JPS5949013B2 - Devices that support the limbs of humans and animals at rest - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a device for immobilizing body parts, which comprises several reactive components, individually housed inside an outer wall, suitable for the formation of a rigid synthetic resin, in particular an elastic It relates to a type formed as a cylindrical member or a double cylinder made of material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In both human and veterinary medicine, a large number of internal injuries and traumas are well known in which during treatment it is necessary to restrict the freedom of movement of body parts, such as for example the arms, legs or neck.

It is also well known that there are diseases, such as inflammation, for which resting a body part can help. In all these cases, it has traditionally been customary to bring the body part in question into the position required for the treatment and then to prevent this change of position by means of a so-called cast. However, in this case, only the body part in question is kept at rest, and the other parts are still movable. This is necessary and desirable in order to avoid adverse effects on other body parts, which would otherwise be hindered in their function and lose strength and mobility during long periods of rest. From the body. Ru. Wounds and illnesses that must be treated as mentioned above may occur, for example, due to accidents, disasters and overload, in athletes, professionals and also in animals.
It happens every day. Similar problems arise in orthopedics, which also deals with the treatment of disorders of supporting and locomotor organs such as bone curvature, foot disorders, postural injuries of the dorsal column, wasting disorders of the joints, congenital or acquired limb defects, etc. Occurs during prevention.

In order to provide restful support in these cases, devices in the form of corsets, support bandages, braces for attaching prosthetic limbs, etc. are required, and these devices may be made of plaster or made of plaster, as is well known. In the case of Kotsuheru, it is made of specially formed cushioning material. Three main methods are known for making so-called support bandages for the above purpose.

The best known and most widespread at present is the use of plaster or starch dressings. These bandages are made ready for use by soaking them in water and then wrapping them around the body part. By shaping with the hands, this plastic material conforms to the shape of the body part, forming the well-known shape of a plaster bandage. The dressing then hardens due to the coagulation process or by evaporation of the water, thereby providing the desired support and fixation effect. Another method of making a support bandage is accomplished by an air impermeable bag filled with particulate material.

When such a bag is wrapped around a body part and deflated by a pump, a force is exerted on the bag by external air pressure, which compresses the filling. This makes the filling rigid and immovable. Furthermore, it is known to connect the interior of such bags to an air source, thereby bringing the bags into tight contact with body parts. Another method for making support bandages involves applying the synthetic resin in liquid or plastic form onto the body part, with or without a cloth insert, and then hardening it under the action of heat or ultraviolet light.

All of the above known types of support bandages have their own deficiencies in terms of time, weight, permeability, cost and strength. The deficiencies of the three types of support bandages mentioned above are listed in the table below.

As the above table shows, none of the known ones are completely satisfactory.

In the past, plaster bandages were considered to be somewhat advantageous due to the various advantages and disadvantages mentioned above, despite their inconvenience in terms of X-ray fluoroscopy, but recently synthetic resin bandages have begun to take their place. I'm getting used to it. However, their main drawback lies in their cost, which is the greatest advantage of plaster or starch dressings, and the cost of synthetic resin dressings is extremely high by comparison. Furthermore, a good knowledge of synthetic resins is required. Additionally, the above-mentioned deficiencies make vacuum bags largely unsuitable. Starting from this state of the art, it is an object of the invention to create a device for fixing body parts of the type mentioned at the outset, which can be used on any body part in any position and on any type of patient, while avoiding the aforementioned disadvantages. The goal is to construct the device in such a way that it can provide the necessary rest and support.

According to the invention, the above-mentioned problem is solved in that the device has one or more hollow interior chambers in which several reactive components suitable for the formation of rigid polyurethane foams are contained by means of a thin plastic sheath. They are individually wrapped and arranged, and the wall forming this inner chamber is made of cloth containing residual moisture, and the said covering is destroyed by an external action, and each reaction component is released. The solution is that the body part in question is fixed by running and mixing and then partially foaming and curing.
With this configuration it is possible to achieve a precisely controlled reaction progress when mixing the components, which reaction is finished within, for example, 5 to 30 minutes, ie curing is complete after this time.

