WO2014154499A1

WO2014154499A1 - A limb support device

Info

Publication number: WO2014154499A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/055024
Authority: WO
Inventors: Neil Browning; Christopher Ogilvie THOMPSON
Original assignee: Neil Browning; Thompson Christopher Ogilvie
Priority date: 2013-03-27
Filing date: 2014-03-13
Publication date: 2014-10-02
Also published as: GB2512344A; GB201305578D0

Abstract

A limb support device (501) for alleviating and/or diminishing pressure on, for example a person's foot (504) by elevating an area of the person's leg above a surface (307) while reclining is provided. In an example, the limb support device (501) is configured such that a base of a wedge-shaped body (310) has dimensions which are sufficient to permit the body to envelope a patient's lower leg and a wedge angle (106) sufficient to raise the patient's heel (505) above the horizontal when the patient is in a supine position. An advantage is that the wedge shaped body (310) is operable to envelope a variety of different sized limbs, for example, lower legs, thereby increasing the usability of the limb support device (501). A further advantage is that a patient can walk while wearing the limb support device (501).

Description

Title: A LIMB SUPPORT DEVICE

Description

Field of the invention

The field of this invention relates to a limb support device for alleviating and/or diminishing pressure on, for example a person's foot by elevating an area of the person's leg above a surface while reclining.

Background of the invention

In the field of limb support, utilising devices to alleviate or diminish pressure on a blemish, wound or decubitus ulcer (also known as a pressure ulcer), by elevating a vulnerable part of the body above a surface without directly contacting the affected area are known in the art. These devices are typically used for people that may be bedridden or that may have been confined to long term bed rest. In these cases, it is relatively common for these people to develop 'bedsores' on parts of the body that are in contact and under pressure from the weight of their bodies. For certain parts of the body, for example the heel, it is particularly important to prevent 'bedsores'. This is because these regions typically have a poor blood supply, and once a 'bedsore' develops, it is usually very difficult for the 'bedsore' to heal, in some instances leading to amputation of the affected limb. In other cases, it may be necessary to elevate a part of the body that has been subject to a surgical procedure, injury, or the like to prevent the affected area contacting a surface, for example bed sheets or the like.

WO2007040543 discloses a patient elevating device comprising an elongated cushion that can be positioned under an immobile patient to relieve pressure to a bony prominence, surrounding the area without covering the wound. A disadvantage with this device is that it is designed for immobile patients. Therefore, if a patient were to change position, the device may shift position and, therefore, may become ineffective at reducing pressure to the bony prominence. Furthermore, a patient who is mobile would not be able to leave their rest position without removing the device.

US5449339 and US20070073208 disclose a heel supporting protective boot for bed patients, wherein the boot is capable of supporting a leg of a person in a supine reclining position, such as a bedridden patient, to reduce the risk of bed sores, foot droop etc. A disadvantage with this device is that it is also designed for immobile, bedridden patients. Therefore, if a partially mobile patient fitted with the device wanted to walk, the device would need to be removed, and then fitted again once the patient returns to a supine reclining position. Further, the device, protective boot, would need the right foot size for each patient.

Therefore there is a need to, at least, provide a device that can be utilised by a mobile, or partly mobile patient, as well as an immobile patient, whilst reducing pressure to a part of a bony prominence, such as a heel.

Summary of the invention

According to the present invention, a limb support device formed of a resilient material and comprising a wedge-shaped body having fastening means for securing said body around a limb is provided. An advantage of the wedge shaped body is that it may be operable to transfer the pressure of the weight of a leg, for example, from the heel (which is a small surface area) to the back of the calf (which is a large surface area). Therefore, the effect of the pressure caused by the weight of the leg, in this example, may be significantly reduced. When the heel bears the weight of the leg, this weight may compress the arteries in the heel, constricting them, and in severe cases, closing them off, impeding blood supply to the tissue and causing the heel tissue to become gangrenous. The invention may permit normal blood pressure in the arteries supplying the tissues of the heel to be maintained, thereby providing normal circulation to the heel. In the presence of normal circulation a pressure sore should not develop. A further advantage of the limb support device may be that it allows the ankle, for example, to move in an unrestricted manner, thereby reducing the likelihood of the ankle joint becoming frozen or stiff due to lack of movement. Furthermore, this lack of restriction of movement of the ankle may also stimulate blood flow in the veins of the calf ("the calf pump"), thereby reducing the risk of a deep vein thrombosis. In one example, the wedge-shaped body is a truncated wedge.

