Abstract:
An articulated upper extremity splint for immobilizing and supporting an injured upper extremity. The splint includes a frame. The frame includes a proximal support section and a distal support section. Interconnecting the confronting ends of the proximal support section and the distal support section is a connector. The connector provides multi-directional movement for the proximal support section and the distal support section, respectively. The proximal support section and the distal support section include respective extensible support rods. The support rods are telescopically received by respective tubes of the proximal support section and the distal support section. The rods are releasably secured to the associate tubes for adjusting, respectively, the length of the proximal support section and the distal support section. Through this arrangement, the articulated upper extremity splint provides flexion and extension movements with medial and lateral side movements to the distal support section and the proximal support section, respectively.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates in general to splints and, more particularly, to an articulated splint to immobilize and support an upper extremity human limb. 
     Heretofore, upper extremity splints did not provide like articulation to a complexly injured elbow joint. The articulated splints heretofore employed did not provide support members that had respective extensible and rotatable movement to accommodate a pronated or supinated upper extremity limb. Further, the articulated upper extremity splints did not provide an adjustable sling and shoulder pad attachment at opposite ends of the splint nor did they provide a positive hand grip and wrist support. 
     In the U.S. patent to Lee, U.S. Pat. No. 4,419,991, granted on Dec. 13, 1983, for a Splint, there is disclosed a splint that includes a frame. The frame comprises upper and lower limb support sections pivotally and rotatably interconnected. The support sections are interconnected so that one section can be adjusted to a position inclined upwardlly or downwardly relative to the other section, or can be moved to a position extending laterally at an angle away from the other section, or can be adjusted to a position involving up, down and lateral movement of the sections for the purpose of angulated limb section. Each section includes parallel side members. Each side member includes a rod telescopically received by a tube. A cylindrical nut is threaded on the threaded end of each of the tubes and is arranged to releasably press the tube into frictional engagement with the associated rod for adjusting independently the length of each side member. 
     The patent to Lee et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,288, issued on Aug. 30, 1994, for Traction Splint, discloses a traction splint for a long bone extremity fracture in which the traction splint includes a frame. The length of the frame and an angle of an ischial pad of the traction splint relative to the frame are adjusted simultaneously. The frame includes side members. Each side member includes parallel rods. The parallel rods are telescopically received by respective tubes of the side members. By retracting and extending the rods into the tubes, respectively, the extent of the respective rods are adjustable. For releasably securing the tubes, respectively, in selected positions relative to the rods, lock nuts are provided. The inner wall of each of the lock nuts is threaded. The ends of the tubes facing the rods, respectively, are formed with external threads and are received, respectively, by the internally threaded nuts. Disposed within each of the bores of the lock nuts are temporarily yieldable collets. A tight releasable locking engagement is provided between the rods and the tubes, respectively, for maintaining the adjusted length of the traction splint. 
     Reel Research And Development, Inc. of Ben Lomond, Calif., during the year 1982 manufactured and sold The Reel Splint pediatric articulated traction splint, Reel Splint 8800 Series. The Reel Splint pediatric articulated traction splint has been used as an upper extremity traction splint and includes a frame. The frame comprises upper and lower limb support sections pivotally and rotatably interconnected. The support sections are interconnected so that one support section can be adjusted relative to the other support section upwardly and downwardly, or can be moved to a position extending laterally or at an angle away from the other support section. Each support section includes parallel rods. The parallel rods are telescopically received by tubes, respectively, for adjusting respectively the length at which each parallel rod extends outwardly from the associated tube. Lock nuts, respectively, releasably secure the rods in the adjusted positions to the associated tubes. 
     In the patent to Maddox, U.S. Pat. No. 1,340,630, issued on May 18, 1920, for an Arm Abduction Splint, there is disclosed a splint for an injured arm. The splint includes a support frame to retain an injured arm in a desired position. The frame comprises rods that are pivotally and rotatably moved relative to one another and are releasably secured in the adjusted position. Trough-shaped plates are adjustably movable on the associated rods in the axial direction thereof and are releasably secured in the adjusted position. 
