Development of a Convergence Product Design Process for a Wearable Orthotic Device to Prevent Hip Dislocation in a Pediatric Patient with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study is to propose a convergence product design process of a wearable orthotic device that will aid pediatric patients normal development, with the goal of preventing hip dislocation in patients with severe cerebral palsy.

Methods/Statistical analysis: The subject of the study was a five-year-old male pediatric patient with cerebral palsy, presumably classified as GMFCS level IV. Taping was performed using medical bandages on a 3D-printed model of the patient made with his actual measurements. Based on the X-ray images, six designs (drafts) were produced as the prototypes, and the colors were unified as black to limit the variables. The evaluation of the orthotic device was conducted through a discussion with a panel of five persons, consisting of a few experts and of the guardian of the patient.

Findings: The following findings on the convergence product design process of a wearable orthotic device for the prevention of hip dislocation in a pediatric patient with cerebral palsy were obtained from the result of this study. The experts and the guardian evaluated that the function of assisting the femoral head of the hip joint to be positioned in the acetabular was outstanding in Designs D and E, and the abduction of the femur was outstanding in Design F. Many openings in Designs B and C were removed and modified to relieve the patient's discomfort when wearing them. The rigid tri-glide buckles in Designs A and F were removed, and the length of the overlapping part of the band in Design E was modified to minimize the factors that could restrict any movement.

After a thorough discussion, Design D, which presents a good closing position around the waist and the abdomen, and Design E, which presents a stable hip joint position were converged into the applicable hip joint position; and Design F, which presents an excellent closing method around the thighs was converged into the femoral region, respectively. As a result, the final orthotic product design of the prototypes A1 and B1 was presented with minimized compression in the abdomen to facilitate smooth digestion and enhancement in the overall fittings.

Improvements/Applications: The final orthotic product design proposals of the prototypes A1 and B1 will proceed with further improved follow-up research by conducting advanced pattern designing work in order to enable mass production in the coming years.