WO2021006728A1

WO2021006728A1 - Finger orthosis

Info

Publication number: WO2021006728A1
Application number: PCT/NL2020/050433
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wouter Robin Engelshoven
Original assignee: WE Design Beheer B.V.
Priority date: 2019-07-05
Filing date: 2020-07-01
Publication date: 2021-01-14

Abstract

A finger orthosis (1) for dynamic MCP joint extension, comprising one or more finger frame sections (2) each of which is configured to extent at least in part around one of a patient's index (1/2), middle (M/3), ring (R/4) or little finger (P/5). A wrist frame section (3) is provided and configured to engage at least in part a patient's wrist; and wherein each finger frame section is connected to the wrist frame section by one or more flexible, resilient metal wires (4) each of which is configured to extend in arcuate fashion along a dorsal side of the hand.

Description

Finger Orthosis

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a finger orthosis or brace, in particular a dynamic finger orthosis for MCP 2-5 / MCP 1 joint extension.

Background art

There are known dynamic finger orthoses that are made of a metallic wire frame material which is shaped/bent to snugly engage fingers of a patient for rectifying or resolving particular orthopaedic conditions, such as a limited ability to extend and/or flex fingers due to instability of MCP joints for example. Such wire frame finger orthoses are advantageous in that they are waterproof, hygienic and provide a sleek design that imposes little to no interference with e.g. clothes. However, there are known dynamic finger orthoses for dynamically assisting finger extension, for example, wherein these dynamic finger orthoses have limited durability as they may fail once a particular number of flexion-extension finger movements has occurred. Furthermore, these known dynamic finger orthoses may also cause painful pressure points to develop on a patient’s hand when such finger orthoses are used over extended periods of time.

Summary of the invention

The present invention aims to provide an improved finger orthosis or brace, in particular a dynamic finger orthosis for metacarpophalangeal (MCP) 2-5 / metacarpophalangeal (MCP) 1 joint extension, wherein the finger orthosis exhibits improved durability and comfort when worn over extended periods of time.

According to the present invention, a dynamic finger orthosis for MCP joint extension as mentioned in the preamble is provided, wherein the finger orthosis comprises one or more finger frame or splint sections each of which is configured to extent at least in part around one of a patient’s index, middle, ring or little finger. The finger orthosis further comprises a wrist frame or splint section which is configured to engage at least in part a patient’s wrist and wherein each finger frame section is connected to the wrist frame section by one or more flexible, resilient metal wires each of which is configured to extend in arcuate fashion along a dorsal side of the hand when the finger orthosis is in use.

The one or more flexible, resilient metal wires of the finger orthosis are configured to extend in arched/arcuate fashion along the dorsal side of the hand to facilitate dynamic/resilient MCP joint extension of one or more fingers. As the one or more metal wires extend from each finger frame section to the wrist frame section, the arched/arcuate shaped attained by each metal wire is much more gradual than those used by prior art finger orthoses. Due to the gradual arched/arcuate shape of each metal wire when the finger orthosis is in use, concentrated or localised bending and/or torsion stress in each metal wire is prevented and as such durability of each of the wires is improved, in particular durability with respect to material fatigue. In an advantageous embodiment, the finger orthosis may further comprise a dorsal frame or splint section configured to laterally extend along a dorsal metacarpal region of the hand, and wherein the dorsal frame section comprises one or more eyelets through which the one or more metal wires moveably extend. This embodiment facilitates smooth (sliding) motion of the one or more metal wires over the dorsal frame section, which guides and optimally routes the one or more metal wires along a desired part over the dorsal side of the hand by particular placement of the one or more eyelets.

When flexing one or more fingers, for example, the dorsal frame section may impose increased pressure on the dorsal metacarpal region of the hand as the one or more metal wires are forced to further bend and move downward, thereby pushing harder on the dorsal frame section. To prevent sore or painful pressure points from developing on the dorsal metacarpal region where the dorsal frame section engages the hand, there is provided an embodiment wherein the dorsal frame section comprises a concave side, i.e. a concave skin engaging side, which is provided with a dorsal cushion pad. In this embodiment the concave side is configured to engage the dorsal metacarpal region of the hand in conformal or congruent fashion to provide a distributed pressure force on the hand and wherein the dorsal cushion pad provides soft engagement with the skin. The skill person will appreciate that the dorsal cushion pad will be considerably softer than the dorsal frame or splint section itself. In an exemplary embodiment the dorsal cushion pad may comprise silicone, which is soft and resilient yet durable and hygienic.