In an example, the limb support device is configured such that a base of the wedge-shaped body has dimensions which are sufficient to permit the body to envelope a patient's lower leg and a wedge angle sufficient to raise the patient's heel above the horizontal when the patient is in a supine position. When the limb support device is so-positioned, the wedge shape permits the heel of a patient to be raised above the horizontal without causing any discomfort to the patient. A further advantage is that the wedge shaped body is operable to envelope a variety of different sized limbs, for example, lower legs, thereby increasing the usability of the limb support device. A further advantage is that a patient can walk while wearing the limb support device.

In examples, the fastening means may comprise cooperative hook and loop elements. In other examples, the fastening means may comprise belt and buckle elements. In some further examples, the fastening means may comprise press studs. In other examples, the fastening means may comprise elasticated members. In some further examples, the fastening means may comprise button and button hole elements. In some examples, the fastening means may be detachable, allowing the wedge shaped body to be cleaned/sterilised. In further examples, the fastening means may be formed within a recess in the wedge shaped body, reducing friction between the limb support device and the surface the limb support device is resting on. In other examples, the fastening means may protrude from the wedge shaped body. In examples, fastening means may be attached to a lower surface of the wedge shaped body. In other examples, fastening means may be detachable from the wedge shaped body. In other examples, fastening means may comprise at least one fastening. In other examples, fastening means may comprise a plurality of fastenings distributed along a lower surface of the wedge shaped body. In some examples, the fastening means may be removable from the wedge shaped body, for example, in order to clean or sterilise the wedge shaped body.

In an example, the wedge shaped body may be formed of an open cell foam material. In an example, the open cell foam material may be polyurethane foam. In another example, the open cell foam material may be Visco/Memory foam.

In examples, the wedge shaped body may be formed of an air filled cushion. In some examples, the air filled cushion may be inflatable/deflectable. An advantage of an air filled cushion is that the air filled cushion may be inflated/deflated to accommodate limbs of different sizes. A further advantage may be that the wedge shaped body formed of an air filled cushion could be easily stored. In some examples, the air filled cushion may be made from plastics, for example, thermoplastics. In some examples the thermoplastic may be polyvinyl chloride. In other examples, the air filled cushion may comprise one or more air chambers. In some examples, the one or more air chambers may provide support for the air filled cushion. In other examples, the one or more air chambers may be sealed from one another, preventing air flowing between the one or more air chambers.

In some examples, the wedge shaped body may be provided with a cover. In some examples, the cover may be antimicrobial. In other examples, the cover may be non allergenic. In some examples, the cover may be removable. In other examples, the cover may be integral to the wedge shaped body and not capable of being removed. In some examples, the cover may be formed with a convoluted structure. An advantage of a cover is that the cover may be removed to be cleaned/sterilised, or cover the wedge shaped body, allowing the wedge shaped body to be cleaned sterilised.

In some examples, the wedge shaped body may comprise a convoluted structure on at least one surface. The convoluted structure may have the effect of increasing air flow between the convoluted surface and the surface of the limb being supported.

In some examples, the wedge shaped body may comprise at least one cavity. In other examples the wedge shaped body may comprise at least one air hole. An advantage of the cavity/air hole is that the circulation of air between a surface of the limb support device and the patient's limb may be increased. Further, the cavity may act as a weight reducing means. In other examples, the at least one cavity may comprise a plurality of cavities with differing sizes arranged over at least part of the wedge shaped body. In examples, the at least one cavity may extend from a first surface of the wedge shaped body to a second surface of the wedge shaped body. In other examples, the at least one cavity may extend between a surface of the wedge shaped body contacting the leg and a side of the truncated wedge. Alternatively, the limb support device may comprise a distribution of cavities of various sizes, some of which may be distributed randomly and/or uniformly around at least part of limb support device. The cavities may be utilised to increase air flow between the limb and a surface of the limb support device and/or to reduce the weight of the limb support device.

In some examples, the limb support device may further comprise support means, supporting an appendage to the limb. In examples, the support means may be secured to the limb support device by detachable means. In examples, detachable means may be one or all of cooperative hook and loop elements, belt and buckle elements, and press studs. In some examples support means may be permanently attached to the limb support device.

In some examples, the support means may help prevent foot drop, by supporting a foot of a patient.

In some examples, the dimension of the truncated side of the wedge shaped body may be in the range of 0.5 to 7cm. In some examples, the dimension of the opposing side of the wedge (relative to the truncated side) may be in the range of 1 cm to 12cm. In some examples, the width of the wedged shaped body (defining the region to be enveloped around a limb) may be in the range of 10cm to 60cm. In some examples, the length of the wedge shaped body (distance between, a knee joint and an ankle, for example) may be in the range of 10cm to 60cm. In some examples, the angle of the wedge may be around 7 degrees. In other examples, the angle of the wedge may be in the range of 4 to 15 degrees.

