WO2013096542A1

WO2013096542A1 - Limb support device and system and methods of using the same

Info

Publication number: WO2013096542A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/070787
Authority: WO
Inventors: Leon Tonelli PANZICA
Original assignee: Pro Med Technologies, Inc.
Priority date: 2011-12-20
Filing date: 2012-12-20
Publication date: 2013-06-27

Abstract

A limb support system is described. The limb support system can include a generally planar base; a stanchion removably coupled to the planar base; a limb stabilizing plate coupled proximate a distal end of the stanchion; and one or more straps for securing a limb against the limb stabilizing plate. The stanchion extends generally perpendicular to a major surface of the planar base when coupled to the planar base. The limb support system can also include a portable base, where the stanchion can be removably coupled to the portable base. Also described are method of using the limb support system, which can be used to facilitate healing.

Description

LIMB SUPPORT DEVICE AND SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The application is drawn to devices and systems for supporting limbs, specifically, devices and systems for supporting limbs above a heart of a patient to facilitate healing following an injury or surgical intervention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Limb supports and braces are known for maintaining body parts in extended positions. Adjustable splints and limb supports can be cumbersome and complicated to use. Foam blocks with holes for supporting an arm are also known for use following hand surgeries. These bulky and uncomfortable devices cause many patients to stop using supports or braces before instructed by their surgeon. Failure to use the supports and braces can result in recurrence of the condition being treated, prolonged healing time, or other complications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A limb support system is provided. The limb support system can include a generally planar base; a stanchion removably coupled to the planar base; a limb stabilizing plate coupled proximate a distal end of the stanchion; and one or more straps for securing a limb against the limb stabilizing plate. The stanchion can extend generally perpendicular to a major surface of the planar base when coupled to the planar base. The limb support system can also include a portable base, where the stanchion can also be removably coupled to the portable base.

[0004] Methods of supporting a limb and facilitating healing are also provided. The methods can include providing a limb support system; and attaching a limb of a person to the limb stabilizing plate using the one or more straps. The methods can also include adjusting the stanchion and the limb stabilizing plate so that the limb stabilizing plate is at or above a level of a heart of a person using the limb support. Specifically, the methods can include coupling the stanchion to the planar base, and coupling the stanchion to the portable base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a limb support described herein.

[0006] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a limb support described herein.

[0007] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the stanchion of Figure 2 taken along cut-line 3-3.

[0008] Figure 4 is a cross-section view of the coupling projection of Figure 2 taken along cut line 4-4.

[0009] Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of a limb being supported by a limb support described herein.

[0010] Figure 6 is a front view of a hand attached to the limb support plate as described herein.

[0011] Figure 7 is a picture of a prototype of the limb support described herein. [0012] Figure 8 is a picture of a prototype of the limb support described herein supporting a hand of a patient wearing a dressing following hand surgery.

[0013] Figure 9 is another picture of a prototype of the limb support described herein supporting a hand of a patient wearing a dressing following hand surgery where the limb stabilizing plate is arranged away from a body of a user.

[0014] Figure 10 is an environmental view showing use of the limb support in a reclined position.

[0015] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view showing a portable limb support device as described.

[0016] Figure 12 is an environmental view showing use of the limb support system during portable operation.

[0017] As will be understood the drawings accompanying this application are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] A limb support and system for controlling the position of a user's limb is disclosed. The support can be anchored by inserting the planar base beneath a mattress, cushion or other object. The support can also be attached to the user via a portable base for portable use of the support. The user's limb can be attached to the limb support in a position that maintains the relevant portion of the limb - for example, a hand after carpal tunnel surgery - in a position above the user's heart. It has been determined that this is crucial to facilitate recovery following such surgical procedures. The limb support and system described herein allows the user to maintain the relevant portion of the limb in the proper orientation while sleeping, relaxing or moving from place-to-place when it would be difficult or impossible to maintain the limb in the preferred position. This results in significantly improved outcomes to the surgical interventions performed on the user/patient.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 -10, the limb support 10 includes a generally planar base 12, a stanchion 14 slidably couplable to the planar base 12; a limb stabilizing plate 16 couplable proximate a distal end of the stanchion 14; and one or more straps 18 for securing a limb (L) against the limb stabilizing plate 16. When coulped to the planar base 12, the stanchion 14 extends generally perpendicular to a major surface 20 of the planar base 12. As shown in Figures 1 & 2, the stanchion 14 can be generally L- shaped.

