GB2174604A - Body support - Google Patents

Abstract

A body support (11) is provided for retaining a baby (10) in the human position for treatment of a congenital dislocation of the hip. The body support (11) is moulded in a non-toxic thermoplastics material in two parts (12,13) to the correct shape for retaining the baby's legs in the required position. Spaced along each joint (15) between the parts (12,13) are securing means (14) comprising a boss (16) on each part (12,13) and a self-locking device (19). One form of self-locking device (19) comprises a strap (18) with one end secured to a body part (20) and the other end having saw-tooth formations (21) thereon which are received in a recess (22) in the body part (20). The strap (18) passes through apertures (17) in the bosses (16) and is secured, and can only be removed by damaging part of the self-locking device (19) and/or the bosses (16) so that such removal is readily detectable. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Body support This invention relates to body supports or splints and in particular to body supports or splints for supporting part of a human body which is subject to a deformity whilst maintaining that part in the correct position in order that the deformity may be rectified. The invention has particular application in relation to a hip spica for the treatment of congenital dislocation of the hip.

It is known that a significant proportion of newly born babies have a congenital dislocation of the hip disorder. In order to rectify this disorder it has been customary to place the baby in a position in which the spine and limbs are in the correct relative disposition, known as the "human" position, and to put a plaster cast on the baby whilst it is in this position. The baby's body must be supported in the correct human position for up to six months in order that the disorder is rectified, and since the baby grows to a significant extent during such period, it is necessary to replace the cast several times to accommodate such growth. This is a time consuming and costly operation, since it must be performed by highly skilled people so as not to negate the benefit derived from the previous period of support.In addition such a cast is very heavy in relation to the weight of a baby, and therefore uncomfortable in use.

To overcome this latter problem it has been proposed to make the splints of materials other than plaster of paris, but such splints do not overcome the other previously mentioned problems. It has also been proposed to bandage the baby with an impregnated bandage which cures or sets. However it is difficult to ensure that the baby's limbs are in the requisite position during bandaging and are maintained in the correct position during the setting period.

Because of the discomfort to which a patient is subjected whilst wearing a splint, it is known for such splints, bandages and/or other medical appliances to be removed, if it is possible so to do, and subsequently be replaced, in an attempt to relieve the patient's distress for a short while, with the intention that such removal should occur without the knowledge of the doctor concerned. However such removal often negates the benefit derived from the wearing of the splint or the like, and the problem for which the splint or the like was applied is not remedied, or the remedy progresses at a slower rate than should be the case. The doctor may suspect, but not know, the reason for the lack of successful treatment.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a body support which avoids the aforementioned disadvantages or is subject thereto to a substantially reduced extent.

The invention provides a body support which is moulded to the correct shape of a part of the human body, said support being formed in at least two separable portions and said portions being secured to each other by securing means adapted to allow separation of said portions only by means of permanent deformation of said securing means.

Since the parts of the body support are moulded to the correct body shape, they may be readily fitted to the patient by unskilled or semi-skilled persons. In consequence the original fitting and the changing of the body support for a larger one as the patient grows, are simple, quick and inexpensive operations. Also since the parts of the body support are moulded to the correct body shape, the problems and difficulties associated with the placing of the relevant part of the body in the correct position and maintaining the body part in that correct position whilst a cast or bandage sets, are avoided. In addition, should the body support be removed for any reason the doctor will be aware that removal has occurred, since the securing means will be absent, or if present will be ineffective, and/or recognisably deformed.In consequence such removal is less likely to occur, to the benefit of the patient.

Embodiments of body support in accordance with the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a view from above of a baby wearing a body support in accordance with the invention, Fig. 2 shows diagrammatically the angles at which the limbs of the baby are relatively disposed when constrained by the body support of Fig. 1 in the human position, Figs. 3 to 5 are sectional views of alternative forms of securing means for the body support of Fig. 1.

Referring now to Fig. 1 there is shown a baby 10 such as may have a congenital dislocation of the hip. To remedy such a disorder a body support 11 is placed on the baby 10, enclosing the lower trunk and substantially all of the legs, at least to mid-calf. The body support 11 is formed of two parts 12,13, each of which is moulded to the correct shape for retaining the baby's legs in the position shown. The baby 10 is placed in the rear support part 13, so that its legs are restrained in the correct position and then the front part 12 is placed in position. The two support parts 12,13 are then secured to each other by the securing means 14 of which there are several disposed along the joints 15 between the two support parts 12,13. In the embodiment shown there is one joint 15 extending up the inside of a leg, across the crotch and down the inside of the other leg.There are also two joints 15, each extending up the out side of a leg and of the lower trunk. Provided that the parts of the support 11 are shaped such that when they are secured to each other they form a complete body support having the correct configuration as shown in Fig.

1, the joints 15 may be provided at any suitable locations. Furthermore, the body support 11 may be formed of more than two separable parts if desired. An aperture (not shown) is provided in the support 11 in the region of the perineum for sanitation purposes.

It is current belief that the most suitable position for rectifying a congenital dislocation of the hip is the human position shown in Fig.

2. In this position the lower limbs are abducted to an angle of substantially 60 , and flexed at both hip and knee to angles of substantially 1200, whereby the calves are substantially parallel with the trunk; and angles a and ss in Fig. 2 are 600 and 300 respectively.

Referring now to Fig. 3 there is shown a part of a body support, in particular a region of the joint 15 between the front 12 and rear 13 parts thereof. At intervals along the joint 15 are securing means 14, one of which is shown in section. The securing means 14 comprises a pair of bosses 16, one being formed on each part 12, 13. The bosses 16 have aligned apertures 17 through which a strap 18 of a self-locking device 19 is passed.