During this reaction time, the reaction mixture is initially plastically deformable and can therefore easily and quickly adapt to the body part to be supported at rest. The operation of the device according to the invention involves, before applying it to a body part, breaking the covering forming the chamber containing its components to render them ready for reaction, and then placing them over the body or in any other suitable manner. It is a simple item that can be applied to any part of the body. The device according to the invention is extremely lightweight, so unnecessary loading on the patient is avoided. Furthermore, the desired high air and water or water vapor permeability in relation to the skin is achieved, which makes the device uncomfortable to wear on the body and avoids the formation of undesirable damp spots. The strength of the device according to the invention is practically unimpaired by water and soapy water, so that washing, bathing of the patient and even underwater massage are possible. The device can be easily removed and reattached after cleaning it or performing wound care. Moreover, its mechanical robustness is high enough to allow each of the above-mentioned handlings without damaging the fixed body part in question. The edges of the device are rounded and manufactured to conform to the body, thereby providing viscoelastic flexibility and avoiding edge compression. The manufacturing costs of the device according to the invention are very low and it can also be prepared for use and placed on the body by an assistant. Another important advantage is that the reduction of the body part can be reliably controlled radiographically even when applying the device according to the invention. The cladding serves to seal the reactants by means of their thin plastic walls, thereby preventing them from reacting with surrounding materials (gases, moisture, solid components, etc.). .

And to start the mixing reaction precisely at the predetermined point,
It is necessary to break the coating to release and mix the reaction components. If the coatings contain different components, each coating may be applied simultaneously or at predetermined time intervals, which may be controlled by time-dependent thermal or radiation effects or other time-limited phenomena. ) and be destroyed. This destruction may take place by disintegrating or dissolving or disintegrating the walls of the covering, or by simply bursting. The sheathing can also be destroyed by internal pressure caused by an increase in external forces (for example, an increase in temperature). This internal pressure causes the enclosed volume to expand, reducing the permissible tensile tension in the walls of the sheathing, and the volume released by the simultaneous expansion of the sheathing itself to accommodate its expanding contents. Since the pressure is smaller than that of the cladding, a pressure increase will occur, which will lead to the destruction of the sheathing. Furthermore, instead of an increase in temperature, it is also possible to create an increase in internal pressure, for example by dialysis or permeation, which leads to a breakdown of the walls of the sheathing. In this case.
The difference in condensation between the surroundings of the sheath and its contents will cause its destruction. In order to destroy the coating and cause the components to react with each other, it is suitable not only to apply pressure from the outside, but also to use the gas pressure resulting from the low boiling points of the components or from the starting reaction action. It's advantageous.

Thus, for example, body temperature can also be used to start this reaction, since body temperature is transferred to the device even after the device according to the invention has been applied to the body. Another important advantage of the device according to the invention is the completely new mounting method, which requires relatively little outlay compared to traditional methods.

The production of support corsets in the traditional manner requires negative and positive mold production, which is not only expensive but also time-consuming and labor-intensive. The device according to the invention can be adapted to the desired dimensions in a very short time and, furthermore, can automatically adapt to shape changes, such as muscle changes, that occur during the procedure. When used as an upper arm support, the device according to the invention largely avoids surgery, since surgery is no longer necessary due to the short time required to put on the device. This results in a completely new treatment method, since the device according to the invention only takes a few minutes to wear.
The sheath forming the chamber containing the ingredients can be formed by a double-ended bag or the like.

However, for the same storage purpose it is also possible to provide a recess or the like in the foil and to close this off with a cover.
Another possibility is to configure the sheath containing the components as small capsules, for example capsules made of paraffin. Furthermore, it is possible to form the covering by the component itself, by providing a thin coating around one core, as a so-called self-capsule. Furthermore, it is also possible to use bags or the like which are connected to one another in such a way that they can be torn apart by applying a tension force. All the above-mentioned embodiments for the coverings containing the components can be made externally distinguishable by coloring or other optical features, thereby ensuring that the individual components are in a predetermined mutual ratio. It is easily possible to use the following ingredients. Also, by varying the amounts of the individual components used, it is possible, for example, to control the rate of reaction progress within precise predetermined limits. Residues in the component storage chamber are harmlessly trapped within the reaction product.
According to another feature of the invention, the bags, recesses, small capsules, self-capsules, etc. containing the individual components are used in a spatial arrangement and number defined according to the desired reaction progress.

This allows for a wide range of possibilities with respect to limiting the reaction temperature to a value of at most 50 °C and with regard to adjusting the curing time (during which time adaptation to the shape of the body part must be ensured). variations are possible.
The device can be fully loaded immediately after the end of curing, which takes, for example, 5 to 30 minutes.