In some examples, the limb support device is designed to support a lower leg of a patient.

In some examples, the wedge shaped body may comprise a friction reducing surface, for example, on a lower surface of the wedge shaped body. This may have the advantage of allowing the patient to move his limb without the limb support device adhering to a bed, for example. This may prevent the limb of the patient moving within the limb support device.

In some examples, the limb support device 100 may not require fastening means, for example if limb support device is positioned under the leg of a patient. In some examples, a limb of a bedridden patient may require support. In this case, due to the lack of mobility of the patient, the limb support device could be positioned under the leg to be supported.

In some examples, it may be necessary to provide a device that allows a patient to change position and/or walk, without having to remove and/or adjust the limb support device. In some examples, the limb support device may be wrapped substantially around a leg and fixed in position by fastening means. An advantage of this configuration may be that the supported leg can be rotated without displacing the supported limb from the limb support device 100. For example, if a patient moves position in a bed. A further advantage may be that a patient can walk with the limb support device attached to the patient. Therefore, the limb support device may not need to be removed prior to the patient walking. As disclosed above, the limb support device may be wrapped substantially around a limb. Therefore, a further advantage may be that the limb support device is operable to fit a plurality of patients with different limb sizes (e.g. circumferences of the limb), wherein the fixing means may be altered to accommodate a plurality of different limb sizes.

Brief description of the drawings

Further details, aspects and embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers are used to identify like or functionally similar elements. Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a limb support device in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a side view of a limb support device in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a limb support device in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the limb support device of FIG. 3 as it appears when worn on the lower leg of a patient; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a modified version of the limb support device of FIGs. 3 and 4 as it appears when worn on the lower leg of a patient.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

Referring to FIG. 1 , there is illustrated a simplified perspective view of a limb support device 100 in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. Limb support device 100, in this example, comprises a wedge shaped body, particularly a truncated wedge shaped body 101 formed of a compressible and/or resilient material and having fastening means 103. In this example, the fastening means 103 is attached to a lower surface 102 of the wedge shaped body 101 . In this example, fastening means 103 are preferably situated perpendicular to the direction of the wedge shaped body 101 . An advantage of this arrangement is to permit the wedge shaped body 101 to envelope a patient's lower leg and be fastened in place by fastening means 103. In this example, fixing means 103 comprise VELCRO.

In this example, the wedge shaped body 101 is formed of any suitable open cell foam material, for example, polyurethane foam. Further, the wedge shaped body 101 is covered in a non allergenic and/or antimicrobial material 105, which may or may not be removable from the wedge shaped body 101 . In this example, the wedge shaped body 101 is comprised of a substantially smooth and uniform material.

In this example, an angle 106 between an upper surface 107 and the horizontal 104 determines the angle of the wedge shaped body 101 . The angle 106 may be any suitable angle that enables support of a limb, for example, a lower part of a leg excluding the heel. The angle 106 should be sufficient to lift the patient's heel above the horizontal when the patient is in a supine position. The angle 106 may be dependent on one or all of the size, type and weight of the limb, in this example, the lower leg of the patient. In this example, the angle 106 is around 7 degrees, which provides the heel with enough lift be clear of the ground/bed, preventing the heel from contacting the ground/bed. In this example, the height 108 of the truncated side of the wedge 108 is around 2cm and the height of the opposing side of the wedge 1 10 is around 5cm. It should be obvious to the skilled person that these dimensions 108, 1 10 and angle 106 are all interrelated. In this example, the wedge shaped body 101 is a truncated wedge. An advantage of the truncated wedge design is that the wedge shaped body 101 can be positioned, for example, around a patient's lower leg between the patient's knee joint and ankle. Therefore, the patient is still able to bend his knee with the wedge shaped body 101 in position. In this example, the width 1 12 of the wedge shaped body 101 (the dimension between the truncated side of the wedge 108 and the opposing side of the wedge 1 10) is around 25 cm. In this example, the width 1 12 has been chosen to allow the wedge shaped body 101 to fit between the patient's knee joint and ankle. Further, in this example, the length 109 of the wedge shaped body 101 is around 45 cm. This dimension has been chosen to allow the wedge shaped body to envelope around the patient's leg. FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a limb support device in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. In this example, the fastening means are located in a recess 205 as well as being attached 103 to a lower surface 202 of the wedge shaped body 200. An advantage of locating the fastening means within a recess is that a uniform lower surface 202 is provided. Further, in this example, an upper surface 206 of the wedge shaped body 200 comprises a convoluted structure 204. In this example, the convoluted structure 204 contacts the limb of the patient. In this example, the convoluted structure 204 is formed of a series of alternate peaks and valleys that serve to enhance air flow between the upper surface 206 of the wedge shaped body 200 and the patient's leg, for example.

