Abstract: Disclosed are a joint manipulation device and system for increasing the range of motion of a joint of a user, and monitoring the compliance of the user's operation of the joint manipulation device to standards or guidelines set by a monitoring entity. Certain sensors associated with the joint manipulation device may cause an indicator to transmit an alert to the user based on whether or not the device is sufficiently engaged with a limb or joint of the user to be considered in compliance. Additionally, progress data associated with the range of motion of the user's joint may be obtained by a sensor assembly and transmitted to one or more systems associated with the device system. Progress data obtained during a period of non-compliant use of the device may be excluded from the transmitted data, thereby generating a set of compliant progress data for accurate analysis of device effectiveness.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to devices and methods for providing extension and flexion assistance about a joint of a user. In some cases, a device may manipulate an arm of a user, thereby providing extension or flexion assistance to the arm about an elbow. In other cases, a device may manipulate a hand of a user to provide palmar flexion or dorsiflexion assistance about a wrist of the user.

Abstract: A device performs a flexion process or an extension process with respect to a knee joint. The device includes a support frame extending in a longitudinal direction. A flexion system includes a foot support assembly configured to translate relative to the support frame in the longitudinal direction thereof and a flexion linear actuator configured to cause the translation of the foot support assembly. The extension system an extension pad assembly including a first expansion pad configured to engage an upper surface of the leg at a position above the knee joint and a second expansion pad configured to engage the upper surface of the leg at a position below the knee joint. An extension linear actuator is configured to translate the extension pad assembly with respect to the transverse direction. A power system is configured to selectively actuate each of the flexion linear actuator and the extension linear actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulation and evaluation of a joint includes a frame to support the joint and to facilitate an application of force away from the joint for the evaluation of the joint, a bracket assembly supported by, and moveable relative to, the frame, the bracket assembly being configured to engage the joint, and a sensor coupled to the bracket assembly such that the sensor is moved by displacement of the bracket assembly relative to the frame during the evaluation of the joint, the sensor being configured to generate a signal indicative of the displacement.

Abstract: Devices manipulate a hand of a user to provide pronation or supination assistance. Embodiments include an anchor; a hand engagement member operatively attached to the anchor and configured to receive and engage the hand of the user; a force applicator having a member portion and an anchor portion opposite the member portion, the force applicator attached to the hand engagement member proximate its member portion and attached to the anchor proximate its anchor portion; and a force application mechanism attached to the anchor and configured to cause a force to be applied to the force applicator causing the hand engagement member to manipulate the hand of the user to provide pronation or supination assistance. In some embodiments, the force application mechanism includes a non-incremental rotary mechanism. In some embodiments, a flexible tethering member attaches the anchor to the hand engagement member.

Abstract: A joint manipulation and evaluation apparatus has a mechanism configured to manipulate a first bone of a joint relative to a second bone of the joint. The apparatus has a joint stabilizer arranged to engage the joint and hold the second bone in place as the first bone is manipulated. A sensor is coupled to the joint stabilizer and is configured and arranged to detect residual movement of a clamped portion of the joint relative to the joint stabilizer as the first bone is manipulated.

Abstract: Disclosed are a joint manipulation device and system for increasing the range of motion of a joint of a user, and monitoring the compliance of the user's operation of the joint manipulation device to standards or guidelines set by a monitoring entity. Certain sensors associated with the joint manipulation device may cause an indicator to transmit an alert to the user based on whether or not the device is sufficiently engaged with a limb or joint of the user to be considered in compliance. Additionally, progress data associated with the range of motion of the user's joint may be obtained by a sensor assembly and transmitted to one or more systems associated with the device system. Progress data obtained during a period of non-compliant use of the device may be excluded from the transmitted data, thereby generating a set of compliant progress data for accurate analysis of device effectiveness.

Abstract: A knee examination method includes situating a patient on a patient support adjacent a robotic knee testing apparatus, the apparatus having a motion tracking system. The robotic knee testing apparatus is set up including defining a world coordinate system based on a fixed location of a transmitter of the motion tracking system. The patient is set up including determining one or more local coordinate systems each based on setting up the patient and on one or more robot based points. The robotic knee testing apparatus is operable to manipulate a leg of the patient.

Abstract: Various limb manipulation and evaluation devices are provided. The devices generally include three drives, namely a first drive configured to manipulate a first bone relative to a second bone in a first direction, a second drive configured to manipulate the first bone relative to the second bone in a second direction, a third drive configured to manipulate the first bone relative to the second bone in a second direction. The three directions are different relative to each other and in some embodiments represent three distinct axes. The devices are further configured such that at least one of the drives is mutually decoupled relative to at least one other drive, such that operation of the one drive does not affect the position or movement of the another drive. One or multiple of the drives may be decoupled. A corresponding method of operating such decoupled drives is also provided.

