Knee Extender

Researchers have designed a novel, low cost, and portable knee brace to help extend the knee in a biomechanical motion, mimicking a natural walking movement, and engaging additional effectors of knee flexion not addressed by other devices. This device can be used by patients after knee surgery to prevent common complications that result from typical surgeries including knee arthroscopies, total knee replacements, and ACL reconstructions.

Novel design elements allow improved control of knee flexion during therapy, as well as increased muscle engagement to help prevent atrophy and reduce recovery time.

BACKGROUND:
Commonly after knee surgery, knee extension is uncomfortable for the patient, leading the patient to favor the opposite knee and keep the repaired knee bent. Over time this lack of knee flexion can lead to an abnormal walking pattern or limited function due to muscle atrophy, as well as other painful related conditions. Regular stretching of the knee allows full extension and limited atrophy over time decreasing susceptibility to complications post-surgery.

Other devices on the market are expensive and are therefore usually only provided once the problem of a flexion contracture has already developed, limiting efficacy. Our low-cost and improved device can be used as a therapeutic tool immediately after surgery (before complications) to maximize patient recovery and minimize adverse events.

APPLICATIONS:

• Knee arthroscopy
• Total knee replacement
• ACL reconstruction

ADVANTAGES:

• Low cost
• Improved efficacy
• Novel function