FIG. 3 illustrates a limb support device in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention. FIG 3 illustrates limb support device 301 utilised to support a limb 303, in a first position 302. In this example, limb 303 comprises a lower leg. In this example, supporting the lower leg 303 prevents the heel 305 from contacting a surface 307, which may, for example, be a bed sheet, mattress, water bed, or the like. Preventing the heel 305 from contacting the surface 307 may alleviate or diminish pressure on a blemish, wound or decubitus ulcer (also known as a pressure ulcer) on the heel 305. In this example, limb support device 301 , comprises a wedge shaped body 310 and two fastenings 312. The wedge shaped body 310 has opposing first side 314 and a second side 316. In this example, the first side 314 is smaller in height, relative to the limb support device 301 , than second side 316, forming the truncated wedge shape. In this example, the device is placed under the lower leg so that the first side 314 is located under the calf of the leg 303 and the second side 316 is located proximate to the heel 305. In this example, the wedge shape of the limb support device may redistribute the weight of the limb from the heel to the back of the calf. Further, the wedge shape may reduce pressure to surrounding ligaments and muscles, for example the calf muscle. In these illustrated examples, a leg 303 has been used as an example limb. It should be noted that limb support device 301 can be used with any limb that requires support. In some cases, it may be necessary to prevent the limb support device 301 from contacting the achilles tendon of leg 303. Therefore, the dimensions of the limb support device may be determined by the dimensions of the patient's leg 303. It is known that long term pressure to the achilles tendon can cause inflammation. In this example, the limb support device 301 comprises at least one cavity 318. The shape, size and number of the cavities 318 may be varied. In FIG. 3, cavities 318 are relatively large, and distributed randomly around leg support device 301 . The cavities 318 may be utilised to increase air flow between the leg 303 and a surface of the limb support device 301 , and/or to reduce the weight of the limb support device 301 . In this example, the cavities 318 extend between the surface contacting the leg 303 and an opposing surface. FIG. 4 illustrates the limb support device of FIG. 3 as it appears when worn 400 on the lower leg 403 of a patient. In FIG. 4, cavities 418 are relatively small, and distributed uniformly around at least part of limb support device 401 .

In this example, limb support device 401 has been substantially enveloped around the leg 403 of a patient. The position of the limb support device 401 in relation to the calf and heel 405 is substantially the same as in FIG. 3. In this example, the limb support device 401 has been wrapped around the surface of the leg 403 and fastened in position by the fastening means 412, which in this example comprise two fasteners comprising VELCRO. In this example, the thickness of the fastening means and fastening force may vary depending on the number of fastening means used for fastening the limb support device 401 into position around the patient's leg 403. In the enveloped position, the limb support device 401 may have further advantages compared to limb support device 301 illustrated in FIG. 3. For example, the patient is able to move or rotate leg 403 without displacing or reducing the effectiveness of limb support device 401 from leg 403. Further, the limb support device 401 , when enveloped around the surface of the leg 403 is operable to accommodate different sizes of leg by adjusting the fasteners 412. The limb support device 401 may also redistribute the weight of the limb from the heel, which is a relatively small surface area, to the back of the calf, which is a relatively large surface area. Further, preventing contact between the heel and a surface, for example bed sheets or mattress, may improve blood flow to the heel, allowing normal circulation. In these illustrated examples, a leg 403 has been used as an example limb. It should be noted that limb support device 401 can be used with any limb that requires support. In this example, the limb support device 401 comprises cavities 418 distributed uniformly around at least part of limb support device 401 .

A further advantage of limb support device 401 may be that a patient can walk, or at least manoeuvre themselves, whilst the limb support device 401 is attached to their leg 403. For example, this may be required to strengthen the limb after surgery, or simply to allow a patient to use a toilet remote from their resting position. As discussed previously, examples of limb support device 401 used in conjunction with a leg 403 should not be seen as limiting. In this example, the fasteners 412 may be formed of cooperative hook and loop elements, which may be used in conjunction with a buckle, or the like, to allow quick and efficient removal of the limb support device 401 to allow inspection of the limb by medical staff, for example.

