Patent Publication Number: US-9408770-B2

Title: Knee rehabilitation device with measurement element

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of, and hereby claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/048,861, entitled KNEE REHABILITATION DEVICE, and filed on Mar. 15, 2011 (the “&#39;861 Application”). The &#39;861 Application, in turn, claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/314,135, entitled KNEE REHABILITATION DEVICE, and filed on Mar. 15, 2010. All of the aforementioned applications are incorporated herein in their entireties by this reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to mechanical devices used to facilitate knee range of motion, which can be used in various stages of knee rehabilitation and more particularly, to an apparatus that can be used by a patient, with or without the aid of medical personnel, to engage in full joint flexibility following a knee impairment which can be used in multiple positions, by multiple methods, and multiple locations due to convenience of size and simplicity of use. 
     Medical patients who have undergone knee joint surgery, or have otherwise suffered joint impairment, typically require rehabilitative therapy so that an optimum range of motion can be achieved for the affected joint. The two most common knee surgeries are repair of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and complete joint replacements. Over ten million such surgeries are performed worldwide, with over ten percent of that number occurring in the U.S., alone. Following knee surgery, it is imperative that the patient undergo rehabilitative therapy in order to recover full range of motion in the affected joint. 
     Patient compliance with therapeutic protocol is important in order to obtain full joint flexibility and function. Patient compliance with existing knee contracture correction devices and continuous passive motion devices tends to be low due to complexity, difficulty-of-use, and/or cost. 
     The present invention provides a simple, cost-efficient, comfortable, and easy-to-use solution. In addition there is no assembly of s bands required to attach the device to a lower extremity during a therapy session, as in Velcro (registered trademark), buckles, etc. 
     The present invention may also be used in many different positions, including supine, recumbent, or even standing and walking, and can be used in many different locations, including clinics, home, hospital, office, or even in water, as in a therapy pool or spa, or any other unique therapeutic environment. 
     As the therapy requires a significant amount of time and involves a certain amount of discomfort—particularly as the leg is extended—manual therapy devices, which are controlled by the patient are preferred. A number of manual devices have been developed over the years for facilitating rehabilitative therapy of the knee. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,962,570 to Keith E. Callanan, et al. describes a knee extension therapy apparatus for use by a patient in a recumbent position having the foot of his leg to be treated elevated to a level above the surface upon which the patient user is resting. The apparatus is equipped with a force translation pulley system, which subjects the knee to straightening forces when the patient pulls on a Cord. The apparatus can be collapsed for easy transport. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,821,262 to Richard R. Muse, et al. discloses a device for extending the leg of a patient following knee surgery. The device comprises an elongated member having a handle at one end, a harness for holding the patient&#39;s foot attached to the other end, and an adjustable slider assembly that can be positioned at a variety of locations along the elongated member. A fulcrum, which is attached to the slider assembly rests on top of the patient&#39;s leg, either above or below the knee, while the harness supports the patient&#39;s foot. The device is operated by the patient pulling on the handle, thereby straightening the leg, which increases the range of motion of the knee joint. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,538 to John Argabright discloses an exercise device that allows the use to extend each leg separately from a sitting position. A pair of upwardly curved tracks are affixed to horizontal base members by the rear support members and to vertical base members by the top support members. Tracks extend upwardly toward the forward end of the invention. The two foot plates are affixed to tracks by the foot plate attachment to move forward and rearward. A pair of foot supports are affixed to foot plates, wherein they can adjustably fit to a human being&#39;s feet as the legs are extended. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,830 to Peter M. Bonutti discloses an adjustable orthosis for stretching tissue by moving a joint between first and second relatively pivotal body positions. The orthosis includes a first arm with a cuff at its outer end to releasably attach the first arm to the first body portion. A second arm with a cuff at its outer end releasably attaches the second arm to the second body portion. The arms are pivotally interconnected by a connector section which is formed as one-piece with the first and second arms. An actuator is connected to the arms to apply force to the arms to pivot them relative to each other to move the joint. The actuator includes a flexible force transmitting member connected with at least one of the arms. A drive assembly is provided to tension the flexible force transmitting member and move the first and second arms relative to each other. