Development of new technologies in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, "smart" orthosis to correct ulnar deviation of the fingers.

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that affects 3% of the adult population and is characterized by inflammation and pain, that lead to deformities and disabilities; Fingers ulnar deviation deformities generates functional disability and difficulties in performing daily activities and social participation. In conservative therapy the use of orthosis (apparatus which add to the body) is recommended to optimize the locomotor system through external force that exerts and influence in joint mobility and function. The orthosis allows correcting articular misalignment, preventing further deformities and optimizing function. The objective is to assess the effectiveness and cost benefit of functional upper limb orthosis made by the therapist t the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), verify the effectiveness of a new concept of innovative orthosis, "smart", and articulated to correct ulnar deviation of the fingers. The methodology consists of three stages: 1) know and verify the effectiveness and functional cost / benefit of upper limb orthoses used by affected by RA. 2) make evolutions at the Long Orthosis Auto articulated to fix Ulnar Deviation (OLADU) (Goia, 2012) with robotic assistance and prototype development. 3) effectiveness and applicability of the developed prototype orthosis compared to the ones made by the SUS. The prototype being developed, which is an innovative technology associated with a "smart" engine assist in the correction of the deformity, with the differential of other products, that is to favor the function by extending the fingers aided by the engine (lost motion with deformity) that is initiated by the affected by RA. It is hoped the development of national technology, with low cost, built into the SUS and thus promote improved quality of life and functionality of affected by RA, as well as make possible therapeutic innovations to… (AU)