Wrist brace

Abstract: A brace for supporting a wrist is disclosed which is specifically adapted to allow controlled regulated movement of the wrist during a healing process. The brace is formed by an anterior forearm plate (14) which has a pair of elongate struts (26, 28) attached thereto. A hand brace (44) is pivotally connected to the struts in a manner wherein the amount of pivotal movement of the hand brace may be controlled through the manipulation of a plurality of stop members (76) which extend between the hand brace and the struts. The hand brace is further used to apply downward pressure to the posterior aspect of the user's hand to aid in the healing process. Such pressure is constantly maintained though pivotal movement of the wrist is permitted by the hand brace. A posterior forearm plate (16) is releasably attached to the struts and is used to maintain the wrist brace upon the user's forearm. The wrist brace further includes a palm plate (92) which is attached to the hand brace and is operable to selectively apply upward pressure to the palmar surface of the user's hand.

Description: Field of the Invention The present invention relates to braces for supporting joints, and more particularly to a wrist brace specifically adapted to correct wrist misalignment while permitting regulated movement of the wrist. Background of the Invention As is well known, the wrist joint comprises a plurality of bones disposed between the radius and metacarpal bones of the arm. One of the most common types of fractures occurring in humans is a distal radial fracture, i.e. a fracture of the lower end of the radius, which is commonly known as a Colles' fracture. Medical studies have indicated that patients suffering from distal radial fractures are oftentimes subjected to a persistent disability which lingers despite the healing of the radius. This disability is often attributed to a failure to restore a proper anatomical orientation between the capitate bone of the wrist and the radius after such bones have become malaligned due to the fracture. In addition to fractures of the distal radius, malalignment between the capitate bone and radius has also been attributed to intercalary carpal instability or sub-luxation due to wrist ligament injury. The use of casts to immobilize injured joints and the use of external braces to provide support to and limit the movement of joints is well known. Recent advancements in the rehabilitation of joint injuries have led to the realization that early active motion of an injured joint following surgery or other trauma is essential to an expedited and complete healing process. To correct malalignment of the hand or forearm due to distal radial fractures, intercalary carpal instability or wrist ligament injury, it is generally necessary to exert upward or downward pressure on the hand so as to cause a volar or dorsal transrelocation of the distal carpal row and hand to their proper alignment on the forearm bone. When this is accomplished, the intercalary segment (proximal carpal row) is also properly aligned. Though many types of wrist braces are currently known in the prior art, the majority of such wrist braces possess certain inherent deficiencies which detract from their overall utility. Foremost of these deficiencies is the general inability of such wrist braces to exert the necessary pressure on the hand to achieve a volar or dorsal transrelocation while allowing graded active motion of the capitate bone about a single axis relative the radius. As previously indicated, such early active motion of the wrist joint is essential in facilitating a proper and complete healing process. As such, there exists a substantial need in the art for a wrist brace which overcomes these and other deficiencies associated with the prior art. Importantly, both volar and dorsal malalignment of the hand on the forearm can be corrected by the wrist brace constructed in accordance with the present invention. US Patent Specification No. 5,002,044 discloses generally a wrist brace comprising a forearm support, a lateral strut attached to said forearm support so as to be positioned adjacent the lateral aspect of the forearm; a medial strut attached to said forearm support so as to be positioned adjacent the medial aspect of the forearm; and a hand brace pivotally connected to the proximal ends of said lateral and medial struts. Summary of the Invention In accordance with the present invention there is provided a wrist brace generally as described above, characterised in that said forearm support comprises an anterior forearm plate positionable adjacent the anterior aspect of a user's forearm and a posterior forearm plate positionable adjacent the posterior forearm aspect of the user's forearm and releasably attachable to said lateral and media struts, in