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,509,894 to Bardley R. Mason, et al. discloses a leg suspension device for rehabilitative exercise of the leg, and specifically for passive or active range of motion exercise of the knee or hip joint. The device includes a bar having proximal and distal segments, and a fulcrum rotatably engaging the bar between the proximal and distal segments to permit rotation of the bar about the fulcrum in a vertical plane. Upper and lower leg cuffs are connected to the proximal and distal segments, respectively, suspending the thigh and leg while isolating the knee joint. A base is provided to free-standingly support the device during use, or, alternatively, the device is adapted for affixing to an overhead anchor. For passive motion exercise, the thigh and ankle are suspended from the cuffs and the user drives rotation of the bar solely with the upper body muscles about the fulcrum in alternate opposing directions, causing alternate passive flexion and extension of the knee and hip joint. The same procedure is repeated for assisted active motion exercise, but the user drives rotation of the bar about the fulcrum with the upper body and leg muscles simultaneously. For independent active motion exercise, the user drives rotation of the bar about the fulcrum entirely with the leg muscles. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,665,905 to Charles S. Brown discloses a pair of wire-frame structures, each of which is made of two parallel aligned members. Both wire-frame structures are joined by a pair of coil compression springs. A U-shaped yoke is adjustably affixed to each end of the aligned members. Each yoke is hinged to a cuff suitable for attachment to a human arm or leg by self-fastening bands. In use, the brace assemblage provides a dynamic tension to apply a controlled force on an elbow or knee flexion contracture. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,485,808 to George R. Hepburn discloses an adjustable splint assembly having upper and lower struts which are pivotally connected, with the pivotal connection incorporating a cam integral with one of the struts and a adjustable biasing mechanism within the other strut that applies a quantifiable force to the cam. The amount of force applied to the cam determines the torque required to flex the splint assembly at the pivotal connection. The splint is attached to a limb via hook and loop fasteners, with a pivotal axis of the limb joint (i.e., knee or elbow) being positioned coaxial with the pivotal axis of the splint&#39;s pivotal connection. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME ASPECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The invention relates to a device for treating impairments in body joints from extension contracture, weakness in the supporting musculature, or some other malady in inhibiting the integrity of the body joint in accomplishing range of motion, weakness, or lack of full functionality. People develop extension contractures in knees and other joints from many and various causes. Weakness, disuse, fractures, surgeries, illness, and other causes have been known to cause loss of ability to flex the body joint otherwise known as an extension contracture. 
     The present invention provides several embodiments of a knee rehabilitation device, which can be used by an individual to assist the rotational component of the affected joint through its entire anatomical plane. It may be performed with or without the need of lower extremity muscle involvement. It is optimum to reduce lower extremity muscle recruitment in order to achieve a maximal stretch to the affected tissues related to the pathologic joint. 
     A first embodiment knee rehabilitation device is machined or cast from a lightweight structural metal, such as titanium, aluminum or magnesium. The device includes a generally U-Shaped handle of adjustable length that is rotatably coupled to a parallel-beam leg support. The leg support provides attachment points for an upper band that bridges the gap between the parallel beams and two pair of longitudinal slots, in which can slide a middle band and a lower band. The middle and lower bands also bridge the gap between the parallel beams. The lower band, which is used to support the leg beneath the ankle, slides within the lower of the two pair of longitudinal slots so that different leg sizes can be accommodated. The middle band, which fits over the anterior portion of the leg and inferior to the knee, can also be slid within the upper of the two pair of longitudinal slots. The adjustability of the middle band allows for different forces to be applied to the knee joint when a force is applied by the user of the device. The upper band, the position of which is non-adjustable, fits over the anterior portion of the leg either above or below the knee. 
     The U-shaped handle can be locked to the leg support at one of multiple positions throughout a range of rotation. It can make an acute angle, a right angle or an obtuse angle with the leg support. It can even be rotated to a storage position, whereby it makes essentially an angle of zero degrees with the leg support. 
     A second embodiment knee rehabilitation device, which is a variation of the first embodiment knee rehabilitation device, incorporates a rotatable support structure to which the upper and middle bands attach. The rotatable support structure enables the upper and middle bands to rotate independently of the leg support. The U-shaped handle can also be detached from the first and second embodiment knee rehabilitation devices and secured to a conventional post-operative knee brace that has been modified to include handle attachment hardware near the knee joint. 
     A third embodiment knee rehabilitation device includes a non-adjustable frame that is preferably fabricated entirely from a single piece of high-strength structural metal tubing. Structural metals include high-strength steel and stainless steel alloys, heat-treated aluminum, titanium and magnesium, and alloys thereof. A leg support portion of the device is formed by first and second spaced-apart parallel tube sections joined by a first U-shaped loop. The handle portion, formed by third and fourth spaced-apart parallel tubes joined by a second U-shaped look, makes an obtuse angle with the leg support portion, with which it is integral. Upper, middle and lower bands are coupled to the first and second parallel tubes and are slidable thereon for adjustability. The opposite ends of the single piece of metal tubing which forms the frame of the device are preferably joined in one of the U-shaped loop regions via either a butt-welded joint, or a brazed or adhesively-bonded sleeve joint. 