[0020] As used herein, "securing a limb" is intended to include securing at least a portion of a limb, which includes the hand or foot, as shown in Figures 5, 8-10 and 12. As used herein, "generally" is used to include a deviation of ± 15 degrees from the recited direction or configuration, ± 10 degrees, or ± 5 degrees. Generally is also intended to encompass the direction or geometric property itself. Thus, a structure may include some curvature and be properly described as generally planar and a structure may include a curved transition between a long arm and a short arm and still be described as generally L-shaped.

[0021] The limb stabilizing plate 16 can be adjustably coupled to the stanchion 14 about an angular axis (A) of the stanchion 14. For instance, the limb stabilizing plate 16 can be rotatably coupled to a distal end 22 of the stanchion 14, which can be the short leg of an L-shaped stanchion 14. The limb stabilizing plate 16 can also be slidably coupled to the stanchion 14. As shown in Figures 1 & 2, the limb stabilizing plate 16 can be slidably and/or rotatably coupled to a distal end 22 of the stanchion 14, which can be the short leg of an L-shaped stanchion 14.

[0022] As used herein, "angular axis" refers to rotation around a longitudinal axis running through the center of the stanchion 14 {e.g., a cylindrical stanchion). The angular axis (A) is best shown in Figure 3. As used herein, the terms "distal" and "proximal" are used to refer to portions of the stanchion that are furthest away from and closest to the planar base 12, respectively.

[0023] A coupling projection 24 can extend from a rear surface 26 of the limb stabilizing plate 16. The coupling projection 24 and the stanchion 14 can form a nesting coupling while enabling the coupling projection 24 to rotate relative to and slide along the stanchion 14.

[0024] As used herein, "nesting coupling" is used to refer to a coupling where one body fits (or nests) within a cavity of another body. For example, as shown in Figure 1 , the coupling projection 24 can be a hollow cylinder with an inner diameter slightly larger than an outer diameter of the distal end 22 of the cylindrical stanchion 14, which can be hollow or solid. Although not shown, it will be understood that this arrangement can be reversed, such that the coupling projection 24 shown in Figures 1 & 2 fits within a hollow of a tubular stanchion 14. Similarly, the bodies forming the nesting coupling can have other cross-sections (e.g., oval, square, triangle polygonal, etc.) as long as one fits within the hollow end of the other. The tolerances of the nesting coupling can be tight enough that, in the absence of external forces other than gravity, the two bodies remain coupled without being further secured. [0025] The limb support 10 can also include a pin 28 and both the coupling projection 24 and the stanchion 14 can include at least one pair of orifices 30, 32 disposed on opposite sides of the stanchion 14. The pin 28 can pass through the pairs of orifices 30, 32 to lock the stanchion 14 and the coupling projection 24 relative to one another.

[0026] At least one of the coupling projection 24 and the distal portion 22 of the stanchion 14 that form the nesting coupling can include a plurality of rows 34 of pairs of orifices 30, 32. Each row can extend longitudinally along the stanchion 14. The rows 34 of orifice pairs 30, 32 can be arranged so that the pin 28 can lock the stanchion 14 and the coupling projection 24 in more than one angular orientation. For example, it will be understood that the limb support plate 16 will be at a different angular orientation when the pair of orifices 30 of the coupling projection 24 are lined up with each of the different pairs of orifices 32a, 32b, 32c & 32d at the distal end 22 of the stanchion 14.

