(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a joint positioning device, and more particularly, to an adjustable joint positioning device.
(2) Description of the Prior Art
There are many joints in our body to connect bones and the joints allow the limbs to be bent to take different exercises. However, the joints are easily injured because they are used so frequently and the tendons are easily injured. Once the joints hurt, the operation of the bones are affected and the patients are restricted to move because the injured joints have to be well positioned.
A conventional joint positioning device is shown in FIG. 8 and generally includes a top support frame 70 and a bottom support frame 80. The top and bottom support frames 70, 80 are composed of two restriction frames 71, 81 and each restriction frame includes two straight sections 72/82 on two sides thereof and a transverse section 73/83 which is connected between the two straight sections 72/82 and are curved so as to match the curvature of the patient's thigh or calf. Soft pads 75, 85 and straps 76, 86 are connected to the inside of the top and bottom support frames 70, 80. The straps 76, 86 are tied to the thigh and calf to achieve the purpose of restriction of the joint.
The restriction frames 71, 81 each are an integral part so that the curvatures of the transverse sections 73, 83 have to match the size of the thigh and calf of the patients. Therefore, the manufacturers prepare the restriction frames 71, 81 with different curvatures of the transverse sections 73, 83. A high stocking cost is a pressure to the manufacturers so that only three or four sizes of the transverse sections 73, 83 are produced which obviously cannot meet the needs of patients. If the curvature of the transverse sections 73, 83 is not matched with the patients' thigh and/or calf, the patients feel uncomfortable and the result for wearing the joint positioning devices is not satisfied.
In addition, the restriction frames 71, 81 are integral parts and cannot be folded which occupy a large space and increase the cost of transportation.
The present invention intends to provide a joint positioning device wherein the curvature can be adjustable to match the patients of different sizes.