Orthopaedic appliance for use in treating fractured clavicles

For use in treating a patient having a clavicle fractured between its proximal end which is joined to the sternum and its distal end which is joined to the acromion overlying the humerus, a splint comprising:

• a belt adapted to encircle the patient's abdomen below the rib cage transverse to the spinal column;
• a strap having a pressure applying zone adapted to overlie the clavicle between its proximal end and the location of the fracture, said strap having an anterior portion depending diagonally downward from said pressure applying zone and across the patient's rib cage to a location adjacent said belt and to the side opposite the fractured clavicle, said strap also having a posterior portion depending diagonally downward from said pressure applying zone and across the patient's back to a location adjacent said belt on the side opposite the fractured clavicle;
• means connecting said front and rear strap portions to said belt;
• means for tensioning said strap to cause it to apply downward pressure to said clavicle between its proximal end and the fracture;
• and
• sling means adapted to engage the patient's elbow and forearm and engaging over the patient's opposite clavicle for applying pressure upwardly via the humerus and acromion to the distal end of the clavicle;
• whereby pressure is applied in opposite directions to the fractured clavicle for urging it into proper juxtaposition for promoting healing.