GB2509800A

GB2509800A - A splint comprising adjustable collar means

Info

Publication number: GB2509800A
Application number: GB1311599.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: George Edward Torrens
Original assignee: Loughborough University
Current assignee: Loughborough University
Priority date: 2013-01-15
Filing date: 2013-06-28
Publication date: 2014-07-16
Anticipated expiration: 2033-06-28
Also published as: GB2509779B; WO2014111680A3; GB201311599D0; GB2509779A; GB2509800B; WO2014111680A2; GB201300713D0

Abstract

A splint for the stabilisation of limb fractures comprising a spine 12, location means (Figure 1, 13) adapted to locate the spine 12 in alignment with a limb, and an adjustable collar 14, 24, 34. The collar 14, 24, 34 is located on the spine 12 and is adapted to exert pressure on the limb, capable of being applied and adjusted by a clinician. The splint is adapted to be used in conjunction with a base unit 51, to which it may be clamped for application and adjustment. The base unit may comprise a base plate 52 and sliding carriages 53, which have posts 55 that correspond to recesses in the undersides of the collars 14, 24. Posts 55 are provided on collar 34. Pressure indicators may give a visible indication of the pressure exerted on the limb, enabling adjustment to avoid excess pressure or looseness. Preferably a plurality of adjustable collars 14, 24, 34 is provided on the spine. Each collar 14, 24, 34 may be lockable to prevent tampering.

Description

Splint This invenlion relates to spUnk br ihe slahilisation of limb fraciures.

IJS6 197800 discloses a splint, particularly for holding a Colles fracture of the Tist in reduction, compnsing firsi and second collars pivolally supported on a body member and adjustable so as to adjust the internal dimensions of the splint Spaced resilient pads are provided internally so as to exert pressure on the limb held in the splint while allowing vascular flow. Pressure scnsors, such as electronic scnsors, diaphragms and liquid rcservoirs exprcssing liquid into a visible chambcr can warn of undesircd pressure build-up so thai the splini may he adjusled.

The prcsent invention provides further improved splint arrangcments. I5

The invention comprises, in one aspect, a splint for the stabilisation of limb fractures, comprising a spine, location means adapted to locate the spinc in alignment with a limb, and collar means on and adjusiable along the spine adapted In surround and exerl adjustable pressure on the limb at the fracture site, adapted to he used in coniunction with a base unit, to which it may be clamped for application and adjustmcnt of the splint.

Pressure may be applied through a pad comprising the skin-splint interface at the fracture site. The pad may contact a spring anangement that moves a pointer to indicate the pressure. The spring arrangement may comprise a bowed leaf spring thai fialiens under pressure and has a bixed end and a free end that determines the position of a pointer depending on the degree of flattening.

The pointer may indicate a pressure in a range centred on a pressure equivalent to 28mm JIg, which corresponds to a pressure at which blood flow will not he undesirably restricted.

The pressure indicator may he used to adjust the collar during application of the splint and to indicate the need for tightening or relaxing as healing progresses. Swelling may reduce, br example, so that the Fracture will not he stahilised properly. Swelling, on the other hand, may increase, restricting blood flow.

Desirably, the coflar maybe locked so as to preclude tampering, releasable by means of a key available to the clinician. The pressure indication may, however, be visible to the patient alerting to the need to have the splint adjusted.

The pad may comprise a textile material, and the splint including the pad may be made of such material that it can he immersed in waler and will dry oil rapidly, permitting bathing or showering.

The invention comprises, in another aspect, a splint For the stahilisation of limb Fractures comprising a spine, location means adapted to locate the spine in alignment with a limb, and a firsi adjustable collar on Ihe spine adapted Lu immohilise and exerl pressure at the fracture site, in which said location means comprise a second adiustable collar on the spine adaptcd to hold the spinc to thc limb.

At least one of the collars may he adiustable lengthways of the spine. The collar or collars may bc slidablc along thc spine, which may comprisc a ratchet into which a pawl oF Ihe collar sits releasably For locking. The paw] may he released by a key.

A third adiustable collar may he provided, which may serve to prevent the splint moving distally along a limb. For a Colles fracturc splint, thc third collar may comprisc a hand support carriagc, which may bc locatcd adjaccnt thc first collar, rcmotc from thc sccond collar, and which may he fixed to Ihe spine. The spine may he curved heiween ihe list and third collars correspondingly to the shape of the arm. Right arm and left arm splints will bc diffcrcnt of coursc.

IS

The collars may be in the form of straps. The straps may locate in slots and he lockable thcrcin by a ratchet mechanism, the straps having ratchct perforations that can bc slid over a sprung deLenL on ihe spine on LighLening, hut held thereby against relraclion. The sprung detent may he released for adjustment or removal of the straps.