Short description of drawings

The present invention will be discussed in more detail below, with reference to the attached drawings, in which

Figure 1 A shows a dorsal view a prior art finger orthosis;

Figure 1 B shows a close up view of a prior art finger orthosis;

Figure 2 shows a lateral view of a finger orthosis according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3A shows a dorsal frame/splint section of a finger orthosis according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3B shows a wrist frame/splint section and a thumb frame/splint section according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a close-up view of a unitary finger frame/splint section according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 5 shows a dorsal view of a finger orthosis provided with a wrist stabilisation brace according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Description of embodiments

Figure 1A and 1 B show a dorsal view and a close-up view, respectively, of a prior art dynamic finger orthosis 1’. As depicted, the finger orthosis 1’ may be used for dynamic MCP 2-5 extension, i.e. wherein dynamic extension of MCP joints of the index (“I” or“2”) , middle (“M”,“3”), ring (“R”,“4”) or little finger (“P”,“5”) is supported/facilitated.

For clarity it should be noted that a“dynamic” finger orthosis refers to the property wherein the finger orthosis does not completely immobilize joints of the hand, such as MCP joints, but still allows (limited) movement of one or more fingers.

As further depicted, the prior art finger orthosis 1’ comprises one or more ring shaped finger frame or splint sections 2’ each of which is configured to receive one of a patient’s index“I”, middle“M”, ring“R” or little finger“P”. A hand frame or splint section 3’ is provided and configured/shaped to laterally extend along and engage a patient palm region and dorsal metacarpal region 6’ of the hand. As shown in Figure 1 B, the hand frame section 3’ encircles a patient’s palm area of the hand and each finger frame section 2’ is connected to the hand frame section 3’ by a flexible, resilient metal wire 4’ which is configured to extend over the dorsal side of the hand from a finger frame section 2’ toward the hand frame section 3’.

From the close-up view shown in Figure 1 B it is further observed that each of the metal wires 4’ comprises a sharp bend 5’ (e.g. approx. 90° or smaller) at which it connects to the hand frame section 3’ and where an extended portion 4a’ of each of the metal wires 4’ extends along the hand frame section 3’ substantially parallel thereto.

The prior art finger orthosis 1’ as depicted in Figure 1 A and 1 B, and in particular each of the metal wires 4’ thereof, may fail or break do to fatigue at the sharp bend 5’. In particular, due to dynamic flexion-extension movements of a finger and hence a finger frame section 2’ supporting said finger, concentrated/localised dynamic bending and torsion stresses develop at the sharp bend 5’. Even though each metal wire 4’ can cope with such dynamic stresses for some time, a metal wire 4’ may shear or break at the sharp bend 5’ once a particular number of flexion- extension movements has been exceeded, rendering the finger orthosis T non-functional.

Based on these above-mentioned shortcomings, there is a need for a finger orthosis, i.e. a dynamic finger orthosis, that exhibits improved dynamic durability when used over extended periods of time and for a larger number of flexion-extension movements.

Figure 2 shows a lateral view of a dynamic finger orthosis 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the depicted embodiment, the dynamic finger orthosis 1 comprises one or more finger frame or splint sections 2 each of which is configured to extend at least in part around one of a patient’s index“I” /”2”, middle“M” /“3”, ring“R” /“4” or little finger“P” /”5” for support thereof, e.g. to support dynamic extension of these fingers when MCP 2-5 joints are unstable.

