GB2253565A

GB2253565A - A limb support

Info

Publication number: GB2253565A
Application number: GB9204519A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Owen John Rich-Bowles
Original assignee: RICH BOWLES OWEN JOHN
Current assignee: RICH BOWLES OWEN JOHN
Priority date: 1991-03-13
Filing date: 1992-03-02
Publication date: 1992-09-16
Also published as: GB9204519D0

Abstract

A limb support that can serve as an aid during surgery, during the performance of physiotherapeutic exercises, or as a splint comprises two elongate gutter-shaped splint formations 12, 14 hinged to one another end-to-end. The support is supportable upon a support surface in a configuration in which the two splint formations can support, for example, the respective leg segments of a person's leg on opposite sides of the knee joint, thus facilitating a hip or knee operation. The support can be braced by an adjustable length strap extending between the splint formations. The support may be moulded from a thermoplastic polymer, in which case the splint formations 12, 14 are connected by an integral piece 22 providing the hinge. Alternatively, the support may be of stainless steel with the splint formations connected by a stainless steel hinge. <IMAGE>

Description

A LIMB SUPPORT THIS INVENTION relates to a limb support. More particularly, the invention relates to a limb support that can serve as an aid to support a limb during certain surgical procedures performed on the limb and during the performance of certain physiotherapeutic exercises involving the limb.

A number of surgical procedures performed on limbs require the limbs to be held steady in predetermined positions. Usually, an operating surgeon requires the assistance of a separate doctor for holding the limb to be operated on in the required position, other methods including the use of rolled-up towels, sand bags, or the like, whereby a limb can be supported. The above methods are time consuming, inconvenient and often ineffective and, therefore, are not entirely satisfactory.

Physiotherapy exercise programmes involving the exercise of limbs also often require the limbs to be supported in predetermined positions. For example, strengthening exercises for the quadriceps require support beneath the knee and rolled-up towels, pillows, and the like, are commonly used for this purpose.

Because these supports easily collapse, their use are again not effective and satisfactory.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a limb support that can be effectively used for supporting a limb during at least some surgical procedures and exercise programmes of the type envisaged above.

According to the invention there is provided a limb support comprising a first elongated, gutter-shaped splint formation defining a longitudinal axis along the length thereof; a second elongated, gutter-shaped splint formation defining a longitudinal axis along the length thereof; and an interconnecting formation connecting together the said first and second splint formations end to end, the interconnecting formation permitting angular displacement of the splint formations with respect to one another about a hinge axis that is disposed transverse to the said longitudinal axes of the splint formations.

The distal ends of the first and second splint formations may define substantially linear edges that are transversely disposed with respect to the longitudinal axes of the respective splint formations, the said linear edges providing support edges for supporting the limb support on a support surface in a stable configuration with the splint formations angularly displaced with respect to one another and the interconnecting formation forming the apex of the limb support, when so supported on a support surface.

Further according to the invention, the limb support may include holding means for holding the first and second splint formations in a configuration in which the splint formations are angularly displaced with respect to one another. The holding means may be adjustable for permitting adjustment of the angular configuration between the first and second splint formations and a preferred embodiment of the invention provides for the holding means to comprise a strap that is rendered length adjustable and that is operatively engaged with the first and second splint formations near their distal ends.

Each gutter-shaped splint formation may define a base region and two substantially parallel, spaced side walls. The side walls of the splint formations may have a substantially constant height along the length thereof or, alternatively, the said side walls of the splint formations may decrease in height from the end of the splint formations that are connected, towards their opposite ends. Still further, one splint formation may be longer than the other splint formation.

Particularly, the splint formations may be shaped, profiled and dimensioned to support a predetermined limb in a position in which a predetermined surgical process can be performed thereon. As such, the exact shape, profile and dimensions of a particular limb support, in accordance with the invention, is greatly variable, while still incorporating the main features of the limb support as are herein defined.

The interconnecting formation connecting the gutter-shaped splint formations may comprise a flexible formation connecting the first and second splint formations to one another and permitting angular displacement of the first and second splint formations with respect to one another. Particularly, the interconnecting formation and the splint formations may be of a moulded synthetic material, the interconnecting formation comprising a substantially planar segment permitting the required angular displacement between the first and second splint formations.

Typically, the interconnecting formation and the splint formations are formed as an integrally moulded unit of a suitable thermoplastic polymer.

Alternatively, the interconnecting formation may comprise a hinge disposed between the first and second splint formations, connecting together the splint formations and permitting the required angular displacement between the splint formations. Particularly for the latter configuration limb support, the interconnecting formation and the first and second splint formations may be of a suitable rigid material, such as of stainless steel.

