DE102007004548A1 - Thumb orthosis has upper and lower loops defining apertures to receive thumb and cover thumb base joint on outer face of hand - Google Patents

Abstract

The thumb orthosis has upper and lower annular loops (3,4) defining openings to receive the thumb. The orthosis has outer and inner surfaces to engage corresponding faces of the hand and surrounds the exterior of the thumb base joint. The lower annular loop has a support face exterior of the thumb upper joint. The orthosis can be made in one piece.

Description

invention concerns a thumb orthosis for relief of the thumb saddle joint and for stabilization of the metacarpophalangeal joint.

A Thumb orthosis is known in the art. It can be used or joint diseases of the thumb for stabilization and support certain joints are used. In particular, thumb orthoses become in Rhiz arthrosis, instabilities of the metacarpophalangeal joint or after operations to restore the correct joint position or to reduce functional discomfort used in joint deformity in the thumb saddle joint.

at Rhiz arthrosis is degenerative processes on the thumb saddle, the cause being in a weakening the bands is suspected. Rhiz osteoarthritis manifests itself by subluxation (not complete Sprain) of the metacarpal I proximal due to instability, compensatory hyperextension (compensatory hyperextension), limited Abduction (excessive limb movement), excessive flexion (Kinking) of the metacarpophalangeal joint during gripping and difficult Extension and opposition.

The The prior art thumb orthosis has a ring on it a top and a bottom. The thumb gets through the ring plugged. The ring is pushed over the thumb so that the upper side on the outer surface of the associated outer surface of the Thumb is present. The bottom is then on the palm associated palm of the thumb. Eyelets are provided on the top and bottom in which a fastening strap is looped, the wrist being insertable into the loop and the ring passing through Tighten the fastening strap on the wrist tensioned and fastened becomes.

The The thumb orthosis of the prior art has the disadvantage that the Thumb in his mobility is severely restricted. He becomes one in one constantly forced splayed posture. In this attitude is the function of the thumb when gripping exclusively on a so-called Pointed grip restricted, in which only the thumb tip on the gripping function of the hand involved, resulting in an unfamiliar burden of participating joints and associated pain. On the other hand has proved that the thumb orthosis of the prior art only suitable for spreading the thumb. A support or Stabilization of diseased joints is thus not effected.

Besides that is been found that in a handle with applied thumb orthosis According to the prior art, in which the thumb over a splayed out at a certain angle, the thumb base joint without the forced diversion. The thumb saddle joint gets involved unprotected returns to his morbid malposition and is in malposition loaded, although the thumb orthosis is worn.

Of Further, the fastening tape gets dirty quickly, as it is in the area of hand or thumb bale directly on the gripping surface the hand rests and thus in almost all manual activities can come into contact with polluting substances. This will the fastening tape quickly unhygienic and unsightly.

Of the Invention is based on the object, the disadvantages of the prior art overcome the technique In particular, to provide a thumb orthosis with which Permanent stabilization of the thumb and relief of diseased joints guaranteed and can be dispensed with tape fasteners.

A solution the task of the invention is provided by a thumb orthosis with an upper and a lower one ring bracket and a bridge, wherein the bridge with each of the two ring hoops one annular opening to Introduction of the The thumb forms and the thumb orthosis by the interaction of both ring bracket assigned to the palm of the hand Outer surface of the thumb with the bridge on the palm of the inner surface associated with the Thumb can be fixed in an end position on the metacarpophalangeal joint, wherein both ring straps form a joint border, which the thumb Grundgelenk on the Hand outer surface encloses.

Thus, with the thumb orthosis according to the invention, jointing of the thumb base joint on the outer surface of the thumb is possible, the thumb base joint being held in a slightly flexed posture by the web resting on the inner surface of the thumb. As a result, the thumb base joint is pressed into the physiologically correct position and the position of the thumb saddle joint exclusively under load by gripping corrected so that it is in turn pressed into the physiologically correct position. The thumb saddle joint lies outside the thumb orthosis and is acted upon exclusively according to the distribution of forces between the thumb orthosis and the thus supported thumb base joint and the wrist. Thus, the thumb base joint is held with the orthosis in a slight bend, which prevents it gets into an overexpansion, which with Pain can be associated.