A wrist frame or splint section 3 is provided and configured to engage at least in part a patient’s wrist/wrist region“W”, wherein each finger frame section 2 is connected to the wrist frame section 3 by one or more flexible, resilient metal wires 4 each of which is configured to extend in arcuate or arched fashion along/over a dorsal side of the hand when the finger orthosis 1 is in use. It is understood that each of the finger frame/splint sections 2 and the wrist frame/splint section 3 are substantially rigid in order to provide adequate stiffness and as such adequate support. According to the present invention, each of the metal wires 4 extends in smooth fashion between a finger frame section 2 and the wrist frame section 3. So instead of only extending from a finger frame section 2’ to a hand frame section 3’ as shown in Figures 1A and 1 B, each of the metal wires 4 of the finger orthosis 1 is configured to extend in arched fashion from a finger frame section 2 beyond the palm region of the hand all the way toward the wrist frame section 3 that engages the wrist or wrist region W when the finger orthosis 1 is in use. This allows each metal wire 4 to obtain a more gradual, curved shape along its entire length to eliminate localised dynamic torsion stress and to reduce localised dynamic bending stress for a large or limitless number of flexion-extension movements.

Since there is no need to provide a sharp bend between 0°-90° degrees to each metal wire 4 to provide resilient behaviour to each finger frame section 2 through wire torsion, the finger orthosis 1 of the present invention is able to sustain a much larger number of flexion-extension movements of fingers without failure of the one or more metal wires 4.

When the finger orthosis 1 is in use, the arcuate/curved shape of each metal wire 4 over the dorsal side of the hand between a finger frame section 2 and the wrist frame section 3 provides biased extension of each supported finger, e.g. biased MCP joint extension, as each of the metal wires 4 is curved and as such is biased to return to a straight shape.

As further depicted in Figure 2, the finger orthosis 1 may further comprise a dorsal frame or splint section 5 which is configured to laterally extend along a dorsal metacarpal region 6 of the hand, and wherein the dorsal frame section 5 comprises one or more eyelets 7 through which the one or more metal wires 4 moveably extend. In this embodiment, each metal wire 4 extends, e.g. in sliding fashion, through an eyelet 7 of the dorsal frame section 5 for being guided and optimally routed thereby when dynamic flexion-extension movement of fingers occur. In this way the one or more metal wires 4 cannot entangle or interfere with each other undesirably. Moreover, the one or more eyelets 7 ensure proper routing and a gradual arched/arcuate shape of each metal wire 4 along the dorsal metacarpal region 6 when the finger orthosis 1 is in use. Furthermore, the one or more eyelets 7 keep the dorsal frame section 5 properly positioned with respect to the dorsal metacarpal region 6 of the hand to provide optimised support thereon.

As further shown, in an embodiment each of the one or more eyelets 7 is arranged on a top surface 5a of the dorsal frame section 5, wherein the top surface 5a faces away from the dorsal metacarpal region 6 when the finger orthosis 1 is in use. As a result, each metal wire 4 extends, e.g. in sliding fashion, through an eyelet 7 over the dorsal frame section 5 and as such the dorsal frame section 5 is able to distribute downward dynamic forces imposed thereon by the one or more metal wires 4 for improved comfort.

Referring to Figure 3A, which shows a dorsal frame or splint section 5 of a finger orthosis 1 in a further embodiment, wherein the dorsal frame section 5 may comprise a concave side 8 provided with a dorsal cushion pad 9. The dorsal cushion pad 9 is arranged to engage the dorsal metacarpal region 6 and reduce/prevent development of sore or painful pressure points as the dorsal metacarpal region 6 typically comprises a very thin skin/tissue layer which has limited ability to absorb pressure forces. The dorsal cushion pad 9 is softer than the dorsal frame section 5 and may, in an advantageous embodiment, be made of silicone for example.

As will be discussed later, from Figure 2 and 3A it can be seen that in an advantageous embodiment the one or more metal wires 4 may be evenly distributed along the dorsal frame section 5 to obtain an even engagement thereof with the dorsal metacarpal region 6 to further improve force distribution. In case a plurality of metal wires 4 is employed, then a cross-wise and/or diagonal arrangement of the plurality of metal wires 4 is possible, wherein the plurality of metal wires 4 may extend through a single eyelet 7. Such a cross-wise or diagonal arrangement of metal wires 4 allows for longer metal wires 4 to be employed so that an even more gradual arcuate shape of metal wires 4 is obtained between associated finger frame sections 2 and the wrist frame section 3. This further reduces local dynamic bending stresses and as such durability is even further improved.

