FR3134512A1 - Orthopedic device intended to be placed at the level of a joint, and orthosis comprising such an orthopedic device - Google Patents

Abstract

Orthopedic device intended to be placed at the level of a joint, and orthosis comprising such an orthopedic device The device, in the form of a pocket (1), comprises a flexible envelope containing a gel which can be cooled and: - slots ( 4) extending from the periphery towards the center and defining between them support members (5); - lights (15) extending from the center towards the periphery and defining appendages (10) between them. The pocket can take a convex shape where: - the free parts of the appendages, spaced apart, form a central hole (25) partially receiving the projecting portion (110) of the joint (100), the appendages coming into contact with one face peripheral (114) of said projecting portion in a first annular zone (Z1); - the support members (5) are contiguous and in contact with the joint in a second annular zone (Z2) located around the first zone (Z1). Figure 3

Description

Orthopedic device intended to be placed at the level of a joint, and orthosis comprising such an orthopedic device

The invention relates to an orthopedic device intended to be placed at a joint having a protruding portion when it is in a protruding state, such as a knee, an elbow, an ankle or a shoulder of a user. The invention also relates to an orthosis for a joint of a user, this orthosis comprising such an orthopedic device.

This type of orthosis can be used to avoid dislocation, that is to say the abnormal relative displacement of the bones which form a joint, by ensuring support at the level of this joint. A dislocation is indeed a painful and impressive accident, resulting in the deformation of the joint and its blockage.

These orthoses can be put in place either after a surgical procedure, or as a replacement for it, or as a preventive measure, particularly when playing a sport.

Such an orthosis can typically comprise a part made of elastic material intended to surround the joint and to press against this joint an orthopedic device forming a stop aimed at preventing the abnormal movement of the bones, or at least at limiting it.

Although known orthoses are generally satisfactory, they can still be improved in terms of effective support and wearing comfort.

The present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks mentioned above.

To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to an orthopedic device intended to be placed at the level of a joint having a protruding portion when it is in a protruding state, such as a knee, an elbow, a ankle or shoulder of a user. The device is in the form of a pocket comprising an envelope of flexible material which delimits a closed volume containing a material having a gel-like texture at room temperature, said material being able to be cooled and to provide cold to the joint. The pocket has a center, is substantially planar in the unconstrained state and substantially non-deformable in its average plane in the unconstrained state. The pocket includes:

• a plurality of slots extending from the periphery of the pocket towards the center, at a distance from the center, and defining between them a plurality of support members distinct from each other;
• at least three lumens which extend from the center towards the periphery of the pocket, at a distance from the periphery and the slits, the lumens meeting at the center of the pocket, an appendage being defined between two adjacent lumens, each appendage having a free part near the center, and a base opposite the free part.

In addition, the pocket is configured to be able to be deformed towards a convex position substantially matching the shape of the joint in the protruding state, convex position in which:

• the free parts of the appendages are spaced apart from each other, relative to their position in the unconstrained state of the pocket, to form in the pocket a central hole in which the projecting portion of the pocket can be received at least in part. joint, the appendages being configured to come into contact with a peripheral face of the projecting portion of the joint, in a first zone of the joint which is substantially annular;
• the support members are substantially contiguous and are configured to come into contact with the joint, in a second zone of the joint which is substantially annular and located around the first zone;

so that the pocket essentially forms a cup enveloping the joint.

Thus, the invention provides an orthopedic device which, in its convex position, forms a cup enveloping the joint as close as possible to the protruding portion.

Indeed, in addition to the support members which are located around and at a distance from the protruding portion of the joint, the appendages are in contact with the protruding portion itself, at the level of the peripheral face thereof. It follows that the pocket forms a particularly effective means of securing the joint, considerably improving the maintenance of the joint in its normal position.

In addition, thanks to the material having a gel-like texture, it is possible to provide cold to the joint, which provides an analgesic effect and helps relieve blows, bruises, tears, etc. A significant advantage provided by the pocket according to the invention is that the appendages move apart to allow the protruding portion of the joint to pass and to apply on the peripheral face of this protruding portion, that is to say at most near the painful area.

