WO2014008237A1

WO2014008237A1 - Limb support device and system and methods of using the same

Info

Publication number: WO2014008237A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/049033
Authority: WO
Inventors: Leon Tonelli PANZICA
Original assignee: Pro Med Technologies, Inc.
Priority date: 2012-07-02
Filing date: 2013-07-02
Publication date: 2014-01-09

Abstract

A limb support system is described. The limb support system can include a generally planar base; a first stanchion removably coupled to the planar base, a limb stabilizing plate coupled to a cross bar coupled proximate a distal end of the first stanchion, and one or more straps for securing a limb against the limb stabilizing plate. The first 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 second generally planar base and second stanchion for supporting the cross bar between the first and second stanchions. Also described are methods 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

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/667,282, filed July 2, 2012 and International Application Number PCT/US12/70787, filed December 20, 2012, both applications are expressly incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 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 or to facilitate treatment for other medical conditions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 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. 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 [0004] 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 the stanchion on a cross bar coupled to 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 second generally planar base, where the cross bar couples to and between the generally planar base and the second generally planar base. A second limb stabilizing plate can also couple to the cross bar.

[0005] 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a side view of a limb support in accordance with the

embodiments described herein.

[0007] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the limb support of FIG. 1 .

[0008] Figure 3 is a perspective view of stanchion an alternative base that can be used with the limb support of Figure 1 or 2 in accordance with the embodiments.

[0009] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a limb support plate in accordance with the embodiments described herein. [0010] Figure 5 is a front plan view of the limb support plate of Figure 4.

[0011] Figure 6 is a side view of the limb support plate of Figure 4 .

[0012] Figure 7A is an environmental view showing use of the limb support of

Figure 1 or 2 in a reclined position in accordance with the embodiments.

[0013] Figure 7B is an environmental view showing an alternative positioning of the limb support in accordance with the embodiments.

[0014] Figure 8 is an environmental view showing use of a limb support system with the alternative base of Figure 3 in a supine position in accordance with the embodiments.

[0015] As will be understood the drawings accompanying this application are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] A limb support and system for controlling the position of a user's limb is disclosed. In some embodiments, the support can be anchored by inserting the planar base beneath a mattress, cushion or other object. In some embodiments, the support includes a second planar base that is further anchored by inserting the second planar base beneath the mattress, cushion or other object. In some embodiments, the second planar base is modified to remain on a top surface of a mattress, cushion or other object while primarily relying on the (first) planar base for anchoring. 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 foot or leg in a patient suffering from a condition (e.g., diabetes, surgery recovery, etc.) - in a position above the user's heart which is beneficial to the distal portion of the user's limb. It has been determined that this facilitates recovery following such surgical procedures or diagnosed medical conditions. 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 (in a modified reclining bed, gurney or wheel chair) when it would be difficult or impossible to maintain the limb in the preferred position. This results in significantly improved outcomes to the medical treatments or surgical interventions performed on the user/patient .

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 -8, the limb support 10 includes a generally planar base 12, a stanchion 18 slidably couplable to the planar base 12; at least one limb stabilizing plate 40 (shown in Figures 3-8) couplable proximate a distal end of the stanchion 18 and more particularly, the limb stabilizing plate 40 being couplable to a cross bar 20 that extends from a distal end of the stanchion 18. The cross bar 20 can extend perpendicularly from the stanchion 18. In one embodiment, the limb support 10 can include a second generally planar base 22 and a second stanchion 28 slidably couplable to the second planar base 22 which can be identical to the first base 12, and stanchion 18 but oriented as shown in FIG. 1 . The cross bar 20 that extends from the distal end of the stanchion 18 can couple to a distal end of the second stanchion 28 to serve as a support bar for one or more limb stabilizing plates 40. Referring to FIG. 5, the limb support can also include one or more straps 50 for securing a limb such as a patient's leg or foot against the limb stabilizing plate 40. When coupled to the planar base 12, the stanchion 18 extends generally perpendicular to a major surface 13 of the planar base 12 (see FIG. 2). When coupled to the second planar base 22, the second stanchion 28 extends generally perpendicular to a major surface 23 of the second planar base 22. As shown in Figures 1 & 2, the stanchion 18 and second stanchion 28 can both be generally L-shaped. Thus, the cross bar 20 extends from either stanchion 18 or 28 in a generally perpendicular fashion such that the cross bar 20 maintains a generally horizontal position in a working position.

