US1188711A

US1188711A - Fracture-setting apparatus.

Info

Publication number: US1188711A
Application number: US7558116A
Authority: US
Inventors: John H Wilting
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1916-02-01
Filing date: 1916-02-01
Publication date: 1916-06-27
Anticipated expiration: 1933-06-27

Description

J. H. WILTING.

FRACTURE SETTING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. I. 1916.

Patented June 27, 1916.

3 SHEETS-SHEET I Wdwewao attoznmao J. H. WILTING.

FRACTURE SETTING APPARATUS.

APPLlCATlON FILED FEB. 1, 1916.

l ,1 88,7 1 1 Patented June 27, 1916.

3 SHEETSSHEET 2.

widiweooao 50644 X.

atro'onup I J. H. WILTING.

FRACTURE SETTING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED FEB" 1, 19 16.

Patented June 27, 1916.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

SHOT/142,113

JOHN H. WILTING, 0F BUFFALO, NEW YORK.

FBACTURE-SETTING APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 2'7, 1916.

Application filed February 1, 1916. Serial No. 75,581.

. To all whom it may concern.

New York, have invented certain new anduseful Improvements in Fracture- Setting Apparatus; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

My'invention relates to improvements in devices for setting fractured bones in the lower limbs or legs.

The object of the invention is to improve upon the generalconstruction of devices of this class to such an extent as to provide an extremely simple, compact and light apparatus, yet one which will be highly efficient and durable, possessing a number of advantageous characteristlcs.

With this general object in view, the invention resides in certain novel features of construction and in unique combinations of parts to be hereinafter fully described and claimed, the descriptive matter being sup plemented by the accompanying drawings which constitute a part of this application and in which,

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the improved apparatus showing its application to use; Fig. 2 is a top plan view; Figs. 3 and 4 are detailed horizontal sectional views taken in different planes above the base of the apparatus; Fig. 5 is an enlarged longitudinal section as seen on the plane indicated by the line 5-5 of Fig. 2; Fig. 6 is a vertical transverse section taken on the planes of the lines 66 of Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is an enlarged longitudinal section as viewed on the plane indicated by the line 77 of Fig. 3; Fig. 8 is a detail sectional view of one of the leg pulling devices; Fig. 9 is a top plan view thereof; Fig. 10 is a detail vertical section taken on the plane indicated by the line 1010 of Fig. 8; Fig. 11 is an enlarged vertical section as viewed on the plane of the line 11-11 of Fig. 1; Fig. 12 is a detail longitudinal section as seen on the plane of the line 12-12 of. Fig. 11; Fig. 13 is a vertical transverse sectional view as seen on the plane represented by the line 13-13 of Fig. 1; and Fig. 14 is a side elevation,

partly in section, of one of the leg support- 1ng arms.

In specifically describing the invention shown in the drawings above briefly described, similar reference characters will be placed on corresponding parts throughout the several Views and reference will be herein made to the numerous elements by their respective indices. To this end, the numeral 1 represents a horizontal base preferably of openwork formation for the sake of lightness, said base being adapted to rest upon a table top or the like 2 and to be secured thereon by an appropriate clamp 3. Rising from and formed integrally with the front end of the base 1, is an upright tubular boss 4 whose bore is intersected by a horizontal pin 5 shown most clearly in Fig. 5, the bore in question being adapted to receive therein the lower end of an upright crotch post 6 whose lower end is formed with vertical slots 7 receiving the pin 5, whereby the post is held against rotation.

Mounted for vertical adjustment on the post 6 isa clamp 8 carrying a pelvic support 9 which is positioned in rear of the post 6, the portion of the latter above the aforesaid clamp being provided with a tubular pad 10 slidable vertically thereon to pre vent injury to the patient when the apparatus is in use as shown in Fig. 1.

Formed integrally with the base 1 and with the boss 4, and positioned immediately in rear ofthe latter, is a transversely disposed split bearing 11 having a horizontal axis, a thumb screw 12 being provided for the purpose of contracting said bearing around a horizontal rigidly constructed shaft 13 which passes through and projects beyond the ends thereof. As shown clearly in Fig. 6, the shaft 13 is preferably of tubular formation for the sake of lightness and is equipped with end castings 14, having plugs inserted and secured therein, said castings being provided with flat horizontal ends 15 preferably of circular contour. Each of the ends 15 is formed with an upright threaded opening 16 and with a pair of sockets 17 spaced upon an are described around said opening. Resting on the flat and threaded into the openings 16 (see more particularly Fig. 7). Thus, when the screws 21 are tightened, the two arms 19 will be so secured to the shaft 13 as to allow them to move vertically in unison only, this being rather important for reasons yet to be described.