The base unit may comprise a base plate wiLh at least one sliding carriage that maybe attached to an adjustable collar. On such attachment, the adiustahie collar may be releascd to bc movable along thc spine, as by usc of a kcy as aforcmcntioncd, which may also serve to release Ge sLrap on Ge collar, as by releasing the sprung detent, again as alorementi oned.

Such an arrangement may bc adapted for singlc-handcd operation by a clinician, insertion of a collar key both releasing Ihe collar for sfiding along Lhe spine and releasing the collar strap. This leaves the clinician's other hand free for traction of the limb. This, in turn, mcans that clinical staff may be uscd morc effectively and efficiently. treatment of a fraclure is sw-i 11cr and less traumatic lbr a palienl.

The splint may bc made substantially if not entirely out of recyclable or disposable malerial. A splinL ol polypropylene maybe incinerated alter use, avoiding the risk of passing on infection. The increased cost of the splint as compared to conventional plaster casts is more than offset by the clinician timc saved in application and thc facility for adjusLmenL aflords hoih clinical and linancial henelils.

One embodiment of a splint for the stabilisation of limb fractures according to the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure i is a perspeclive view-of a spflni for slahilisation of a CuBes Fraciure: Figure 2 is an exploded view of a pressure pad arrangement, with a pressure indiealor, of the splini of Figure Figure 3 is an exploded view-of another pressure pad arrangement, with a pressure indicator, of the splint of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a base Ofl which Ihe splini oF Figure 1 is located for application and adjustment of the splint, showing the splint prior to location; and Figure 5 is a partial end view of the splint showing a locking arrangement The drawings illustrate a splint 11 for thc stabilisation of limb fracturcs, morc specifically for Colics fracturcs, that is to say, fractures of the radius close to the wrist, comprising a spine 12, and localion means 13 adapted to locale Ihe spine 12 in alignmenL wiLh a limb, comprising three adjustable collars 14, 24, 34 mounted on the spine 12.

A Cofles fracture is a Fracture of Ihe radius close Lo Lhe wrist, and adjusLahle coflar 14 is adapted to exert pressure at the fracture site, and comprises a pressure indicator 17 giving a visible indication that the pressure cxertcd in relation to a reference prcssure. In a Cofles fracture there is posterior displacemeni and angiflalion of Lhe wrisL and hand, which is reduced by traction on the hand and pressure at the fracture site, typically about 25mm from the radio-carpal joint. A typical Colles fracturc is illustrated in IJSÔ197SOO alorementi oned.

The collar 14 comprises a strap 14a anchored at one cnd 14b in a base 14c slidablc along the spinc 12 and, at its other cnd 14d, inserted in a slot on the basc 14c. The basc 14c comprises a cushioned pad I 4e beneath the fraciure site.

Prcssurc is applicd at that sitc through pads 14L 14g on the strap 14a by tightening the strap!4a. The pad 1 4f, show-n in inverted, exploded view in Figure 2, ads as the indicator 17 of the collar/skin pressure and comprises a spring arrangement 18 that moves a pivotcd pointer 19 to indicate the pressure. ftc spring arrangement comprises a bowed ea1 spring ISa LhaL IlatLens under pressure and has an end I Sb lixed in the pad 141 and a free end 18c with a slot 18d that engages a pin 19a on the pointer and determines the position of the pointer 19 depending on the degrec of flattening. The leaf spring iSa is depressed by a spiral spring 22 formed in a cover plale 2!, which is ihe collar/skin interface.

The poinLer 19 is viewed Lhrough a small window, nol indicaLed on the drawing, in Ihe pad 14f and appears centrally thereof at a pressure of 28mm JIg, which corresponds to a pressure at which blood flow will not be undesirably restricted.

The prcssure indicator is used to adjust thc collar during application of thc splint and to indicaLe Lhe need for tighLening or relaxing as healing progresses. Swelling may reduce, for example, so that the collar will become loose and the fracture will not he stahilised propcrly. Swelling, on the othcr hand, may incrcasc, effectively tightening thc collar and resiriciing blood flow.

The collar 14 is thcked 10 the spine 12, and the strap I 4a locked in the hase I 4c alter application, and after any subsequent adjustment, so as to preclude tampering, especially by the wearer, and rclcasablc, by means of a key available to thc clinician, as will be further explained below. The pointer I S is, however, visible to the patient, aierling to the need to have the splint adjusted.

The pad 16 comprises a textile material, and Lhe splint II including the pad 16 is made of such material that all or any part of it can he immersed in water and will dry off rapidly, permitting bathing or showering.

A second adjustable collar 24 is provided on the spinc 12, adapted to hold the spine 12 aligned to the limb and keep the Iirst coflar 14 in correct position. The second collar 24 is similar to the first collar 14, but larger, fitting the forearm closer to the elbow, and comprises a strap 24a anchorcd at onc end 24b in a base 24c slidable along the spine 12 IS and, at its other end 24d, inserted in a slot on the carriage 24c. The base 24d comprises a cushioned pad 24f.

