US 5,288,286 AGranted

Adjustable pressure cast for orthopedic injuries

OwnerAlbert D. Davisinventor

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Abstract

A device for use as a cast for orthopedic leg injuries is disclosed which has a plurality of inflatable, adjustable pressure air chambers contained within a resilient outer support casing which may easily be installed around a patient's lower extremity to control tissue edema and minor undisplaced fractures, acute sprains, and ruptures of supporting ligaments. The cast apparatus of the present invention uses three sets of air chambers to support the lower leg, the ankle, and the lower foot, respectively, of a patient. The ankle portion of the cast apparatus has special support apparatus designed to provide excellent ankle support in a unique manner. Splint members may also be used in conjunction with the cast apparatus of the present invention, with a variety of techniques being used to mount the splint members onto the cast apparatus. The device can also readily be used as a cast for upper extremities.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A cast for immobilizing and stabilizing the lower leg, comprising:

an external sleeve member made of non-rigid elastomeric material for encasing a portion of the lower leg, said external sleeve member having a securable opening and means for releasably securing said securable opening, one end of said securable opening being located adjacent the proximal end of said external sleeve member, said securable opening being provided to facilitate installation of said cast onto the lower leg;
an inner lining located inside said external sleeve member and secured to said external sleeve member at common peripheries thereof;
inflatable first air chambers means located intermediate said external sleeve member and said inner liner for supporting a portion of the lower leg around the periphery thereof, said inflatable first air chambers means being oriented intermediate said external sleeve member and said inner liner in a manner whereby said inflatable first air chambers means extends longitudinally when said cast is installed onto the lower leg;
inflatable second air chambers means located intermediate said external sleeve member and said inner liner for applying pressure to support the ankle on both sides thereof;
wherein said inflatable first air chambers means comprise:
a) an anterior leg air chamber;
b) a lateral leg air chamber;
c) a posterior leg air chamber;
and
d) a medial leg air chamber;
said cast including:
a) a first segment of tubing connecting a first side of said anterior leg air chamber to a first side of said lateral leg air chamber;
b) a second segment of tubing connecting a second side of said lateral leg air chamber opposite said first side of said lateral leg air chamber to a first side of said posterior leg air chamber;
c) a third segment of tubing connecting a second side of said posterior leg air chamber opposite said first side of said posterior leg air chamber to a first side of said medial leg air chamber;
and
d) an air fill valve extending approximately two inches above the top edge of one of said anterior, lateral, posterior, and medial leg air chambers for use in filling said anterior, lateral, posterior, and medial leg air chambers.

13 more elements

A cast for immobilizing and stabilizing the lower leg, comprising:

an external sleeve member made of non-rigid elastomeric material for encasing a portion of the lower leg, said external sleeve member having a securable opening and means for releasably securing said securable opening, one end of said securable opening being located adjacent the proximal end of said external sleeve member, said securable opening being provided to facilitate installation of said cast onto the lower leg;
an inner lining located inside said external sleeve member and secured to said external sleeve member at common peripheries thereof;
inflatable first air chambers means located intermediate said external sleeve member and said inner liner for supporting a portion of the lower leg around the periphery thereof, said inflatable first air chambers means being oriented intermediate said external sleeve member and said inner liner in a manner whereby said inflatable first air chambers means extends longitudinally when said cast is installed onto the lower leg;
inflatable second air chambers means located intermediate said external sleeve member and said inner liner for applying pressure to support the ankle on both sides thereof;
wherein said inflatable second air chambers comprises:
a lateral ankle air chamber;
a lateral premolded ankle cup for placement against the lateral ankle malleolus, said lateral premolded ankle cup being adhesively secured to the inner side of said lateral ankle air chamber;
and
a medial ankle air chamber;
a medial premolded ankle cup for placement against the medial ankle malleolus, said medial premolded ankle cup being adhesively secured to the inner side of said medial ankle air chamber.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.