For orthopaedic support for e.g. MCP 2-5 joint extension, it is not necessary that each finger frame section 2 is a full ring encircling a finger. That is, to facilitate MCP joint extension only a volar side of a finger needs support so that a dorsal side of the finger remains free for improved comfort (e.g. air circulation). In light of this, Figure 3B shows an embodiment of a complete finger orthosis 1 and wherein Figure 4 shows a close-up view of finger frame sections 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown, embodiments may be envisaged wherein two adjoining finger frame sections 2 are connected side-by-side, so that a unitary finger frame or splint section 10 is formed which is configured to support two adjacent fingers. The unitary finger frame section 10 comprises a (central) wire connect point 1 1 where the two adjoining finger frame sections 2 meet, and wherein the one or more metal wires 4 are connected to the wire connect point 1 1 . In this embodiment the unitary finger frame section 10 provides further laterally stability to adjacent fingers by limiting finger abduction and adduction.

In Figure 3B and Figure 4 it is clearly depicted that in an embodiment the unitary finger frame section 10 may simultaneously support the index I and middle finger M, or the ring finger R and little finger P, thereby providing lateral support to these fingers in addition to support for dynamic MCP 2-3 or MCP 4-5 joint extension. In an alternative embodiment the unitary finger frame section 10 may simultaneously support the middle finger M and ring finger R for providing lateral support to these fingers in addition to support for dynamic MCP 3-4 joint extension.

In an advantageous embodiment, each of the two adjoining finger frame sections 2 is, approximately, a half-round or semi-circular finger frame section 2, wherein the wire connect point 1 1 is or forms an apex point of the unitary finger frame section 10. The apex point is configured to extend between two adjacent fingers, and wherein the one or more metal wires 4 are then connected to the apex point, i.e. the wire connect point 1 1 , and as such extend between the supported fingers when the finger orthosis 1 is in use. Even though the unitary finger frame section 10 may comprise two adjoining full ring shaped finger frame sections 2 for e.g. dynamic support of MCP flexion and extension, in this embodiment this is not needed for dynamic MCP joint extension alone. In particular, as each of the two adjoining finger frame sections 2 are substantially half-round or semi-circular, only extending along a volar side of each supported finger, it is still possible to provide an upward resilient supporting force by the one or more metal wires 4 for facilitating MCP 2-3, 3-4 or 4-5 joint extension.

To provide support for MCP 2-3 and MCP 4-5 joint extension, two unitary finger frame sections 10 may be provided for that purpose, wherein each unitary finger frame section 10 is connected to the wrist frame section 3 by one or more flexible, resilient metal wires 4.

Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3B, sometimes further support is needed for e.g. the thumb“T” of the hand for supporting dynamic MCP 1 joint extension when the MCP 1 joint exhibits instability. To that end an embodiment is provided wherein the finger orthosis 1 further comprises a thumb frame or splint section 12 which is configured to extend at least in part around a patient’s thumb T, and wherein the thumb frame section 12 is connected to the wrist frame section 3 by one or more further flexible, resilient metal wires 13 each of which is configured to extend in arcuate fashion along a radial side of the hand, i.e. when the finger orthosis 1 is in use.

Like the one or more metal wires 4, the one or more further metal wires 13 extend in arcuate/curved fashion along a radial side of the hand between the thumb frame section 12 and the wrist frame section 3 to provide a radially outward biasing force via the thumb frame section 12 on the thumb T to support extension of the MCP 1 joint thereof. The biasing force is generated as the one or more further metal wires 13 are resilient in that they are biased to return to a straight shape. Note that in an embodiment the thumb frame section 12 may be a full ring shaped frame section and in an alternative embodiment it may also be, approximately, a half-round or semicircular thumb frame section 12, which is sufficient for providing good dynamic MCP 1 joint extension support.

Stability of the MCP 1 joint and extension thereof may be further facilitated in an embodiment wherein the finger orthosis 1 comprises a metacarpal thumb support member 14 configured to laterally/radially engage a metacarpal thumb region 15 of the thumb T. In this embodiment the one or more further metal wires 13 extend radially along the metacarpal thumb support member 14 and provide a radially inward pressing force thereon when the finger orthosis 1 is in use, facilitating extension of the MCP 1 joint. In a further embodiment, the metacarpal thumb support member 14 may comprise one or more further eyelets 16 through which the one or more further metal wires 13 extend, e.g. movably extend. The one or more further eyelets 16 optimally guide and route the one or more further metal wires 13 along the metacarpal thumb support member 14 and keep the metacarpal thumb support member 14 properly positioned with respect to the metacarpal thumb region 15 of the thumb T to which support is to be provided.