Pressure is applied at that site through an adjustable pad 24g on the strap 24a by tightening the strap 24a in similar fashion to that of the collar 14. The pad 24g, shown in greater detail in exploded view in Figure 3, incorporatcs a pressure indicator similar to that of coflar 14, with a pointer 19 moved by a leaf spring 1 Sa thai reacts to pressure from a spring interface 21.

Collar 24 is lockcd to the spine 12 and the strap 24a lockcd in the basc 24c in like manncr to coflar 14.

At the other end of the spine 12 is provided a third adjustable collar 34, a hand support carri age, adapted to constrain the patient's hand, the spine 12 being cranked appropriately -there will, of course, he right and left hand models. This third collar 34 need not be adjustable lengthwise of the splint, as the other two collars can be correctly positioncd with respect to it. It serves, of course, to prevent movement of the entire splint along the patient's arm.

While the splint described with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3 is clearly useful on a stand-alone basis, it is designed to he used in coniunction with a base unit 51, as illustrated in Figure 4, to which it may bc clamped for application and adjustment of the splint. The base unit 51 comprises a base plate 52 with sliding (as indicated by the double arrows) carriages 53, 54 that are each attached to an adjustable collar, carriage 53 to collar 14, and carriage 54 to collar 24.

the carriages 53, 53 havc locating posts 55 corresponding to rccesscs in the undcrsidcs of the coflars 14, 24. Like posts 55 are on the base plate 52 to receive the coflar 34. A lever Sôon the base plate 52 serves to lock the spine 12 to the base unit 51 for application and adjustment.

Keyguides 57 are provided on carriages 52, 53 to receive keys 58 thai engage sprung detents or pawls 59 in the bases 14a, 24a. One such pawl 50 is seen in Figure 5 normally biased to cngage the serrations in the strap 14a to allow it to be tightened but not relaxed.

When the key 58 is inserted, the pawl is held out of engagement so thai the strap I 4a can he relaxed.

Insertion of the key 58 can also unlock the collar 14, 24 from the spine 12 so that it is capable of axial movement along the spine Tjowever, simply placing the spine 12 on the base unit 51 may also unlock the collars 14, 24 for axial movement.

Using the base unit 51 facilitates single-handed operation by a clinician. With the collars 14, 24 free to move along the spine 12 and the straps 1 4a, 24a free, the clinician can p'ace the collars appropriately and place the patient's arm with the straps loose. The straps can now be tightened using just one hand, leaving the clinician's othcr hand free for traction IS oF the limb particularly while tightening strap 1 4a and observing the pressure. This, in turn, means that clinical staff may he used more effectively and efficiently. Treatment of a fracture is swifter and less traumatic for a patient.

As already mentioned, the skin/splint interface pad comprises a textile material, not shown, that allows liquid and vapour phase water to escape from thc skin. The pad component comprises a small mesh lextfle outer component and a larger mesh substrate.

The textile covers a moulded support that has vents for escaping water. The pad has an cdgc region 21a, Figure 3, that is curved in profilc whereby to avoid pinch shcar of the undcrlying tissues. Thc splint as a whole is madc of material that can be immersed in waler with no ill ciTed, so that patients may bathe.

While the splint has becn described with particular refcrencc to a Colles fracture splint, it is clear that splints may he designed on Uke principles For other fractures of human or animal limbs and even for spinal fractures.

Though faidy complex in design, the splint and base unit can he inexpensivdy Fabricated in inexpensive disposable or recyclable materials such as polypropylene, avoiding the possibility of cross infection through rcuse.

Claims

Claims: 1 A splint for the stabilisation of limb fractures comprising a spine, location means adaptcd to locate the spine in alignmcnt with a limb, and collar mcans on and adjustable along the spine adapted to surround and exerl adjustable pressure on the limb at the fracture site adapted to he used in conjunction with a hase unit, to which it maybe clamped for application and adjustment of the splint.
2 A splint according to claim 1, in which the spring arrangcment comprises a bowed eai spring that flattens under pressure and has a lixed end and a free end thai determines the position of a pointer depending on the degree of flattening.