Of the Bridge of the orthosis, which at the base of the thumb on the inner surface of the Thumb is arranged, presses this to the outside in the physiological position. This will ensure that the thumb saddle joint in turn is positively corrected, thus relieving the thumb saddle joint and a reduction or avoidance of pain goes along.

With the thumb orthosis according to the invention Thus, a correction of malpositions of the metacarpophalangeal joint and thumb saddle joint reaches without the hand, respectively the thumb in the unloaded state to permanently apply or to hold in a splayed position. This is a buckling of the permanent metacarpal joint and the associated painful hyperextension of the thumb saddle joint prevented.

Furthermore Can the thumb around the jetty without much or no noticeable restrictions be bent and remains in an advantageous way complete and largely painless use. The thumb can completely when Grasping be used, with the orthosis without a disability to be able to stand on the thumb and held on the thumb independently is, i. The orthosis does not slip even without tape attachment Thumbs off.

There the thumb orthosis incessantly can be sustained, the progression of the degenerative Restructuring processes in the musculoskeletal system of the thumb are counteracted. This makes possible, that both the symptoms such as pain diminished can be as well as a dismantling process on the joints and bones becomes with which malformations can be reduced.

A execution the thumb orthosis according to the invention is provided by the lower ring hoop a Having the thumb saddle joint expiring support surface. The support surface is in advantageously widened starting from the web, so that the Stump of the thumb and the edge of the hand or thumb bale from the orthosis is enclosed. It is provided that the support surface at least to the thumb inside is open, so that the thumb bends in the gripping direction around the bridge and thus completely remains movable. At higher Degree of joint disease, the sizing of the support surface may be larger while at slight diseases a small support surface is sufficient.

Of Another will be an embodiment provided by the fact that the web at least partially between the upper ring hoop and the lower ring hoop designed as widened integrated support rail is. The support rail extends while the upper ring hoop out, with the upper ring hoop on Thumb abuts distally. Distal means hearty in this context on the thumb, so to the thumbnail nail. In addition, the ring hoop encloses the Thumb on the outside surface of the Thumb.

From of the invention is also included an embodiment, both of which the support rail up to the end of the lower ring hoop runs. According to the invention is provided that the support rail enclosing the palm of the thumb, i. the support rail lies on the side of the hand, which is directed towards the body.

In Advantageously, this is achieved in that the thumb base joint on the hand or thumb ball is splinted. The supporting effect of the thumb orthosis is thus improved because the support surface continues over the adjacent support rail extends. In addition receives the thumb a further support on the inner thumb margin, leading to further stabilization of the musculoskeletal system of the thumb. At higher grade of joint disease can the sizing of the support rail bigger, while For minor illnesses a short splint is sufficient.

there is provided that the support surface and the support rail are integrally molded into each other, so that an ergonomic investment possible at the thumb is.

For this has proven to be particularly beneficial that the thumb orthosis one piece is trained.

Alternatively, the invention provides that the thumb orthosis can be opened by hinge means on a ring hoop in the region of the bridge and locked by closing in the closed state. Such a configuration of the orthosis can be used in the clinical picture of a so-called 90/90 thumb, which is also known as a shoemaker's thumb. Thereby a form has been found; in which the thumb orthosis in the closed state has an ergonomically optimal contact surface. The thumb orthosis has for this purpose hinge means and at least one clasp. When closed, the ring clamps are held together by closing. When the clasps are opened, the collars can be opened so that the thumb has a larger opening cross-section as it is inserted, as required for example with a 90/90 thumb (shoemaker's thumb) is.

According to the invention, it is provided that for a bridge and ring hoop are movable. In this embodiment are the two ring hoops fixed to each other and the hinge means are between the bridge and the remaining orthosis arranged.

alternative can the hinge means according to the invention arranged on a ring hoop be. In this preferred embodiment is provided that the bridge is in one piece with at least one ring hoop is connected, preferably with the upper ring hoop. The other ring hoop is In contrast, kept hinged accordingly. The bridge forms together with the ring hoop a basic body and the other ring hoop is attached to this base with hinges on each side. Close sit on the side of the thumb orthosis. In this case, conventional closing can be used, which are known from jewelery making.