To further improve comfort and prevent development of sore or painful pressure points, an embodiment is provided as depicted in Figure 3B wherein the metacarpal thumb support member 14 comprises a skin engaging side provided with a thumb cushion pad 17. The thumb cushion pad 17 provides soft, resilient engagement with the skin and may in an exemplary embodiment be made of silicone, which is resilient, durable and hygienic.

Referring again to Figures 2 and 3B, an embodiment is provided wherein the wrist frame section 3 comprises an arched wrist portion having an ulnar end 3a and a radial end 3b, wherein the arched wrist portion is configured to laterally extend along a volar side of the wrist or wrist region W between an ulnar side US and radial side RS thereof, and wherein the one or more metal wires 4 are connected to the ulnar end 3a and/or the radial end 3b of the arched wrist portion.

By virtue of the arched wrist portion engaging the volar side of the wrist W allows the one or more metal wires 4 to be in the extended arcuate/curved shape for providing durable MCP 2-5 joint extension to fingers I/2, M/3, R/4 and/or P/5.

For simplicity, this embodiment may be seen as where the entire wrist frame/splint section 3 is arched to laterally extend along a volar side of the wrist/wrist region W and wherein the wrist frame section 3 comprises the ulnar end 3a and radial end 3b. Figure 2 shows an example on how the wrist frame section 3 would then impose a distributed force F2 onto the wrist in a volar to dorsal direction. An MCP extension force F1 in a volar to dorsal direction would then be imposed on fingers supported, e.g. the index finger 1/1 , by virtue of the arched shape of the one or more metal wires 4 that extend over the dorsal side of the hand, e.g. over the dorsal frame section 5.

In an advantageous embodiment, the wrist frame section 3, and in particular the arched wrist portion thereof, may comprise a concave side for engagement with the skin. The concave side may then be provided with a wrist cushion pad 18, as shown in Figure 3B, thereby further improving comfort of the finger orthosis 1 . Although the wrist frame section 3 need not be provided with such a wrist cushion pad 18, long term comfort will be facilitated by utilizing the wrist cushion pad 18.

It is noted that the embodiment of the dynamic finger orthosis 1 as shown in Figure 2 provides stabilisation through the arched wrist frame section 3 which is configured to extend in lateral fashion along the volar side of the wrist/wrist region W. For particular orthopaedic conditions such a laterally extending wrist frame/splint section 3 may be sufficient when only dynamic MCP 2-5 / MCP 1 joint extension is needed for the thumb T/1 , index i/2, middle M/3, ring R/3, and/or the little finger P/5. However, there may be cases where a patient’s wrist also requires stabilisation against flexion for example, so that the wrist is also to be held in an extended position. To that end an embodiment of the finger orthosis 1 is provided as shown in Figure 5, wherein the finger orthosis 1 is combined with a wrist stabilisation brace. Although not shown, the depicted wrist stabilisation brace may also be a dynamic wrist stabilisation brace, i.e. providing resilient dynamic support to the wrist.

In the embodiment shown of Figure 5, the wrist frame section 3 comprises a radial (wrist) frame or splint section 19 and an ulnar (wrist) frame or splint section 20, each of which is configured to extend along a radial side RS and ulnar side US of the wrist W and forearm FA respectively, in the distal-proximal direction (DD-PD) as depicted. The wrist frame section 3 further comprises a palmar wire section 21 , also see Figure 4, which is configured to laterally extend along a palmar region of the hand connecting the radial frame section 19 and the ulnar frame section 20, and wherein the one or more metal wires 4 are connected to the radial and/or ulnar frame section 19, 20. This embodiment of the finger orthosis 1 is advantageous as it provides additional wrist extension support through the palmar wire section 21 in addition to dynamic MCP joint extension through the one or more finger frame sections 2.

Note that the one or more flexible, resilient metal wires 4 still connect to the wrist frame section 3 at the wrist region W, and wherein the metal wires 4 exhibit the aforementioned gradual arcuate/arched shape between the one or more finger frame sections 2 and the wrist frame section 3 when the finger orthosis 1 is in use, thereby eliminating local bending and torsion stress to improve durability of the finger orthosis 1 .