that said hand brace is adapted to selectively apply downward pressure to the second and third metacarpal bones of the user's hand; and in that the pivotal connection of said hand brace to said lateral and medal struts is adapted to permit controlled pivotal movement of a user's wrist about a single axis. The lateral strut may include an offset formed therein adapted to clear the trapezium and scaphoid bones of the user's wrist. According to a feature of the invention, the brace further comprises means associated with the lateral and medal struts for adjusting the distance separating the lateral strut from the medal strut as well as the distance separating the struts from the anterior forearm plate. Such an adjustment feature is provided to insure that the struts may be properly positioned relative the lateral and medial aspect of the forearm when the brace is attached thereto. Additionally, the adjustment feature allows the hand brace to be abutted against the posterior aspect of the user's hand so as to apply the aforementioned downward pressure to the posterior aspect of the user's hand, and more particularly, the second and third metacarpal bones. In the preferred embodiment, the adjusting means comprises first and second pairs of elongate threaded members which extend through and interconnect the anterior forearm plate and the struts in a manner wherein the struts are selectively positionable along the length of the threaded members. Importantly, the threaded members extend through pairs of elongate grooves disposed within the anterior forearm plate so as to be adjustable both inwardly and outwardly relative the forearm. The hand brace portion of the present invention comprises a lateral member having a lateral extension formed thereon which is slidably connected to a media member having a medal extension formed thereon. When the lateral and medial members are interconnected, the lateral and medial extensions overlap the proximal ends of the lateral and medial struts, respectively. Advantageously, the slidable connection between the lateral and medal members allows the distance separating the lateral and medal extensions to be adjusted so as to coincide with adjustments made to the distance separating the struts. The pivotal connection between the hand brace portion and the struts is facilitated by a pair of pivot pins. The wrist brace is preferably attached to the user's hand such that the pivot pins are disposed laterally on opposite sides of the capitate bone of the user's wrist. In the preferred embodiment, the pivot pins are constructed from a radiopaque material so that the pins may be identified in imaging applications such as an x-ray. The wrist brace of the present invention further comprises a palm plate which is releasably attached to the hand brace portion and positioned adjacent the palmar surface of the user's hand. Also included is an adapter pad which is releasably attached to the hand brace and used to provide a firm padded interface between the hand brace and the posterior aspect of the user's hand. It is an object of the present invention to provide a wrist brace which causes a volar or dorsal transrelocation of the bones of the hand and wrist as needed to correct a malalignment of the hand or the forearm due to fracture of the distal radius, intercalary carpal instability, or subluxation due to the wrist ligament injury. Another object of the present invention is to provide a wrist brace which permits graded active motion around the capitate bone of the wrist while causing a volar or dorsal transrelocation. Brief Description of the Drawings These as well as other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the wrist brace constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention as attached to the arm of a user; FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the components comprising the embodiment; FIG. 3 is an exploded view illustrating the manner in which the hand brace, anterior forearm plate, and struts of the embodiment are interfaced; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2, further illustrating the range of motion of the hand brace; FIG. 5 is an exploded view illustrating the manner in which the hand brace is interfaced to a strut; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the palm plate of the embodiment; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a belt member used to maintain the palm plate in abutting contact with the hand brace; FIG. 8 is a top view of a user's hand, illustrating the manner in which pivot pins for the hand brace are positioned laterally adjacent the capitate bone of the user's wrist; FIG. 9 is a side view of a user's hand, illustrating the bones of the forearm, wrist, and hand in proper alignment; FIG. 10 is a side view of a user's hand, illustrating the positions of the bones of the forearm, wrist, and hand wherein a volar transrelocation is required to achieve proper alignment; and FIG. 11 is a side view of a user's hand, illustrating the positions of the bones of the forearm, wrist, and hand wherein a dorsal transrelocation is required to achieve proper alignment. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment The description set forth below in connection with appended drawings is intended merely as a description of the functions and structural elements of the invention in connection with the presently preferred embodiment of the invention; it is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be utilized it being understood that the same or equivalent functions and advantages of the present invention may be accomplished by different embodiments encompassed within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended Claims. Referring now to the drawings, the wrist brace 10 constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention is depicted. For purposes of illustration, the wrist brace 10 is illustrated in a right-arm and hand embodiment which is adapted to be worn upon the right hand 12 of a user. However, it will be recognized that the invention is additionally applicable to left-hand embodiments with the structure of the brace 10 being the same but reversed in orientation. As best shown in FIGS. 1-3, the wrist brace 10 is composed of an anterior forearm plate 14 and a posterior forearm plate 16. The anterior forearm plate 14 and posterior forearm plate 16 each have an elongate, generally planar configuration and are positionable on opposite sides of the arm of the user. In this respect, when wearing the brace 10, anterior plate 14 is positioned adjacent the anterior aspect of the user's forearm while posterior plate 16 is positioned adjacent the posterior aspect of the user's forearm. In the preferred embodiment, anterior plate 14 and posterior plate 16 are formed from a plastic material having sufficient rigidity to withstand impact forces yet be sufficiently light in weight so as not to overly impair movement of the user's arm. However, other materials possessing sufficient strength and rigidity are contemplated herein. Attached to the inner forearm-contacting surfaces of anterior plate 14 and posterior plate 16 are layers of foam padding 18 which are used to alleviate discomfort to the user when wearing the wrist brace 10. Posterior plate 16 further includes a generally arcuate proximal extension 20 formed thereon which is preferably positioned above the distal end of the radius of the patient. The attachment of posterior plate 16 to the user's arm is facilitated by a plurality of strap members 22 attached to posterior plate 16, each of which include a "Velcro" (RTM) portion 24 thereon. The manner in which strap members 22 are utilized will be explained below. Wrist brace 10 of the present invention further includes a lateral strut 26 and a medial strut 28. Lateral strut 26 and medal strut 28 each have an elongate configuration and are positionable on opposite sides of the forearm of a user. When brace 10 is worn by a user, lateral strut 26 is positioned adjacent the lateral aspect of the forearm and medial strut 28 is positioned adjacent the medial aspect of the forearm. In the preferred embodiment, lateral strut 26 and medial strut 28 are formed from a plastic material which, like anterior plate 14 and posterior plate 16, is adapted to possess strength and rigidity yet be light in weight. Additionally, other materials possessing like characteristics are also contemplated herein. Advantageously, lateral strut 26 is formed to include an offset 29 which is adapted to clear the trapezium and scaphoid bones of the user's hand 12 when brace 10 is attached thereto. As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, lateral strut 26 and medial strut 28 are attached to anterior forearm plate 14 via a plurality of elongate threaded members 30. Each of threaded members 30 is preferably formed of plastic and extends through one of the four elongate grooves 32 laterally disposed within anterior plate 14. After extending through grooves 32, a first pair of threaded members 30 are received into and extend through a first set of apertures 34 disposed within lateral strut 26. Similarly, a second pair of threaded members 30 are received into and extend through a second set of apertures 35 disposed within medial strut 28. Threaded members 30 are secured within grooves 32 through the utilization of lock washers 38 and nuts 40 which are threadably received onto threaded members 30. As will be recognized, the extent to which threaded members 30 protrude from anterior plate 14 is dependent upon the positioning of lock washers 38 and nuts 40 along the length of threaded members 