JP2000225161A - Ultrasonic bone fracture therapeutic unit and ultrasonic bone fracture therapy promoting unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic bone fracture therapeutic unit which can irradiate an ultrasonic wave on the required part of a body surface on a bone fracture location and can be easily attached on the body surface of a patient. SOLUTION: This ultrasonic bone fracture therapeutic unit comprises plural vibrators 13, a flexible sheet 12 to fix mutually separate plural vibrators 13, and a sound connection sheet 11 formed of a material which can be tightly attached on the surface to the vibrator of the flexible sheet 12 and the body surface at the bone fracture location. Another objective ultrasonic bone fracture therapy promoting unit brings the sound connectable sound connection sheet 11 tightly in contact with the body surface at the bone fracture location, adheres the flexible sheet 12 equipped to fix mutually separate plural vibrators 13, and transmits the vibration of the vibrator 13 to the bone fracture location via sound connection sheet 11.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ultrasonic fracture treatment device for applying ultrasonic waves to a fracture site from the surface of a patient's body and promoting the adhesion of the fracture by sound pressure as a mechanical stimulus. And an ultrasonic fracture treatment promoting method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As such an ultrasonic fracture treatment device, one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-85287 is known. An ultrasonic transmitter, two plug-type vibrators that can be connected to the ultrasonic transmitter via lead wires, and an outlet-type hole that can mechanically connect the vibrator. It is provided with.

[0003] After forming a cast at the fracture site of the patient,
A hole for connecting the vibrator is provided in the cast. The vibrator is inserted and fixed in the hole until the tip of the vibrator contacts the body surface of the patient. The lead wire of the vibrator is connected to an ultrasonic transmitter, and ultrasonic waves are applied to the body surface via the tip of the vibrator.

[0004]

The number of transducers required is such that the number of transducers can be pressed against the body surface of a patient's fracture site. In the case of casting, it is necessary to provide holes as many as the number of vibrators at the time of casting. Therefore, there is a problem that a portion to which the ultrasonic wave can be applied to the body surface of the fracture site becomes a point, and the body surface to which the ultrasonic wave is applied is limited.

When an ultrasonic wave is applied by pressing the tip of a plug-type vibrator against the patient's body surface without using a cast, a special instrument for fixing the vibrator around the patient's body surface is used. Is required, and it is difficult to handle, and the patient is restrained and burdened.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides an ultrasonic fracture treatment device which can irradiate a wide range of ultrasonic waves to a necessary portion of a body surface at a fracture site and can be easily attached to a patient's body surface. An object of the present invention is to provide a method for promoting the treatment of an ultrasonic fracture.

[0007]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic fracture treatment apparatus for applying ultrasonic waves from a body surface to a fracture site, comprising: a plurality of transducers; A flexible sheet for fixing the plurality of vibrators apart from each other; a material that can be in close contact with the vibrator-side surface of the flexible sheet and the body surface of the fracture site, and transmits vibration from the vibrator; And an acoustic coupling sheet formed of: When the acoustic coupling sheet is made large enough to be in close contact with the required body surface along the fracture site, and a flexible sheet provided with a plurality of transducers is brought into close contact with the acoustic coupling sheet, ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the body surface to the fracture site. It can be applied efficiently. For the acoustic coupling sheet, urethane, silicon, or the like is used from the viewpoints of adhesion, handleability, and safety for the human body. For the flexible sheet, urethane, polyimide, or the like is used from the viewpoints of flexibility, ease of fixing the vibrator, transmission of ultrasonic waves from the vibrator, and safety to the human body. A flat round or rectangular vibrator is used. If the diameter of the circle or the length of the diagonal line of the rectangle is within 20 mm, the vibrator can be fixed along a sheet even if it is fixed on a sheet. Can maintain sex.

[0008] The invention according to claim 2 is the ultrasonic fracture treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic coupling sheet is separate from the flexible sheet. Only the acoustic coupling sheet is brought into close contact with the required surface of the fracture site, and the acoustic coupling sheet is positioned on the required body surface of the fracture site.