[0027] The rows 34 of orifices can be off-set by any amount. For example, the rows 34 of orifices 22 can be off-set by 90° or, as shown in Figure 3, by 45°. This enables the limb support plate 16 to be arranged at a variety of positions so that it can support a limb at a comfortable angle. For example, as shown in Figures 5 & 6, it may be desirable or necessary to support an arm or a hand in a vertical orientation by arranging the limb support plate 16 in a vertical orientation. In contrast, it may be desirable or necessary to support an upper or lower leg in a horizontal or angled orientation by arranging the limb support plate 16 in a horizontal or angled orientation.

[0028] Similar to the fashion in which the limb support plate 16 and the stanchion 14 are coupled, as shown in Figures 1 & 2, the planar base 12 can be adjustably coupled to the stanchion 14 about an angular axis of a proximal end 36 of the stanchion 14. The stanchion 14 can be slidably adjusted relative to the planar base 12 in order to vary the height of the limb support plate 16 depending on the thickness of the stabilizing structure {e.g., mattress or cushion), the limb being secured, and the size of the user. The base coupling projection 38 can extend from an upper surface 20 of the planar base 12 and the base coupling projection 38 and the stanchion 14 can form a nesting coupling.

[0029] The same rotatable and slidable relationship between the stanchion 14 and the planar base 12 can be provided by the embodiment of Figure 7. In Figure 7, a vertical guide 46 can be rotatably coupled to the base coupling projection 38 via a nesting coupling. The base coupling projection 38 can fit inside the vertical guide 46. Alternately, the vertical guide 46 can fit inside the base coupling projection 38. The vertical guide 46 can include a plurality of orifice pairs 48, which can be in a single row in some embodiments. A pin 50 can pass through an orifice pair 48 aligned with an orifice pair 32 from the stanchion 14 to control the height of the limb supporting plate 16.

[0030] In the embodiment of Figure 7, the base coupling projection 38 can include multiple rows 34 of orifice pairs 30, which can be used to control the angular position of the vertical guide 46 and, therefore, the stanchion 14 and limb supporting plate 16. A pin 40 can pass through an orifice pair 48 of the vertical guide 46 that is aligned with an orifice pair 30 from the base coupling projection 38. This allows full angular control of the positioning of the stanchion 14 and limb supporting plate 16 while only having a single row of orifices 48 on each side of the vertical guide 46 and a single row of orifices 32 on each side of the stanchion 14. [0031] The stanchion 14 can rotate relative to the base coupling projection 38 within the nesting coupling. For example, as shown in Figure 1 , the short arm of an L- shaped stanchion 14 can extend parallel to a major axis of the planar base (along the x- axis) when coupled to the planar base 12. Alternately, as shown in Figure 10, the short arm of an L-shaped stanchion 14 can extend parallel to a minor axis of the planar base (along the y-axis) when coupled to the planar base 12.

[0032] The limb support 10 can also include a base pin 40, and both the base coupling projection 38 and the proximal portion 36 of the stanchion 14 can include at least one pair of orifices 30, 32 disposed on opposite sides thereof. The pin 40 can pass through the at least one pair of orifices 30 and/or 32 to lock the stanchion 14 and the base coupling projection 36 relative to one another.

[0033] At least one of the base coupling projection 38 and the proximal portion 36 of the stanchion 14 forming the nesting coupling can include a plurality of rows 34 of pairs of orifices 30, 32. The base pin 40 can lock the stanchion 14 and the base coupling projection 38 in one of a number of possible angular orientations.

[0034] This rotational ability can be beneficial depending on the environment in which the limb support is being used. For example, as shown in Figure 5, when the limb support 12 is being supported under a mattress (M), it may be desired for the distal end 22 of the stanchion 14 to extend parallel to the major axis (i.e., the x-axis) of the planar base 12 over the mattress where the user is lying. On the other hand, as shown in Figures 8 & 9, if the limb support 12 is being supported under a couch cushion, it may be desired for the distal end 22 of the stanchion 14 to extend away from the user (i.e., away from the user's body) in order to support the user's hand in a comfortable position. Alternately, as shown in Figure 10, it may be desirable to have the distal end of the stanchion extend toward the user parallel to the minor axis (i.e. , the y-axis) of the planar base 12.

