J Educ Res Nurs. 2024; 21(3): 236-242 | DOI: 10.14744/jern.2024.20744

Development of Adjustable Lower Extremity Abduction Apparatus

Tuğba Türkkan¹, Fatma Eti Aslan², Yeliz Doğan Merih^3
1Department of Surgical Nursing, Bahçeşehir University, Institute of Postgraduate Education, İstanbul, Türkiye
²Department of Nursing, Bahçeşehir University, Faculty of Health Sciences, İstanbul, Türkiye
³Department of Nursing, University of Health Sciences, Hamidiye Faculty of Nursing, İstanbul, Türkiye

Background: Currently, devices and pillows are used to provide abduction between the lower extremities after total hip replacement. However, the pillows used are not individually adjustable, are too large for short patients, and are not large enough for tall patients. This can prevent hip abduction at the recommended angle of 15°-20°, leading to complications such as prosthesis slippage and delayed healing.

Aim: The Adjustable Lower Extremity Abduction Apparatus was developed as an innovative, adjustable device designed to prevent dislocation and assist with walking in patients who have undergone total hip replacement surgery.

Methods: A new apparatus was planned to improve the present system, increase patient comfort, develop a product that minimizes the risk of dislocation, and increase the effectiveness of post-operative care. A literature review was conducted, and the researchers created the Adjustable Lower Extremity Abduction Apparatus, a novel invention. The researcher then carried out the drawing and design phase of the device. Patenting procedures were completed (Patent Application No: 2021/021259). The prototype processes and evaluation stages of the designed device were also carried out.

Results: The research and development (R&D) process for the Adjustable Lower Extremity Abduction Apparatus was conducted. Following the evaluation of the extracted protopin on both healthy and sick individuals, it was determined that the apparatus is an innovative product that supports dislocation and walking, stabilizes the angle between the legs, mitigates risks to patient safety and financial losses, and enhances healthcare quality and patient satisfaction. This apparatus has not yet been commercially used either abroad or in Türkiye.

Conclusion: Upon evaluating the results of the R&D process, it was determined that an innovative product has been created to eliminate situations that may pose a risk to patient safety and financial loss, and to improve the quality of care.

Keywords: Abduction, dislocation, gait, lower extremity, total hip replacement

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