FR2655538A1 - Articulated and sliding support for paralysis of the upper limb - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device providing improved comfort and protection for the paralysed upper limbs. It consists of a forearm support (1) articulated about a vertical axis (4) at the level of the elbow, a device supporting the humerus (3), a support (6) permitting the downward inclination of the hand, a system (5) providing for an effortless anteroposterior displacement of the arm rest, the whole system being coupled to a traction element (7) providing for the advance movement of the forearm support when the latter is pushed down. The device according to the invention is intended more particularly for protecting the paralysed shoulders of patients in wheelchairs.

Description

 The present invention relates to a movable armrest intended to provide good support for paralyzed upper limbs in people forced to remain in a chair.

 This device provides protection for the shoulders of these patients.

 Traditionally, the paralyzed upper limbs are installed, when the patient is in a chair, either on various cushions or on fixed armrests. This leads to ligament tightness, pain, or even complications (algodystrophy of the shoulder ...), because, during the day the patient will have to move, while his arm, on his fixed support, will not follow his displacements. The shoulder X-ray then conventionally shows an antero-inferior subluxation of the humeral head.

 The device according to the invention overcomes this drawback. It has a padded support carrying the forearm, sliding freely for example on a device with ball bearings or rollers. The upper limb is placed in an antepulsion with or without slight abduction. The simple bending of the trunk forward by pivot around the subject's hips will automatically cause the forearm support to move forward, keeping the shoulder well centered, avoiding tightness.

According to particular embodiments:
- the humerus can be supported from bottom to top * by cushions * by a horizontally articulated support mounted on a rap
elastic pel or counterweight lifting this support.

* this support can also be articulated around a worm axis
tical to better follow all the movements of the humerus.

-The padded support can be hinged at the elbow
along a vertical axis, which allows to orient the front
arms in a comfortable position. The global displacement,
on the slides, remains anteroposterior.

-The armrest can be fixed by screws, clips, etc ..., or
clipped by a molded part simultaneously ensuring the fix
ation and lateral stability of the device.

-Between the slide device and the fixing clip,
we can interpose a plate allowing to make a die
anti-edema cleavage, or any other device for adjusting
the tilt. It is then necessary to provide a
elastic traction which drives the upper part towards
the front, and a rear stop to avoid the elbow from
slide out of the holder.

-In case the patient moves a lot laterally, a system allowing a lateral displacement of the support of the same type as that allowing anteroposterior displacement can be added.

-The hand can be stabilized either by wedges, or placed on a vertical or horizontal cylinder or any other method of fixing the hand (velcro. ..)
Figure 1 explains the principle of automatic operation.
only support
Figure 2 illustrates the most common model of this in
vention.

 Figures 3 and 4 illustrate variants.

With reference to these drawings, the device according to the invention comprises a forearm support 1 provided with lateral stops 2 and with a rear stop 3 for the elbow. A vertical axis of rotation 4 at the elbow allows the orientation of the support relative to the device 5 sliding from front to back. A plate 6 allowing a certain slope of the upper limb being added, an elastic traction 7 is in this case necessary to ensure automatic sliding of the forearm support during patient movements
A fastening piece 8 clips everything onto the chair
According to FIG. 3, the horizontal support 1 comprises two lateral stops 2 and a gutter 9 humerus support articulated along a horizontal axis 10. A spring or any other reminder raises this gutter. A vertical axis of rotation 4 leaves the humerus to move freely. The displacement of the support being here horizontal, the elastic return 7 at the level of the sliding plane is optional in this case
According to another variant in FIG. 4, the support comprises two shims for the forearm 2, a rear stop 3 and a cylindrical stop 11 for placing the hand vertically. According to a variant not shown, this stop can be horizontal
The device according to the invention is particularly intended for supporting the wheelchair of paralyzed upper limbs.

Claims (4)

CLAIMS. - 1 - Armrest to support the paralyzed upper limbs characterized in that it includes a support for the humerus, a support for the forearm, articulated in rotation from the outside inwards around a vertical axis located at the level of the elbow, moving freely and automatically by the sole movement of the patient's body or assisted by a reminder, and clipped to the chair by a piece ensuring stability and fixation.  - 2 - Device according to claim -1-, characterized in that the support of the humerus consists of a gutter articulated from top to bottom around a horizontal axis located at the elbow. This support is lifted by a spring or any other system. This gutter is further articulated along a vertical axis at the elbow. - 3 - Device according to claim -1-, characterized in that the humeral support is constituted by a simple padding serving incidentally as rear stop for the elbow. - 4 - Device according to preceding claims, characterized in that an intermediate piece between the slides and the chair attachment system allows to give a certain slope to the paralyzed upper limb. In this case, an elastic traction is necessary to ensure the recall of the forearm support forwards.