The invention according to claim 3 is the ultrasonic fracture treatment device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a holding means for holding the flexible sheet around the body surface of the fracture site. Ultrasonic waves from the transducer fixed to the flexible sheet
The state applied to the fracture site via the acoustic coupling sheet is held by the holding means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the holding means is a cast formed along the body surface of the fracture site,
4. The ultrasonic fracture treatment device according to claim 3, wherein a common lead wire for the plurality of transducers is taken out through the cast. When the acoustic coupling sheet and the flexible sheet are wrapped around the entire limb and the like, and the cast is formed in a state where the lead wire can be taken out, the cast performs positioning of the body surface of the flexible sheet via the acoustic coupling sheet.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the holding means includes:
4. The ultrasonic fracture treatment device according to claim 3, wherein the belt is a belt that can be wound along the body surface of the fracture site, and a common lead wire for the plurality of transducers can be taken out of the belt. The acoustic coupling sheet and the flexible sheet are placed on the required body surface, and the state is fixed with a belt.

The invention according to claim 6 is the ultrasonic fracture treatment apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the belt is a lumbar belt for protecting and supporting the lower back. The function of correcting the waist posture and the function of treating spinal compression fractures are combined.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flexible sheet in which an acoustic coupling sheet capable of acoustic coupling is closely attached to a body surface of a fracture site, and a plurality of vibrators are fixed on an outer surface of the acoustic coupling sheet so as to be separated from each other. And an ultrasonic fracture treatment promoting method of transmitting vibration of the vibrator to a fracture site via the acoustic coupling sheet. Ultrasonic waves can be efficiently applied from the entire body surface toward the fracture site.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 4 show a first embodiment applied to a fracture site of a limb, and FIGS. 5 to 6 show a second embodiment example applied to a compression fracture site of a hip.

[First Embodiment] In FIG. 1, an ultrasonic fracture treatment device 1 for limbs comprises an acoustic coupling sheet 11, a flexible sheet 12, a vibrator 13, a lead wire 14, an ultrasonic wave It comprises a transmitter 15 and a cast 16 (see FIG. 2) as an example of a fixing means.

The acoustic coupling sheet is directly adhered to the patient's body surface, and is obtained by cutting a urethane sheet having an excellent transmission characteristic of ultrasonic waves and a high elasticity into a rectangle of an appropriate size. . The long side of the rectangle has a length that is wrapped around the fractured part of the limb, and the short side has only to be long enough to cover the fractured part. The thinner the better, but for ease of handling when sticking to the body surface, use a thickness in the range of 1 to 10 mm.

The flexible sheet 12 is formed of urethane, which can be molded integrally with the vibrator 13 and has flexibility so that it can be bent even after the molding, and can provide a certain degree of acoustic coupling. The vibrators 13 and the wirings 17 connecting the vibrators 13 in series are also integrally molded inside the flexible sheet 12. When a magic fastener is provided at an appropriate position on one end and the back surface of the flexible sheet 12, the flexible sheet 12 can be wound around a limb and attached to the body surface of a fracture site without using a cast described later.

The vibrator 13 is, for example, a piezoelectric vibrator. In the illustrated example, three or more of the rectangular vibrators 13 are vertically long and are arranged in a row at a predetermined interval δ. The vibrator 13 has such a size that it does not hinder the movement of the vibrator 13 along the body surface of the limb. Also, the predetermined interval δ
Are set so that the winding of the flexible sheet 12 around the limb does not interfere.

The wiring 17 reaching the vibrator 13 is drawn out from one end of the flexible sheet 12 and becomes a lead wire 14. A connector 18 that can be connected to a connection terminal 19 of the ultrasonic transmitter 15 is provided at the tip of the lead wire 14.

The ultrasonic transmitter 15 incorporates a known ultrasonic transmission circuit, and is configured to transmit a pulse having a frequency and an amplitude suitable for ultrasonic fracture treatment to the vibrator 13. Although the ultrasonic transmitter 15 in the illustrated example has a separate on / off switch by manual operation, it may have a mechanism necessary for operation, such as a built-in timer that operates for a set time. The ultrasonic oscillator 15 may use a built-in battery type instead of the power supply type shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 shows an example in which the ultrasonic fracture treatment device 1 of FIG. 1 is applied to a thigh of a foot. First, the acoustic coupling sheet 11 is wound around a portion corresponding to a fractured part of a foot.
Next, the flexible sheet 12 is superimposed on the acoustic coupling sheet 11.
Wrap. The wound state of the flexible sheet 12 can be temporarily fixed with a magic fastener or the like. Next, a cast 16 is formed so that the lead wire 14 can be exposed and taken out. The casts 16 hold the acoustic coupling sheet 11 and the flexible sheet 12 around the body surface at the fracture site. That is, the cast 16 is an example of a holding unit that holds the flexible sheet 12 around the body surface at the fracture site.