IS
3 A splint according to claim 2, in which the pointer indicates a pressure in a range centred on a pressure equivalent to 28mm lIg, which corresponds to a pressure at which blood flow will not be undcsirably rcstrictcd.
4 A splint according to any one of claims Ito 3, in which the collar can be locked so as to preclude tampcring.
A splint according to any one of claims I to 4, in which the pad comprises a tcxtile material, and the splint including the pad are made of such material that it can be immersed in water and will dry off rapidly, pcrmitting bathing or showering.
6 A splint according to any one of claims Ito 5, in which said location means comprise a second adjustable collar on the spinc adapted to hold the spine to the limb.
7 A splint according to claim 6, in which at least one of the collars is adjustable lcngthways of the spine.
8 A splint according to claim 7, in which at least one collar is slidable along the spine.
9 A splint according to claim 7 or claim 8, in which the collar lockable against movcment along thc spine.
A splint according to claim 9, in which the collar is unlocked for movement by a key.
11 A splint according to any one of claims Ito 10, comprising a third adjustable collar serving to prevent the splint moving distally along a limb.
12 A splint according to claim 11, for a Colles fracture, in which the third collar comprises a hand support carriage, located adjacent the lirst collar, remote from the second collar.
13 A splint according to claim 13, in which the third collar is fixed to the spine.
14 A splini according Lo claim 12 or claim 13, in which ihe spine is curved heiween the first and third collars correspondingly to the shape of the arm.
A splini according Lo claim 14, produced in righi arm and leFt arm models.
16 A splint according to any one of claims Ito 15, in which the collars are in the form of straps.
17 A splini according Lo claim 16, in which the slraps locale in sthLs and are lockable therein by a ratchet mechanism, the straps having ratchet perforations that can he slid ovcr a sprung detent on the spine on tightening, but held thereby against retraction.
18 A splint according to claim 17, in which the sprung detent can he released for adjustment or removal of the straps.21 A splint according to claim 20, in which the base unit comprises a base plate with at least onc sliding carriage that may bc attachcd to an adjustablc collar.22 A splint according to claim 21, in which, when the splint is on the base unit, the adjustable collar is releascd to be movable along the spinc.23 A splini according Lo claim 22, in which the adjuslahie coflar can he released k)r movement along the spine by use of a key.24 A splini according Lo any one of claims I to 23, in which a skin/splini interface pad comprises a pad component for direct contact with the skin that allows liquid and vapour phase watcr to escapc from the skin.A splint according to claim 24, in which the pad component comprises a small mesh tcxtile outer componcnt and a larger mesh substratc.26 A splint according to claim 24 or claim 25, in which the textile is on a moulded support that has vents for escaping water.27 A splint according to any one of claims 24 to 26, in which the pad has an edge rcgion that is curved in profile whcrcby to avoid in usc pinch shear of undcrlying tissues.2S A splint according to any one of claims 1 to 27, made substantially or completcly oF recyclable or disposable malerial.29 A splint according to claim 2S, made of polypropylenc.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims: 1 A splint for the stabilisation of limb fractures comprising a spine, location means adapted to locate the spine in alignment with a limb, and collar means on and adjustable along the spine adapted to surround and exert adjustable pressure on the limb at the fracture siteS and a base unit, to which the splint is clamped for application and adjustment of the splint.2 A splint according to claim I, in which the collar means comprise a spring arrangement comprising a bowed leaf spring that flattens under pressure and has a fixed end and a free end that determines the position of a pointer depending on the degree of flattening. I53 A splint according to claim 2, in which the pointer indicates a pressure in a range centred on a pressure equivalent to 28mm Hg, which corresponds to a pressure at which blood flow will not he Lindesirably restricted.4 A splint according to any one of claims ito 3, in which the collar can be locked so as to preclude tampering.A splint according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the collar means comprise r a pad comprising a textile material, and the splint including the pad are made of such 0 25 material that it can he immersed in water and will dry off rapidly, permitting bathing or showering.6 A splint according to any one of claims I to 5, in which said location means comprise a second adjustable collar on the spine adapted to hold the spine to the limb.7 A splint according to claim 6, in which at least one of the collars is adjustable lengthways of the spine.8 A splint according to claim 7, in which at least one collar is slidable along the spine.9 A splint according to claim 7 or claim 8, in which the collar lockable against movement along the spine.10 A splint according to claim 9, in which the collar is unlocked for movement by a key.ii A splint according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a third adjustable collar serving to prevent the splint moving distally along a limb.12 A splint according to claim I I, for a Colles fracture, in which the third collar comprises a hand support carriage, located adjacent the first collar, remote from the second collar.13 A splint according to claim 13, in which the third collar is fixed to the spine.14 A splint according to claim 12 or claim 13, in which the spine is curved between the first and third collars correspondingly to the shape of the arm 15 A splint accordifig to claim 14, produced in right arm and left arm models.16 A splint according to any one of claims ito 15, in which the collars are in the form of straps.17 A splint according to claim 16, in which the straps locate in slots and are lockable therein by a ratchet mechanism, the straps having ratchet perforations that can be slid over a sprung detent on the spine Oil tightening, but held thereby against retraction.18 A splint according to claim 17, in which the sprung detent can be released for adjustment or removal of the snaps.19 A splint according to any one of claims Ito 18, made substantially or completely of recyclable material. r0 25 20 A splint according to claim 28, made of polypropylene. a) (4