[0035] Figure 9 also shows an embodiment where the stanchion 14 is rigidly attached to the limb supporting plate 16. As shown in Figure 9, the short leg 15 of the L-shaped stanchion 14 can be non-adjustably (e.g., permanently) attached to the limb supporting plate 16. The long leg 17 of the L-shaped stanchion can be adjustably and removably attached to the base 12, for example, by the base coupling projection 38.

[0036] The straps 18 can be coupled to the limb support plate 16. For example, the limb support plate 16 can include at least one slot 42 that at least one strap 18 can be threaded through. Each strap 18 can be releasably coupled to itself, another strap, or an anchoring position in order to secure the limb to the limb support plate 16.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1 , each strap can include one hook portion 44 and one loop portion 44 and can be releasably coupled to itself. Alternately, as shown in Figure 2, opposing straps 18a, 18b can each include hook material 44 and/or loop material 44, and can be coupled to each other. In another arrangement, the straps 18 can include hook or loop material 44 and a rear surface 26 of the limb support plate 16 can include the corresponding loop or hook material 44. In yet another arrangement, one of the straps 18 can include a locking mechanism that clamps or locks another strap in place once they are tightened around a user's limb.

[0038] Figures 1 1 & 12 show a portable embodiment of the limb support system described. The portable device 52 includes the stanchion-support assembly 54 used in the limb support device of Figures 1 -10 The stanchion-support assembly 54 can be slidably coupled to the portable base 56. The stanchion can be rotatably coupled to the portable base 56 about an angular axis of a proximal end of said stanchion 14. A proximal end of the stanchion 14 can be removably coupled to the portable base 56. For example, the stanchion-support assembly 54 of Figures 9 and 1 1 can be switched and releasably coupled to either the portable base 56 or the planar base 12 depending on whether the user is resting or needs to be mobile.

[0039] The portable base 56 can include a portable base plate 58, a portable base coupling 60, and at least one belt 62 for removable attachment to a user. The at least one belt 62 can be attached to the portable base plate 58 via at least one portable base slot 64. The at least one portable base slots 64 can be positioned proximate edges of the portable base plate 58.

[0040] In some embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 1 1 & 12, one or more waist belts 66 can be attached to the portable base plate 58 by a portable base slot 64 proximate a first side edge 68 of the portable base plate 58 and another portable base slot 64 proximate a second side edge 70 opposite the first side edge 68. In some embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 1 1 & 12, at least one shoulder belt 72 can be attached to the portable base plate 58 by a portable base slot 64 proximate a top edge 74 of the portable base plate 58. The belts 62 can include a buckle 76 for ease of donning by the wearer.

[0041] The portable base coupling 60 can be attached to an outer surface 59 of the portable base plate 58. The portable base coupling 60 and the stanchion 14 can form a nesting coupling. The stanchion 14 can fit within the portable base coupling 60 to form a nesting coupling as described herein. The stanchion 14 can rotate relative to portable base coupling 60 as part of the nesting coupling. The stanchion 14 can also slide within the portable base coupling 60 as part of the nesting coupling.

[0042] The portable base coupling 60 can include pairs of orifices 78 disposed on opposite sides of the portable base coupling 60. The system 52 can also include a pin 80 that can pass through a pair of orifices 32 in the stanchion 14 and a pair of orifices in the portable base coupling 60 to lock the stanchion 14 and the portable base coupling 60 relative to one another. The pin 80 can be the same base pin 40 used to lock the stanchion 14 and the base coupling projection 38 relative to one another.

[0043] At least one of the portable base coupling 60 and the proximal portion 36 of the stanchion 14 that form the nesting coupling can include a plurality of rows of pairs of orifices. For example, the stanchion 14 can have rows 34 of orifices 32 as shown in Figure 1 . In some embodiments, the pin can lock the stanchion and the portable base coupling in more than one angular orientation.

