Patent Awarded for Knee Pain Treatment Device
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Feb. 17 granted a patent to Seattle-based Bellacure Inc. for its knee pain treatment device, designed to allow patients to reproducibly apply a therapeutic force that urges the femur and tibia apart on the affected side of the knee at an unmatched intensity level while maximizing force efficiency and minimizing weight (United States Patent 7,662,122).
The non-invasive device (U.S. Patent No. 7,662,122) is worn against the skin and designed to give patients and physicians the ability to precisely adjust the amount of pain-relieving force applied to the osteoarthritic knee. The force application efficiency is achieved by using a cable tensioning system that creates a "3-point-force system" where nearly 100 percent of the force developed by the device contributes to the therapeutic effect designed to relieve OA knee pain. The cables automatically set to the proper initial length and are designed to match each user's unique anatomy exactly. Patients then rotate the tensioning dial a certain number of times that is the same every time they don the device.
"We are pleased that the USPTO has granted this patent protecting our unique knee pain treatment system," said Bellacure CEO Shane Sterling. "It is a testament to our R&D team's continuing effort to realize our company's mission, to bring the most effective, non-surgical and drug-free treatment option to those who suffer from arthritis pain."