30. Additionally, due to the receipt of threaded members 30 into elongate grooves 32, the relative positioning of each of threaded members 30 may be adjusted inwardly or outwardly relative the user's forearm. Lateral strut 26 and medial strut 28 are positioned and secured upon threaded members 30 through the manipulation of pairs of knurl nuts 42 which are threadably interfaced to threaded members 30. As can be appreciated, by adjusting the positions of knurl nuts 42 along the length of threaded members 30, lateral struts 26 and medial strut 28 are themselves selectively positionable along the length of threaded members 30. Thus, the distance separating lateral strut 26 from medial strut 28 may be adjusted by sliding the threaded members 30 within grooves 32, while the distance separating lateral strut 26 and/or medial strut 28 from anterior forearm plate 14 may be adjusted by selectively positioning lateral strut 26 and/or medial strut 28 on threaded members 30. As will be recognized, the aforementioned adjustability of lateral strut 26 and medial strut 28 is desired to permit wrist brace 10 to be specifically sized in accordance with the anatomical requirements of a particular user. Additionally, the adjustability of lateral strut 26 and medial strut 28 relative anterior forearm plate 14 is used to apply downward pressure to the posterior aspect of the user's hand in a manner which will be discussed below. As best seen in FIG. 1, posterior plate 16 is attached to anterior plate 14 by wrapping the opposed ends of each of the strap members 22 about lateral strut 26 and medial strut 28, respectively, thereby creating a firm interface of anterior plate 14, posterior plate 16, and struts 26 and 28 to the user's forearm. The strap members 22 are maintained in a wrapped orientation about lateral strut 26 and medial strut 28 via the velcro portions 24 included thereon. Pivotally connected to the proximal ends of lateral strut 26 and medial strut 28 is a hand brace portion 44. When brace 10 is attached to a user's arm, hand brace 44 is positioned adjacent the posterior aspect of the user's hand 12. In the preferred embodiment, hand brace 44 is composed of a lateral member 46 and a medial member 48. Lateral member 46 is formed to include a lateral extension 50 thereon while medial member 48 is formed to include a medial extension 52 thereon. Medial member 48 is preferably slidably connected to lateral member 46 through the receipt of a T-shaped projection 54 formed on medial member 48 into a correspondingly shaped recess (not shown) formed within lateral member 46. Disposed within projection 54 of medial member 48 are a pair of internally threaded apertures 56 while disposed within lateral member 46 is an elongate slot 58. As best seen in FIG. 4, when lateral member 46 is slidably connected to medial member 48, apertures 56 are coaxially aligned with elongate slot 58. In this respect, the receipt of fasteners, such as screws 60, into slot 58 and subsequently into apertures 56 is operable to rigidly secure lateral member 46 to medial member 48. Additionally, due to the receipt of screws 60 into slot 58, the distance separating lateral extension 50 from medial extension 52 may be adjusted so as to coincide with adjustments made to the distance separating struts 26 and 28. Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, disposed within the proximal end of medial strut 28 is an aperture 62 and a first pair of arcuate slots 64. Though not shown, the proximal end of lateral strut 26 includes an aperture and a second pair of arcuate slots disposed therein which are oriented in a configuration identical to that as shown with respect to aperture 62 and arcuate slots 64 of medial strut 28. Disposed within medial extension 52 is an aperture 66 and a third pair of arcuate slots 68, while disposed within lateral extension 50 is an aperture (not shown) and a fourth pair of arcuate slots 70 which are oriented in a configuration identical to aperture 66 and arcuate slots 68 of medial extension 52. In the preferred embodiment, medial member 48 is attached to medial strut 28 through the receipt of a first pivot pin 72 into the coaxially aligned apertures 62 and 66. Similarly, the attachment of lateral member 46 to lateral strut 26 is facilitated by the receipt of a second pivot pin 74 into the coaxially aligned apertures disposed within lateral strut 26 and lateral member 46. When lateral strut 26 is connected to lateral member 46, arcuate slots 70 are generally aligned with the arcuate slots disposed within lateral strut 26. Additionally, when medial strut 28 is attached to medial member 48, arcuate slots 64 are generally aligned with arcuate slots 68. As will be recognized, the pivotal connection between hand brace 44 and struts 26 and 28 is facilitated by first pivot