Abstract:
An orthopedic stabilization device for use on a shoulder of a wearer for shoulder stabilization includes a torso portion having a closed end side and an open end side, the torso portion adapted to be secured around an upper torso of the wearer, a sleeve disposed on the torso closed end side, the sleeve adapted to be secured around a shoulder and an upper arm of the wearer, and a first plurality of straps, connected at their proximal end to the sleeve, the first plurality of straps having a first plurality of fasteners disposed at their distal end. The orthopedic stabilization device further includes a second plurality of straps having a second plurality of fasteners disposed at each end, whereby customizable restriction of shoulder movement may be attained by securing the first and second plurality of straps to the torso portion at various positions.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims priority to, and incorporates by reference, U.S. Provisional Application 60/898,226, filed Jan. 29, 2007 entitled SHOULDER STABILIZER SYSTEM. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of Invention 
   The present invention relates to the field of orthopedic braces and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to an adjustable shoulder stabilizer system for restricting bodily movement. 
   2. History of Related Art 
   Due to its bone structure and extensive range of possible movements, the shoulder is an intricate portion of a human body. The shoulder comprises three bones: a clavicle, a scapula, and a humerus. The three bones then form three joints: a glenohumeral joint, an acromioclavicular joint, and a sternoclavicular joint. Several major muscles attach to the scapula, the clavicle, or the humerus and are capable of controlling the movement of one or more of the joints. With a wide array of possibilities for movement of the shoulder, athletes and layusers alike frequently use these joints and are at risk for an even wider array of shoulder injuries. It has been reported by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons that approximately four million people in the United States each year seek medical treatment for shoulder injuries such as sprains, strains, dislocations, and the like. When such an injury occurs, for example, with an acromioclavicular (AC) separation, standard treatment options include rest and non-use of the shoulder, which often involves placing the arm corresponding to the injured shoulder in a sling. 
   With the complexity of the shoulder, however, non-use is itself a problematic requirement. Shoulder stabilizers are frequently used to stabilize and restrict the shoulder from movement; however, those known in the art are typically limited to specified restrictions and injuries and therefore lack customizability, and lack the additional ability to function as a sling. Additionally, other injuries may be incurred along with a shoulder injury, including rib, biceps, and triceps injuries. These types of injuries may also require stabilization and immobilization. The prior art, however, does not allow for this level of flexibility and customization. 
   For the aforementioned reasons, there is a need in the art for a shoulder stabilizer that overcomes these limitations to provide a new level of flexibility and customizability. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a shoulder stabilizer system for stabilizing and limiting the movement of specifically the shoulder, but also muscles within the arm and torso regions of the human body. More particularly, in one aspect of the present invention, various embodiments of the present invention include a customizable shoulder stabilization system. The system allows medical professionals and individuals to customize the shoulder stabilizer to an individual&#39;s particular injury. The placement and subsequent securing of a plurality of straps at any location on the shoulder stabilizer permits precision control as to which body movements will be limited. 
   An orthopedic stabilization device for use on a shoulder of a wearer for shoulder stabilization includes a torso portion having a closed end side and an open end side, the torso portion adapted to be secured around an upper torso of the wearer, a sleeve disposed on the torso closed end side, the sleeve adapted to be secured around a shoulder and an upper arm of the wearer, and a first plurality of straps, connected at their proximal end to the sleeve, the first plurality of straps having a first plurality of fasteners disposed at their distal end. The orthopedic stabilization device further includes a second plurality of straps having a second plurality of fasteners disposed at each end, whereby customizable restriction of shoulder movement may be attained by securing the first and second plurality of straps to the torso portion at various positions. 