Concretely, in the convex position, the pocket arranged in a cup can generally have the shape of a spherical cap, one pole of which would be the center of the pocket. The appendages can follow the shape of this spherical cap, or be arranged substantially tangent to this spherical cap and be pressed against the joint by means of a part of elastic material surrounding the joint and the orthopedic device.

Concretely, the slots are located at a distance from the center of the pocket, that is to say they do not reach the center and do not open into the junction area of the lights. Similarly, the lights are located at a distance from the periphery of the pocket, i.e. they do not reach the periphery, and at a distance from the slits, i.e. do not emerge in the slots.

Preferably, the area where the lights join, in the center of the pocket, is empty. In particular, it is not filled with an elastic material.

According to one possible embodiment, the orthopedic device comprises N lights, with N between 3 and 8. The orthopedic device thus comprises N appendages. Preferably, the angular spacings between two adjacent lights are substantially identical. In other words, the N lights can be angularly spaced apart by an angle of 360° / N. According to one possible embodiment, the orthopedic device can include 4 lights, for example arranged in a cross.

For example, at least one light is substantially rectilinear. Preferably, the lumen widens as you move away from the center of the pocket. With this configuration, the free parts of the appendages can be substantially contiguous in the unconstrained state of the pocket, while their bases are spaced from each other. This makes it easier to move from the pocket to the convex position by preventing the appendages from rubbing against each other, while providing a large contact surface between the appendages and the protruding portion of the joint.

According to one possible embodiment, the closed volume delimited by the envelope forms a single compartment extending over substantially the entire surface of the pocket. By “pocket surface”, we mean the surface extending parallel to the average plane of the pocket in the unconstrained state. In other words, the bag does not have several separate compartments, each containing gel and not communicating with each other. Thus, in the pocket according to the invention, the material having a gel-type texture can move throughout the closed volume delimited by the envelope.

According to one possible embodiment, the envelope is formed of two superimposed layers, assembled at their periphery and along the lights. In addition, the pocket may include lines for joining the two layers together, arranged locally and at a distance from the periphery, the slots and the slots, the joining lines forming between them channels directed towards the center of the pocket.

In this way, during compression of the pocket resulting from the passage to its convex position, by the passage of the joint to its protruding state, the material having a gel-like texture is guided by the channels and flows towards the center of the pocket, that is to say closest to the protruding portion of the joint where the pain is generally the strongest. The channels may have a converging shape towards the center of the pocket.

The layers forming the envelope can be substantially identical layers, assembled by welding. The joining lines can be weld lines.

By “locally”, we mean that the connection lines do not extend over the entire pocket in a certain direction, for example over an entire length of the pocket. Thus, the connection lines do not form partitions delimiting independent closed internal compartments. Rather, channels can communicate with each other.

The connection lines are not necessarily straight. They can be curved, for example forming channels flaring like the bell of a trumpet towards the periphery of the pocket. Preferably, the joining lines are separated from each other, which makes it possible to avoid the creation of dead zones in which the material having a gel-like texture would find itself trapped, without the possibility of movement.

According to a possible embodiment, in the unconstrained state, the dimension of a light in a radial direction is between 10% and 20% of the dimension of the pocket in said radial direction.

A radial direction is defined as a direction contained in the average plane of the pocket in the unconstrained state, and passing through the center of the pocket. If the light does not extend radially, the dimension of the light in the radial direction is understood as the distance, projected on the radial direction, between the ends of the light.

The pocket may have a crown zone having as its center the center of the pocket and located between the outer ends of the slots and the inner ends of the slots, said crown zone being devoid of slots and slots. Said crown zone may have, in the unconstrained state, a dimension in a radial direction which is less than 20%, or 15%, of the maximum radial dimension of the pocket.

According to a possible embodiment, in the unconstrained state, the lights form an opening in the pocket at the center of the pocket, said opening having an average diameter of between 3% and 15%, preferably between 4% and 10%. , of the maximum radial dimension of the pocket. In other words, this opening is very small and, in concrete terms, too small for the protruding portion of the joint to be accommodated there, in the unconstrained state of the pocket. The fact of having an opening of very small dimensions ensures excellent coverage of the joint, both when it forms a generally rectilinear whole (for example stretched leg for the knee joint) and when it is in the protruding state (e.g. flexed leg for the knee joint).