It is also important that, although the arms 19 be allowed to swing laterally in dependently of each other, they be automatically limited in their swinging movement to certain predetermined angular relations in respect to a medial line extending forwardly from the center of the post 6. This end has been accomplished by the provision of the sockets 17 andrigid stop pins 22 which depend from the ends 18 of the arms 19. Thus, after the screws 21 are loosened and the ends 18 are raised, the pins 22 will rest' on the ends 15 and the shaft 13. This allows each arm 19 to be moved laterally in the desired direction, but after the proper amount of movement has been imparted thereto, the weight thereof will cause its pin 22 to drop immediately lnto the socket 17 which it has approached while moving the arm. Obviously, therefore, the provision of the sockets 17 and pins 22, automatically limits the arms 19 in their lateral movement. 1

As above stated, the arms 19 are sectional, being shown in the present embodiment of the invention as constructed of two tubular parts secured together by any appropriate style of slip joint such as that depicted at 23 in Fig. 14. This provision is made in order that when disassembling the entire apparatus, the arms 19 need not be of such a length as to render the same cumbersome.

For supporting the arms 19 in their numerous vertically adjusted positions, the vertically extensible and contractible stands 24 are employed, said stands having appropriate slides 25 on their upper ends through which the aforesaid arms pass, as shown clearly in Fig. 1 of the drawings.

Mounted slidably on the front ends of the arms 19 is a pair of clamps 26 from which standards 27 rise, the upper ends of said standards being equipped with integral longitudinally disposed tubular guides 28 threaded on the front ends of said screws in contact with the front ends of the tubular guides 28. Furthermore, in order that the exact amount of endwise movement imparted to the screws may be readily ascertained, micrometer graduations 37 are formed on the hubs 35 for cooperation with indicators 37 on the guides 28 (see more particularly Fig.9).

It may be well to here explain that before the graduations 37 are employed, the clamps 26 are spaced equal distances from the ends of their respective arms 19, this being possible by the provision of graduations 38 on the front sections of said arms. Thus, after the clamps in question have been properly set and the hand wheels 36 are turned to such an extent as to allow the screws 29 to project rearwardly equal distances from the guides 28, the fractured limb can be pulled the necessary amount to set the fracture, and by proper use of the micrometer graduations 37 there will be no danger of setting the break in such a manner as to cause the injured leg to be of a greater or less length than the other. It is to be observed that this result can be accurately obtained without the use of measuring both limbs as is now the usual custom when using machines of the general class to which my invention relates. I therefore consider this an extremely salient feature of the invention. a

In setting fractures. as above mentioned, it becomes highly expedient to provide rests for the damaged parts of the limb or limbs. To this end, I have provided a number of substantially semi-cylindrical leg engaging plates 39 having sockets 40 on their under sides receiving therein the laterally offset upper ends of standards 41, the latter being vertically slotted and pivotally and slidably secured by set screws 42 to clamps 4:3 slidably mounted onthe arms 19. Obviously, the screws 42 allow the necessary adjustments of the standards 41 for properly positioning the rests 39 beneath the injured parts of the limbs.

Particular emphasis is laid upon the fact that the rests 39 are detachably connected with the standards 41. This is highly essential, since after the break has been set, either a bandage or a plaster of Paris cast may be applied around not only the injured limb, but around the rest '39. The latter may therefore remain upon the patients leg to serve as a splint, while the fracture is knitting.

I wish to also emphasize that the rests 39 are formed of wood fiber or other appropriate material through which X-ray photographs may be taken, this being highly desirable in order that the condition of the injured bone may be ascertained while the patient is positioned upon the apparatus.

I have hereinbefore stated the manner in which the patients legs may be prevented from varying in length when setting a fracture, but it is to be understood that the mounting of the arms 19 is essential in order that the desired results may be obtained. This particular mounting prevents one arm 19 from being positioned in a plane above the other, or vice versa, always insuring that the two arms be disposed in the same plane. Furthermore, the pins and sockets 22 and 17 respectively, serve to hold the aforesaid arms in the same angular relations in respect to the medial line. Obviously, all of this is essential, since if both legs of the patient did not extend at the same angle from his body, accurate measurements could not be made by the micrometer graduations 37 above described.

The entire apparatus is constructed of such proportions as to render it exceedingly light in comparison with other similar devices, the entire weight of the apparatus being only thirty-five pounds. This allows the numerous parts of the invention to be disassembled and packed within a case of approximately the size of an ordinary suitcase, whereupon it may be readily taken from place to place by physicians to be used when fractures are to be set at the patients home or at other points remote from that at which the physicians apparatus is kept. Also, the light weight of the improved apparatus and the compactness with which it may be packed in its case, renders it readily portable to numerous rooms in hospitals and the like where its use may be needed.

The case above described may be laid 'upon the table top 2 in rear of the pelvis support 9, after the apparatus has been assembled for use. Thus, said case may serve as a rest for the torso of the invalid.

