US2070810A

US2070810A - Metal splint

Info

Publication number: US2070810A
Application number: US94069A
Authority: US
Inventors: William J Saling
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1936-08-03
Filing date: 1936-08-03
Publication date: 1937-02-16
Anticipated expiration: 1954-02-16

Description

Feb. 16, 1937. w. J, SALING 2,070,810

METAL SPLINT Filed Aug. 3, 1956 INVENTORZ P atentecl F el). 16, 1937 UNETED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim.

My splint is to be used in the treatment of forearm fractures in which the stylaid process of the ulna bone is broken off. The objects of the improvement, are, first, to prevent the head of the ulna bone of the forearm from slipping out of its proper position and thus to enable the fracture to heal properly while securely held in place; second, to relieve the pressure ordinarily placed on the lower head of the ulna by the commonly-used splint, third, to place the maximum pressure on the upper surface of the wrist during immobilization, and fourth, to prevent fibrosis or stiffening of the fingers during immobilization, by allowing full motion in the interphalangeal joints of the hand.

My splint is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, which is a dorsal view. There is the cupping or depression I, so designed as to receive the prominence of the lower end of the forearm. The lower portion 2 is a flattened continuation of the metal splint, the purpose of which is to cover the dorsal portion of the hand. The entire metal splint A, the shape of which follows the natural contour of the forearm and wrist 4, contains numerous perforations 3, the purpose of which is to provide for ventilation and enables a reduction in weight.

When applied to a Colles fracture of the forearm the depression 5 receives the prominence of the lower end of the ulna bone, and the lower portion 2 of my splint fits over the dorsal portion of the hand. My entire metal splint is designed to fit over the natural contour of the dorsal surface of the forearm and wrist. Once the fractured arm is placed in my splint, the bandages which are always necessary to hold any splint in place, will not press on the prominence of the ulna bone, since my special depression or cupping receives this irregular portion of the arm. Thus the wrist is enabled to heal properly while being held in a natural position and thus what is generally known as flat wrist, which is caused by excessive pressure of the ordinary straight splint and its bandages on the lower head of the ulna bone, is prevented.

The second feature of my splint is that when in position, not only the forearm and wrist are given support and protection but also the dorsal surface of the hand. Thus protection is afforded down to the metacarpal phalangeal joints and, 10 since my splint fits on the dorsal surface, the movement and motion of the metacarpal phalangeal joints and theinterphalangea-l joints are not interfered with. This is an important factor in preventing fibrosis or stiffening in the fingers 15 following immobilization.

My splint may also be used to advantage for fractures of either bone of the forearm when the fracture occurs higher upon the arm, by merely using a longer splint which still retains 20 the special cupping or depression which receives the head of the ulna. Since the splint fits on the dorsal surface of the forearm the fracture higher upon the arm may be held in place with no fear of undue pressure in the cubital fossa 25 when the elbow is flexed. Because of its greater length it gives better immobilization and permits the use of this same splint not only for typical Colles fractures but also for fractures of either bone of the forearm.

I claim:

A metal splint shaped as the natural dorsal contour of the forearm and wrist, which has the special ulna depression or cupping adapted to fit over the head of the ulna bone and which has the lower portion of said splint adapted to extend over the dorsal portion of the hand forming a protective dorsal hand-shield support.

WILLIAM J. SALING.