pin 72 and second pivot pin 74. As seen in FIG. 8, since the capitate bone 75 of the wrist serves as the primary pivot point, in order for wrist brace 10 to function properly, it is essential that pivot pins 72 and 74 be positioned on an axis "A" extending laterally through capitate bone 75 so as to be disposed laterally on opposite sides of the capitate bone 75. To verify that such alignment has been achieved, pivot pins 72 and 74 are constructed from a radiopaque material so as to be identifiable in x-ray imaging. As previously indicated, the distance separating lateral strut 26 from medial strut 28 may be increased or decreased by adjusting the positions of threaded members 30 within elongate grooves 32 of anterior plate 14. Because hand brace 44 is pivotally connected to struts 26 and 28, the distance separating lateral member 46 from medial member 48 of hand brace 44 must be adjusted a distance corresponding to the desired increase or decrease separating struts 26 and 28. As also previously indicated, such adjustment is facilitated by the slidable receipt of T-shaped projection 54 into the corresponding recess disposed within lateral member 46. Thus, by loosening screws 60, lateral member 46 may be moved concurrently with lateral strut 26 and medial member 48 may be moved concurrently with medial strut 28. In the preferred embodiment, both lateral member 46 and medial member 48 are constructed from plastic, though it will be appreciated that other materials may be utilized as an alternative. Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the degree of pivotal movement between hand brace 44 and struts 26 and 28 is controlled by a plurality of stop members 76. In the preferred embodiment, each of stop members 76 comprises a fastener, such as a screw 78, which is initially received into a cylindrical bushing 80 and subsequently into an internally threaded lock member 82. A first pair of stop members 76 are received into the aligned pairs of arcuate slots 64 and 68 while a second pair of stop members 76 are received into the arcuate slots 70 which are aligned with the arcuate slots disposed within the proximal end of lateral strut 26. When stop members 76 are positioned within the respective pairs of aligned slots, hand brace 44 is movable in the manner shown in FIG. 4. As can be appreciated, by adjusting the relative positioning of stop members 76 within the aligned slot pairs, the movement of hand brace 44 may be controlled, i.e. limited. In this respect, one stop member comprising each pair may be positioned so as to limit wrist extension while the other stop member comprising the pair may be positioned to limit wrist flexion. As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, attached to the inner, hand-contacting surface of hand brace 44 is an adaptor pad 84 which is used to provide a firm padded interface between hand brace 44 and the posterior aspect of the user's hand. Adaptor pad 84 includes a velcro patch 86 disposed on the outer surface thereof which is used to releasably attach adaptor pad 84 to a velcro patch 88 disposed on the inner surface of hand brace 44. Adaptor pad 84 further includes a layer of cushioning material 90 attached to the bottom surface thereof to alleviate any discomfort or irritation to the user's hand 12. Referring now to FIG. 6, the wrist brace 10 of the present invention further includes a palm plate 92 which is positioned adjacent the palmar surface of the user's hand. In the preferred embodiment, palm plate 92 includes a bracket 94 attached thereto which is used to facilitate the attachment of palm plate 92 to hand brace 44 in the manner shown in FIG. 2. In this regard, bracket 94 includes a velcro portion 96 which is releasably attached to a velcro patch 98 disposed on the top surface of hand brace 44, and more particularly lateral member 46. Palm plate 92 further includes a layer of cushioning material 100 attached thereto to provide a padded interface between palm plate 92 and the palmar surface of the user's hand. As seen in FIG. 7, a belt member 102 which is constructed from a pliable material is provided to maintain palm plate 92 in attachment to hand brace 44 and to maintain hand brace 44 in firm contact with the posterior aspect of the user's hand 12. Belt member 102, which includes velcro patches 104, is interfaced to palm plate 92 and hand brace 44 in the manner shown in FIG. 1. Particularly, belt member 102 extends about the hand 12 of the user with the extension 106 formed thereon extending between the thumb and index finger of the user. With the structure defined, the operation of the wrist brace 10 of the present invention may be described. Initially, the anterior forearm plate 14 is positioned adjacent the anterior aspect of the user's forearm and the user's hand 12 is positioned such that the