcannon@bellacure.com, or visit www.bellacure.com
Propioceptive Ankle Orthosis
Also on the orthotics horizon is a proprioceptive ankle
orthosis from Stanford University. The university's
Biodesign Innovation Program fosters problem-solving through
creative inventiveness. The program recognizes excellence in
biodesign innovation with annual awards. The 2005 Silver Award was
accepted by a Stanford Biodesign Innovation Program Team including
graduate engineering students Buzzy Bonneau, Jeremy Dittmer, Surag
Mantri, Ryan McDonell, Tim Ramsey, and Tejas Mazmudar for "A Device
to Prevent Falls in the Elderly."
With aging comes decreased proprioception, past studies reveal--and
a subsequent increase in falls and resulting injuries. Stanford's
innovators have equipped an ankle orthosis with a "smart chip" that
is both sensitive and vigilant. It continuously monitors ankle roll
and warns the wearer to compensate for a greater-than-normal roll
by issuing a correctional vibration. The wearer is thus enabled to
shift balance or change position to prevent the potential
fall.
Research and testing continue before the brace can be made
commercially available. 
Table Of Contents - March 2006
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