According to the invention is further provided that the ring hoops to guarantee the unilateral thumb mobility open thumb inside open are. The thumb orthosis is designed so that the bridge, the inner surface of the Thumb ergonomically favorable molded surrounds. The ring hoops extending from the bridge outside around the thumb, where they outward flat over widen and constrict on both sides to the bridge. It lies the upper ring hoop distal and the lower ring hoop proximal to the base of the thumb. Here are the through the ring hoop and the jetty for the thumb holes formed by which the thumb is inserted into the orthosis, essentially V-shaped on each other and intersect in the area of the bridge.

In Advantageously, it is provided that the thumb orthosis or at least individual components of the plastic thumb rest, Metal, ceramic material or composite material. Consequently are thumb orthoses to produce, which are chemically resistant and thus easy to clean. In addition, it is possible. the With thumb orthosis To produce materials which have high temperature and dimensional stability. It is also a thumb orthosis made of material of the invention includes, which has dirt-repellent properties.

Of Furthermore, it is provided that at least two-dimensional areas of individual Components of the thumb orthosis filigree recesses or ergonomic Have formations. This is advantageous possible, the weight of the thumb orthosis significantly reduce the wearing comfort especially when Durable, improved. Furthermore gets a better ventilation reached under the thumb orthosis.

The Invention will be described below with reference to the drawings of exemplary embodiments the thumb orthosis explained. Show it

1 the inventive thumb orthosis in the intended carrying position on the thumb;

2 a perspective top view of the inventive thumb orthosis;

3 a side view of the thumb orthosis according to 2 with two hinged sections and joint means in the closed state.

1 shows the inventive thumb orthosis 1 in the intended carrying position on the thumb 2 , The thumb orthosis 1 has an upper ring hoop 3 , a lower ring hoop 4 as well as a jetty 5 on. As in 2 Visible forms the footbridge 5 with each of the two ring straps 3 . 4 an annular opening 6 . 7 through which the thumb 2 when putting on the thumb orthosis 1 can be inserted one after the other. The ring hoops 3 . 4 lie in the in 1 illustrated, applied state of the orthosis on the Au ßenfläche 8th of the thumb 2 , which is the palm of the hand 9 is assigned while the bridge 5 on the opposite inner surface 10 of the thumb 2 which is the palm of your hand 11 assigned. The jetty 5 is in 1 from the thumb 2 hidden and therefore not visible.

The thumb orthosis 1 sits by the interaction of the two ring hoops 3 . 4 on the outside surface 8th with the jetty 5 on the inner surface 10 of the thumb 2 in the carrying position. The carrying position is thereby by the end position of the web 5 in the crook of the thumb 2 between hand 12 and thumbs 2 at the base of the thumb 13 established.

The thumb orthosis 1 is in the carrying position thus at the thumb base joint 13 fixed, with the two ring hoops 3 . 4 a joint mount 14 form the the thumb ground joint 13 on the outside surface 8th of the thumb 2 includes. The thumb ground joint 13 thus remains at an inward to the inner surface 10 of the thumb 2 directed flexion freely and completely mobile. Outward, the buckling of the thumb base joint 13 forming limbs by the rigid arrangement of the ring hoop 3 . 4 in relation to the bridge 5 prevents between which the thumb 2 rests.

Advantageously, with the thumb orthosis 1 thus a supporting function of the thumb basic joint 13 guaranteed without the Thumb orthosis 1 from the thumb ground joint 13 and therefore also from the thumb 2 can slip, which can be dispensed with fastening straps.

A particular advantage of the invention is that the entire hand 12 graspable remains. Here are the the thumb base joint 13 forming limbs by the rigid arrangement of the ring hoop 3 . 4 held in a slight bend, so that when gripping the hand 12 the at the thumb saddle joint 15 effective force angle always remains sufficiently small and thus the thumb saddle joint 15 forming limbs e remain in a slight bend. This is the thumb saddle joint 15 stabilized.

The supporting function of the thumb orthosis 1 at the thumb saddle joint 15 is by a on the lower ring hoop 3 trained support surface 16 supported. The support surface 16 extends as integrally formed broadening of the lower ring hoop 4 on the outside surface 8th of the thumb 2 in the direction of the thumb saddle joint 15 and is with a concave curvature to the ergonomics of the hand 12 customized.

The freedom of movement of the thumb 2 will continue through the joint 14 ensures which an evasion of the thumb base joint 13 when bending allows.