hand brace 44 is positioned adjacent the posterior aspect of the hand 12. Importantly, as such positioning of the anterior forearm plate 14 and hand brace 44 occurs, the stop members 76 are tightened so as to maintain hand brace 44 in a fixed, i.e. "neutral", position which is generally parallel the posterior aspect of the user's hand. The lateral strut 26 and medial strut 28 are then adjusted so as to be positioned against the lateral and medial aspects of the user's forearm. Particularly, the distance separating the struts 26 and 28 is increased or decreased by loosening the nuts 40 and sliding the threaded members 30 within the grooves 32 disposed within anterior plate 14. In any instance when the distance separating lateral strut 26 from medial strut 28 is being adjusted, the screws 60 used to rigidly secure lateral member 46 to medial member 48 of hand brace 44 are loosened so as to permit the lateral member 46 and medial member 48 to slide relative to one another a distance coinciding with the distance adjustments being made between the struts 26 and 28. When struts 26 and 28 are properly positioned, the nuts 40 are tightened down to maintain the threaded members 30 in the proper orientation and the screws 60 are tightened to maintain the lateral member 46 and medial member 48 in the proper orientation. Additionally, the distance separating the struts 26 and 28 from the anterior plate 14 is adjusted by loosening knurl nuts 42 and positioning the struts 26 and 28 in a desired location along the length of threaded members 30 so as to be substantially centered between the anterior and posterior aspects of the user's arm. After the anterior plate 14 and struts 26 and 28 have been positioned on the user's forearm, the posterior forearm plate 16 is attached to the struts 26 and 28 to maintain the wrist brace 10 on the user's forearm. Particularly, the strap members 22 are wrapped about struts 26 and 28 and maintained in attachment through the use of the velcro portions 24 contained thereon. Posterior plate 16 is oriented such that the arcuate extension 20 formed thereon is positioned above the distal end of the radius of the user. Once wrist brace 10 has been secured to the user's forearm, the hand brace 44 is caused to apply downward pressure to the second metacarpal bone 21 and third metacarpal bone 23 of the user's hand 12 (shown in FIG. 8). In the preferred embodiment, the application of such pressure is facilitated by moving lateral strut 26 and medial strut 28 downwardly along the length of threaded members 30 toward anterior plate 14. As previously specified, hand brace 44 is initially fixed in a neutral position. Thus, by moving lateral strut 26 and medial strut 28 toward anterior plate 14, hand brace 44 is abutted against the posterior aspect of the user's hand in a manner operable to apply the aforementioned downward pressure. Such downward pressure is necessary for purposes of causing a volar transrelocation to correct a malalignment of the bones of the user's hand, wrist, and forearm, as seen in FIG. 16. When anterior plate 14 and struts 26 and 28 are properly positioned about the forearm of the user, the first pivot pin 72 and second pivot pin 74 will preferably be disposed on opposite sides of the capitate bone 75 of the wrist of the user. As previously indicated, the first pivot pin 72 and second pivot pin 74 are constructed of a radiopaque material so as to be identifiable in an x-ray. As such, to insure that pivot pins 72 and 74 are properly positioned adjacent the capitate bone 75, an x-ray of the user's hand is taken to insure that the proper positioning of pivot pins 72 and 74 has been achieved. If the pins 72 and 74 are not properly positioned, the anterior plate 14 and struts 26 and 28 are repositioned on the forearm of the user and another x-ray taken to check the positioning of the pivot pins 72 and 74. This particular process is repeated until the proper orientation of the pivot pins 72 and 74 has been obtained. The x-ray is also used to determine whether the downward pressure exerted by the hand brace 44 is properly aligning the bones of the user's hand, wrist, and forearm in the manner shown in FIG. 15. As such, if a determination is made that proper alignment has not been obtained, the pressure exerted by the hand brace 44 is adjusted via the repositioning of the lateral strut 26 and medial strut 28 relative the threaded members 30. Additionally, in those instances where due to the small size of the user's hand, insufficient downward pressure is applied by the hand brace 44 though the struts 26 and 28 have been moved to their lower-most positions, additional pads may be stacked upon the inner surfaces of adapter pad 84 to exert the necessary pressure. After the anterior forearm plate 14 and struts 26 and 28 have been properly