     A fourth embodiment knee rehabilitation device has a frame made of a pair of laminar sheet material components disposed in a mutually-parallel configuration, which can be a structural metal such as aluminum, steel alloys, stainless steel alloys, magnesium alloys and titanium. The laminar sheet material can also be a polymeric material, such as polyester thermoplastic resin that is reinforced by structural fibers such as para-aramid (e.g., Kevlar®), glass and carbon. Each of the frame components is reminiscent of a hockey stick or boomerang, with one end of each serving as a handle and the other serving as half of the leg support. Front, middle and rear bands bridge the gap between the two frame components. Each frame component is equipped with a pair of longitudinal slots, in tandem, in the leg support portion, which enables the front and middle band to adjustably slide back and forth in order to accommodate different sizes of patients and different therapy positions. 
     For any of the four embodiments of the knee rehabilitation device, the bands (also referred to as “bands” or “strap”) can be made of durable cloth, a durable polymer such as polypropylene, leather, a composite sheet material (e.g., rubberized cloth), or some equivalent material. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The appended drawings contain figures of some example embodiments to further clarify various aspects of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that these drawings depict only some embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit its scope in any way. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is an isometric view of the first embodiment knee rehabilitation device showing how the middle band  106  and the ankle band  108  can be slidably moved to accommodate patients of different sizes; 
         FIG. 1B  is an isometric view of the device of  FIG. 1B  from a front perspective and shows the handle  101 U slidably attached between members  110 A and  110 B and between  110 C and  110  D; 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the first embodiment knee rehabilitation device also showing the handle length adjustment feature; 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of a first embodiment knee rehabilitation device being used by a patient; 
         FIGS. 4, 5 and 6  show the first embodiment knee rehabilitation device being used by a patient to rotate his knee joint through various degrees of motion in  FIGS. 4 and 5  to full extension in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a right side elevational view of the first embodiment knee rehabilitation device being used by a patient, and showing how the device can be used for passive motion throughout the full range of joint motion; 
         FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of the first embodiment knee rehabilitation device showing how the handle can be rotated and locked in a range of positions, including a completely folded position that can be used for storage; 
         FIGS. 9, 10, and 11  show how the first embodiment knee rehabilitation device can be used with three other band configurations, each of which stretches the knee joint in a different way, with  FIG. 9  showing the upper band positioned just superior to the knee, the middle band removed, and the lower band positioned posterior to the ankle, with  FIG. 10  showing the upper band removed, the middle band positioned just inferior to the knee, and the lower band positioned posterior to the ankle, and  FIG. 11  showing the upper band positioned just inferior to the knee, the middle band positioned inferior to the upper band and on the anterior portion of the leg, and the lower band positioned posterior to the ankle; 
         FIG. 12  is an isometric view of the first embodiment knee rehabilitation device being used by a patient in combination with a torso band; 
         FIG. 13  is an isometric view of the handle of the first embodiment knee rehabilitation device being used by a patient in combination with a conventional knee brace that has been modified to include handle attachment hardware, as well a additional support structure and bands; 
         FIG. 14  is an isometric view of the assembly of  FIG. 13 , with the handle removed from the knee brace; 
         FIGS. 15, 16 and 17  show a second embodiment knee rehabilitation device in which the upper pair of knee bands are allowed to rotate independently of the ankle band, with each of the three figures showing a different degree of rotation; 
         FIG. 18  is an isometric view from an upper right-side vantage point of a basic, less-expensive third embodiment knee rehabilitation device having a non-adjustable tubular frame and three slidable, adjustable s bands; 
         FIG. 19  is an isometric view from an upper-front, right-side vantage point of the third embodiment knee rehabilitation device; 
         FIG. 20  is an isometric view from an upper-front, right-side vantage point of a fourth embodiment knee rehabilitation device having a non-adjustable frame made of laminar sheet material having a fixed upper band, and slidably movable middle and lower s bands; 
         FIG. 21  is an isometric view from an upper-left vantage point of the fourth embodiment knee rehabilitation device; 
         FIG. 22  is an isometric view from a lower-left rear vantage point of the fourth embodiment knee rehabilitation device; 
         FIG. 23  is a cut-away drawing of the notched locking disc and pawl, with the pawl engaging the third notch of the locking disc; 
         FIG. 24  is a cut-away drawing of the notched locking disc and pawl, with the pawl disengaged from the locking disc; 
         FIG. 25  is a cut-away drawing of the notched locking disc and pawl, with the pawl engaging the second notch of the locking disc; 
         FIG. 26  is a side view of another embodiment of a knee rehabilitation device, with the knee rehabilitation device positioned for use in connection with the knee joint of a patient; 