   A method for stabilizing a shoulder of a wearer of the type used in an orthopedic treatment, the method includes providing a shoulder stabilization device having a sleeve and a torso portion adapted to receive an arm of the wearer, inserting the arm of the wearer through the sleeve of the shoulder stabilization device, and securing the torso portion around an upper torso of the wearer. The method further includes securing the torso portion around an upper torso of the wearer, adjusting a first plurality of straps to restrict lateral movement of the shoulder to a desired range, and selectively applying at least one strap of a second plurality of straps to further restrict the shoulder to a desired range of motion, whereby the selective application of the second plurality of straps allows customization of the shoulder stabilization device. 
   A method for stabilizing a shoulder of a wearer of the type used in an orthopedic treatment, the method includes providing a shoulder stabilization device having a sleeve and a torso portion adapted to receive an arm of the wearer, inserting the arm of the wearer through the sleeve, and securing the torso portion around an upper torso of the wearer. The method further includes securing the torso portion around an upper torso of the wearer, securing the sleeve around an upper arm and shoulder of the wearer, adjusting the plurality of straps attached to the sleeve to restrict lateral movement of the shoulder to a desired range, applying a first strap, having a fastener disposed at each end, so as to support a wrist and hand of the user and applying a second strap, having a fastener disposed at each end, so as to support an elbow and lower arm of the user, whereby the application of the first and second straps enables the shoulder stabilization device to function as a sling. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A more complete understanding of the system of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the following Detailed Description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein: 
       FIG. 1A  is a front view of a human body in standard anatomical position; 
       FIG. 1B  is a side view of a human body in standard anatomical position; 
       FIG. 1C  is a front view of the elements of a shoulder stabilizer system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a front view of an exemplary configuration for the shoulder stabilizer system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a front view of an exemplary configuration for the shoulder stabilizer system in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a front view of an exemplary configuration for the shoulder stabilizer system in accordance with another alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a front view of an exemplary configuration for the shoulder stabilizer system in accordance with yet another alternate embodiment of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 6  is a flow diagram illustrating a method for using the shoulder stabilizer system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Reference is now made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. 
   Referring first to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , any references to bodily position or direction will be made with respect to the body  1000  being in the standard anatomical position as illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . References to the position of the device of the present invention with respect to the body  1000  of the wearer, as well as references to movement of the body will be made using standard terms to describe anatomical positions and movements. Each of these terms are common and well-known in the art, but are defined here for purposes of clarity. The term superior describes a direction closer to the head of the wearer, as illustrated by arrow  208  in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . Likewise, the term inferior describes a direction farther from the head of the wearer, as illustrated by arrow  210 . The term medial describes a direction closer to the midline  202  of the body  1000 , as shown by arrow  206 , while the term lateral describes a direction farther from the midline  202 , as shown by arrow  204 . The term anterior describes a direction toward the front of the body  1000  as shown by arrow  212 , and the term posterior describes a direction toward the back of the body  1000  as shown by arrow  214 . When describing bodily movements, the term abduction describes motion away from midline  202  of the body  1000 , and the term adduction describes motion toward midline  202 . Similarly, the term flexion refers to motion that reduces a joint angle, while extension refers to a motion that increases a joint angle. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1C , there is shown a preferred embodiment of a shoulder stabilizer system  100  of the present invention. The shoulder stabilizer system  100  comprises a shoulder stabilizer  10 , two straps,  118  and  124 , and two double sided fastener squares  138 . While only two straps are shown in  FIG. 1C , it will be understood to one of ordinary skill in the art that any number of straps may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. According to an exemplary embodiment, the shoulder stabilizer  10  is constructed using approximately ⅛ inch thick perforated VeLPlush™ Neoprene on an inside  136 , which provides softness and elasticity. According to another exemplary embodiment, the shoulder stabilizer  10  can be constructed using VeLPlush™ Neoprene having a thickness between ⅛ to 3/16 inch. The outside  137 , comprising an anterior side  130  and a posterior side  134 , is constructed of UBL, which is standard and well known in the art. The body of straps  118  and  124 , with the exception of fasteners  122  and  128  may also be constructed of any appropriate material, but most preferably are also constructed using perforated VeLPlush™ Neoprene on the inside (the opposite side, not explicitly shown). Perforations within the VeLPlush™ Neoprene material allow for improved softness, comfort, and ventilation while the shoulder stabilizer system  100  of the present invention is in operation. 