positioned and proper bone alignment has been achieved, the palm plate 92 is attached to the hand brace 44 by securing the velcro patch 96 of bracket 94 to the velcro patch 98 disposed on the outer surface of lateral member 46. Palm plate 92 is attached to hand brace 44 in a manner wherein the cushioning material 100 included thereon is in firm contact with the palmar surface of the user's hand. After palm plate 92 has been properly positioned, belt member 102 is wrapped about the hand 12 of the user with the extension 106 of belt member 102 being disposed between the thumb and index finger of the user's hand 12. Belt member 102 is maintained in its proper position through the use of the velcro patches 104 contained thereon. The downward pressure exerted on the second and third metacarpals by the hand brace 44 causes a volar transrelocation as needed to correct a malalignment of the hand or the forearm due to a fracture of the distal radius (i.e. a Colles' fracture), an intercalary carpal instability, or a sub-luxation due to wrist ligament injury. Because the pressure against the metacarpals is constantly maintained, the wrist may be slightly pivoted or rotated without causing further injury to or inhibiting the healing of one of the aforementioned injuries. Indeed, as previously specified, allowing slight movement of the wrist during the healing process aids the healing process. In the initial stages of the healing process, the stop members 76 are positioned in a manner so as to not allow any pivotal movement of the wrist of the user. As the healing process progresses, the positions stop members 76 may be adjusted so as to permit increasing degrees of flexion and/or extension of the wrist of the user. The use of belt member 102 maintains the adaptor pad 84 of hand brace 44 and the cushioning material 100 of palm plate 92 in firm contact with the hand 12 of the user. In the foregoing, references have been made to a volar transrelocation of the user's wrist as caused by the downward pressure exerted by the hand brace 44 on the posterior aspect of the user's hand 12, and more particularly, the second metacarpal bone 21 and third metacarpal bone 23. FIG. 9 illustrates the capitate bone 75 and second metacarpal bone 21 of the user's hand 12 in proper alignment. As illustrated in FIG. 10, when the capitate bone 75 and metacarpal bones are forced into an orientation above that which is normal due to a particular wrist injury, a volar transrelocation is needed to push the bones into a normal alignment. As will be recognized, due to the nature of the bone malalignment as shown in FIG. 10, a volar transrelocation requires that a downward pressure be exerted upon the posterior aspect of the user's hand to achieve proper alignment. As such, the hand brace 44 is adapted to exert such downward pressure. Referring now to FIG. 11, certain wrist injuries cause the capitate bone 75 and metacarpal bones to achieve an orientation below that which is normal. In this particular situation, a dorsal transrelocation is needed to push the wrist bones into a normal alignment. Due to the nature of the bone malalignment shown in FIG. 11, a dorsal transrelocation is facilitated by exerting upward pressure against the palmar surface of the user's hand 12 to achieve a proper alignment.

Claims: A wrist brace (10) comprising a forearm support (14, 16), a lateral strut (26) attached to said forearm support so as to be positioned adjacent the lateral aspect of the forearm; a medial strut (29) attached to said forearm support so as to be positioned adjacent the medial aspect of the forearm, and a hand brace (44) pivotally connected (50, 52; 62, 64; 66, 68; 70; 72, 74) to the proximal ends of said lateral and medal struts and positionable by said lateral and medial struts adjacent the posterior aspect of a user's hand (12), characterised in that, said forearm support comprises an anterior forearm plate (14) positionable adjacent the anterior aspect of a user's forearm and a posterior forearm plate (16) positionable adjacent the posterior forearm aspect of the user's forearm and releasably attachable to said lateral and medal struts, in that said hand brace is adapted to selectively apply downward pressure to the second and third metacarpal bones of the user's hand; and in that the pivotal connection of said hand brace to said lateral and medal struts is adapted to permit controlled pivotal movement of a user's wrist about a single axis. A brace according to Claim 1 characterised in that said lateral strut (26) includes an offset (29) formed therein adapted to clear the trapezium and scaphoid bones of the user's wrist. A brace according to Claim l or 2, characterised by means (30, 32, 42) associated with said lateral and media struts (26, 28) for adjusting the distance separating said lateral