Moisture resistant moldable injury therapy device and method
AssigneeBSN Medical, Inc.
InventorKoen Jozef Maria Jorissen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A moisture-resistant multi-phase orthopedic system and method including a single layer, three-dimensional knitted fabric having an open structure for providing enhanced moisture transfer from the skin outwardly into the atmosphere and a flap carried by the body and movable between an open position and a closed position overlying a part of the cast body to be applied to a treatment area of the limb. The flap is adapted to cover and retain between the cast body and the flap the splint worn by the patient during the initial treatment phase in the same position as the location of the splint during the initial treatment phase.
Claims17
A moisture-resistant multi-phase orthopedic system, comprising:
- (a) a sleeve formed of moisture-impervious material and sealable to prevent entry of moisture;
- (b) a moldable splint positioned in the sleeve and sealed therein against entry of moisture until use, the splint comprising a substrate, a reactive system impregnated into or coated onto the substrate and remaining stable when maintained in substantially moisture-free conditions and hardening upon exposure to sufficient moisture to form a rigid, self supporting structure, and a cover enclosing the substrate along its length and forming a barrier between the substrate and a limb during an initial treatment phase during which the splint is worn by a patient on the limb;
- (c) an elongate removable wrap for retaining the splint on the limb;
- and
- (d) a removable cast for application to the limb during a subsequent treatment phase, and comprising:
- (1) a cast body having an interior side and exterior side and formed of a moisture resistant, single layer, three-dimensional double knit fabric having an open structure for providing enhanced moisture transfer from the skin of the patient outwardly into the atmosphere;
- and
- (2) a flap carried by the body and movable between an open position, and a closed position overlying a part of the cast body to be applied to a treatment area of the limb, the flap adapted to cover and retain between the cast body and the flap, the splint worn by the patient during the initial treatment phase in the same position as the location of the splint during the initial treatment phase.
A method of immobilizing a limb in multiple treatment phases, comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing:
- (i) a sleeve formed of moisture-impervious material and sealable to prevent entry of moisture;
- (ii) a splint positioned in the sleeve and sealed therein against entry of moisture until use, the splint comprising a substrate, a reactive system impregnated into or coated onto the substrate and remaining stable when maintained in substantially moisture-free conditions and hardening upon exposure to sufficient moisture to form a rigid, self supporting structure, and a cover enclosing the substrate along its length and forming a barrier between the substrate and a limb during an initial treatment phase during which the splint is worn by a patient on the limb;
- (iii) an elongate removable wrap for retaining the splint on the limb;
- and
- (iv) a removable cast for application to the limb, and comprising a cast body having an interior side and exterior side and formed of a moisture resistant, single layer, three-dimensional double knit fabric having an open structure for enhanced moisture transfer from the skin of the patient outwardly into the atmosphere;
- and a flap carried by the body and movable between an open position, and a closed position overlying a part of the cast body to be applied to a treatment area of the limb, the flap adapted to cover and retain the splint between the cast body and the flap;
- (b) removing the splint from the sleeve and wetting the splint;
- (c) molding the splint to the limb;
- (d) securing the splint in its molded position to the limb for being worn during an initial orthopedic treatment phase;
- (e) removing the splint from the limb;
- and
- (f) placing the splint between the flap and the cast body of the cast;
- and
- releasably applying the cast and the splint to the limb for being worn during a subsequent orthopedic treatment phase.
A moisture-resistant removable cast for application to a limb during an orthopedic treatment phase, and comprising:
- (a) a cast body having an interior side and exterior side ;
- and
- (b) a flap carried by the body and formed of a moisture resistant, single layer, three-dimensional double knit fabric having an open structure for enhanced moisture transfer from the skin of the patient outwardly into the atmosphere and movable between an open position, and a closed position overlying a part of the cast body to be applied to a treatment area of the limb, the flap, adapted to cover and retain between the cast body and the flap, a splint worn by a patient during an initial treatment phase.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.