   In all embodiments of the present invention, all fasteners may be made from any appropriate material. However, fasteners are most preferably constructed of Velcro®, available from The Velcro Company of Manchester, N.H. In various embodiments of the present invention, the entire outside of the shoulder stabilizer  10 , consisting of both the posterior side  134  and the anterior side  130 , except for straps and fasteners, are Velcro® compatible. The inside  136  of the shoulder stabilizer  10  is also Velcro® compatible. 
   Still referring to  FIG. 1C , the shoulder stabilizer  10  includes a torso region  104  and a sleeve  133 . The sleeve further comprises a shoulder region  132 , and an upper arm region  102 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the shoulder stabilizer  10  as shown in  FIG. 1C  is oriented to be worn on a user&#39;s right shoulder. Since the posterior side  134  is substantially identical and symmetrical to the anterior side  130 , the shoulder stabilizer  10  of this preferred embodiment may also be worn on a user&#39;s left shoulder with equal effectiveness. Further, in various embodiments of the present invention, a shoulder stabilizer  10  may be worn on each shoulder in order to provide stabilization and support to both shoulders simultaneously. 
   Still referring to  FIG. 1C , there is shown a torso fastener  106  attached to the posterior side  134  in the lower portion of the torso region  104 , on the side opposite the sleeve  133 . Focusing now on the upper arm region  102 , there is shown an upper arm fastener  112  and a bicep fastener  114  which originate from the posterior side  134  of the upper arm region  102 . Two hook straps  110  (one shown) originate from the same location as the upper arm fastener  112  and the bicep fastener  114 . Each one of the two hook strap  110  includes a fastener  108  on the end of each hook strap  110 . 
   Still referring to  FIG. 1C , two straps,  118  and  124 , are shown of different lengths. It will be understood to one skilled in the art that the straps used in conjunction with the present invention may be of sizes and proportions other than what is shown with respect to this preferred embodiment. As depicted, strap  118  includes a fastener  122  on each end. Likewise, strap  124  includes a fastener  128  on each end. Straps  118  and  124  enable the customization of the shoulder stabilizer  10  to the desired limitations of an individual user or medical professional, thereby providing precision control of the user&#39;s shoulder movements. Such control allows shoulder stabilizer  10  to be useful in the treatment of a wide array of shoulder injuries and ailments. Also shown are double sided fastener squares  138  which are fasteners on each side and attachable in any location on the shoulder stabilizer  10 . Straps  118  and  124  and double sided fastener squares  138  will be discussed further with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1C and 2  together, in  FIG. 2  the shoulder stabilizer system  100  is shown on a user  20 , according to an exemplary configuration  200 . The torso fastener  106  secures the shoulder stabilizer to itself around the user  20 . The shoulder stabilizer  10  is worn by inserting an upper arm  24  into the shoulder region  132  and through the upper arm region  102 . Torso region  104  is then stretched tight while the stabilizer torso fastener  106  is wrapped around, and stretched medially across the anterior side  130 . In this manner, the torso fastener  106  serves to attach the posterior side  134  of the torso region  104  to its anterior side  130 . As the torso fastener  106  stretches medially across anterior side  130 , the posterior side  134  increasingly overlaps the anterior side  130 . Correspondingly, the torso region  104  of the shoulder stabilizer  10  becomes increasingly tight on the user  20 . This method of securing the torso region  104  around the user  20  makes the shoulder stabilizer  10  extremely adaptable to large torsos, particularly female users with large bust sizes. 