It is conceivable that the wrist frame section 3, and in particular the radial frame section 19 and the ulnar frame section 20 are configured for dynamic support of the wrist, i.e. by allowing resilient flexion-extension movement such that the wrist W is being biased toward an extended position or example. In this way the finger orthosis 1 also provides a dynamic wrist stabilisation brace.

As further shown, the radial frame section 19 and the ulnar frame section 20 may be connected through one or more releasable straps S that extend laterally along a volar side of the forearm FA. The straps S also allow the finger orthosis 1 to be secured to the forearm FA.

With reference to embodiments of Figure 3B and Figure 5, in these embodiments a particular metal wire connection of the aforementioned unitary finger frame section 10 with the wrist frame section 3 is depicted. In the embodiments shown, the wire connect point 1 1 of the unitary finger frame section 10 is connected to the wrist frame section 3 by two flexible, resilient metal wires 4, of which a first metal wire 4a extends to the radial side RS of the wrist W and a second metal wire 4b extends to the ulnar side US of the wrist W. That is, the first metal wire 4a extends and connects to the radial side RS of the wrist frame section 3 and the second metal wire 4b extends and connects to the ulnar side US of the wrist frame section 3, thereby forming a diagonal, V-shape arrangement of the two metal wires 4a, 4b along the dorsal side of the hand.

By using the aforementioned diagonal or V-shape arrangement of a plurality of metal wires 4, for connecting the unitary finger frame section 10 to the wrist frame section 3, allows the wrist frame section 3 to be subjected to an evenly laterally distributed load via its ulnar side US and radial side RS. This distributed load provides positional stability to the finger orthosis 1 .

From Figure 3B and Figure 4 it can be seen that in an embodiment the two metal wires 4a, 4b (of the one or more metal wires 4) form a unitary piece of metal wire having a U-shaped portion U which his connected to the wire connect point 1 1 , e.g. the apex point. In this embodiment a unitary piece of flexible, resilient metal wire may be used and be provided with a permanent U-shape bend U, wherein the U-shape bend U is affixed to the wire connect point 1 1 . This allows a stable and durable connection of the unitary piece of metal wire forming the two metal wires 4a, 4b and prevent failure thereof at the wire connect point 1 1 .

It is further noted that the finger orthosis 1 of the present invention is preferably made from metallic or metal alloy material. For example, in an advantageous embodiment each finger frame section 2 and the wrist frame section 3 may comprise a metallic or metal alloy material. In further embodiments the dorsal frame section 5, the thumb frame section 12 and the metacarpal thumb support member 14 also preferably comprise a metal or metal alloy material. Utilizing a metal or metal alloy for the aforementioned frame sections 2, 3, 5, 12, and the thumb support member 14, allows narrow and thin frame sections/support members to be made that have little to no interference with e.g. clothes.

In further advantageous embodiments the metal or metal alloy material may comprise silver, gold, bronze, titanium or a combination thereof, thereby greatly improving hygiene and antibacterial properties of the finger orthosis 1 .

In even further embodiments the one or more flexible, resilient metal wires 4 may comprise stainless steel, which provides sufficient flexibility and resiliency to the metal wires 4 and prevents corrosion and improves hygiene.

Based on the above, the finger orthosis 1 for dynamic MCP joint extension can now be summarized by the following embodiments:

Embodiment 1 . A finger orthosis (1) for dynamic MCP joint extension, comprising one or more finger frame sections (2) each of which is configured to extent at least in part around one of a patient’s index (I/2), middle (M/3), ring (R/4) or little finger (P/5),

a wrist frame section (3) configured to engage at least in part a patient’s wrist; and wherein each finger frame section (2) is connected to the wrist frame section (3) by one or more flexible, resilient metal wires (4) each of which is configured to extend in arcuate fashion along a dorsal side of the hand.

Embodiment 2. The finger orthosis (1 ) according to embodiment 1 , further comprising a dorsal frame section (5) configured to laterally extend along a dorsal metacarpal region (6) of the hand, and wherein the dorsal frame section (5) comprises one or more eyelets (7) through which the one or more metal wires (4) moveably extend.

