Our patients with various forms of knee injuries typically have a dysfunction and impaired mobility in the lower limbs. It is a good way to conduct rehabilitation training to help these patients recover and regain mobility. Intensive labor should be involved in the traditional rehabilitation training, and physical therapists have to provide the patients with highly repetitive training that can be insufficient. Therefore, it is necessary and impactful to develop assistive devices that utilize state-of-the-art technologies to help disabled people regain the ability to stand and walk, and release therapists from the heavy work of rehabilitation training.

Assistive Devices For Knee Injuries

Grab Bars:  A grab bar is a bar that firmly attaches to a wall in your bathtub or shower, giving you something to hold on to when entering or leaving the bathtub.  Most people need a grab bar placed vertically along the faucet wall of the bathtub to hang on to when they lean over to turn the water on and off, and to help them step over the side.  Another is placed horizontally along the back wall to assist you in rising after sitting in the bathtub.  It is particularly important that grab bars be securely screwed into the studs in the wall so that they can safely take your weight.

Non-slip mats:  It’s important to have non-slip mats both inside and outside the bathtub or shower to provide traction for your feet when they are wet.

Bath or shower seat:  A bath or shower seat can be useful if getting down to sit on the bottom of the tub is difficult or if you tend to get weak or dizzy when standing in the shower.  Look for a bath seat with height-adjustable legs and non-skid rubber tips on the feet.  A seat with a backrest may be more comfortable.  Be sure to check the manufacturer’s weight limitations to see if it is the right one for you.  A hand-held shower spray is necessary to allow you to direct the water where needed.

Hip protectors:  Some people may be particularly vulnerable to injuries if they fall, possibly because of osteoarthritis.  Others may have a fear of falling that prevents them from doing the activities that they enjoy.  Hip protectors may allow you to continue enjoying independence and an active lifestyle while reducing the risk of hip fracture if you do fall. (NOTE:  the literature is not entirely supportive that hip protectors will reduce hip fractures.)

There are several styles of hip protectors, including a belt style similar to a small hockey belt and a style that builds thin hip pads into briefs (underwear).  The hip pads can be made of specialized foam or plastic that absorbs impact.  Whichever type you prefer, it is important that they fit properly and are comfortable when you wear them.

Exoskeleton Assistive Devices

Keeogo TM is a battery-powered robotic exoskeleton that attaches to the legs and lower back. It contains motors at the knee and hip joints and sensors to help it adjust with each footfall.

While wearing the device and holding two forearm crutches, someone with complete lower-limb paralysis can walk. Patients with neurologically debilitating knee injuries experience vast improvement.

If you suffer from lower limb mobility impairments due to a knee injury, please see a specialist at the PRI clinic. They are specifically trained to properly introduce your body to the Keego^TM device, which will allow your body to achieve a remarkable improvement in your lifestyle. We’ll be more than glad to help you when you call or follow these links.

Tel:      (416) 477-1101

E-mail: reception@priclinic.com

Web:   www.priclinic.com