Method and apparatus for facilitating the healing of bone fractures
AssigneeAircast, Inc.
InventorsDaniel A. Berish, Henry J. McVicker, Glenn W. Johnson, III, Anthony Victor Seaber, Christian Fink
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating bone fractures by the application of intermittent pneumatic compression. The period of compression is sufficient to induce venous stasis at the fracture site. The period of recovery can be about half the period of compression. The applied pressure can be 50% or less of the baseline pressure.
Claims28
A method of treating a bone fracture, the method comprising the step of applying intermittent low pressure pneumatic compression directed radially inwardly at or proximal to the site of the bone fracture at a pre-determined pressure and for pre-determined periods of compression and recovery, said period of compression being sufficient to cause venous stasis in the region of the fracture and said period of recovery being sufficient to restore venous circulation.
A method of treating a bone fracture, the method comprising alternately (a) applying compression at or proximal to the site of the bone fracture, at sufficient pressure and for a pre-determined period of time to cause venous stasis, and (b) reducing the applied pressure for a pre-determined period of time to relieve venous stasis.
A method of treating a bone fracture, the method comprising cyclically applying compression directed radially inwardly at or proximal to the site of the bone fracture, at a pressure about 50% or less above the baseline pressure, for a pre-determined period of compression, and reducing said applied compression for a pre-determined period of recovery.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.