[0044] A unique feature of the limb support system is that when a hand of a user is secured to the limb supporting plate 16, the stanchion-support assembly 54 can be moved between the planar base 12, as shown in Figure 10, and the portable base 56, as shown in Figure 12, without the need to unstrap the hand from the limb supporting plate 16. For example, user's hand can comfortably and easily be supported by the planar base 12, as shown in Figure 10, and then by the portable base 56, as shown in Figure 12, with a palmar aspect of the hand contacting the limp supporting plate 16.

[0045] A method of supporting a limb is also described. The method can include providing a limb support 10 as described herein and attaching a limb of a person to the limb stabilizing plate 16 using the one or more straps 18. The method can also include adjusting the stanchion 14 and the limb stabilizing plate 16 so that the limb stabilizing plate 16 is at or above a level of a heart of a person using the limb support 10. The method can also include the patient using the limb support for a week or more.

Specific Embodiments

[0046] In specific embodiment one, a limb support system is disclosed that includes a generally planar base; a stanchion removably coupled to the planar base; a limb stabilizing plate coupled proximate a distal end of the stanchion; and one or more straps for securing a limb against the limb stabilizing plate, where the stanchion extends generally perpendicular to a major surface of the planar base when coupled to the planar base.

[0047] In specific embodiment two, a limb support according to specific embodiment one is disclosed, wherein the stanchion is generally L-shaped.

[0048] In specific embodiment three, a limb support system according to any of the preceding specific embodiments is disclosed, wherein the limb stabilizing plate is adjustably coupled to the stanchion about an angular axis of a distal end of the stanchion.

[0049] In specific embodiment four, a limb support system according to any of the preceding specific embodiments is disclosed, wherein the limb stabilizing plate is slidably coupled to the stanchion.

[0050] In specific embodiment five, a limb support system according to any of the preceding specific embodiments is disclosed, wherein the limb stabilizing plate is adjustably coupled to the stanchion about an angular axis of a distal end of the stanchion.

[0051] In specific embodiment six, a limb support system according to any of the preceding specific embodiments is disclosed, wherein a coupling projection extends from a rear surface of the limb stabilizing plate, and wherein the coupling projection and the stanchion forming a nesting coupling, in which the coupling projection can rotate relative to the stanchion.

[0052] In specific embodiment seven, a limb support system according to specific embodiment six is disclosed, further comprising a pin, wherein both the coupling projection and a distal portion of the stanchion comprise at least one pair of orifices disposed on opposite sides thereof, wherein the pin can pass through the at least one pair of orifices to lock the stanchion and the coupling projection relative to one another.

[0053] In specific embodiment eight, a limb support system according to specific embodiment seven is disclosed, wherein at least one of the coupling projection and the distal portion of the stanchion forming the nesting coupling comprise a plurality of rows of pairs of orifices.

[0054] In specific embodiment nine, a limb support system according to specific embodiment eight is disclosed, wherein the pin can lock the stanchion and the coupling projection in more than one angular orientation.

[0055] In specific embodiment ten, a limb support system according to any of the preceding specific embodiments is disclosed, wherein the limb stabilizing plate is slidably coupled to the stanchion. [0056] In specific embodiment eleven, a limb support system according to any of the preceding specific embodiments is disclosed, wherein the stanchion is adjustably coupled to the planar base about an angular axis of a proximal end of the stanchion.

[0057] In specific embodiment twelve, a limb support system according to any of the preceding specific embodiments is disclosed, wherein a base coupling projection extends from an upper surface of the planar base, wherein the base coupling projection and the stanchion form a nesting coupling.

[0058] In specific embodiment thirteen, a limb support system according to specific embodiment twelve is disclosed, wherein the stanchion can rotate relative to the base coupling projection within the nesting coupling.

[0059] In specific embodiment fourteen, a limb support system according to specific embodiment thirteen is disclosed, further comprising a pin, wherein both the base coupling projection and a proximal portion of the stanchion comprise at least one pair of orifices disposed on opposite sides thereof, wherein the pin can pass through the at least one pair of orifices to lock the stanchion and the base coupling projection relative to one another.