[0018] The generally planar base 12 includes a base coupling projection 14 that extends from the major or upper surface 13 of the planar base 12. The base coupling projection 14 and the stanchion 18 form a nesting coupling between a lower (or proximal) end 18A of the stanchion 18 and an upper (or distal) end 15 of the base coupling projection 14. The stanchion 18 can slide up and down within the base coupling projection 14 in a telescoping fashion to enable a height adjustment of the stanchion 18 and thereby enable a height adjustment of the cross bar 20 when coupled to the stanchion 18. The vertical position of the stanchion 18 relative to the base coupling projection 14 can be fixed or set using a quick release clamp 16 (shown in FIG. 1 ) or other clamp 16A (shown in FIG. 2) that can be tightened (or loosened) about the outer diameter of the base coupling projection 14 using a using a quick-release handle 17 (as shown in Figure 1 ) or set screw 17A (as shown in Figure 2) for example as similarly used on bicycles. Of course, other mechanisms for fixing the height of the stanchion 18 relative to the base coupling projection 14 can be used. For example, pins or collapsible or depressible detents can be used with mating holes that secure the stanchion 18 relative to the base coupling projection 14 at predetermined heights as described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/667,282, incorporated herein by reference. Use of a clamp allows for further flexibility in adjusting the height (and/or rotational angle) of the stanchion 18. A detent is a catch or other mechanism that prevents further motion until the catch is released.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second generally planar base 22 includes a base coupling projection 24 that extends from the major or upper surface 23 of the planar base 22. The base coupling projection 24 and the second stanchion 28 form a nesting coupling between a lower (or proximal) end 28A of the stanchion 28 and an upper (or distal) end 25 of the base coupling projection 24. The stanchion 28 can slide up and down within the base coupling projection 24 in a telescoping fashion to enable a height adjustment of the stanchion 18 and thereby enable a height adjustment of the cross bar 20 when coupled to the stanchion 28. Of course, in one embodiment, the cross bar 20 can be coupled to and between both stanchion 18 and second stanchion 28 (of respective bases 12 and 22) to form a horizontal bar that is securely anchored on opposing ends of the cross bar 20. The vertical position of the second stanchion 28 relative to the base coupling projection 24 can be fixed or set using a clamp 26 or 26A that can be tightened about the outer diameter of the base coupling projection 24 using a lever 27 (as shown in FIG. 1 ) or a set screw 27A (as shown in FIG. 2) for example. As explained above, other mechanisms for fixing the height of the stanchion 28 relative to the base coupling projection 24 can be used including pins or collapsible or depressible detents can be used in conjunction with mating holes that secure the stanchion 28 relative to the base coupling projection 24 at predetermined heights. Use of a clamp allows for further flexibility in adjusting the height of the stanchion 28. In some configurations, the stanchions 18 and 28 as well as the cross bar 20 can have their heights adjusted in tandem. [0020] Referring to Figure 2, the stanchion 18 and the second stanchion 28 can optionally include respective holes or protruding collapsible detents 19 and 29 that can mate with holes or openings 21 near a first end 20A or a second end 20B of the cross bar 20. In some embodiments using holes in the stanchions, a pin (not shown), can be used to secure the cross bar 20 to the stanchion 18 and/or the second stanchion 28 when the holes of the stanchion line up with the holes 21 of the cross bar 20. In some embodiments, when using protruding collapsible detents on the stanchions, the stanchion (18 or 28) can be forced into the cross bar 20 a set selectable distance until at least one detent "pops out" and protrudes from one of the selectable holes 21 of the cross bar 20. In some embodiments, a telescoping stanchion and cross bar with clamps can be used to adjust positions. Accordingly, the width or distance between stanchions 18 and 28 can be adjusted to accommodate different size beds, couches, gurneys, wheel chairs, etc.

[0021] In some embodiments, a single U-shaped or bent pipe can be used that would mate with base coupling projections of respective planar bases set apart at predetermined distances. In this regard, the U-shaped pipe can be considered a single cross bar having bends at both ends. In some embodiments, an integrated extension of the first stanchion and an integrated extension of the second stanchion can couple as a nested coupling as an alternative to using a separate cross-bar between two

stanchions.

[0022] As used herein, "securing a limb" is intended to include securing at least a portion of a limb, which includes the leg or foot, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. 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.