The pocket can be generally rectangular, in the unconstrained state or, alternatively, substantially oval. According to a possible embodiment, the small dimension of the pocket can be of the order of 80% to 90% of the large dimension of the pocket. In other words, the pocket can be a rectangle with a shape close to a square, or an oval with a shape close to a disc.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to an orthosis for a user's joint. This orthosis comprises an orthopedic device as previously described, and a part made of elastic material intended to surround the joint and to press the orthopedic device against the joint.

By ensuring the tightening of the orthopedic device against the joint by means of a part made of elastic material, we can do without straps to ensure effective support of the joint, or at least reduce the need to tighten the straps strongly. This avoids discomfort resulting from excessive tightening. The orthosis is better supported and can therefore be used in the longer term, particularly during sports.

We now describe, by way of non-limiting examples, several possible embodiments of the invention, with reference to the appended figures:

is a view of an orthopedic device according to the invention, in the unconstrained state;

illustrates the orthopedic device of the placed on a knee of a user standing and facing forward, the knee being extended;

is a view similar to the , when the knee is bent;

is a view similar to the , the user being in profile;

illustrates the movements in the orthopedic device of the material having a gel-like texture;

is a perspective view of a user's ankle equipped with the orthopedic device of the ;

is a perspective view of a user's shoulder equipped with the orthopedic device of the .

There represents an orthopedic device 1 which is intended to be placed at a joint 100 of a user, this joint 100 having a projecting portion 110 when it is in a projecting state.

This joint 100 can for example be a knee 100a or an elbow, the protruding state then corresponding to the flexed position, or an ankle 100b or a shoulder 100c, the protruding state can then be the rest position in which the user is standing on a horizontal floor, arms alongside the body.

The projecting portion 110 can be in the form of a dome having a vertex 112 and a peripheral face 114 (see Figures 4, 6 and 7).

The orthopedic device 1 is in the form of a pocket. The terms “orthopedic device” and “pocket” are used interchangeably to designate the same object.

The pocket 1 comprises an envelope 2 of flexible material, for example made of a plastic or silicone material. This material may preferably have a certain skin adhesion in order to avoid or prevent the pocket 1 from sliding relative to the joint 100.

Envelope 2 delimits a closed volume which contains a material having a gel-like texture at room temperature. More generally, it may be a gel, a paste or a liquid having a high viscosity at ambient temperature and pressure (for example a dynamic viscosity of at least 5 or even at least 10 or even 20 Pa .s). This material is able to be cooled, respectively heated, and to provide cold, respectively heat, to the joint 100, as needed. For simplicity, in the remainder of the description, this material will be designated by the term “gel”.

In the unconstrained state, the pocket 1 is substantially flat and has an average plane P, as illustrated in the .

By “unconstrained state” is meant the position in which the pocket 1 is located when it is placed on a support such as a table, without being stressed, and at room temperature, the gel therefore not being solid but retaining flow capacity.

The pocket 1 is substantially non-deformable in the plane P. In practice, this can result from the choice of the material constituting the envelope 2. By "substantially non-deformable", we mean that the pocket substantially keeps its shape under normal conditions of use. In particular, under normal conditions of use, the pocket cannot be stretched appreciably in a direction contained in said plane. A slight extension of the pocket may however take place, for example when the pocket is placed against the knee and when the user flexes the knee, the elongation of the pocket in one direction not exceeding 10%, and preferably not not exceeding 5%. However, it cannot be ruled out that the bag could deform significantly under the effect of traction exerted with a sufficiently significant force, but not corresponding to the stresses to which the bag is subjected under normal conditions of use.

We now describe the pocket 1 when it is in its unconstrained state, with reference to the .

Pocket 1 may have a first plane of symmetry P1 orthogonal to the plane P, and possibly a second plane of symmetry P2 orthogonal to the planes P and P1. Pocket 1 has a center A and a periphery 3.

A radial direction is defined as a direction contained in the mean plane P of pocket 1 in the unconstrained state, and passing through the center A of pocket 1. The term "exterior" is used to designate an element closer to the periphery 3, as opposed to the term “interior” which designates an element closer to the center A.

The pocket 1 can be generally rectangular or oval, and have a large dimension D (length in the case of a rectangle) and a small dimension d (width in the case of a rectangle). For example, depending on the joint concerned and the size/morphology of the user, the large dimension D can be of the order of 15 to 30 cm, and the small dimension d of the order of 10 to 20 cm.

