05 - Orthotics and Wearables

Question 1

Elevators and suspensions

Answer 1

• stair elevators: in clinics, at home
• suspension systems
• – harness, ropes and drives
• – ceiling or on wheels
• – can lift patients (KineAssist)

Question 2

Walking aids and crutches

Answer 2

• walking stick: wood/metal, rubber at bottom, indvdl handles, for mild disabilities
• white cane: alu/plastic, can be folded, for the visually impaired, augmentations (joystick, US waves)
• crutches
• – below elbow (wrist relief, forearm guidance) / flamingo / arthritis crutches: for mild to moderate disabilities
• – armpit crutches (/!\ radial nerve) / 4-pt crutches / crutch walker / wheeled walkers / hand trolleys: for moderate disabilities

Question 3

Passive orthoses

Answer 3

• knee: 4-pt + rigid frame / universal with large cuffs / knee-ankle-foot
• foot: ankle / 4-pt
• arm: contracture bracing / elbow clasp / wrist jt fixation
• shoulder & back
• multi-jt

Question 4

Powered orthoses

Answer 4

• technical challenges = intention detection + battery + weight
• ctl: via EMG, via position

Question 5

Rigid vs soft exosuit

Answer 5

• soft: longitudinal forces, easier, thinner, lighter

garment + ligament (hip/knee flexion) + power layer (hip/knee extension)