         FIG. 27  is another side view of another embodiment of a knee rehabilitation device, with the knee rehabilitation device positioned for use in connection with the knee joint of a patient; 
         FIG. 28  is a detail perspective view that discloses aspects of an embodiment of a measurement device; 
         FIG. 29  is a detail perspective view that disclosed operational aspects of an embodiment of measurement device; 
         FIG. 30  is a detail perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a measurement element; and 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view of a therapy device that includes a measurement device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     The present disclosure is generally concerned with therapy devices, one example of which is a knee rehabilitation device, that include a measurement device that enables ascertainment of the range of motion of an anatomical joint in connection with which the therapy device has been employed. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2 , a first embodiment knee rehabilitation device  100  is shown. Fabricated mostly of a lightweight structural metal, such as titanium, aluminum or magnesium or alloys thereof, the first embodiment knee rehabilitation device  100  includes a generally U-shaped handle  101  of adjustable length that is rotatably coupled to a parallel-beam leg support  102 . The leg support  102  provides a pair of upper attachment slots  103 A and  103 B for mounting of an upper band  104  that bridges the gap between the parallel beams  102 A and  102 B, a first pair of elongated attachment slots  105 A and  105 B for mounting of a slidably-adjustable middle band  106 , and a second pair of elongated attachment slots  107 A and  107 B for mounting of a slidably-adjustable lower band  108 . The middle and lower bands  106  and  108 , respectively, also bridge the gap between the parallel beams  102 A and  102 B. The lower band  108 , which is used to support the leg beneath the ankle, slides within the lower of the second pair of longitudinal slots  107 A and  107 B so that different leg sizes and different injuries and/or surgical incisions can be accommodated. The middle band  106 , which fits over the front of the patient&#39;s calf, can also be slid within the first, or upper pair of longitudinal slots  105 A and  105 B. The adjustability of the middle band  106  allows for different forces to be applied to the knee joint during therapeutic use, as well as accommodate injuries or surgical incision locations. Although the position of the upper band  104  is non-adjustable, it can be removed completely to accommodate certain therapy regimens. The upper band  104  fits over the front of the leg either just above or just below the knee, depending on the particular force desired during therapy. The U-shaped handle  101  has an upper portion  101 U that is slidably coupled to a pair of lower extensions  101 A and  101 B. Threaded fasteners, but not limited to threaded fasteners, having a unitary knob  109 A and  109 B secure each side of the upper portion  101 U to each of the lower extensions  101 A and  101 B, respectively. Lower extension  101 A is constructed of two parallel, closely-spaced lower extension sub-members  110 A and  110 B, while lower extension  101 B is constructed of identical lower extension sub-members  110 C and  110 D. The handle upper portion  101 U slides between each pair of lower extension sub-members  110 A and  110 B or  110 C and  110 D, and the threaded fasteners  109 A and  109 B secure the handle upper portion  101 U between each pair of lower extension sub-members  110 A and  110 B and lower extension sub-members  110 C and  110 D, respectively. Parallel beam  102 A of the leg support  102  is coupled with a first hinge  111 A to lower extension sub-members  110 A and  110 B, while parallel beam  102 B is coupled with a second hinge  111 B to lower extension sub-members  110 C and  110 D. Each hinge  111 A and  111  B incorporates a notched locking disc  112  that is engaged by a pawl (not shown) that is actuated by release button  113 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the first embodiment knee rehabilitation device  100  is shown being used by a patient  300  in its standard operational mode. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 , the first embodiment knee rehabilitation device  100  is being used by a patient  300  to rotate his knee  304  through various degrees of motion in  FIGS. 4 and 5  to full extension in  FIG. 6 . It will be noted that for this therapy regime, the upper band  104  (also referred to as a band) is  15  positioned on the anterior portion of the thigh  303  just above the knee  304 , the middle band  106  passes over the anterior portion of the lower leg  302  just below the knee  304 , and the lower band  108  supports the lower leg  302  just posterior to the ankle  301 .  FIGS. 4, 5 and 6  show the first embodiment knee rehabilitation device in use by a patient  300  in its first, or standard, configuration, with the upper band  104  positioned just above the knee  304  on the anterior of the patient&#39;s thigh  303 , the middle band  106  positioned on the anterior surface of the lower leg  302  just below the knee  304 , and the lower band  108  positioned posterior to the ankle  301 . In this First configuration, a moderate amount of pressure is applied to the knee  304 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , the first embodiment knee rehabilitation device  100  is shown in use by a patient  300 , as that patient moves the U-shaped handle  101 , set on angular position B (see  FIG. 9 ) with respect to the leg support  102 , back and forth between positions of complete knee extension (represented by the horizontal leg configuration) and knee flexion (represented by the two non-horizontal leg configurations). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , each notched locking disc  112  provides a finite number of angularly-spaced lockable positions that the U-shaped handle  101  makes with the parallel beams  102 A and  102 B of the leg support  102 . Five, but not limited to five, lockable angular positions A, B, C, D and E are shown in  FIG. 6   8 . Position E provides a compact device configuration for storage. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , the first embodiment knee rehabilitation device  100  is shown in use by a patient  300  in a second configuration, with the upper band  104  positioned just above the knee  304  on the anterior of the patient&#39;s thigh  303 , the middle band  106  ( FIG. 8 ) removed, and the lower band  108  positioned posterior to the ankle  301 . In this second configuration, minimum pressure is applied to the knee  304 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , the first embodiment knee rehabilitation device  100  is shown in use by a patient  300  in a third configuration, with the upper band  104  ( FIG. 9 ) removed, the middle band  106  positioned on the anterior surface of the lower leg  303  just below the knee  304 , and the lower band  108  positioned posterior to the ankle  301 . In this configuration, greater pressure is applied to the knee  304 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , the first embodiment knee rehabilitation device  100  is shown in use by a patient  300  in a fourth configuration, with the upper band  104  positioned just below the knee  304  on the anterior surface of the patient&#39;s lower leg  303 , the middle band  106  also positioned on the anterior surface of the lower leg  303  below the upper band  104 , and the lower band  108  positioned posterior to the ankle  301 . In this fourth configuration, pressure applied to the knee  304  is maximized during therapy sessions. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , is an isometric view of the first embodiment knee rehabilitation device  100  being used by a patient  300  in combination with a torso band  1200 . The torso band  1200  can be employed to maintain a particular angle of flexion or extension of the leg being rehabilitated. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 13 , the U-shaped handle  101  of the first embodiment knee rehabilitation device  100  is shown being used by a patient  300  in combination with a conventional knee brace  1300  that has been modified to include handle attachment hardware  1301 , as well as additional support structure ( 1302 U and  1302 L), and bands  1303 A- 1303 D. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , the assembly of is an isometric view of the assembly of  FIG. 13 , with the handle  101  removed from the knee brace  1300 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 , a second embodiment knee rehabilitation device  1500 , which is a variation of the first embodiment knee rehabilitation device  100 , incorporates a rotatable support structure  1501 , to which the upper and middle bands  1502  and  1503 , respectively, attach. The rotatable support structure  1501  enables the upper and middle bands  1502  and  1503  to rotate independently of the leg support  1504 .  FIGS. 15, 16 and 17  each show a different degree of rotation of the rotatable support structure  1501 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , a third embodiment knee rehabilitation device  1800  has a non-adjustable tubular metal frame  1801  in which the handle portion  1801 A is rigidly affixed to a leg support portion  1801 B. An upper band  1802 , a middle band  1803  and a lower band  1804  can be slidably positioned along the parallel tubes of the leg support portion  1801 B. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 20, 21 and 22 , a fourth embodiment knee rehabilitation device  2000  has a non-adjustable frame  2001  made of a pair of laminar sheet material components  2001 A and  2001  B disposed in a mutually-parallel configuration. The laminar sheet material can be a structural metal such as aluminum, steel alloys, stainless steel alloys, magnesium alloys and titanium. It can also be a polymeric material, such as polyester thermoplastic resin that is reinforced by structural fibers such as para-aramid (e.g., Kevlar®), glass and carbon. Each of the frame components  2001 A and  2001 B is reminiscent of a hockey stick or boomerang, with a first end  2002 A and  2002 B of each serving as a handle and the other end  2003 A and  2003 B serving as half of the leg support portion. Front, middle and rear bands ( 2004 ,  2005  and  2006 , respectively) bridge the gap between the two frame components  2001 A and  2001 B. Each frame component is equipped with a pair of longitudinal slots  2007 A,  2008 A and  2007 B,  2008 B, in the leg support portion  2003 A/ 2003 B, which enable the front and middle bands  2005  and  2006  to adjustably slide back and forth in order to accommodate different sizes of patients and different therapy positions. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 23 , the notched locking disc  112  and pawl  114 , with the pawl  114  engaging the third notch of the locking disc  112  are shown. The release button  113  is unitary with the pawl. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 24 , the release button  113  has been depressed, thereby disengaging the pawl  114  from the locking disc  112 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 25 , the release button  113  has been allowed to spring back to its locked position, where the pawl  114  has engaged the second notch of the locking disc  112 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 26-30 , details are provided concerning various general aspects of some alternative embodiments of a knee rehabilitation device, one of which is denoted generally at  2500 . Except as may be noted in the following discussion and/or in  FIGS. 26-30 , the knee rehabilitation device  2500  may be similar, or identical, in structure and/or operation to any of the other embodiments of the knee rehabilitation device disclosed herein. 