[0060] In specific embodiment fifteen, a limb support system according to specific embodiment fourteen is disclosed, wherein at least one of the base coupling projection and the proximal portion of the stanchion forming the nesting coupling comprise a plurality of rows of pairs of orifices.

[0061] In specific embodiment sixteen, a limb support system according to specific embodiment fifteen is disclosed, wherein the pin can lock the stanchion and the coupling projection in more than one angular orientation. [0062] In specific embodiment seventeen, a limb support system according to any of the preceding specific embodiments is disclosed, further comprising a portable base, comprising a belt for removable attachment to a user, wherein the stanchion can be removably coupled to the portable base.

[0063] In specific embodiment eighteen, a limb support system according to specific embodiment seventeen is disclosed, wherein the portable base can be rotatably coupled to the stanchion about an angular axis of a proximal end of the stanchion.

[0064] In specific embodiment nineteen, a limb support system according to specific embodiment eighteen is disclosed, wherein a portable base coupling is attached to an outer surface of the portable base, wherein the portable base coupling and the stanchion form a nesting coupling.

[0065] In specific embodiment twenty, a limb support system according to specific embodiment nineteen is disclosed, wherein the stanchion can rotate relative to the portable base coupling within the nesting coupling.

[0066] In specific embodiment twenty-one, a limb support system according to specific embodiment twenty is disclosed, further comprising a pin, wherein both the portable base coupling and a proximal portion of the stanchion comprise at least one pair of orifices disposed on opposite sides thereof, wherein the pin can pass through the at least one pair of orifices to lock the stanchion and the portable base coupling relative to one another.

[0067] In specific embodiment twenty-two, a limb support system according to specific embodiment twenty-one is disclosed, wherein at least one of the portable base coupling and the proximal portion of the stanchion forming the nesting coupling comprise a plurality of rows of pairs of orifices.

[0068] In specific embodiment twenty-three, a limb support system according to specific embodiment twenty-two is disclosed, wherein the pin can lock the stanchion and the portable base coupling in more than one angular orientation.

[0069] Specific embodiment twenty-four is a method of supporting a limb that includes providing a limb support system according to any of the preceding specific embodiments; and attaching a limb of a person to the limb stabilizing plate using the one or more straps.

[0070] Specific embodiment twenty-five is a method according to specific embodiment twenty-four, further comprising adjusting the stanchion and the limb stabilizing plate so that the limb stabilizing plate is at or above a level of a heart of a person using the limb support.

[0071] Specific embodiment twenty-six is a method according to specific embodiments twenty-four or twenty-five, further comprising coupling the stanchion to the planar base, and coupling the stanchion to the portable base.

[0072] Specific embodiment twenty-seven is a method of supporting a limb that includes providing a limb support system according to any of specific embodiments one through twenty-three; and attaching a limb of a person to the limb stabilizing plate using the one or more straps.

[0073] Specific embodiment twenty-eight is a method according to specific embodiment twenty-seven, further comprising adjusting the stanchion and the limb stabilizing plate so that the limb stabilizing plate is at or above a level of a heart of a person using the limb support.

[0074] Specific embodiment twenty-nine is a method according to specific embodiment twenty-seven or twenty-eight, further comprising coupling the stanchion to the planar base, and coupling the stanchion to the portable base.

[0075] The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, an describing embodiments of the method and system. Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of this disclosure. In particular, it is intended that each of the variants described above can be combined with any of the other variants described above.

Claims

1 . A limb support system, comprising:

a generally planar base;

a stanchion removably coupled to said planar base;

a limb stabilizing plate coupled proximate a distal end of said stanchion; and one or more straps for securing a limb against said limb stabilizing plate, wherein said stanchion extends generally perpendicular to a major surface of said planar base when coupled to said planar base.

2. The limb support system according to claim 1 , wherein the stanchion is generally L-shaped.

3. The limb support system according to claim 1 , wherein said limb stabilizing plate is adjustably coupled to said stanchion about an angular axis of a distal end of said stanchion.

4. The limb support system according to claim 1 , wherein said limb stabilizing plate is slidably coupled to said stanchion.