In 2 is a thumb orthosis 1 shown in a perspective top view, whereby the arrangement of the web 5 in relation to the ring straps 3 . 4 is clarified. The upper ring hoop 3 forms with the footbridge 5 an upper opening 6 and with the lower ring hoop 4 a lower opening 7 , The lower ring hoop 4 is to the support surface 16 widened trained.

On the thumb orthosis 1 is the jetty 5 between the upper ring hoop 3 and the lower ring hoop 4 as integrated support rail 19 educated. These are the ring hoops 3 . 4 on the body side of the thumb 2 around the thumb base joint 13 widened trained. The thumb ground joint 13 is thus additionally held when gripping the hand in the movement or diffraction plane. The movement or flexion plane is defined by the articular axis of the thumb base joint 13 set and is in the 2 not shown.

When putting on the thumb orthosis 1 becomes the thumb 2 first in the lower opening 7 between jetty 5 and lower ring hoop 4 pushed in and pushed on with a slight bend. The thumb tip happens 20 as well as the thumb end joint 21 the joint mount 14 and will be below from inside through the top opening 6 between jetty 5 and upper ring hoops 3 from the thumb orthosis 1 pushed out. The thumb ground joint 13 is doing in the joint socket 14 introduced, so the bridge 5 on the inner surface 10 of the metacarpophalangeal joint 13 gets into a stable position. This is the upper ring hoop 3 below or on the thumb end joint 21 , Above is in connection with the inventive thumb orthosis 1 always used in the sense of distal (distal) and below in the sense of the body (proximal).

The illustrated thumb orthosis 1 is integrally formed and the above-described components of the ring hoop 3 . 4 , the support rail 19 and the bridge 5 integrated. So that the wearing comfort is ensured, it is provided that at least two-dimensional areas of individual components of the thumb orthosis 1 filigree recesses 22 exhibit. These can also be designed as ergonomic formations on the surfaces.

The illustrated thumb orthosis 1 has recesses 22 on the integrated support surface 16 , which are distributed to the support rail 19 , Alternatively or additionally, it is possible that the recesses 22 also on the support rail 19 are arranged. The arrangement can be chosen arbitrarily. In particular, can be through the arrangement of the recesses 22 realize in an advantageous manner design effect according to the current aesthetic vocabulary. The recesses 22 have the advantage that the covered areas of the skin 23 when worn, especially in the areas of the support surface 16 and the support rail 19 remain ventilated. Thus, the thumb orthosis 1 be worn in normal household and professional use, working with dirt and liquids without problems remains possible. The hand 12 can without removing the thumb orthosis 1 be washed, with dirt accumulation between skin 23 and the inner surface 24 the thumb orthosis 1 through the recesses 22 largely omitted. Rather, water flows through the recesses 22 between the thumb orthosis and the skin 23 and, if necessary, removes dirt and impurities.

Furthermore, this area, which can not be adequately accessed by a towel, dries through with the recesses 22 achieved ventilation quickly. Advantageously, the area between skin remains 23 and the inner surface 24 the thumb orthosis 1 thus hygienic.

Even greasing hands 12 stays with the thumb orthosis on 1 according to the invention easily possible because hand cosmetics by the joint socket 14 as well as the recesses 22 to the skin 23 can reach and under the thumb orthosis easily defies the usual hand motor skills len.

The thumb orthosis 1 is also easy to clean hygienically clean after use due to the open design.

3 shows a side view of the thumb orthosis 1 according to 2 with two hinged sections 25 . 26 , The illustrated thumb orthosis 1 has a hinge axis perpendicular to the insertion direction (arrow A) of the thumb 2 on.

The cuts 25 . 26 have jointing agents 27 on and are shown in the closed state. The joint means 27 include on each side of the joint mount 14 a usual jewelry on hinge connection 27 , Also on each side of the joint 14 is a corresponding clasp 28 arranged to the thumb orthosis 1 to keep in the closed state.

The thumb orthosis 1 is after opening the Close 28 hinged, with the top and bottom openings 6 . 7 can be arranged largely parallel to each other. Thus, the thumb orthosis 1 in a simple way even with a morbidly curved thumb 2 (90/90 thumb, shoemaker thumb) can be applied and worn without the need for painful forced movements. It remains without Be long for the advantages achieved by the invention, whether the bridge 5 now with the upper part 25 or with the lower part 26 is integrally connected.