No pressure remains on the body part other than a slight pressure to ensure contact. Therefore, unlimited wearing time is possible since no blood circulation disturbances can occur. Furthermore, the hardness of the reaction product can be adjusted within limits dictated by medical requirements. The invention further provides the advantage that the device for fixing a body part of the type mentioned at the beginning consists of a tubular member or the like.

In this case, the coverings forming the chambers containing the components are placed in the interior of the cylinder and are allowed to react with each other there. However, it is also possible to introduce a complete mixture of reaction components into the interior of the barrel before applying the device onto the body part. This configuration is particularly suitable for making splints of arbitrary length. Yet another advantageous vestibule of the invention is that the device for fixing body parts of the type mentioned at the outset is formed by a double-walled tube made of elastic material.

The interior space between the walls of the cylinder is divided into at least two small sections by means of webs or the like connecting the walls. It is divided into rooms. The elasticity of the inner wall of the tube is chosen such that it automatically adapts to the shape of the body part to be supported at rest. The elasticity of the outer wall of the cylinder is adjusted such that it automatically adapts the plastic reaction mixture to the shape of the body part to be supported at rest until it hardens. The device can be formed, for example, from a cotton sock, which simply needs to be slipped over the body part to be supported at rest. Even in this case, the component-containing coating is inserted into the small chamber of the intermediate chamber (inner chamber) of the double-walled cylinder during production, and by bringing them together, they can react with each other as described above. Alternatively, it is possible to introduce an already prepared reaction component mixture into the intermediate chamber before applying the device to the body part. Owing to the elasticity of the inner and outer walls of the tube, the device according to the invention adapts with uniform pressure quite automatically to the body part to be supported at rest.
After curing, the device according to the invention is able to meet the demands placed on it, in particular the required strength and rigidity. The tube wall can be made of cloth, it being advantageous if the material of the outer and inner walls of the tube is elastic in the longitudinal and transverse directions, such as cotton socks, for example. The foaming that occurs due to the presence of moisture when the ingredients are mixed forms a foam layer on the surface, which creates a certain cushioning effect, which is highly desirable. Furthermore, no decomposition products are liberated during the reaction, and therefore no irritation is caused to the epidermis or respiratory tract. Removal of the device according to the invention can be carried out, for example, using an oscillating saw. In this case, no troubles such as dust generation occur.
It is advantageous for the webs separating the chambers to be permeable to the reaction components or reaction mixtures, and for them to actually serve as stiffening ribs in the hardened state.

The web body may also be made of an elastic material. In this embodiment, it is also possible, for example, for only one of the two chambers formed to contain the reaction mixture.

In this case, it is possible to use it as a splint, the above-mentioned advantages of mounting being fully maintained and adaptation to the body part taking place due to the elasticity of the tube material. A hinge or a chuck can be provided in the wall of the device according to the invention, which allows the device to be installed and removed very easily and repeatedly. This is particularly advantageous in the field of orthopedics and surgery. That is, slide fasteners, toggle lever hinges, etc. allow rapid installation or removal, and these parts can either be installed in advance in the wall or later installed separately after appropriate separation. The hinge can be formed by a band, or by partially bringing the walls of the cylinder closer to each other, or by providing a reaction product-tight partition between the chambers. I can do it. The device according to the invention can be used very effectively in the field of surgery and orthopedics, in which the polyurethane rigid core has a foam layer on its surface, which foam layer produces a very desirable cushioning effect and allows moisture and air to escape. Increase transparency.

The invention therefore describes the use of rigid foam materials. The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, the device according to the invention is shown as a double cylinder 1, the inner wall of which is designated by 2 and the outer wall by 3.

A chamber 4 located between the walls 2 and 3 of the double cylinder 1 and serving as an inner chamber
is divided by a web 5 into a number of chambers 6, 7, 8, 9.

The chambers 6 to 9 serve to accommodate a number of sheathings 10, 11 in the form of capsules, in each chamber formed by these sheathings 10, 11 the two components of the reaction mixture are placed separately from each other. ing. The inner wall 2 as well as the outer wall 3 are made of cloth, which is only shown schematically in the figure and is designated by the reference numeral 12. By simple rolling using pressure rollers, the walls of the coverings 10, 11 are torn and the components present in these chambers are mixed and reacted with one another. then 2
The heavy tube 1 is placed over the body part to be supported and fixed at rest and then adapts to the shape of the body part in question due to the elasticity of its inner and outer walls 2 and 3. This adaptation process itself occurs automatically. Therefore, with some exceptions, no intervention by a treating physician is required. In particular, as can be seen from Figure 2, the inner chamber 4
is divided into chambers 6 to 9 by a web 5, the web 5 containing the reaction mixture or its components.
It is transparent and becomes a de facto stiffening rib after hardening.