I may here explain that I am aware that in devices similar to my own, pelvic suports similar to that disclosed by me have been used, but I am not aware that such supports have been rendered vertically adjustable as above described. This is essential, since when operating upon a corpulent person, the support must be much lower than otherwise, this being necessary in order that the post 6, even though it be padded, may not cause pain to the invalid by improper relation in respect to the human pelvis.

From the foregoing, when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, the construction, manner of operation, and numerous advantages of the invention will be readily understood without requiring a more xtended explanation. In conclusion, however, I will state that the improved apparatus has been successfully employed by reputable physicians and hospitals in this country and has been found to be much more efficient, yet lighter and less costly, than other apparatuses heretofore employed.

I claim 1. A fracture setting apparatus comprising a pelvic support, a rigidly constructed transverse horizontal shaft revolubly mounted below the same, a pair of forwardly extending leg supporting arms pivoted at their rear ends to the ends of said shaft upon upright axes whereby they may be swung vertically only in unison and to the same extent, and whereby they may be also swung laterally, means for limiting the lateral swinging of said arms to a number of fixed angular relations in respect to a medial line, means for supporting the arms in their vertically adjusted positions, leg pulling means at the front ends of said arms, and means for preventing the patients body from moving forwardly when said pulling means is in operation.

2. A fracture setting apparatus comprising a. pelvic support, a rigidly constructed transverse horizontal shaft revolubly mounted below the same and having fiat horizontal ends each formed with an upright threaded opening and with a series of upright sockets spaced on an are described around said opening, a pair of forwardly extending leg supporting arms having flat horizontal rear ends resting on the flat ends of the shaft and formed with openings alined with the aforesaid openings, upright set screws passing through the openings in the ends of the arms and threaded into those in the ends of the shaft, rigid stop pins depending from said ends of the arms for reception in the aforesaid sockets, whereby to limit the horizontal movement of said arms to a number of predetermined angular relations in respect to a medial line, means for supporting the arms in their vertically adjusted positions, leg pulling means at the front ends of said arms, and means for preventing the patients body from moving forwardly when said pulling means is in operation.

3. A fracture setting apparatus having a leg supporting arm, a standard rising from said arm, and a fracture supporting plate having a detachable connection with the upper end of said standard, whereby it may be bound to the patients limb to remain thereon until knitting of the fracture takes place.

4. A fracture setting apparatus having a. leg supporting arm, a standard rlsing from said arm, and a fracture supporting plate carried by said standard and constructed, of

- non-pliable material through which X-ray plate having a detachable connection. with the standard whereby it may be bound to the patients limb to remain thereon until knitting of the fracture takes place.

6. A fracture setting apparatus comprising a pelvic support, a pair of leg supporting arms extending forwardly in respect thereto and capable of swinging vertically in unison only and to the same extent, said arms being also capable of laterally swinging, means for limiting the lateral movement of said arms to a number of predetermined angular relationsin respect to a medial line, a pair of standards rising from the front ends of the arms and having longitudinally disposed tubular guides on their upper ends, a air of'horizontal screws mounted slidably ut non-rotatably in said guides, foot stirrups connected to the rear ends of said screws, hand wheels having hubs threaded on the'front endsthereof in contact with the front ends of the guides, cooperating indicating means on the hubs and guides v whereby the amount of movement imparted to the screws by rotation'of the hand wheels may be accurately determined, and means for preventing the patients body from moving forwardly when the screws are moved by rotation of the hand wheels.

7. A fracture setting apparatus comprising a pelvic support, a pair of leg supporting arms extending forwardly in respect thereto and capable of swinging vertically in unison only and to the same extent, said arms being also capable of lateral swinging, means for limiting the lateral movement of said arms to a number of predetermined angular relations in respect to a medial line, a pair of standards rising from the arms and having clamps slidable thereon, graduations on said arms whereby bothstandards may be set equal distances from the ends thereof,

a pair of foot stirrups, a pair of pulling de ed below the same, a pair of forwardly eX- tending leg supporting arms pivoted at their rear ends to the ends of said shaft upon upright axes whereby they may be swung vertically only in unison and to the same extent, and whereby they may also swing laterally, means for supporting the arms in their adjusted positions leg pulling means at the front ends of said arms, and means for preventing the patients body from moving forwardly when said pulling means is in operation.

9. A fracture setting apparatus comprising a pelvic support, a pair of leg supportmg arms extending forwardly in respect thereto, a pair of standards rising from the arms and having clamps slidable thereon, graduations on said arms whereby both standards may be set equal distances from the ends thereof, a pair of foot stirrups, a pair of pulling devices carried by the standards and connected to said stirrups for exerting a pull on the patients limbs, indicating means for accurately determining the amount of movement imparted to said stirrups by the pulling devices, and means for preventing the patients body from moving forwardly when said devices are in use.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of two subscribing witnesses.

JOHN H. LTING. Witnesses:

THOMAS C. HALEY, JAMns CANIERo.

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