Traumatic shoulder dislocation occurs in approximately 1.7% of the US population, and can result in chronic instability, pain and limited range of motion. Orthopaedic shoulder braces are a primary treatment method for the re-stabilization of the shoulder, and are an alternative palliative, low-cost treatment method to surgical reconstruction of the shoulder. The growing active and elderly populations are placing a high demand for innovation of orthopaedic bracing devices that can provide supportive shoulder bracing, while enabling sufficient ranges of motion to facilitate the return to sport and leisure activities. A new orthopaedic shoulder brace has been developed that enables active ranges of motion for most sport and leisure activities, while limiting specific ranges of motion that are at high risk of recurrent anterior dislocation. The brace consists of a soft, breathable upper torso and shoulder wrap, adjustable compressive straps, and a custom heat-moldable stabilization insert. Preliminary testing of the device has validated its ease of application, comfort, the ability to limit at-risk shoulder motions, and the maintenance of functional shoulder motion.
Although traumatic shoulder dislocation occurs most commonly in young active males between the ages of 15 and 29, the impact of recurrent dislocation risk (as high as 90%) affects the population as a whole in cumulative medical costs, lost wages and lost productivity. Recurrent dislocation risk is strongly inversely correlated to the age of initial dislocation, and older patients are more likely to incur higher rates of rotator cuff tears with dislocation. Although initial trauma is usually required to induce dislocation, re-dislocation can occur more easily during common sporting and work-related tasks. The design of a functional brace that limits at-risk shoulder behavior and supports active shoulder function will broadly impact the fields of rehabilitation, physical therapy and sports medicine. Reduced incidence of re-dislocations will reduce medical costs, increase workplace productivity, and promote a more active population.
Tarian Orthotics is a start-up company based in Charleston, SC that directly resulted from partcipation in the NSF I-Corps program. The company was founded around technology developed in the biomedical engineering department at Clemson University. With the help of the NSF I-Corps grant, the team was able to further develop the technology, taking it from a prototye to a market-ready product. Additionally, we were able to pinpoint our customers and determine the best channels to distribute the product. After developing the business plan for the company, the team attended multiple trade shows to showcase the product and network with professionals in the athletic training industry. After completion of the I-Corps program, the patent-pending technology the team presented has been successfully licensed and commcialized. Amature and professional athletes alike are utilizing the shoulder brace, and sales numbers continue to grow monthly. The team is currently looking into other products to add to the company and expand product offerings. Our I-Corps team has been very diligent in sharing our expereinces with other engineers interested in commercializing technologies developed within the univeristy setting. We hope to continue promoting entrepreneurship and innovation at Clemson University and aid other Clemson engineers in the successful commercialization of their research.