The organizational structure of the rigid foam material can be seen from FIG.

A rigid foam material is foamed within each layer 13 that is in contact with the outer wall 3 and inner wall 2 of the double cylinder. On the other hand, there is a heart 14 inside.

The foam layer 13 provides a very favorable cushioning effect. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the small chambers 6, 7 of the double tube 1,
Only 9 are filled with rigid foam material. The lower chamber 8 is empty.

This embodiment is particularly suitable for use as a splint. However, it is also possible to use a single-layered tube for this purpose, in which case this single-layered tube is not placed over the body, but instead is placed on a strap, strap, etc. over the part of the body that is to be supported at rest. They are forced to adapt. The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 allows automatic adaptation even when used as a splint, as already explained above. FIG. 5 shows another use case, also a completely new application as can be achieved with the present invention.

Bottom part 1 in any form to support the lower limbs at rest
5 is placed and around which the sock part formed from the double tube 1 is wrapped, the legs of this sock part 1 being adapted to the shape of the lower leg (not shown) with the aid of the band 17. This band 17 keeps the legs 16 of the two-legged part 1 in resting contact with the body part to be supported, and the two-legged part 1 conforms to the external shape of the body part by the progress of the internal reaction. Adapt automatically. For example, the curing time is 5
Adjustments can be made in the range of ~30 minutes, thus providing sufficient time to allow accurate adaptation of the body parts to be supported with rest on the one hand, and duration in difficult positions on the other hand. There is no limit to what you can do.

The device according to the invention is not limited to the embodiment shown and described, but is used throughout medicine to support and immobilize parts of the human or animal body, whether limbs or other parts, in rest. can be used advantageously when it is essential.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show an embodiment of the invention, in which Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the device according to the invention in the form of a double cylinder, and Fig. 2 shows the state after the reaction of the components has taken place. Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along the line A-A in Figure 4, Figure 4 is a perspective view of the device according to the present invention when used as a splint, and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the device according to the invention when used as a splint. 1 is a perspective view of a device according to the invention; FIG. The correspondence relationship between the main parts shown and the symbols is as follows. 1...Double tube, 2...Inner wall, 3...
...Outer wall, 4...Inner room, 5...Web, 6 to 9...Small room, 10 and 11...
...Covering body, 12... Cloth, 13...
Layer, 14...heart, 15...bottom part, 1
6... Legs, 17... Band.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A device for immobilizing a body part, comprising several reactive components suitable for forming a rigid synthetic resin, individually housed inside an outer wall, the device comprising one or more It has a hollow interior chamber 4 in which several reactive components suitable for the formation of rigid polyurethane foams are placed individually wrapped in thin plastic sheaths 10, 11, Moreover, the wall portion 2 forming this inner chamber 4,
3 is made of cloth containing residual moisture, and the above-mentioned covering 1
0 and 11 are destroyed by external action, each reaction component runs out and mixes, and the corresponding body part is fixed by partially foaming and curing. A device for constructing a body part, characterized by: 2. Device according to claim 1, in which the fabric forming the inner wall 2 has an elasticity that allows it to automatically adapt to the body part to be supported at rest. 3. The fabric forming the outer wall 3 has an elasticity that allows the reaction mixture in the inner chamber 2 to automatically conform to the shape of the body part to be supported at rest until the end of its hardening. The device according to item 1 or 2. 4. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer wall 3 and the inner wall 2 are made of a material having longitudinal and transverse elasticity. 5 The interior chamber or chambers 4 are divided into at least two compartments 6, 7, 8 by means of webs 5 connecting their respective walls 2, 3.
, 9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is divided into . 6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the web 5 is made of a material that can be penetrated by the reaction component or reaction mixture in question. 7. Device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the web 5 is made of an elastic material. 8. Device according to claim 5, wherein the web 5 is made of an impermeable material. 9 A plurality of chambers 6, 7, 8 formed by the web 5
, 9, only some of the chambers 6, 7, 9 are filled with the reaction mixture, and the remaining chambers 8 serve to create a tangential tension to ensure contact with the relevant body part. The apparatus according to claim 5, which performs the following. 10. Device according to claim 1, in which hinges and/or chuck members are arranged in the walls 2, 3.