The thickness of pocket 1 is for example of the order of 5 to 10 mm.

The pocket 1 comprises a plurality of slots 4 which extend from the periphery 3 towards the center A, without reaching the center A. Between two adjacent slots 4 is defined a support member 5. The pocket 1 thus comprises a plurality support members 5 distinct from each other, which preferably do not overlap in the unconstrained state. The number of support members 5 can be between 5 and 10. The support members 5 can be substantially regularly distributed around the periphery 3 of the pocket 1. They can have a rounded shape, similar to a lobe.

Each slot 4 has an outer end 6 and an inner end 7. Each slot 4 can extend substantially radially, for example in a rectilinear manner, widening towards the outside, for example by flaring in a manner similar to the roof with a trumpet. For example, the width of the slots 11 can be of the order of 2 to 5 mm. The length L4 of a slot 4, that is to say the distance between its outer 6 and inner 7 ends along the radial direction of the slot 4, can be between 15% and 30%, or between 20 % and 25%, of the dimension of the pocket 1 in said radial direction.

For example, in the case of a disc-shaped pocket, the dimension of the pocket in said radial direction corresponds to the diameter. In the case of a rectangular pocket, the dimension of the pocket in said radial direction can correspond to the width, to the length, to the length of a diagonal or to a dimension of a segment extending obliquely and joining two opposite points of the periphery of the pocket, according to the direction in which the slot extends.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the pocket 1 comprises six support members 5 and more precisely, on each side of the plane P1, two substantially identical end support members 5a having a generally rounded rectangular shape, and a member of central support 5b having a generally oval shape. Compared to the extreme support members 5a, the central support member 5b has a smaller dimension parallel to P1, and a larger dimension parallel to P2.

The pocket 1 also includes at least three lights 15 which extend from the center A towards the periphery 3 of the pocket 1, without reaching the periphery 3. The lights 15 meet at the center of the pocket 1. They are disjoint slots 4, that is to say do not open into the slots 4.

An appendix 10 is defined between two adjacent slots 15, the pocket 1 thus comprising at least three appendages 10 distinct from each other, which preferably do not overlap in the unconstrained state. Each appendage 10 has a free part 11 in the vicinity of the center A, that is to say on the interior side, and a base 12 opposite the free part 11, that is to say on the exterior side. Each appendage 10 may have a rounded shape, similar to a lobe.

Each light 15 has an outer end 16 and an inner end 17. Each light 15 can extend substantially radially, for example in a rectilinear manner, widening towards the outside, for example by flaring in a manner similar to the roof with a trumpet. In addition, each light 15 can have a rounded outer end 16, and thus have an overall drop shape.

The length L15 of a light 15, that is to say the distance between its outer 16 and inner 17 ends along the radial direction of the light 15, can be between 10% and 20% of the dimension of the pocket 1 in said radial direction.

The pocket 1 may have a crown zone 14 having as its center the center A of the pocket 1 and located between the exterior ends 16 of the slots 15 and the interior ends 7 of the slots 4, said crown zone 14 being devoid of slots and lights. This crown zone 14 may have a dimension in a radial direction L14 which, in the unconstrained state, is less than 20%, or 15%, of the maximum radial dimension of the pocket 1.

Furthermore, in the unconstrained state, the openings 15 can form in the pocket 1 an opening 20 at the level of the center A of the pocket 1. This is preferably an opening of reduced dimensions, and in particular too small so that the protruding portion 110 of the joint 100 can be accommodated there. Concretely, the opening 20 can have an average diameter d20 of between 5% and 15%, preferably between 5% and 10%, of the maximum radial dimension of the pocket 1.

The pocket 1 can comprise between 3 and 8 lights 15 which are preferably arranged in a substantially regular manner, that is to say regularly spaced angularly from each other.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the pocket 1 comprises four lights 15 arranged in a cross, two lights having the plane P1 as their median plane, and the other two lights having the plane P2 as their median plane. The pocket 1 thus comprises four appendages 10 which each generally have a triangular shape with rounded corners.

The envelope 2 of the pocket 1 can be formed of two superimposed layers, for example identical, assembled at their periphery 3 and along the openings 15.