When the cast is solidified and the treatment is required in a resting state, the lead 18 connected to the connector 18 of the lead wire 14 extracted from the cast 16 and the connection terminal of the ultrasonic transmitter 15 is connected via the lead wire 20. Connecting. And
Operate the ultrasonic transmitter 15 to transmit the ultrasonic signal to the lead 2
0,14. Note that the lead wire 14 taken out from the cast 16 is shortened so as not to be in the way when not in use.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a fracture treatment state. The acoustic coupling sheet 11 and the flexible sheet 12 are wound around the fracture site A in an overlapping state, and the cast 1
The state is maintained at 6. The acoustic coupling sheet 11 is in close contact with the body surface, the flexible sheet 12 is in close contact with the acoustic coupling sheet 11, and the vibrator 13 is contained in the flexible sheet 12.
Is buried. As shown, the vibrator 13 is arranged so as to surround the fracture site A, and the vibration of the vibrator 13 is transmitted from the periphery toward the fracture site via the acoustic coupling sheet 11. Therefore, ultrasonic waves can be efficiently applied from the entire body surface toward the fracture site A, and the application of ultrasonic waves to the fracture site is performed efficiently. The burden can be reduced.

[Second Embodiment] Referring to FIG. 5, an ultrasonic fracture treatment device 2 for a hip comprises an acoustic coupling sheet 111, a flexible sheet 112, a vibrator 113, and a lead wire 114.
, An ultrasonic transmitter 115, and a belt 116 as an example of a fixing unit.

The acoustic coupling sheet 111 is formed of the same material as that of FIG. 1 and has the same function, but is different in the size that can be stuck to an appropriate position on the spine. Flexible sheet 1
12 is also formed of the same material as in FIG. 1 and has the same function,
The difference is that they are integrally attached to the inside of the belt 116 or can be attached separately with an adhesive or the like. The vibrator 113 has, for example, four or more rectangular or round shapes arranged in two rows on the left and right along the both sides of the spine, and its vibrating surface is exposed or exposed on the surface of the flexible sheet 112. The difference is that they are arranged to be embedded.
The lead wire 114 can be taken out through the inside of the belt 116. The ultrasonic transmitter 115 is of a power connection type or a built-in battery type as shown in FIG. Note that the same effect can be obtained by using an ultrasonic jelly instead of the acoustic coupling sheet 111.

The belt 116 is a well-known belt for correcting a spine used for compression fracture of the spine. This belt 11
The flexible sheet 112 can be attached to the backbone of No. 6, or the flexible sheet 112 is previously attached integrally.

As shown in FIG. 6, first, the acoustic coupling sheet 111 is attached to the damaged part of the spine. Next, the belt 116 is wound and tightened. In use, the lead wire 114 is connected to the ultrasonic transmitter 115 via the lead wire 120.
Connect to Then, by operating the ultrasonic transmitter 115,
An ultrasonic signal is transmitted via the leads 120 and 114. An acoustic coupling sheet 111 is in close contact with the back of the spine, and a vibrator 113 attached to a flexible sheet 112 is provided.
The ultrasound is applied to both sides of the ailing spine. As described above, when the ultrasonic fracture treatment device 2 is applied to the lumbar belt 116, compared with the case where only the lumbar belt 116 is used,
The pain caused by the vertebral compression fracture is alleviated, and the time required for the pain to disappear is shortened, thereby reducing the burden on the patient.

In the first and second embodiments,
Acoustic coupling sheets 11 and 111 and flexible sheets 12 and 11
2 is a separate body, and only the case where the acoustic coupling sheets 11 and 111 are brought into close contact with each other while visually confirming them at appropriate positions on the body surface, and then the flexible sheets 12 and 112 are brought into close contact with each other has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the flexible sheets 12, 112
The acoustic coupling sheets 11 and 111 are bonded in advance to the surfaces of the flexible sheets 12 and 112 and the acoustic coupling sheets 1 and 111.
It is also possible to integrally mold 1,111 with the same material.