Embodiment 3. The finger orthosis (1) according to embodiment 2, wherein the dorsal frame section (5) comprises a concave side provided with a dorsal cushion pad (9).

Embodiment 4. The finger orthosis (1 ) according to any one of embodiments 1 -3, comprising two adjoining finger frame sections (2) that are connected side-by-side, forming a unitary finger frame section (10) configured to support two adjacent fingers, wherein the unitary finger frame section (10) has a wire connect point (1 1 ) where the two adjoining finger frame sections (2) meet, and wherein the one or more metal wires (4) are connected to the wire connect point (1 1).

Embodiment 5. The finger orthosis (1 ) according to embodiment 4, wherein each of the two adjoining finger frame sections (2) is a half-round finger frame section, wherein the wire connect point (1 1) is an apex point of the unitary finger frame section (10) and wherein the apex point is configured to extend between two adjacent fingers.

Embodiment 6. The finger orthosis 1 according to any one of embodiments 1 -5, further comprising a thumb frame section (12) configured to extent at least in part around a patient’s thumb (T), and wherein the thumb frame section (12) is connected to the wrist frame section (3) by one or more further flexible, resilient metal wires (13) each of which is configured to extend in arcuate fashion along a radial side (RS) of the hand.

Embodiment 7. The finger orthosis (1) according to embodiment 6, further comprising a metacarpal thumb support member (14) configured to laterally engage a metacarpal thumb region (15) of the thumb (T), and wherein the metacarpal thumb support member (14) comprises one or more further eyelets (16) through which the one or more further metal wires (13) extend.

Embodiment 8. The finger orthosis (1) according to embodiment 7, wherein the metacarpal thumb support member (14) comprises a skin engaging side provided with a thumb cushion pad (17). Embodiment 9. The finger orthosis (1 ) according to any one of embodiments 1 -8, wherein the wrist frame section (3) comprises an arched wrist portion having an ulnar end (3a) and a radial end (3b), wherein the arched wrist portion is configured to laterally extend along a volar side of the wrist between an ulnar side (US) and radial side (RS) thereof, and wherein the one or more metal wires (4) are connected to the ulnar end (3a) and/or radial end (3b) of the arched wrist portion.

Embodiment 10. The finger orthosis (1) according to embodiment 9, wherein the arched wrist portion comprises a concave side provided with a wrist cushion pad (18).

Embodiment 1 1 . The finger orthosis (1) according to any one of embodiments 1 -8, wherein the wrist frame section (3) comprises a radial frame section (19) and an ulnar frame section (20) each of which is configured to extend along a radial side (RS) and ulnar side (US) of the wrist (W) and forearm (FA) respectively, and wherein the wrist frame section (3) further comprises a palmar wire section (21) configured to extend along a palmar region of the hand connecting the radial frame section (19) and the ulnar frame section (20), and wherein the one or more metal wires (4) are connected to the radial and/or ulnar frame section (19, 20).

Embodiment 12. The finger orthosis (1 ) according to any one of embodiments 9-1 1 , when depending from embodiment 4 or 5, wherein the wire connect point (1 1) of the unitary finger frame section (10) is connected to the wrist frame section (3) by two flexible, resilient metal wires (4) of which a first metal wire (4a) extends and connects to a radial side (RS) of the wrist frame section (3) and a second metal wire (4b) extends and connects to an ulnar side (US) of the wrist frame section (3).

Embodiment 13. The finger orthosis (1) according to embodiment 12, wherein the two metal wires (4a, 4b) form a unitary piece metal wire having a U-shaped portion (U) connected to the wire connect point (1 1).

Embodiment 14. The finger orthosis (1 ) according to any one of embodiments 1 -13, wherein each finger frame section (2) and the wrist frame section (3) comprises a metal/metallic or metal alloy material.

Embodiment 15. The finger orthosis (1) according to embodiment 14, wherein the metal/metallic or metal alloy material comprises silver, gold, bronze, titanium or a combination thereof.

The present invention has been described above with reference to a number of exemplary embodiments as shown in the drawings, i.e. embodiments of the dynamic finger orthosis with or without (dynamic) wrist stabilisation. It is understood that modifications and alternative implementations of some parts or elements are possible and are included in the scope of protection as defined in the claims set forth hereunder.