It can be expected that the closed volume delimited by the envelope 2 forms a single compartment extending over substantially the entire surface of the pocket 1.

In addition, the pocket 1 may include lines 30 for joining the two layers together, arranged locally and at a distance from the periphery 3, the slots 4 and the slots 15. The lines of connection 30 form between them channels 31 directed towards the center A of pocket 1. These may be weld lines.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown, pocket 1 comprises:

• in each extreme support member 5a, two connection lines 30 curved and converging towards each other in the direction of the center A;
• in each extreme support member 5a, a substantially rectilinear and radial connection line 30, located on the exterior side of the two aforementioned curved connection lines 30 (that is to say closer to the periphery 3 of the pocket 1) and substantially along an axis of symmetry of these two curved joining lines 30. In the extreme support member 5a, which is relatively bulky, this rectilinear connection line 30 promotes the migration of the gel towards the two curved connection lines 30 forming a funnel, the smaller end of which opens in the vicinity of the zone in crown 14, that is to say in the immediate vicinity of the joint 100 of the user to be treated;
• in each central support member 5b, a connection line 30 in the shape of a U open towards the center A, to direct the flow of gel towards the center A.

The pocket 1 belongs to an orthosis 50 for a joint of a user, this orthosis 50 also comprising a part of elastic material 51 intended to surround the joint 100 and to press the orthopedic device 1 against the joint 100. The part in elastic material 51 is for example made of an extensible three-dimensional mesh textile.

The pocket 1 can be assembled with the elastic material part 51 in a removable manner. This makes it easier to put in place the orthosis since the user is equipped in one go with the assembly comprising the part made of elastic material 51 and the pocket 1. This also makes it possible to detach the pocket 1 in order to be able to place in the refrigerator to cool the gel contained in the envelope 2.

The part made of elastic material 51 is illustrated in dotted lines in Figures 3 and 4. It may comprise or be formed of a strip having complementary hooking means, so that the strip can close around the joint 100 and be held in this position. The part made of elastic material 51 may have an orifice 52 intended to be placed opposite the center A of the pocket 1, and to receive the projecting portion 110 of the joint 100, in the projecting state.

The orthosis 50 could also include tightening straps and/or reinforcing, holding or blocking members such as ribs.

In the case of a knee orthosis 50 100a, as illustrated in the , the pocket 1 is positioned so that the user's ball joint 101 is located substantially opposite the opening 20 and that the plane P1 is substantially parallel to the median plane of the user when the latter is standing. The support members 5 are pressed against the thigh and the leg above and below the kneecap 101, as well as laterally.

Furthermore, as shown in dotted lines on the , the part made of elastic material 51 can be in the form of a strip having two end parts which hook onto each other in the front part of the knee.

In the case of an ankle orthosis 50 100b, as illustrated in the , the pocket 1 is positioned so that the heel 102 of the user is located substantially opposite the opening 20. In addition, the plane P1 is preferably substantially parallel to the median plane of the user when the latter is standing. The support members 5 are pressed against the leg on either side of it, against the foot partially below it and against the internal and external side faces, and on either side of the kick.

In the case of a shoulder orthosis 50 100c, as illustrated in the , the pocket 1 is positioned so that the acromion 103 is located substantially opposite the opening 20.

The pocket 1 is configured to be able to be deformed from its unconstrained state, in which it is substantially flat, towards a convex position substantially matching the shape of the joint 100 in the protruding state. The pocket 1 can occupy this convex position when the joint is in the rest position, as is the case for the ankle 100b and the shoulder 100c, or be deformed towards this position during movement of the joint. , for example when bending the knee 100a.

In this convex position, and as seen in Figures 4, 6 and 7, at least in a zone extending from the center A to the interior ends 7 of the slots 4, the pocket 1 generally has the shape of a spherical cap one pole of which would be the center A of the pocket.

The free parts 11 of the appendages 10 are spaced apart from each other, relative to their position in the unconstrained state of the pocket 1. The appendages 10 are then arranged according to this spherical cap shape, which corresponds to the shape of the protruding portion 110 of the joint 100. In addition, the slots 15 may have widened.