[0023] The limb stabilizing plate 40 can be adjustably coupled to the stanchion 18 and thus to a cross bar 20 coupled to the stanchion 18 using an attachment mechanism such as a hook 60 coupled to rear surface 43 of the limb stabilizing plate 40 as shown in Figure 6. The hook 60 can also be considered a coupling projection that extends from a rear surface 43 of the limb stabilizing plate 40 such that the coupling projection (60) couples to the cross bar 20 and enables the coupling projection or hook 60 to rotate (clockwise and counterclockwise) around the cross bar 20. The limb stabilizing plate 40 can be rotatable about an intermediate portion of the cross bar 20 where the limb stabilizing plate 40 has an orientation that is parallel to a portion of the stanchion. In Figure 7A or Figure 8, the limb stabilizing plate 40 can be considered to have an orientation that is parallel to the plane of the portion of the stanchion (18 or 28) that is also parallel to the plane of the cross bar 20. In Figure 7B, the limb stabilizing plate 40 can be considered to have an orientation that is parallel to another portion of the stanchion that is also parallel to the plane of base coupling projection (14 or 24).

[0024] The coupling projection or hook 60 also enables lateral adjustments of the limb stabilizing plate 40 along a length of the cross bar 20. In one configuration, the limb support would include two limb stabilizing plates 40 coupled to the cross bar 20 as shown in Figures 7 and 8. Thus, each limb stabilizing plate 40 can be slidably and/or rotatably coupled to the cross bar 20 which is coupled at least to a distal end 18B of the stanchion 18, which can be the short leg of an L-shaped stanchion 18. As explained above, the cross bar 20 can be further coupled to a distal end 28B of the stanchion 28, which can also be a short leg of an L-shaped stanchion 28. Although a single base under a mattress or other heavy object can be a sufficient anchor in certain

configurations, using two bases and stanchions with a cross bar in between can provide a stable anchor and environment for lifting one or more limbs. In some embodiments, the cross bar can be an integrated extension from the stanchion and then the cross bar can be coupled to a second stanchion in a nested coupling. In some embodiments the cross bar and stanchions are adjustable and suited for several standard bed widths such as 39 inches or 42 inches (twin), 54 inches (full), 60 inches (Queen) across, 76 inches (King) or other desired sizes.

[0025] 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). 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 (or 22), respectively.

[0026] Referring again to FIG. 6, a coupling projection or hook 60 can extend from a rear surface 43 of the limb stabilizing plate 40. The coupling projection 60 and an extension of the stanchion 18 in the form of the cross bar 20 can form a flexible coupling that enables the coupling projection 60 to rotate back and forth relative to the cross bar 20 and further enables sliding along portions of the stanchion 14 (or 24) and more so along portions or all of the cross bar 20. Referring to Figures 4-6, the limb stabilizing plate includes a front surface 42 where a patient's foot or limb would be placed and secured thereto via the strap 50 which can be threaded through holes 46 in the limb stabilizing plate 40. The limb stabilizing plate 40 can further include a top portion 44 that curves toward the front surface 42 and is primarily perpendicular to the front surface 42.

[0027] In the configurations shown in Figures 7A and 8, the front surface 42 supports the back of the heal and a portion of the calf muscle of the patient while the top portion 44 supports or serves as a stop for the bottom of the heal of the patient. The straps 50 keep the portions of the leg and feet in place on the front surface 42. In the alternative configuration shown in Figure 7B, the limb support plate is inverted as well as the hook 60 as shown. The top portion 44 in this configuration prevents the limb from moving in a vertical direction in a downward direction and provides support to the back of a patient's heel.

[0028] 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 2, the base coupling projection 14 can be a hollow cylinder with an inner diameter slightly larger than an outer diameter of the proximal end 18A of the cylindrical stanchion 18, which can be hollow or solid. Although not shown, it will be understood that this arrangement can be reversed, such that the coupling projection 14 shown in Figures 1 & 2 fits within a hollow of a tubular stanchion 18. 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. Note that nesting coupling exist between end 18B of stanchion 18 and end 20A of cross bar 20 as well as between end 28B of stanchion 28 and end 20B of cross bar 20. Nesting coupling also exist between base coupling projection 14 and stanchion 18 as well as base coupling projection 24 and stanchion 28.

[0029] As noted above, the limb support 10 can also include a pin as disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application 61/667,282 and both the cross bar 20 or base coupling projection 14 (or 24) and the stanchion 18 (or 28) can include at least one pair of orifices disposed on opposite sides of the stanchion. The pin can pass through the pairs of orifices to lock the stanchion (18 or 28) and the cross bar 20 or coupling projection 14 (or 24) relative to one another.