     As indicated in  FIGS. 26-30 , the knee rehabilitation device  2500  may include a measurement device, one embodiment of which is denoted at  2600 . In general, the measurement device  2600  is a mechanism that permits a therapist and/or patient to visually ascertain, and quantify, the extent to which the patient is able to flex his knee joint when using the knee rehabilitation device  2500 . 
     Accordingly, the measurement device  2600  can be used to identify a baseline range of motion for a patient just beginning therapy, and the measurement device  2600  can also be used to help track the progress of the patient, in terms of changes in knee joint flexibility, over a period of time that may include multiple therapy sessions. For example, by using the measurement device  2600  to measure a range of motion of the knee joint on a periodic or other basis, a therapist can determine both the extent, and rate, of progress made by the patient. 
     As well, and discussed in more detail below, the measurement device  2600  can be integrated directly into the knee rehabilitation device and as a result, obviates the need for a separate measuring tool that could become lost or misplaced. 
     Further, the measurement device  2600  operates automatically without requiring patient or therapist involvement. In particular, the measurement device  2600  produces a measurement automatically as a result of the operation of the knee rehabilitation device and, as such, does not require a separate measuring step to be performed by the therapist or patient. 
     Additionally, accurate measurements can be taken very quickly with the measurement device  2600  without requiring the patient to maintain his knee in a particular position during the measurement process. 
     Moreover, because the measurement device  2600  is a relatively simple mechanism that includes no electronic elements, or fragile elements, it is very reliable and not prone to failures and malfunctions. 
     With more particular reference now to  FIGS. 26-30 , details are provided concerning the example measurement device  2600 . In general, the measurement device  2600  may take the form of a measurement element  2602  that is rotatably attached to a portion of the knee rehabilitation device  2500 . The measurement element  2602  can be made from any of a variety of materials, or combinations thereof, including, but not limited to, metals and plastics. In terms of its shape, the measurement element  2602  can take a variety of forms, including a generally U-shaped form as indicated in  FIGS. 26-29 , or a generally L-shaped form as indicated in  FIG. 30 . 
     More generally however, the measurement element  2602  can take any form that, by virtue of contact between a patient contact portion  2602 A of the measurement element  2602  and the anatomy  2700  of the patient, enables displacement of the measurement element  2602  as a result of movement of the knee joint of the patient. In the example of  FIGS. 26-29 , the anatomy  2700  of the patient may include any one or more of, the ankle  2702 , lower leg  2704 , knee joint  2706 , or thigh  2708  of the patient. 
     The measurement element  2602  should, when positioned in a generally horizontal orientation, indicated in  FIG. 27  for example, extend outwardly from the handle  2502  a sufficient distance “L” (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 28 and 30 ) that the extent to which a patient is able to flex his knee joint can be readily recorded by the measurement element  2602 . It can be appreciated from the Figures that if the measurement element  2602  does not extend outwardly a sufficient distance, it may be difficult to ascertain the flexibility of the knee joint of the patient because even a large rotation of the knee joint will cause only a small displacement of the measurement element  2602 . In general, the further that the measurement element  2602  extends away from the handle  2502 , the greater the sensitivity of the measurement element  2602  to a rotation of the knee joint of the patient. Thus, for example, where only small changes are expected in the extent to which a patient is able to rotate his knee, a relatively long “L” dimension may be desirable. 
     In the illustrated examples, the measurement element  2602  is attached to one or both of the interior sides  2504  of the handle  2502  of the knee rehabilitation device  2500  by way of a pin  2604  or comparable element such as a rivet, screw or bolt, for example. As a result of this attachment, the measurement element  2602  is able to rotate relative to the handle  2502 . Thus, even if the angle of the handle  2502  relative to the leg support  2506  is changed, such as to suit some therapeutic need, the measurement element  2602  can be repositioned, relative to the handle  2502 , as necessary to enable the desired measurement(s) concerning the range of motion of the knee joint  2706  to be obtained. 