Consequently, the small opening 20 which was formed at the junction of the slots 15 at the center A of the pocket 1 has become considerably enlarged, and, in the convex position, a central hole 25 is formed in the pocket 1 between the free parts 11 appendages 10. The central hole 25 can be delimited by the interior ends 17 of the slots 15. For example, the central hole 25 can have an average diameter at least twice or even three times larger than the average diameter of the opening 20. The central hole 25 is large enough to be able to receive at least in part the projecting portion 110 of the joint 100.

The appendages 10 are then in contact with the peripheral face 114 of the projecting portion 110 of the joint 100, in a first zone Z1 of the joint 100 which is substantially annular.

In addition, the support members 5 are substantially contiguous, that is to say that the slots 4 have seen their width decrease, at least over part of their length. The support members 5 are in contact with the joint 100, in a second zone Z2 of the joint 100 which is substantially annular and located around the first zone Z1. The support members 5 can extend beyond the second zone Z2, up to the periphery 3 of the pocket 1, to rest on the user's body at a distance from the joint 100 itself ( for example on the thigh, leg, arm, foot, etc. depending on the joint concerned).

Thus, by the combination of the appendages 10 and the support members 5, the pocket 1 generally forms substantially a cup which envelops the joint 100, both at the level of the projecting portion 110 itself, in the first zone Z1, than more widely in the second zone Z2. This wrapping exists even when the joint 100 is in the protruding state, unlike the devices of the prior art in which the protruding portion is generally released in the protruding state of the joint.

The pocket 1 has a certain rigidity, in particular due to its non-deformable nature in the panel P, which allows it to ensure satisfactory enclosure of the joint 100. It also has a certain flexibility, due to the presence support members 5 separated by the slots 4 and appendages 10 separated by the slots 15, allowing deformation towards a convex shape. We understand that the slots 4 must be wide enough to allow the pocket 1 to take this convex shape, but thin enough to disappear substantially in the protruding state of the joint, the support members 5 then being substantially contiguous.

In addition, the gel contained in the pocket 1 makes it possible to bring cold (or possibly heat) to the joint 100, not only in the second zone Z2, but also in the first zone Z1, i.e. at the level of the portion protruding portion 110 of the joint 100. Indeed, unlike the prior art, the protruding portion 110 is partially covered by the pocket 1, more specifically by the appendages 10, and not entirely housed in a central orifice of the orthopedic device.

The presence of the appendages 11 and the central hole 25 makes it possible to greatly reduce, or even eliminate, the compressive force exerted on the projecting portion 110 of the joint 100, while maintaining the presence of cold gel on the peripheral face 114 of it.

The analgesic effect is improved by the securing lines 30 which allow the gel to flow, via the channels 31, towards the center A of the pocket 1. This ensures that a sufficient quantity of gel is present at the portion protruding 110 of the joint 100, to provide sufficient cold to it. There illustrates the movement movements of the gel in the envelope 2, guided and channeled by the connection lines 30, when the pocket 1 passes from the unconstrained planar state to the convex position. During this formation, the pocket 1 is subjected to compressive forces, illustrated by the arrows F1 in Figures 3 and 4, these forces being distributed over the entire pocket 1 thanks to the presence of the part made of elastic material 51. Due to the connection lines 30, these compressive forces lead to a movement of the gel according to the arrows F2 (illustrated only schematically in Figures 3 and 4) in the direction of the appendages 10.

Advantageously, the pocket 1 has a shape and dimensions which allow it to be used for all the joints 100 concerned by cryotherapy, and without distinction of the right or left side.

The combination of the support members 5 on the periphery and the appendages 11 in the center makes it possible to exert a mechanical force and to provide cold to all the areas to be treated. In addition, this arrangement makes it possible to avoid the appearance of folds or reliefs when the pocket is convex, which harms the comfort and effectiveness of the orthopedic device.

In addition, the pocket 1 can adapt to a left surface and its shape can evolve depending on the movements of the user (in particular the flexion and extension of the equipped joint), thus guaranteeing substantially permanent peripheral contact around of the joint.