Claims

1 . A finger orthosis (1) for dynamic MCP joint extension, comprising one or more finger frame sections (2) each of which is configured to extent at least in part around one of a patient’s index (I/2), middle (M/3), ring (R/4) or little finger (P/5),

2. The finger orthosis (1) according to claim 1 , further comprising a dorsal frame section (5) configured to laterally extend along a dorsal metacarpal region (6) of the hand, and wherein the dorsal frame section (5) comprises one or more eyelets (7) through which the one or more metal wires (4) moveably extend.

3. The finger orthosis (1) according to claim 2, wherein the dorsal frame section (5) comprises a concave side provided with a dorsal cushion pad (9).

4. The finger orthosis (1) according to any one of claims 1 -3, comprising two adjoining finger frame sections (2) that are connected side-by-side, forming a unitary finger frame section (10) configured to support two adjacent fingers, wherein the unitary finger frame section (10) has a wire connect point (1 1) where the two adjoining finger frame sections (2) meet, and wherein the one or more metal wires (4) are connected to the wire connect point (1 1).

5. The finger orthosis (1) according to claim 4, wherein each of the two adjoining finger frame sections (2) is a half-round finger frame section, wherein the wire connect point (1 1) is an apex point of the unitary finger frame section (10) and wherein the apex point is configured to extend between two adjacent fingers.

6. The finger orthosis (1) according to any one of claims 1 -5, further comprising a thumb frame section (12) configured to extent at least in part around a patient’s thumb (T), and wherein the thumb frame section (12) is connected to the wrist frame section (3) by one or more further flexible, resilient metal wires (13) each of which is configured to extend in arcuate fashion along a radial side (RS) of the hand.

7. The finger orthosis (1 ) according to claim 6, further comprising a metacarpal thumb support member (14) configured to laterally engage a metacarpal thumb region (15) of the thumb (T), and wherein the metacarpal thumb support member (14) comprises one or more further eyelets (16) through which the one or more further metal wires (13) extend.

8. The finger orthosis (1 ) according to claim 7, wherein the metacarpal thumb support member (14) comprises a skin engaging side provided with a thumb cushion pad (17).

9. The finger orthosis (1) according to any one of claims 1 -8, wherein the wrist frame section (3) comprises an arched wrist portion having an ulnar end (3a) and a radial end (3b), wherein the arched wrist portion is configured to laterally extend along a volar side of the wrist between an ulnar side (US) and radial side (RS) thereof, and wherein the one or more metal wires (4) are connected to the ulnar end (3a) and/or the radial end (3b) of the arched wrist portion.

10. The finger orthosis (1) according to claim 9, wherein the arched wrist portion comprises a concave side provided with a wrist cushion pad (18).

1 1 . The finger orthosis (1) according to any one of claims 1 -8, wherein the wrist frame section (3) comprises a radial frame section (19) and an ulnar frame section (20) each of which is configured to extend along a radial side (RS) and ulnar side (US) of the wrist (W) and forearm (FA) respectively, and

wherein the wrist frame section (3) further comprises a palmar wire section (21) configured to extend along a palmar region of the hand connecting the radial frame section (19) and the ulnar frame section (20), and wherein the one or more metal wires (4) are connected to the radial and/or ulnar frame section (19, 20).

12. The finger orthosis (1) according to any one of claims 9-1 1 , when depending from claim 4 or 5, wherein the wire connect point (1 1) of the unitary finger frame section (10) is connected to the wrist frame section (3) by two flexible, resilient metal wires (4) of which a first metal wire (4a) extends and connects to a radial side (RS) of the wrist frame section (3) and a second metal wire (4b) extends and connects to an ulnar side (US) of the wrist frame section (3).

13. The finger orthosis (1) according to claim 12, wherein the two metal wires (4a, 4b) form a unitary piece metal wire having a U-shaped portion (U) connected to the wire connect point (1 1).

14. The finger orthosis (1) according to any one of claims 1 -13 , wherein each finger frame section (2) and the wrist frame section (3) comprises a metal/metallic or metal alloy material.

15. The finger orthosis (1) according to claim 14, wherein the metal/metallic or metal alloy material comprises silver, gold, bronze, titanium or a combination thereof.