     It should be noted that the specific location of attachment of the measurement element  2602  to the handle  2502  shown in the Figures is presented by way of example only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. More generally, the measurement element  2602  can be attached to the knee rehabilitation device  2500  at any location that enables the measurement functionality disclosed herein. For example, the measurement element  2602  can be attached to the knee rehabilitation device  2500  by the same pin  2508  or other mechanism(s) that are used to attach the handle  2502  to the leg support  2506 . Finally, the pin  2604  and/or other element(s) used to attach the measurement element  2602  to the handle  2502 , or other portion of the knee rehabilitation device  2500 , may be configured such that the measurement element  2602  tends to remain in whatever position it is rotated to, until it is subsequently moved. 
     With particular reference to the example of  FIG. 29 , the measurement element  2602  may have a defined range of rotational motion, indicated by the various example positions of the measurement element  2602  illustrated in  FIG. 29 . In one example embodiment, the total range of rotational motion of the measurement element  2602  is about 90 degrees, namely from a zero degree substantially horizontal position to a 90 degree substantially vertical position. In some embodiments, the rotational range of motion may be less than about 90 degrees, or greater than about 90 degrees. In yet other embodiments, the measurement element  2602  may be substantially unrestrained in terms of its rotational motion, such that it can rotate in a range of about 300 degrees to about 360 degrees. In general, the range of motion can be selected and implemented based upon the range of motion expected to be experienced by the knee rehabilitation device  2500  and, particularly, the range of motion of the handle  2502 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 29 , and directing particular attention to  FIG. 28 , the measurement device  2600  further comprises a scale  2608 , which can be inscribed, painted or otherwise formed, that enables a patient and/or therapist to visually determine a relative displacement of the measurement element  2602 , such as may occur during a therapy session. In general, the scale  2608  corresponds to a range of motion, of a knee joint of a patient for example. The scale  2608  may, but need not, indicate an actual angle of inclination of the measurement element  2602  relative to the handle  2502 . Alternatively, the scale  2608  may, as shown in the example of  FIG. 29 , simply include a set of numbers and/or lines or other indicators or markers that indicate different respective amounts of relative inclination. In the example of  FIG. 29 , and  FIG. 30  discussed below, the scale  2608  includes a series of lines that indicate progressively greater inclination of the measurement element  2602  relative to the handle  2502  which, thus, correspond to progressively greater range of motion of the knee joint of a patient using the knee rehabilitation device  2500 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 30 , details are provided concerning an alternative embodiment of the measurement element, denoted at  2610 . In terms of its materials and operation, the measurement element  2610  is similar, or identical, to the measurement element  2602 . 
     As indicated in  FIG. 30 , the measurement element  2610  is generally L-shaped and includes a patient contact portion  2610 A. The measurement element  2610  can be attached to either side of the handle  2502  in the same manner noted above in the discussion of measurement element  2602 . The side of the handle  2502  to which the measurement element  2610  is attached includes a scale  2608 , discussed above. 
     With brief continuing reference to  FIGS. 26-30 , the knee rehabilitation device  2500  may include, in addition to the measurement device  2600 , release buttons  2510  and associated components similar, or identical, in structure and operation to the release buttons  113  and associated components disclosed in  FIGS. 23-25 . The embodiment of  FIGS. 26-30  differs however from that of  FIGS. 23-25  in that in the latter embodiment, the release buttons  113  are located on the side of the handle positioned away from the patient, while in the former embodiment, the release buttons  2510  on located on the side of the handle  2502  nearest the patient. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 31 , details are provided concerning a therapy device, one example of which is denoted at  2800 . The therapy device  2800  can be any contracture correction device, and is not limited to the examples disclosed herein. In one particular example embodiment, the therapy device  2800  is a flexion contracture correction (FCC) device that can be used on a knee joint and/or other joints. The therapy device  2800  may also take the form of a dynamic splint, or comparable devices. 
     Except as may be noted in the following discussion and/or in  FIG. 31 , the therapy device  2800  may, in some embodiments, be similar, or identical, in structure and/or operation to any of the embodiments of the knee rehabilitation device disclosed herein. 