FIG. 5 illustrates a modified version of the limb support of FIGs. 3 and 4. In this example, limb support device 501 comprises a single fastener 512, which, in this example, is substantially wider than in previous embodiments. However, a plurality of fastening means 412 as discussed previously may be used additionally or in conjunction with the fastening means 512. Additionally, and advantageously, the limb support device 501 includes a support 502 which may be detachable. In this example, support 502 comprises an elongate member formed of a cushioned material, for example open cell foam, which extends around and is attachable to the limb support device 501 . In this example, support 502 is attachable to the limb support device 501 via VELCRO. In this example, the support 502 extends from a first surface of the limb support device 501 around an appendage to a limb, in this example a foot 504, and fixably attached to a second surface of the limb support device 501 . Utilising support 502 in conjunction with limb support device 501 may, advantageously, reduce the onset of foot drop. Foot drop is an abnormality in which the dropping of the forefoot occurs due to weakness, damage to nerves, or paralysis of muscles in the anterior portion of the lower leg 503. By utilising support 502 in conjunction with limb support device 501 , the likelihood of weakness or damage to muscles in the foot while, in this example, the heel 505 is elevated may be reduced, thereby reducing/preventing the onset of foot drop. In this example, the support 502 comprises a strap configured to wrap around the foot of the patient, and be fixably attached to two sides of the leg support device 501 adjacent to the patient's foot. Utilising the support 502, a patient can still walk and/or manoeuvre themselves whilst the limb support device 501 is attached to a limb. An advantage of this device is that the patient's heel is still kept clear of the bed.

It should be noted that features disclosed in any example of the invention may be combined singularly or in combination with disclosed features in any other examples of the invention.

In examples, the term 'patient' is deemed to cover any patient or person who requires limb support. For example, post operative patients who need to be immobile for relatively long periods of time, patients who cannot move themselves (e.g. those in a coma), the elderly and sick who may be mobile, but may be required to spend a relatively large amount of time in a resting position and people who are mobile, but require bed rest for a prolonged period of time.

In examples, the limb support device is operable to support any limb. Examples of the invention are not intended to limit the invention to any particular limb, for example a leg.

In examples, the shape of the limb support device disclosed is for illustrative purposes. Any shape that allows the invention to be performed can be utilised.

Claims

Claims:

1 . A limb support device formed of a resilient material and comprising a wedge-shaped body having fastening means for securing said body around a limb.

2. The limb support device of Claim 1 wherein the wedge-shaped body is a truncated wedge.

3. The limb support device of Claim 1 wherein a base of the wedge-shaped body has dimensions which are sufficient to permit the body to envelope a patient's lower leg and a wedge angle sufficient to raise the patient's heel above the horizontal when the patient is in a supine position.

4. The limb support device of any preceding Claim, wherein the wedge shaped body is formed of an open cell foam material.

5. The limb support device of Claim 1 to 3, wherein the wedge shaped body is formed of an air filled cushion.

6. The limb support device of Claim 5, wherein the air filled cushion is formed of plastics.

7. The limb support device of any preceding Claim, wherein the wedge shaped body is provided with a removable cover.

8. The limb support device of Claim 4, wherein the open cell foam material is polyurethane foam.

9. The limb support device of Claim 4, wherein the open cell foam material is Visco/Memory foam.

10. The limb support device of Claim 7, wherein the removable cover is formed from an antimicrobial material.

1 1 . The limb support device of Claim 7, wherein the removable cover is formed from a non allergenic material.

12. The limb support device of any preceding Claim, wherein the wedge shaped body comprises a convoluted structure on at least one surface.

13. The limb support device of any preceding Claim, wherein the wedge shaped body comprises at least one cavity.

14. The limb support device of any preceding Claim, wherein the at least one fastening means comprises cooperative hook and loop elements.

15. The limb support device of Claim 1 to 13, wherein the at least one fastening means comprises belt and buckle elements.

16. The limb support device of Claim 1 to 13 wherein the at least one fastening means comprises press studs.

17. The limb support device of Claim 1 to 13 wherein the at least one fastening means comprises button and button hole elements.

18. The limb support device of Claim 14 to 17 wherein the at least one fastening means is detachable.

19. The limb support device of any preceding Claim, including a support means for supporting an appendage to the limb.

20. The limb support device of Claim 19, wherein the support means supports a foot.

21 . The limb support device of Claim 20, wherein the support means is secured to the limb support device by detachable means.

22. The limb support device of Claim 20, wherein the support means is secured to the limb support device by cooperative hook and loop elements.

23. The limb support device of Claim 20, wherein the support means is secured to the limb support device by belt and buckle elements.

24. The limb support device of Claim 20, wherein the support means is secured to the limb support device by press studs.