Development of an orthopedic system for physiotherapy and rehabilitation of the leg

The conception of a device to be used by doctors and physical therapists in patients undergoing knee surgery is described. One of the major problems of surgery in joints is associated with the loss of range of motion (ROM). A technique used to prevent the loss of ROM and to accelerate the healing process is the continuous passive motion (CPM). CPM causes a sinusoidal variation of the internal pressure of the joint, acting as a pump and expelling blood and other liquids. Currently, the market offers a variety of CPM equipment. Such devices are able to flex and extend the knee at angles from 0° to 120°, with varying speeds and predetermined number of repetitions. The proposed apparatus will be able to operate in a similar way as the others, but it will be able to also follow the patient during the stages of rehabilitation. The patient will be able to perform assisted flexion and extension of the leg and also, at a later time, the work of strengthening and stiffening the muscles around the knee joints.