Pocket 1 can particularly be placed under a compressive knee brace to facilitate the absorption of edema and reduce post-trauma or post-operative pain. As the user is often bedridden, two problems may arise:

• Poor placement of the pocket around the joint. This is solved by the invention by the "corolla" shape, allowing cold to be applied as close as possible to the area to be treated (without making plications which interfere with the homogeneous application of the cold around the area to be treated. ) ;
• The weak presence of gel in the area to be treated. This is to prevent the cooling gel from migrating into the distal parts of the pocket, that is to say away from the area to be treated which is located in a horizontal position (bedridden person or sitting with the leg horizontal). in center A and its immediate surroundings. The invention solves this problem in particular thanks to the connection lines 30.

It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of examples but that it includes all the technical equivalents and variants of the means described as well as their combinations.

Claims (10)

Orthopedic device intended to be placed at a joint (100) having a protruding portion (110) when it is in a protruding state, such as a knee (100a), an elbow, an ankle (100b) or a shoulder (100c) of a user, the device being in the form of a pocket (1) comprising an envelope (2) of flexible material which delimits a closed volume containing a material having a gel-like texture at room temperature, said material being able to be cooled and to provide cold to the joint (100), the pocket (1) having a center (A), being substantially flat in the unconstrained state and substantially non-deformable in its average plane ( P) in the unconstrained state, and comprising:
- a plurality of slots (4) extending from the periphery (3) of the pocket (1) towards the center (A), at a distance from the center (A), and defining between them a plurality of means of support (5) distinct from each other;
- at least three lights (15) which extend from the center (A) towards the periphery (3) of the pocket (1), at a distance from the periphery (3) and the slots (4), the lights (15) meeting at the center (A) of the pocket (1), an appendage (10) being defined between two adjacent slots (15), each appendage (10) having a free part (11) in the vicinity of the center (A ), and a base (12) opposite the free part (11);
the pocket (1) being configured to be able to be deformed towards a convex position substantially matching the shape of the joint (100) in the protruding state, convex position in which:
- the free parts (11) of the appendages (10) are spaced apart from each other, relative to their position in the unconstrained state of the pocket (1), to form in the pocket (1) a central hole (25 ) in which the projecting portion (110) of the articulation (100) can be received at least in part, the appendages (10) being configured to come into contact with a peripheral face (114) of the projecting portion (110) of the joint (100), in a first zone (Z1) of the joint (100) which is substantially annular;
- the support members (5) are substantially contiguous and are configured to come into contact with the joint (100), in a second zone (Z2) of the joint (100) which is substantially annular and located around the first zone (Z1);
so that the pocket (1) substantially forms a cup enveloping the joint (100). Orthopedic device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises N lights (15), with N between 3 and 8, for example N = 4, in which, preferably, the angular spacings between two adjacent lights (15) are substantially identical. Orthopedic device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one light (15) is substantially rectilinear and in that, preferably, it widens when moving away from the center (A) of the pocket (1). Orthopedic device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the closed volume delimited by the envelope (2) forms a single compartment extending over substantially the entire surface of the pocket (1). Orthopedic device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the envelope (2) is formed of two superimposed layers, assembled at their periphery (3) and along the openings (15), and in that the pocket (1) further comprises lines of connection (30) of the two layers between them, arranged locally and at a distance from the periphery (3), slots (4) and lights (15), the connection lines (30 ) forming between them channels (31) directed towards the center (A) of the pocket (1). Orthopedic device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, in the unconstrained state, the dimension (L15) of a light (15) in a radial direction is between 10% and 20% of the dimension (d, D) of the pocket (1) in said radial direction. Orthopedic device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the pocket (1) has a crown zone (14) having as center (A) the center (A) of the pocket (1) and located between the outer ends (16) of the slots (15) and the inner ends (7) of the slots (4), said crown zone (14) being devoid of slots (4) and slots (15) and preferably having, at unconstrained state, a dimension (L14) in a radial direction which is less than 20%, or 15%, of the maximum radial dimension of the pocket (1). Orthopedic device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, in the unconstrained state, the openings (15) form in the pocket (1) an opening (20) at the level of the center (A) of the pocket (1), said opening (20) having an average diameter (d20) of between 3% and 15%, preferably between 4% and 10%, of the maximum radial dimension of the pocket (1). Orthopedic device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the pocket (1) is generally rectangular, in the unconstrained state. Orthosis (50) for a joint (100) of a user, characterized in that it comprises an orthopedic device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, and a part of elastic material (51) intended to surround the joint (100) and pressing the orthopedic device (1) against the joint (100).