The self-locking device 19 comprises the aforementioned strap 18 and a body part 20 to which one end of strap 18 is secured. The other end of strap 18 has saw-tooth shaped projections 21 provided on opposed sides thereof and may be inserted, after insertion through the apertures 17 in bosses 16, in a recess 22 provided in the body part 20.

Apertures 23 are provided in the walls of the body part 20 communicating with the recess 22, into which apertures 23 the projections 21 are forced on insertion of the end of strap 18 into the recess 22. Because of the sawtooth formation of the projections 21 the strap 18 cannot readily be removed from the body part 20 without destruction of the strap 18 or body part 20. In consequence if removal of the selflocking device 19 is effected in order that the body support 10 can be taken off the patient then it will be apparent to a doctor that such removal has occurred.

In Fig. 4 there is shown an alternative embodiment of self-locking device 19. In this case the device 19 comprises a "bolt" 24 having saw-tooth formations 21 thereon which cooperate with similar formations 25 provided in a recess 26 provided in one of the bosses 16. The other boss 16 has an aperture 17 having an enlarged end 27 to accommodate the "head" 28 of "bolt" 24. As with the previous embodiment insertion of the selflocking device 19 is relatively readily effected but removal thereof without destruction of some part of the device 19 or the bosses 16 is impossible or very difficult and consequently detectable.

In the embodiment of Fig. 5 a tongue 29 is provided on one part 12 of the body support 10, and a recess 30 is provided in a boss 16 on the other part 13 of the body support 10.

As in the previous embodiment saw-tooth shaped formations 21,25 are provided on the tongue 29 and recess 30 so that the body parts 12,13 are readily joined but not readily separated. As an alternative to the formations 25 in the recess 30, apertures, corresponding with those 23 provided in the embodiment of Fig. 3, may be provided. The embodiment of Fig. 5 is particularly suited to a body support 10 which is cheap to manufacture and is regarded as disposable, whereas in the case of re-usable body supports, securing means of the types shown in Figs. 3 and 4 are more suitable.

The body support 10 is preferably moulded of a non-toxic thermoplastics material so that it is relatively light by comparison with splints made of plaster. However the support 10 is as effective as previously known splints and cheaper to produce and fit, thereby leading to savings in costs in relation to time spent by highly qualified persons and to the running of operating theatres. Such a support will be durable, i.e. will last at least as long as is required for use, in relation to a particular patient, and may be cheap enough to be disposable if removed before or when the treatment is completed. The support is also medically safe if made from a non-toxic plastics material, and, provided that the dimensions of the securing means are kept to a minimum, aesthetically acceptable whilst providing a "parent-proof" support. Since the support can be moulded from a patient whilst restrained in the correct position, the invention provides a good-fitting support which fulfills the criteria of relative angles of trunk and limbs, preventing internal/external rotation thereof. The self-locking devices described herein, also preferably being of a plastics material, are very cheap and disposable, and may readily be removed by the doctor by simply cutting through them.

No other equipment is needed for assembly or removal of the body support.

Claims (16)

1. A body support which is moulded to the correct shape of a human body, said support being formed in at least two separable portions, and securing means adapted to secure said two portions together and to allow separation of said portions only by means of permanent deformation of said securing means.

2. A body support according to claim 1 comprising a first portion moulded to the shape of the rear of a human body and a second portion moulded to the shape of the front of a human body.

3. A body support according to claim 1 or claim 2 moulded to the shape of the legs and lower trunk of a human body.

4. A body support according to claim 3 having an aperture therein in the region in use of a person's perineum.

5. A body support according to claim 3 or claim 4 wherein that part of said support which is moulded to the shape of the lower limbs are abducted to an angle of substantially 600.

6. A body support according to claim 5 wherein that part of said support which is moulded to the shape of the lower limbs is flexed at the regions in use of a person's hip and knee to angles of substantially 120 .

7. A body support according to claim 6 wherein those parts of said support which are moulded to the shape of the calves is substantially parallel with that part which is moulded to the shape of the lower trunk.

8. A body support according to any one of claims 1 to 7 comprising a plurality of securing devices in spaced disposition along a or each joint formed between said portions.

9. A body support according to claim 8 wherein each securing device comprises a pair of bosses, one being formed on each portion forming a joint, and a self-locking device passing through said bosses.

10. A body support according to claim 9 wherein said self-locking device comprises a strap and a body part to which one end of said strap is secured, the other end of said strap having saw-tooth shaped projections thereon and said body part having a recess therein adapted to receive said other end of said strap.

11. A body support according to claim 10 wherein said body part has a plurality of apertures which communicate with said recess to receive said saw-tooth projections therein.

12. A body support according to claim 9 wherein said self-locking device comprises a bolt-like member having saw-tooth formations thereon, one of said bosses having a recess therein and said recess having saw tooth formations therein adapted to cooperate with said formations on said bolt-like member, and the other of said bosses having an aperture therethrough adapted to receive said bolt-like member.

13. A body support according to claim 12 wherein said aperture has an enlarged end adapted to receive a head part of said boltlike member.

14. A body support according to claim 8 wherein each securing device comprises a pair of bosses, one being formed on each portion forming a joint, one of said bosses comprising a tongue and the other of said bosses having a a recess therein adapted to receive said tongue, said tongue and said recess having cooperating sawtooth formations thereon.

15. A body support according to any one of claims 1 to 14 of a non-toxic thermoplastics material.

16. A body support substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Fig. 1 and any one of Figs. 3 to 5.