[0030] At least one of the base coupling projection and the proximal portion of the stanchion (18A) that form the nesting coupling can include a plurality of rows of pairs of orifices. Each row can extend longitudinally along the stanchion 18. The rows can be arranged so that the pin can lock the stanchion 18 and the base coupling projection 14 in more than one angular orientation. Alternatively, the clamp 16 or 16A (or 26 or 26A) can be used to lock the stanchion 18 and the base coupling projection 14 in an infinite number of angular orientations.

[0031] Similar to the fashion in which base coupling projection 14 and the stanchion 18 are coupled, as shown in Figures 1 & 2, the stanchion 18 can be adjustably coupled to the cross bar 20. The stanchion 18 can also be slidably adjusted relative to the planar base 12 in order to vary the height of cross bar 20 and any attached limb support plate 40. The appropriate height adjustment can depend on a number of factors including 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 14 can extend from an upper surface 13 of the planar base 12 and the base coupling projection 14 and the stanchion 18 can form a nesting coupling.

[0032] In one embodiment, a vertical guide (as shown by the vertical guide 46 in FIG. 7 of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/667,282) can be rotatably coupled to the base coupling projection 14 via a nesting coupling. The base coupling projection 14 can fit inside the vertical guide. Alternately, the vertical guide can fit inside the base coupling projection 14. The vertical guide can include a plurality of orifice pairs, which can be in a single row in some embodiments. A pin can pass through an orifice pair aligned with an orifice pair from the stanchion to control the height of the limb supporting plate 40. If needed, the stanchion 18 can also rotate relative to the base coupling projection 14 within the nesting coupling. If a vertical guide is used, the base coupling projection 14 can be designed to have a shorter height as shown in U.S. Provisional Application 61/667,282.

[0033] Referring again to Figures 4 and 5, the limb support plate 40 includes straps 50 that help couple a limb such as a foot to the limb support plate 40. For example, the limb support plate 40 can include at least one slot 46 that at least one strap 50 can be threaded through. Each strap 50 can be releasably coupled to itself, another strap, or an anchoring position in order to secure the limb to the limb support plate 40.

[0034] Each strap 50 can include one hook portion and one loop portion and can be releasably coupled to itself. Alternately, opposing straps can each include hook material and/or loop material, and can be coupled to each other. In another arrangement, the straps can include hook or loop material and a rear surface 43 of the limb support plate 40 can include the corresponding loop or hook material. In yet another arrangement, one of the straps 50 can include a locking mechanism that clamps or locks another strap in place once they are tightened around a user's limb.

[0035] Figures 7A and 7B illustrate a patient in a reclining or resting position on a bed having a box spring "B" and mattress "M". In this "hospital configuration" 70 where a mattress is sufficiently thin enough so that a patient's limbs or feet can be raised high enough to be above the patient's heart using the generally planar bases 12 and 22 on respective left and right sides of the bed, corresponding stanchions 18 and 28, and cross bar 20 between stanchions 18 and 28. The stanchions 18 and 28 mount within respective base coupling projections 14 and 24 and can be adjusted in terms of height relative to the base and fixed to a certain height using clamps 16 and 26. As previously mentioned, the clamps can be quick release clamps using respective levers 17 and 27 to easily adjust and fix the height of the stanchions 18 and 28 and the cross bar 20.

[0036] Referring to Figures 3 and 8, an alternative second planar base 32 is used in a "home configuration" 80 instead of the planar base 12 or 22. The "home

configuration" refers to a situation where a mattress having a thicker height 84 would cause the planar base 12 or 22 when used together to have insufficient clearance above the height of the mattress and thereby not providing the ability to raise a patient's limb high enough to be above the patient's heart. In a scenario where the thickness 84 of the mattress is higher than 6 inches, for example, then the alternative second base planar base 32 can be used on at least one side of the bed (or both) to maintain the patient's limb or limbs above their heart. As shown in Figure 3, the alternative second planar base 32 includes a base coupling projection 34 that extends vertically in a perpendicular fashion relative to a major surface 33 of the base 32. The base coupling projection 34 is centrally disposed on the major surface 33 of the base 32 in contrast to being disposed on an end of the base (as with base coupling projections 14, 24 on bases 12, 22). Having the base coupling projection 34 centrally disposed on the major surface 32 enables the planar base 32 to reside on top of a mattress or cushion (82) rather than having the base wedged underneath the mattress or cushion. Thus, the stanchion 28 can be placed in and vertically adjusted in a nested coupling with the base 32 at the base coupling projection 34. In some configurations, the use of two alternative bases 32 can be used on opposing (left and right) sides of the bed with the cross bar 20 in between (using stanchions 18 and 28).