Further features of the limb support of the invention, including the mode of use thereof and the benefits thereof, are described in more detail hereinafter with reference to an example of the invention, illustrated by way of drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a limb support, in accordance with the invention; and Figure 2 shows a side view of the limb support of Figure 1.

Referring to the drawings, a limb support, in accordance with the invention, is designated generally by the reference numeral 10. The limb support 10 includes two segments, 12 and 14 respectively, each segment being in the form of an elongated, gutter-shaped splint formation defining a longitudinal axis and defining a channel formation 16 along the length thereof, the said channel formation including a base region 18 and two side walls 20.For the particular embodiment of the limb support as shown, the two segments 12 and 14 are integrally formed of a synthetic thermoplastic polymer material, a planar section, forming an interconnecting formation 22, joining the two segments 12 and 14 together and permitting angular displacement of the two segments with respect to one another about a hinge axis that is disposed transverse to the longitudinal axes defined by the said segments 12 and 14.

The distal ends 24 of the segments 12 and 14 define linear support edges that provide for the stable support of the limb support on a support surface in the configuration as shown in Figure 1. As is apparent from the drawings, the said support edges are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the said longitudinal axes defined by the segments 12 and 14, thus providing for the stable support of the limb support 10 on a support surface. Angular displacement between the segments 12 and 14 about the hinge axis as defined above, clearly will not only vary the angular configuration between the two segments but, also, the effective height of the limb support 10 when supported in the configuration as shown. Particularly, the interconnecting formation 22 forms the apex of the limb support in its operative configuration, the height of the apex being adjustable by angular displacement of the segments 12 and 14 with respect to one another.

Being formed of a synthetic plastic polymer material, the inherent flexibility of the material will permit the angular displacement between the segments 12 and 14 and in order to hold these segments in a desired angular configuration with respect to one another, an elongate strap 24 (only shown in Figure 2) is operatively engaged with the two segments near their distal ends, the effective length of the strap 24 being adjustable by a buckle-type fastener 26, so that the segments 12 and 14 can thereby be held in any desired angular configuration with respect to one another. Clearly, the strap 24 merely provides one possible form of holding means for holding the segments 12 and 14 in different angular configurations with respect to one another, various other means also being envisaged, that can fulfil the same purpose.For example, a different strap configuration may utilize VELCRO strips to provide for the required length adjustment of the strap.

The limb support 10 is particularly designed and adapted for supporting predetermined limbs of a person during, for example, surgical procedures, the limb support 10 permitting support of limbs in a predetermined angular and/or height and/or bent configuration, as may be required for the particular surgical procedure to be performed. When supporting, for example, the leg of a person, the interconnection formation 22 between the segments #12 and 14 will support the knee joint, whereas the segments 12 and 14 will support adjacent leg portions, i.e.

the thigh and the calf. Clearly, the cross-sectional profile of the segments 12 and 14 may be adapted particularly to support predetermined limbs, although it is also anticipated that one particular support can provide for support of a number of different limbs of a person. The typical function of the limb support is to support and improve the stability of a limb, i.e. a leg, hip, knee or ankle, an arm, elbow, shoulder or wrist, or the like, in a required bent position or at a required angle and/or height during surgical procedures. It is anticipated that use of the limb support can eliminate the usual use of an assisting doctor for holding the limb in a suitably steady and stable position for a surgical procedure to be performed.

Support and steadying a limb by using an assisting doctor is costly, time consuming and tedious for the assisting doctor and not completely satisfactory for purposes of tissue and muscle alignment.

The limb support itself clearly will assist with the correct positioning of a limb in preparation for surgery, while supporting the limb in a desired angular orientation and/or bent configuration during surgical procedures. At the end of surgical procedures the limb support will provide for better alignment of tissue and muscles to facilitate final suturing of a wound. Clearly, it also maintains a limb in a steady position during actual suturing.

As mentioned above, the limb support 10 also can be used post-operatively by the patient by placing the limb support under the limb for constant support. Also, the support can be used during an exercise programme designed to rehabilitate or strengthen quadriceps, and other muscles, where leverage of one part of the limb is required, and for other treatment procedures of limbs in order to support limbs in required configurations for treatment and recovery purposes.

The limb support 10 as described is of a synthetic material and, typically, a thermoplastic polymer, the particular polymer used preferably being suitable for sterilization within an autoclave, or the like. Alternatively, the material used for the support will be of a type that will permit sterilization by means of Gamma irradiation.

