Stuetzapparat

FR 2947171 A1 UPAB: 20110117 NOVELTY - The apparatus (11) has an upper leg splint (14) provided with a load bearing surface (24), and a splint fastener (18) configured as a boot arrangement that is loaded with force exerted when walking. The fastener engages with a splint (12) i.e. orthopedic splint. A cushioning device (41) is arranged between the fastener and a lower leg splint (16) that are coupled together for transmission of force, where cushioning force of the device is adjustable. The device has a pressure detection sensor (50) that detects force or pressure in an inductive, capacitive or piezoelectric manner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The load bearing surface of the upper leg splint is made of fibrous composite material, composite foam, natural material or gel mass. USE - Supporting apparatus for use on a splint i.e. orthopedic splint, to support a knee joint, a lower leg, a foot or an ankle (all claimed). ADVANTAGE - The configuration of the supporting apparatus permits introduction of force exerted when walking, by weight of a human body in the supporting apparatus, thus allowing a patient to walk without using crutches even during primary healing phase, in case of injury at the lower member, and hence allowing the patient to carry objects in his/her hands from one place to another. The cushioning force of the cushioning device is adjustable so as to optimize the controlled re-habilitation for quicker mobilization. The load bearing surface of the upper leg splint is configured such that pressure points are selectively cushioned and user's comfort during wear is improved.