[0037] 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 40 using the one or more straps 50. The method can also include adjusting the stanchion 18 and the limb stabilizing plate 40 so that the limb stabilizing plate 40 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

[0038] 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 cross bar having a first end coupled to a distal end of said stanchion, at least one limb stabilizing plate selectively coupled to a portion of the cross bar, 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.

[0039] In specific embodiment two, a limb support according to specific embodiment one is disclosed, wherein the stanchion is generally L-shaped.

[0040] 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 an extension of the stanchion in the form of the cross bar.

[0041] In specific embodiment four, a limb support system according to any of the preceding specific embodiments is disclosed, wherein a height of the cross bar is adjustable by slidably adjusting the stanchion relative to the generally planar base.

[0042] In specific embodiment five, 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, wherein the coupling projection couples to the cross bar and enables the coupling projection to rotate relative to the cross bar and enables lateral adjustments of the limb stabilizing plate along a length of said cross bar.

[0043] In specific embodiment six, a limb support system according to any of the preceding specific embodiments is disclosed, further including a detent on the stanchion and a plurality of openings on a distal end of the cross bar, wherein the detent can pass through the at least one of the openings of the plurality of openings to lock the stanchion and the cross bar relative to one another [0044] In specific embodiment seven, a limb support system according to any of the preceding specific embodiments is disclosed, wherein the limb stabilizing plate includes a hook attached to a rear surface of the limb stabilizing plate for coupling the limb stabilizing plate to the cross bar.

[0045] In specific embodiment eight, a limb support system according to any of the preceding specific embodiments is disclosed, further including a second generally planar base, a second stanchion removably coupled to said second planar base, wherein the second stanchion extends generally perpendicular to a major surface of the second planar base when coupled to the planar base, wherein a second end of the cross bar couples to a distal end of the second stanchion, and wherein the cross bar extends generally perpendicular to said stanchion and the second stanchion.

[0046] In specific embodiment nine, a limb support system according to specific embodiment eight is disclosed, wherein a base coupling projection extends from an upper surface of the second planar base, wherein the base coupling projection and the stanchion form a nesting coupling and wherein the base coupling projection extends from the upper surface of the second planar base near a distal end of said second planar base.

[0047] In specific embodiment ten, a limb support system according to specific embodiment eight is disclosed, wherein a base coupling projection extends from an upper surface of the second planar base, wherein the base coupling projection and the stanchion form a nesting coupling and wherein the base coupling projection extends from the upper surface of the second planar base at a central portion of the second planar base. . [0048] In specific embodiment eleven, 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 said planar base, wherein the base coupling projection and the stanchion form a nesting coupling.

[0049] In specific embodiment twelve, a limb support system according to specific embodiment eleven is disclosed, wherein a base coupling projection extends from an upper surface of the planar base near a distal end of the planar base.

[0050] In specific embodiment thirteen, a limb support system according to specific embodiment eleven is disclosed, wherein said stanchion is fixed relative to said base coupling projection within said nesting coupling using an adjustable clamp.

[0051] In specific embodiment fourteen, a limb support system is disclosed that includes a first generally planar base, a second generally planar base, a first stanchion removably coupled to the first planar base, a second stanchion removably coupled to the second planar base, a cross bar having a first end coupled to a distal end of the first stanchion and a second end coupled to a distal end of the second stanchion, wherein the cross bar extends generally perpendicular between the first stanchion and the second stanchion and at least one limb stabilizing plate selectively coupled to a portion of the cross bar. The limb support system further includes one or more straps for securing a limb against said limb stabilizing plate.

[0052] In specific embodiment fifteen, a limb support system according to specific embodiment fourteen is disclosed, further including a second limb stabilizing plate selectively coupled to another portion of the cross bar, wherein the second limb stabilizing plate includes one or more straps for securing a limb against said second limb stabilizing plate.

[0053] In specific embodiment sixteen, a limb support system according to any of the preceding specific embodiments is disclosed, wherein the first generally planar base and the second generally planar base are identical and the first stanchion and the second stanchion are identical.

[0054] In specific embodiment seventeen, a limb support system according to any of the preceding specific embodiments is disclosed, wherein the first generally planar base includes a first base coupling projection extending from an upper surface of the first planar base near a distal end of the first generally planar base and the second generally planar base includes a second base coupling projection extending from an upper surface of the second generally planar base at a central portion of the second generally planar base, wherein the first and second base coupling projections and the first and second stanchions form respective nesting couplings.

