MYNI's traction: a reverse dynamic traction and concomitant ambulatory aid for patients with knee flexion deformities

Abstract

Fixed flexion deformity of the knee is one of the commonest deformities that occur as a secondary complication of various knee arthropathies. In developing countries such as India, where walking is the primary, preferred and most feasible mode of transport, the secondary complications following a fixed flexion deformity of the knees pose a serious threat to functional independence. External splinting techniques have been in use for many years for preventing and correcting fixed flexion deformities, but most of the splinting methods commonly used have disadvantages. Static splinting leads to a reduction in the range of movement and muscle strength due to prolonged immobilization; traction techniques restrict the patient to bed and necessitate hospitalization. Wedge casting can lead to a posterior subluxation of the tibia when used over a long period. Thus, the idea was to design an orthosis that serves the purpose of improving knee range of movement without the above-mentioned complications, at the same time being portable and comfortable to the client, concomitantly allowing them to be ambulant. Accordingly this article presents a new method in splinting that helps in these multiple ways.