Abstract: A knee examination method includes situating a patient on a patient support adjacent a robotic knee testing apparatus, the apparatus having a motion tracking system. The robotic knee testing apparatus is set up including defining a world coordinate system based on a fixed location of a transmitter of the motion tracking system. The patient is set up including determining one or more local coordinate systems each based on setting up the patient and on one or more robot based points. The robotic knee testing apparatus is operable to manipulate a leg of the patient.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining load-deformation data for a joint, the load-deformation data being gathered via joint testing implemented by robotic test equipment, the robotic test equipment being configured for movement of the joint and comprising sensors to gather the load-deformation data during the movement. A load-deformation curve function for the load-deformation data is generated, the load-deformation curve function defining a curve fitted to the load-deformation data. A feature of the curve defined by the load-deformation curve function is quantified. A biomechanical characteristic of the joint is identified based on the quantified feature of the curve defined by the load-deformation curve function.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating leg movement characteristics of a patient is provided. The apparatus comprises a base assembly configured to at least partially support the patient's torso; and first and second leg support assemblies independently pivotably mounted about a pivot axis relative to the base assembly. Each leg support assembly is configured to at least partially support a portion of a respective one of the first and second legs, independent of the support of the torso. Each of the leg support assemblies also comprises: a first leg support member including a foot rotation assembly configured to at least partially retain and support an associated foot of the patient and to rotate it about an axis of rotation relative to the base assembly; and a second leg support member configured for supporting a portion of the leg at a location proximal relative to the first leg support member.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulation and evaluation of a joint includes a frame to support the joint and to facilitate an application of force away from the joint for the evaluation of the joint, a bracket assembly supported by, and moveable relative to, the frame, the bracket assembly being configured to engage the joint, and a sensor coupled to the bracket assembly such that the sensor is moved by displacement of the bracket assembly relative to the frame during the evaluation of the joint, the sensor being configured to generate a signal indicative of the displacement.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining rotational data and translational data for a joint, the rotational and translational data being indicative of rotational and translational movement of the joint during rotational and translational joint testing, respectively, the rotational and translational joint testing being implemented by a robotic testing apparatus applied to the joint. A quantity indicative of joint play of the joint is computed. The quantity is computed via a function of the rotational data and the translational data. The method includes determining whether the computed quantity exceeds a joint play threshold and, if the computed quantity exceeds the joint play threshold, comparing the rotational data and the translational data with preset rotational data and preset translational data for the rotational and translation joint testing, respectively.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining rotational data and translational data for a joint. The rotational and translational data is indicative of rotational and translational movement of the joint during rotational and translational joint testing, respectively. The rotational and translational joint testing is implemented by a robotic testing apparatus. Respective zero torque points are determined for the rotational and translational movement based on the rotational data and the translational data. The respective zero torque points are combined for the rotational and translational movement to determine an equilibrium position for the joint. A biomechanical characteristic of the joint is ascertained based on an analysis of the equilibrium position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to devices for manipulating a hand of a user to provide pronation or supination assistance. Embodiments include an anchor; a hand engagement member operatively attached to the anchor and configured to receive and engage the hand of the user; a force applicator comprising a member portion and an anchor portion opposite the member portion, the force applicator attached to the hand engagement member proximate its member portion and attached to the anchor proximate its anchor portion; and a force application mechanism attached to the anchor and configured to cause a force to be applied to the force applicator causing the hand engagement member to manipulate the hand of the user to provide pronation or supination assistance. In some embodiments, the force application mechanism includes a non-incremental rotary mechanism. In some embodiments, a flexible tethering member attaches the anchor to the hand engagement member.

Abstract: A method comprises obtaining rotational data and translational data for a joint. The rotational and translational data is indicative of rotational and translational movement of the joint during rotational and translational joint testing, respectively. The rotational and translational joint testing is implemented by a robotic testing apparatus. Respective zero torque points are determined for the rotational and translational movement based on the rotational data and the translational data. The respective zero torque points are combined for the rotational and translational movement to determine an equilibrium position for the joint. A biomechanical characteristic of the joint is ascertained based on an analysis of the equilibrium position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to devices for manipulating a hand of a user to provide pronation or supination assistance. Embodiments include an anchor; a hand engagement member operatively attached to the anchor and configured to receive and engage the hand of the user; a force applicator containing a member portion and an anchor portion opposite the member portion, the force applicator attached to the hand engagement member proximate its member portion and attached to the anchor proximate its anchor portion; and a force application mechanism attached to the anchor and configured to cause a force to be applied to the force applicator causing the hand engagement member to manipulate the hand of the user to provide pronation or supination assistance. In some embodiments, the force application mechanism includes a non-incremental rotary mechanism. In some embodiments, a flexible tethering member attaches the anchor to the hand engagement member.

Abstract: A thigh immobilizer is configured for use with a robotic knee testing apparatus to evaluate a knee joint. The thigh immobilizer has a first clamping element configured to engage a lateral portion of the thigh and a second clamping element spaced apart from the first clamping element. The second clamping element is configured to engage a medial portion of the thigh. The first clamping element and the second clamping element are each configured to move and lock independent of one another. The thigh immobilizer clamps and holds a thigh between the first and second clamping elements when the first clamping element and second clamping element are locked during manipulation of the lower leg.

Abstract: A robotic knee testing apparatus including a robot configured to support a leg of a patient, a patient support configured to support the patient thereon, and a positioning system adjustably connected to the patient support and movable relative to the patient support, wherein the positioning system is movable to adjust a position of the robot so as to allow the patient to be situated in an orthostasis position between a distal edge of the patient support and the robot. The robotic knee testing apparatus can also include a positioning system that is adjustably connected to the patient support and movable relative to the patient support to adjust a vertical position of the robot relative to the patient support.