   In similar fashion, upper arm fastener  112  is used for securing the upper arm region  102  around the upper arm  24 . Upper arm region  102  is stretched tight around the upper arm  24  as the upper arm fastener  112  is wrapped under the inferior aspect of upper arm  24 , and stretched over the anterior side  130  of the upper arm region  102 . In this manner, the upper arm fastener  112  serves to attach the anterior side  130  of the upper arm region  102  with its posterior side  134 . As the upper arm fastener  112  stretches further in the superior direction, the posterior side  134  of the upper arm region  102  increasingly overlaps the anterior side  130 . The bicep fastener  114  functions to further secure the upper arm  24 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the bicep fastener  114  is wrapped in the opposite direction than the upper arm fastener  112 . Bicep fastener  114  is wrapped across the posterior side  134 , over the superior aspect of upper arm  24 , and around to the anterior side  130  of the upper arm region  102 . The use of the upper arm fastener  112  and the bicep fastener  114 , allows the shoulder stabilizer  10  to be adaptable to a wide range of bicep sizes. 
   Still referring to  FIGS. 1C and 2 , hook straps  110  operate to restrict the lateral movement, also called abduction, of the arm relative to the torso of the user  20 . Towards that end, the upper arm region  102  is abducted out away from the torso region  104  until the desired limit on lateral arm movement is reached. The first hook strap  110  is then stretched medially across the anterior side  130  of the torso region  104  and attached. Similarly, the second hook strap  110  (not explicitly shown), which originates from the same location, is stretched medially across the posterior side  134  of the torso region  104  and attached. In this manner, shoulder stabilizer  10  serves to restrict abduction, and any other lateral movements, of the affected shoulder of the user  20 . 
   By way of example, various embodiments of the shoulder stabilizer system  100  may be utilized to treat acromioclavicular (AC) separation, particularly grade I and grade II AC separation, and may also be utilized in post-surgery grade III AC separation. As is known in the art, there are six grades of AC separations, with each successive grade becoming incrementally more severe. Grade I separation involves trauma to the ligaments that form the acromioclavicular joint but no severe tearing or fracturing. Grade II separation involves complete tearing of the acromioclavicular ligament, but only a sprain or partial tear of the coracoclavicular ligaments. Grade III separation involves the complete tearing of the ligaments at the AC joint, and those under the scapula that hold the shoulder in place. Grades I and II AC separation are treated without surgery, typically with rest and non-use of the injured shoulder. Grade III separations are typically treated with surgery, but may sometimes be treated with non-surgical treatments similar to the treatments of grade I and grade II separations. The shoulder stabilizer system  100  is adapted to be highly beneficial in treating grade I and grade II AC separations as well as pre-surgery and post-surgery grade III AC separations. It should be noted that the shoulder stabilizer system  100  has numerous other applications, including but not limited to, using the stabilizer to impose limitations on movement while the user is participating in athletic activities. 
     FIGS. 2-5  illustrate, by way of example, various exemplary configurations  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500  of the shoulder stabilizer system  100 . Referring again to  FIG. 2 , there is shown an exemplary configuration  200  of the shoulder stabilizer system  100  utilizing straps  118  and  124  in operation on a user  20 . An end of strap  118  is attached below the inferior aspect of upper arm  24  of the user  20  via fastener  122 . Strap  118  then is wrapped over the anterior and superior aspects of the shoulder  22  in the direction of arrow  28 . Strap  118  is stretched and attached to the posterior side  134  of shoulder stabilizer  10 . In similar fashion, strap  124  is attached, via a fastener  128 , to the anterior side  130  of the torso region  104  slightly medial of shoulder  22 . Strap  124  is wrapped laterally towards the shoulder  22  in the direction of arrow  26 , crossing diagonally over strap  118 , stretched to the desired degree of tightness, and secured to the posterior side  134  of the shoulder stabilizer  10  via the second fastener  128 . In this manner, the positioning of straps  118  and  124  help prevent and limit subluxation caused by hyperextension. Again by way of example, configuration  200  is particularly useful in treating grades I, II and III AC separations. During rehabilitation, increased amounts of movement may be desirable.  