[0029]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, even if the fracture site is bent, the ultrasonic wave can be applied from the surface along the fracture site by setting the arrangement pitch of the transducers appropriately. By using an acoustic coupling sheet or a flexible sheet having a width corresponding to a wide body surface corresponding to the fracture site, ultrasonic waves can be applied to the fracture site from multiple directions. in this way,
Ultrasonic waves can be efficiently radiated from the entire required surface of the fracture site, and the treatment effect by applying ultrasonic waves to the fracture site appears reliably. it can.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the acoustic coupling sheet is brought into close contact with the body surface while visually confirming, so that the acoustic coupling sheet can be reliably positioned on the required body surface at the fracture site.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the positioning of the body surface of the flexible sheet via the acoustic coupling sheet is reliably performed by the holding means, and the attachment of the flexible sheet to the body surface can be facilitated.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since ultrasonic waves can be applied from all around the limbs, the ultrasonic waves can be efficiently applied to the fracture site. In addition, since the vibrator is located inside and the lead wire can be taken out at the same time as the formation of the cast, there is no need to drill a hole in the cast, so it is only necessary to connect the lead wire to the output device at the time of use. Excellent operability.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, ultrasonic waves can be efficiently applied from the entire required body surface corresponding to the fracture site. In addition, it is only necessary to wind around the body surface corresponding to the fracture site and connect the lead wire to the output device at the time of use.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the pain due to the vertebral compression fracture is relieved, the period until the pain disappears is reduced, and the burden on the patient is reduced as compared with the case of using only a lumbar belt. .

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since ultrasonic waves are efficiently applied to the fracture site, the ultrasonic irradiation effect can be obtained in a short time, and the burden on the patient can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a development view of components constituting an ultrasonic fracture treatment device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state where the ultrasonic fracture treatment device of FIG. 1 is attached to a thigh.

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state of attachment to a thigh in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of attachment to a thigh in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a development view of components constituting another ultrasonic fracture treatment device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which the other ultrasonic fracture treatment device shown in FIG. 5 is attached to the waist;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ultrasonic fracture treatment device for limbs 2 Ultrasonic fracture treatment device for compression fracture of the waist 11 Acoustic coupling sheet 12 Flexible sheet 13 Transducer 14 Lead wire 15 Ultrasonic transmitter 16 Gibbs (fixing means) 111 Acoustic coupling Sheet 112 Flexible sheet 113 Transducer 114 Lead wire 115 Ultrasonic transmitter 116 Belt (fixing means)

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An ultrasonic fracture treatment device for applying ultrasonic waves from a body surface to a fracture site, comprising: a plurality of transducers; and a flexible sheet for fixing the plurality of transducers apart from each other. An ultrasonic fracture treatment comprising: an acoustic coupling sheet formed of a material that can be in close contact with the vibrator-side surface of the flexible sheet and the body surface of the fracture site and that transmits vibration from the vibrator. vessel. 2. The ultrasonic fracture treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic coupling sheet is separate from the flexible sheet. 3. The ultrasonic fracture treatment device according to claim 1, further comprising a holding unit configured to hold the flexible sheet around a body surface of the fracture site. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the holding means is a cast formed along a body surface of the fracture site, and a common lead wire for the plurality of transducers is taken out through the cast. Sonic fracture treatment device. 5. The belt according to claim 3, wherein the holding means is a belt that can be wound around the body surface of the fracture site, and a common lead wire for the plurality of vibrators can be taken out of the belt. Ultrasonic fracture treatment device. 6. The ultrasonic fracture treatment device according to claim 5, wherein the belt is a lumbar vertebra belt that protects and supports the lower back. 7. An acoustic coupling sheet capable of acoustic coupling is closely attached to a body surface of a fracture site, and a flexible sheet for fixing a plurality of vibrators separately from each other is attached to an outer surface of the acoustic coupling sheet, and the acoustic coupling sheet is attached to the fracture site. An ultrasonic fracture treatment promotion method for transmitting vibration of the vibrator through the acoustic coupling sheet.