[0055] In specific embodiment eighteen, a limb support system according to any of the preceding specific embodiments is disclosed, wherein the first base coupling projection extends vertically higher in height from the first generally planar base than the second base coupling projection from the second generally planar base.

[0056] In specific embodiment nineteen, a method of supporting a limb is disclosed that includes providing a limb support system according to any of the preceding specific embodiments and attaching a foot or leg of a person to the limb stabilizing plate using the one or more straps. [0057] Specific embodiment twenty is a method according to specific embodiment nineteen, 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.

[0058] 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, wherein said stanchion extends generally perpendicular to a major surface of said planar base when coupled to said planar base;

a cross bar having a first end coupled to a distal end of said stanchion, wherein the cross bar extends generally perpendicular to said stanchion;

at least one limb stabilizing plate selectively coupled to a portion of the cross bar; and

one or more straps for securing a limb against said limb stabilizing plate.

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 along a portion of said cross bar.

4. The limb support system according to claim 1 , wherein a height of said cross bar is adjustable by slidably adjusting said stanchion relative to the generally planar base.

5. The limb support system according to claim 1 , wherein a coupling projection extends from a rear surface of said limb stabilizing plate, wherein said coupling projection couples to said cross bar and enables said coupling projection to rotate relative to said cross bar and enables lateral adjustments of said limb stabilizing plate along a length of said cross bar.

6. The limb support system according to claim 1 , further comprising a detent on the stanchion and a plurality of openings on a distal end of the cross bar, wherein said detent can pass through said at least one of the openings of the plurality opening to lock said stanchion and said cross bar relative to one another.

7. The limb support system according to claim 1 , wherein said limb stabilizing plate includes a hook attached to a rear surface of the limb stabilizing plate for coupling the limb stabilizing plate to the cross bar.

8. The limb support system according to claim 1 , further comprising:

a second generally planar base;

a second stanchion removably coupled to said second planar base, wherein said second stanchion extends generally perpendicular to a major surface of said second planar base when coupled to said planar base;

wherein a second end of the cross bar couples to a distal end of said second stanchion, wherein the cross bar extends generally perpendicular to said stanchion and said second stanchion.

9. The limb support system according to claim 8, wherein a base coupling projection extends from an upper surface of said second planar base, wherein said base coupling projection and said stanchion form a nesting coupling and wherein the base coupling projection extends from the upper surface of said second planar base near a distal end of said second planar base.

10. The limb support system according to claim 8, wherein a base coupling projection extends from an upper surface of said second planar base, wherein said base coupling projection and said stanchion form a nesting coupling and wherein the base coupling projection extends from the upper surface of said second planar base at a central portion of said second planar base.

1 1 . 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.

12. The limb support system according to claim 1 1 , wherein the base coupling projection extends from the upper surface of said planar base near a distal end of said planar base.

13. The limb support system according to claim 1 1 , wherein said stanchion is fixed relative to said base coupling projection within said nesting coupling using an adjustable clamp.

14. A limb support system, comprising:

a first generally planar base;

a second generally planar base;

a first stanchion removably coupled to said first planar base;

a second stanchion removably coupled to said second planar base;

a cross bar having a first end coupled to a distal end of said first stanchion and a second end coupled to a distal end of said second stanchion, wherein the cross bar extends generally perpendicular between said first stanchion and said second stanchion;

one or more straps for securing a limb against said limb stabilizing plate.

15. The limb support system of claim 14, further comprising a second limb stabilizing plate selectively coupled to another portion of the cross bar, wherein the second limb stabilizing plate includes one or more straps for securing a limb against said second limb stabilizing plate.

16. The limb support system of claim 14, wherein the first generally planar base and the second generally planar base are identical and the first stanchion and the second stanchion are identical.

17. The limb support system of claim 14, wherein the first generally planar base includes a first base coupling projection extending from an upper surface of said first planar base near a distal end of said first generally planar base and the second generally planar base includes a second base coupling projection extending from an upper surface of said second generally planar base at a central portion of said second generally planar base, wherein said first and second base coupling projections and said first and second stanchions form respective nesting couplings.

18. The limb support system of claim 14, wherein the first base coupling projection extends vertically higher in height from the first generally planar base than the second base coupling projection from the second generally planar base.

19. A method of supporting a limb, comprising:

providing a limb support system according to claim 1 ; and

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

20. The method according to claim 19, 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.