Polymers of the type envisaged are easy to use and can be easily formed into the required configuration of the limb support by a suitable injection moulding or vacuum moulding process. Also, the support so manufactured is light weight, which also facilitates use post operatively by patients.

However, it is also anticipated that the limb support of the invention can be manufactured of a rigid material such as of stainless steel which, once again, can be suitable for sterilization in an autoclave, or the like. It is anticipated that stainless steel limb supports will be more suitable in hospitals where they can be re-used, such limb supports not being particularly suitable otherwise because they will be very expensive and relatively difficult to form and use. Also, post operatively, such limb supports will not be sufficiently manoeuvrable by a patient to render them useful.

Stainless steel limb supports typically will be manufactured of two separate segments that are the equivalent of the segments 12 and 14 as described above, whereas the connecting formation will be in the form of a suitable hinge that can be secured to the two separate segments, the hinge fulfilling the purpose of the connecting formation 22 as described above. The exact configuration of a stainless steel limb support can be easily envisaged and is not described in further detail herein.

It is anticipated further that the limb support can be provided as a replacement for a conventional plaster cast or splint in certain circumstances, for which configuration suitable means can be provided for tying the limb support to the limb of a person in a required configuration.

The exact design of the limb support of the invention is greatly variable, the overall design being such that particular surgical procedures or other forms of treatment are accommodated. For example, for the configuration shown, one segment 12 is shorter than the other segment 14, the lengths of the segments being greatly variable and being determined by particular requirements of use of the limb support. Also, and as shown in the drawings, the side walls 20 of the segments 12 2 and 14 decrease in height from one end to the other, the degree of taper of the side walls being greatly variable and being determined particularly by the surgical processes to be performed in conjunction with a particular limb support. The design of the limb support 10 as described also can vary in various other respects.

Claims

1. A limb support comprising a first elongated, gutter-shaped splint formation defining a longitudinal axis along the length thereof; a second elongated, gutter-shaped splint formation defining a longitudinal axis along the length thereof; and an interconnecting formation connecting together the said first and second splint formations end to end, the interconnecting formation permitting angular displacement of the splint formations with respect to one another about a hinge axis that is disposed transverse to the said longitudinal axes of the splint formations.

2. A limb support as claimed in Claim 1, in which the distal ends of the first and second splint formations define substantially linear edges that are transversely disposed with respect to the longitudinal axes of the respective splint formations, the said linear edges providing support edges for supporting the limb support on a support surface in a stable configuration with the splint formations angularly displaced with respect to one another and the interconnecting formation forming the apex of the limb support when so supported on a support surface.

3. A limb support as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, which includes holding means for holding the first and second splint formations in a configuration in which the splint formations are angularly displaced with respect to one another.

4. A limb support as claimed in Claim 3, in which the holding means is adjustable for permitting adjustment of the angular configuration between the first and second splint formations.

5. A limb support as claimed in Claim 3 or Claim 4, in which the holding means comprises a strap that is rendered length adjustable and that is operatively engaged with the first and second splint formations near their distal ends.

6. A limb support as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which each gutter-shaped splint formation defines a base region and two substantially parallel, spaced side walls.

7. A limb support as claimed in Claim 6, in which the side walls of the splint formations have a substantially constant height along the length thereof.

8. A limb support as claimed in Claim 6, in which the side walls of the splint formations decrease in height from the end of the splint formations that are connected, towards their opposite ends.

9. A limb support as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which one splint formation is longer than the other splint formation.

10. A limb support as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the splint formations are shaped, profiled and dimensioned to support a predetermined limb in a position in which a predetermined surgical process can be performed thereon.

11. A limb support as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the interconnecting formation comprises a flexible formation connecting the first and second splint formations to one another and permitting angular displacement of the first and second splint formations with respect to one another.

12. A limb support as claimed in Claim 11, in which the interconnecting formation and the splint formations are of a moulded synthetic material, the interconnecting formation comprising a substantially planar segment permitting the required angular displacement between the first and second splint formations.

13. A limb support as claimed in Claim 12, in which the interconnecting formation and the splint formations are formed as an integrally moulded unit of a suitable thermoplastic polymer.

14. A limb support as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 10, in which the inter connecting formation comprises a hinge disposed between the first and second splint formations, connecting together the splint formations and permitting the required angular displacement between the splint formations.

15. A limb support as claimed in Claim 14, in which the interconnecting formation and the first and second splint formations are of stainless steel.

16. A limb support substantially as described in the specification with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.