strut from said medial strut and the distance separating these struts from said anterior forearm plate, said adjusting means being operable to properly align the struts relative the lateral and medal aspects of the forearm and cause the hand brace (44) to apply downward pressure to the posterior aspect of the user's hand (12). A brace according to Claim 3, characterised in that said adjusting means comprises; a first pair of elongate threaded members (30) extending through and interconnecting said anterior forearm plate (14) and said lateral strut (26); and a second pair of elongate threaded members (30) extending through and interconnecting said anterior forearm plate (14) and said medal strut; said lateral strut being selectively positionable along the length of said first pair of threaded members and said medial strut being selectively positionable along the length of said second pair of threaded members. A brace according to Claim 4, characterised in that said first pair of threaded members (30) extend through a first pair of elongate grooves (32) disposed within said anterior forearm plate and said second pair of threaded members extend through a second pair of elongate grooves (32) disposed within said anterior forearm plate, said first and second pairs of grooves being adapted to permit the positions of said first and second pairs of threaded members (30) to be adjusted inwardly and outwardly relative the forearm. A brace according to Claim 3, 4, or 5, characterised in that said hand brace (44) comprises: a lateral member (46) having a lateral extension (50) formed thereon which includes a first pair of arcuate slots (64) disposed therein; and a media member (58) slidably connected to said lateral member and having a medal extension (52) formed thereon which includes a second pair of arcuate slots disposed therein, the slidable connection (54) being operable to allow the distance separating said lateral extension and said medial extension to be adjusted. A brace according to Claim 6, characterised in that said lateral strut (26) includes a third pair of arcuate slots (68) disposed within the proximal end thereof and said medal strut (28) includes a fourth pair of arcuate slots (70) disposed within the proximal end thereof, said third and fourth pairs of slots being oriented such that, when said hand brace (44) is pivotally connected to said struts, said first and third pairs of slots and said second and fourth pairs of slots are in general alignment. A brace according to Claim 7, characterised in that the pivotal connection between said hand brace (44) and said lateral and media struts (26, 28) is facilitated by a first pivot pin (72) used to connect said lateral extension (50) to the proximal end of said lateral strut and a second pivot pin (74) used to connect said medial extension (52) to said proximal end of said medal strut, said wrist brace (10) being attachable to the arm of the user such that said pivot pins can be disposed laterally on opposite sides of the capitate bone of the user's wrist. A brace according to Claim 8, characterised in that said first and second pins (72, 74) are constructed of a radiopaque material whereby said pins are identifiable in an x-ray. A brace according to Claim 8, or 9, characterised by a first pair of stop members (76) extending through said first and third pairs of aligned slots and a second pair of said stop members (76) extending through said second and fourth pairs of aligned slots, said first and second pairs of stop members being operable to control the amount of flexion and extension of said hand brace (44) relative said lateral and medial struts (26, 28). A brace according to any one of the preceding Claims, characterised by a palm plate (92) releasably attached to said hand brace (44) in a manner wherein said palm plate is positionable adjacent the palmar surface of the user's hand. A brace according to Claim 11, characterised by a belt member (102) usable to maintain the palm plate in abutting contact with the palmar surface of the user's hand. A brace according to any one of the preceding Claims, characterised in that said posterior forearm plate (16) includes at least one strap member (22) attached thereto to facilitate the attachment of said posterior forearm plate to said lateral and medial struts (26, 28). A brace according to any one of the preceding Claims, characterised in that at least one adapter pad (84) is releasably attached to said hand brace (44) for providing a padded interface between said hand brace and the posterior aspect of the user's hand.

Inventors: CARTER PETER R, CASTILLO EDWARD L, GATES JOHN C, CARTER, PETER R., CASTILLO, EDWARD L., GATES, JOHN C.
Applicants: INNOVATION SPORTS INC, INNOVATION SPORTS INC.
Application year: 1992
Main classification: A61F5
IPC codes: A61F5