Alternative (not shown) embodiments of the hinged thumb orthosis 1 can be provided by that thumb orthosis 1 along the insertion direction of the thumb 2 in two parts 25 . 26 split and unfoldable. This can be the clasp 28 right on the jetty 5 be arranged and the joint means 27 on top of the ring straps 3 . 4 or vice versa, at least one joint agent 27 at the jetty 5 , and the closing 28 on top of the respective ring straps 3 . 4 ,

The cuts 25 . 26 the thumb orthosis 1 are opened like two wings and the thumb 1 inserted. Subsequently, the cuts can 25 . 26 folded again and closed 28 be arrested.

Another alternative encompassed by the invention is provided by the web 5 is designed hinged, for example, the bridge 5 with joint agent 27 and closing 28 is provided.

The advantage here is that even thumb 2 with pathological stiffening in the thumb orthosis according to the invention 1 can be included. Thus, it is possible to support the thumb on the one hand and on the other hand to improve the musculoskeletal system. The variety of movements of the thumb 2 in the thumb orthosis it allows the thumb 2 either supported or thumb supported 2 in spite of a given limited thumb motor in the usual handles supported mitzubewegen, whereby an improvement in mobility and a reduction of the stiffening can be achieved.

The invention also includes that the thumb orthosis or at least individual components of the thumb orthosis made of plastic, metal, ceramic material or composite material. It can be used for the thumb orthosis 1 Materials according to functional properties, such as durable optical durability, chemical or physical (light, temperature) resistance; Weight as well as cleanability and handling are used. But it is also possible to select materials from an aesthetic point of view. Combinations of materials can thereby produce advantageous synergies of the effects, which are also included in the invention. Preferably, noble metal alloys such as gold or silver alloys are used.

With the thumb orthosis according to the invention 1 will reach that thumb 2 can remain in a physiological position during wearing. It is especially avoided that the thumb 2 is kept unnatural and forcibly splayed, which would be associated with significant limitations of the ability to move. Thus, the possibilities of movement of the thumb remain 2 preserved, leaving the muscles of the thumb 2 is further demanded and a counterproductive muscle loss can be avoided.

When wearing the thumb orthosis according to the invention 1 is a permanent stabilization of the thumb 2 and relieves diseased joints. It can be dispensed according to the invention on disturbing tape fasteners.

1

Thumb orthosis

2

thumb

3

upper ring bracket

4

lower ring bracket

5

web

6

upper annular opening

7

lower annular opening

8th

Outside surface of the thumb

9

Hand outer surface

10

Inner surface of the thumb

11

Palm

12

hand

13

Metacarpophalangeal joint

14

joint border

15

Carpometacarpal joint

16

support surface

19

integrated support rail

20

thumb tip

21

Daumenendgelenk

22

recesses

23

skin

24

Inner surface of the orthosis

25

upper section

26

lower section

27

Hinge connection / pivot means

28

clasp

arrow A

insertion direction of the thumb

Claims (9)

Thumb orthosis with one upper and one lower ring bracket and a bridge, wherein the bridge with each of the two ring hoops one annular opening to introduction of the thumb and the thumb orthosis by the interaction both ring straps assigned to the palm of the hand Outside surface of the Thumb with the bridge on the palm of the inner surface associated with the Thumb can be fixed in an end position on the metacarpophalangeal joint, wherein both ring straps one Form the joint surround, which encloses the thumb ground joint on the palm of the hand. Thumb orthosis according to claim 1, characterized in that that the lower ring hoop has a running out to the thumb saddle joint support surface. Thumb orthosis according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the web at least partially between the upper ring hoop and the lower ring hoop as widened integrated support rail is trained. Thumb orthosis according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the thumb orthosis formed integrally is. Thumb orthosis according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the thumb orthosis by joint means on a ring hoop hinged in the area of the bridge and closed by closing Condition are lockable. Thumb orthosis according to claim 5, characterized in that that the bridge is in one piece with at least one ring hoop is connected, preferably with the upper ring hoop. Thumb orthosis according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the annular hoop to ensure the one-sided Thumb mobility are thumb open on the inside. Thumb orthosis according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the thumb orthosis or at least individual components of the thumb orthosis made of plastic, metal, ceramic material or composite material consist. Thumb orthosis according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least two-dimensional areas of individual Components of the thumb orthosis filigree recesses or ergonomic Have formations.