5. The limb support system according to claim 4, wherein said limb stabilizing plate is adjustably coupled to said stanchion about an angular axis of a distal end of said stanchion.

6. The limb support system according to claim 5, wherein a coupling projection extends from a rear surface of said limb stabilizing plate, wherein said coupling projection and said stanchion forming a nesting coupling, while enabling said coupling projection to rotate relative to said stanchion.

7. The limb support system according to claim 6, further comprising a pin, wherein both said coupling projection and a distal portion of said stanchion comprise at least one pair of orifices disposed on opposite sides thereof, wherein said pin can pass through said at least one pair of orifices to lock said stanchion and said coupling projection relative to one another.

8. The limb support system according to claim 7, wherein at least one of said coupling projection and said distal portion of said stanchion forming said nesting coupling comprise a plurality of rows of pairs of orifices.

9. The limb support system according to claim 8, wherein said pin can lock said stanchion and said coupling projection in more than one angular orientation.

10. The limb support system according to claim 1 , wherein said limb stabilizing plate is slidably coupled to said stanchion.

1 1 . The limb support system according to claim 1 , wherein said stanchion is adjustably coupled to said planar base about an angular axis of a proximal end of said stanchion.

12. The limb support system according to claim 1 , wherein a base coupling projection extends from an upper surface of said planar base, wherein said base coupling projection and said stanchion form a nesting coupling.

13. The limb support system according to claim 12, wherein said stanchion can rotate relative to said base coupling projection within said nesting coupling.

14. The limb support system according to claim 13, further comprising a pin, wherein both said base coupling projection and a proximal portion of said stanchion comprise at least one pair of orifices disposed on opposite sides thereof, wherein said pin can pass through said at least one pair of orifices to lock said stanchion and said base coupling projection relative to one another.

15. The limb support system according to claim 14, wherein at least one of said base coupling projection and said proximal portion of said stanchion forming said nesting coupling comprise a plurality of rows of pairs of orifices.

16. The limb support system according to claim 15, wherein said pin can lock said stanchion and said coupling projection in more than one angular orientation.

17. The limb support system according to claim 1 , further comprising a portable base, comprising a belt for removable attachment to a user, wherein said stanchion can be removably coupled to said portable base.

18. The limb support system according to claim 17, wherein said portable base can be rotatably coupled to said stanchion about an angular axis of a proximal end of said stanchion.

19. The limb support system according to claim 18, wherein a portable base coupling is attached to an outer surface of said portable base, wherein said portable base coupling and said stanchion form a nesting coupling.

20. The limb support system according to claim 19, wherein said stanchion can rotate relative to the portable base coupling within said nesting coupling.

21 . The limb support system according to claim 20, further comprising a pin, wherein both said portable base coupling and a proximal portion of said stanchion comprise at least one pair of orifices disposed on opposite sides thereof, wherein said pin can pass through said at least one pair of orifices to lock said stanchion and said portable base coupling relative to one another.

22. The limb support system according to claim 21 , wherein at least one of said portable base coupling and said proximal portion of said stanchion forming said nesting coupling comprise a plurality of rows of pairs of orifices.

23. The limb support system according to claim 22, wherein said pin can lock said stanchion and said portable base coupling in more than one angular orientation.

24. A method of supporting a limb, comprising:

providing a limb support system according to claim 1 ; and

attaching a limb of a person to said limb stabilizing plate using said one or more straps.

25. The method according to claim 24, further comprising:

adjusting said stanchion and said limb stabilizing plate so that the limb stabilizing plate is at or above a level of a heart of a person using said limb support.

26. The method according to claim 24, further comprising:

coupling said stanchion to said planar base; and

coupling said stanchion to said portable base.

27. A method of facilitating healing, comprising:

providing a limb support system according to claim 1 ; and attaching a limb of a person to said limb stabilizing plate using said one or more straps.

28. The method according to claim 27, further comprising:

29. The method according to claim 27, further comprising:

coupling said stanchion to said planar base; and

coupling said stanchion to said portable base.