FIG. 3  illustrates another similar, yet distinct, exemplary configuration  300  with strap  124  oriented slightly counterclockwise from its orientation in  FIG. 2 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 4 , straps  118  and  124  are shown in an exemplary configuration  400  which utilizes the shoulder stabilizer system  100  to stabilize the shoulder  22  and to provide an additional function of acting as a sling. An elbow  410  is flexed to a desired elevation, shown here to be less than a 90 degree angle relative to the upper arm  24 . Strap  124  is shown attached to the torso region of shoulder stabilizer  10  via a fastener  128 , and wrapped downward, in the direction of arrow  404 , under the inferior aspect of wrist  402 , then back up and over the superior aspect of a mid-forearm  406  in the direction of arrow  414 , stretched tight, and attached to the torso region of the shoulder stabilizer  10 . Strap  118  completes the sling configuration by attaching a fastener  122  at a point on the medial side of an upper forearm  408  (not explicitly shown), wrapping the strap under the inferior and over the anterior aspects of the upper forearm  408 , and then wrapping the strap  118  upwards over the shoulder  22  in the direction of arrow  412 . The strap  118  is stretched tight and attached to the posterior side  134  of the torso region  104 . In configuration  400 , the arm and shoulder are stabilized with the elbow  410  elevated, which gives the shoulder stabilizer another treatment application to AC separations, as well as any other injuries which benefit from the placement of an arm in a sling. As a further advantage of this exemplary embodiment, the sling is easily adjustable by detaching the fastener  128  depicted in  FIG. 4 , moving the strap  124  superiorly or inferiorly, and reattaching. Strap  118  is similarly adjustable. The use of Velcro® in many preferred embodiments further facilitates and simplifies the adjustment process. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is shown, by way of example, another exemplary configuration  500  for the shoulder stabilizer system  100 . As a further example of the adjustability of shoulder stabilizer system  100 ,  FIG. 5  provides an exemplary configuration  500  useful in treating injured ribs, biceps, and triceps before and after surgery. Strap  124  is shown attached to the medial torso region  104  of the anterior side  130  and stretched laterally over shoulder  22  in the direction of arrow  52 . Hook strap  110  is shown attached in the manner described with respect to  FIG. 1 . Strap  118  is attached over hook strap  110  around the upper arm  24  in the direction of arrow  54  and over and past the second hook strap  110  on the posterior side  134  of the torso region  104 . The strap  118  is then stretched tight and attached. Attached and wrapped in this way, strap  118  creates a layering effect that further strengthens limitations on arm movement. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1C-5  together, the function of double sided fastener squares  138  will now be discussed. Double sided fastener squares  138  may be attached at any location on the shoulder stabilizer  10 . Since they are double sided fasteners, either side may be attached. With the fasteners, a user  20 , or a medical professional working on behalf of the user  20 , may use the double sided fasteners  138  to mark optimal positioning of straps  118  and  124  of the shoulder stabilizer system  100 . Since the shoulder and body structure of users vary, the shoulder stabilizer system  100  permits the use of the shoulder stabilizer  10  to vary with the structures. As a result, straps  118  and  124  are repeatably positionable anywhere on the shoulder stabilizer  10 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a flow diagram illustrating a method  600  for using shoulder stabilizer  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention. In step  602 , the user inserts the upper arm  24  of the affected shoulder into the shoulder region  132  and through the upper arm region  102  of the shoulder stabilizer system  100 . In step  604 , torso fastener  106  is secured about the upper torso of the user. In step  606 , upper arm fastener  112  and bicep fastener  114  are secured around the upper arm region  102 . In step  608 , hook straps  110  are secured to torso region  104  to attain the desired level of shoulder motion. In step  610 , straps  118  and  124  are applied as needed to further limit shoulder mobility. 
   Although various embodiments of the method and apparatus of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the foregoing specification and following claims.