     The therapy device  2800  in this example includes a first support  2802  rotatably connected to a second support  2804  by way of pins  2806  or comparable structures. In the example of  FIG. 31 , the first support  2802  includes a set of elongate members  2802 A, each of which defines a slot  2802 B at its proximal end which is configured to at least partly receive a corresponding terminal portion  2804 B located at a distal end of the elongate members  2804 A. Except in the aforementioned respects concerning slots  2802 B and terminal portions  2804 B, the elongate members  2802 A/B and  2804 A/B may be similar or identical, in structure and/or operation, to other example elongate members disclosed herein. 
     Alternatively, the first support  2802  and/or second support  2804  may each include respective sets of elongate members  2802 A/B and  2804 A/B that may be similar or identical, in structure and/or operation, to other example elongate members disclosed herein. By way of example, any one or more of the elongate members  2802 A/B and  2804 A/B may define slots (not shown) to which one or more bands  2808 , examples of which are disclosed herein, may be permanently or releasably connected. 
     In at least some embodiments, the elongate members  2802 A/B may be spring-loaded, or otherwise biased, so as to have a tendency to rotate in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction (as viewed from the perspective of  FIG. 31 ) relative to elongate members  2804 A/B. Alternatively, the elongate members  2802 A/B may be spring-loaded, or otherwise biased, so as to have a tendency to rotate in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction (as viewed from the perspective of  FIG. 31 ) relative to elongate members  2804 A/B. Either of these spring-loaded configurations may be employed where the therapy device  2800  is an FCC device. 
     Finally, the therapy device  2800 , in any of the disclosed forms, may include a measurement device  2900  that may be similar, or identical, in structure and/or operation to other embodiments of measurement devices disclosed herein. The example measurement device  2900  includes a generally U-shaped measurement element  2902  that has a patient contact portion  2902 A. A scale  2904  enables a therapist and/or patient to ascertain the extent to which a joint has been rotated with the therapy device  2800 . 
     Returning attention now to  FIG. 27  in particular, details concerning the operation of the measurement device  2600  of  FIGS. 26-30  are provided. Initially, the knee rehabilitation device  2500  is attached to the leg of the patient and may be positioned as indicated in  FIG. 27 , with the leg of the patient in a generally horizontal disposition. Alternatively, the leg of the patient may be oriented such that the knee is in a substantially unrotated disposition where the lower leg  2704  is generally perpendicular to the thigh  2708 . The foregoing are presented solely by way of example however, and other leg positions can be employed. 
     After the knee rehabilitation device  2500  is attached to the leg of the patient, the position of the handle  2502  relative to the leg support  2506  can be adjusted, if desired. When the handle  2502  is in position and prior to the beginning of therapy, in the form of knee rotation for example, the measurement element  2602  is rotated downward into contact with the anatomy  2700  of the patient, such as the thigh  2708  for example. 
     After the measurement element  2602  has been thus positioned, the handle  2502  can be rotated (clockwise in  FIG. 27 ) toward the user to effect rotation of the knee joint. Because the measurement element  2602  is prevented from rotating in the same direction by virtue of its contact with the anatomy  2700  of the patient, the handle  2502  rotates relative to the measurement element  2602 . When rotation of the knee joint has been completed and the handle  2502  is released, the measurement element  2602  maintains its position relative to the handle  2502 , thereby indicating on the scale  2608  the extent of the relative motion between the handle  2502  and the measurement element  2602 . Because movement of the handle  2502  corresponds to an extent of rotation of the knee joint of the patient, the positions of the handle  2502  and measurement element  2602  relative to each other indicate the extent to which the knee joint of the patient has been rotated. Thus, measurement of the extent of rotation, either in relative or actual terms, is obtained automatically, without any action by the therapist or patient other than rotation of the knee joint, as a result of the operation of the knee rehabilitation device  2500  and, particularly, the relative motion between the handle  2502  and measurement element  2602 . 
     Since the measurement element  2602  tends to maintain its position relative to the handle  2502 , the therapist and/or patient can quickly visually ascertain the extent to which the knee joint was rotated by simply observing the position of the measurement element  2602  on the scale  2608 . Moreover, because the measurement is taken simultaneously, and automatically, with rotation of the knee joint by the knee rehabilitation device  2500 , the patient is not required to maintain the knee joint in position while waiting for a measurement to be taken. 
     As will be apparent from the discussion herein, embodiments of the measurement device, such as measurement device  2600  for example, constitute example structural implementations of a means for measuring joint rotation. As such, these means serve to implement any one or more of the various functions ascribed herein to one or more embodiments of the measurement device. 
     Although this disclosure has been described in terms of certain embodiments, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure is intended to be defined only by the claims which follow.