     The patent to Santana, U.S. Pat. No. 5,312,322, issued on May 17, 1994, for Three Point Extension Splint To Treat Flexion Contractures About Limb Synovial Hinge Joints, discloses a three point extension splint for correcting a flexion contracture about a limb synovial hinge joint. The three point extension splint comprises a proximal contact member for contacting the proximal section of an extremity above the flexion crease of a synovial hinge joint and a distal contact member for contacting the distal section of an extremity below the flexion crease of the synovial hinge joint. A resilient hinge joins the proximal contact member and the distal contact member. A cupping member forms the posterior assembly. Adjustable releasable straps join the bridge to the cupping member and secure the cupping member to the synovial hinge joint. Adjustable releasable straps secure the proximal contact member and the distal contact hinge member to the proximal section of the extremity above the flexure crease of the synovial hinge joint and below the flexure crease of the synovial hinge joint, respectively. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the present invention is to provide an articulated upper extremity splint in which there are flexion and extension movements in conjunction with medial and lateral side movements of the opposing ends of the splint, respectively. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an articulated upper extremity splint which adjustably conforms to the contour of an injured limb and provides secure fixation and support for the injured limb, thereby minimizing the potential for further injury to the limb. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an articulated upper extremity splint arranged to accommodate pronated and supinated injuries to the limb. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an articulated upper extremity splint that is adjustable to flex at the elbow and is positioned medially and laterally on opposing sides. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an articulated upper extremity splint in which there are extensible limb support members located at opposite ends of the splint, which extensible limb support members rotate to accommodate pronation and supination of an injured limb. 
     An articulated upper extremity splint for immobilizing and supporting an injured upper extremity. The splint includes a frame. The frame includes a proximal support section and a distal support section. Interconnecting the confronting ends of the proximal support section and the distal support section is a connector. The connector provides multi-directional movement for the proximal support section and the distal support section, respectively. The proximal support section and the distal support section include a respective extensible support rod. The support rods are telescopically received by respective tubes of the proximal support section and the distal support section. The rods are releasably secured to the associate tubes for adjusting, respectively, the length of the proximal support section and the distal support section. Through this arrangement, the articulated upper extremity splint provides flexion and extension movements with medial and lateral side movements to the distal support section and the proximal support section, respectively. Secured to the proximal support section and the distal support section, respectively, are upper extremity support troughs. At the free end of the distal support section is a suitable hand grip. Joined to the free ends of the distal support section and the proximal support section is a sling and a shoulder pad. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a fragmentary side elevation view of the articulated upper extremity splint embodying the present invention illustrated supporting an upper injured extremity. 
     FIG. 2 is a plan view of the articulated upper extremity splint shown in FIG. 1 illustrated with the anchor straps thereof in limb securing position. 
     FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the articulated upper extremity splint shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrated with the anchor straps thereof in a limb securing position. 
     FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of the articulated upper extremity splint shown in FIGS. 1-3. 
     FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary, exploded axial sectional view, partially in elevation, taken along line  5 — 5  of FIG. 4 to illustrate a releasable locking arrangement for releasably securing telescopically received rods of the proximal support section and the distal support section, respectively. 
     FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary, axial sectional view, partially in elevation, taken along line  5 — 5  of FIG. 4 to illustrate a releasable locking arrangement for releasably securing telescopically received rods of the proximal support section and the distal support section, respectively, to maintain the adjusted length of the proximal support section and the distal support section, respectively. 
     FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an arrangement for adjustably rotating the proximal support section laterally taken along line  7 — 7  of FIG.  4 . 
     FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an arrangement for adjustably rotating the distal support section laterally taken along line  8 — 8  of FIG.  4 . 
     FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an arrangement for adjustably rotating the proximal support section and the distal support section, respectively, for up and down movement taken along  9 — 9  of FIG.  4 . 
     FIG. 10 is a fragmentary side elevation view of the articulated upper extremity splint illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and shown with a pad for increasing patient comfort and for eliminating the use of adjunctive medical product padding. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 is an articulated upper extremity splint  10  embodying the present invention. The splint  10  comprises a frame  11 . The frame  11  includes a proximal support section  15  and a distal support section  16 . 
     The proximal support section  15  comprises a rigid rod  20 . The free end of the rod  20  is telescopically received by a rigid tube  21  (FIG.  1 ). Secured to the tube  21  is an upper extremity support trough  22  (FIGS.  1 - 4 ), which is suitably configured to support a human limb. In the exemplary embodiment, the trough  22  is secured to the tube  21  by welding or soldering. The rod  20  is adjustably positioned within the tube  21  and the extent of the extension of the rod  20  from the tube  21  determines the adjusted length of the proximal support section  15 . In a similar manner, the distal support section  16  comprises a rigid rod  25 . The free end of the rod  25  is telescopically received by a rigid tube  26  (FIGS.  1  and  4 ). Secured to the tube  26  is an upper extremity support trough  27  (FIGS.  1 - 4 ), which is suitably configured to support a human limb. In the exemplary embodiment, the trough  27  is secured to the tube  26  by welding or soldering. The rod  25  is adjustably positioned within the tube  26  and the extent of the extension of the rod  25  from the tube  26  determines the adjusted length of the distal support section  16 . Thus, by retracting and extending the rods  20  and  25  into and out of the tubes  21  and  26 , respectively, the length of the proximal support section  15  and the distal support section  16 , respectively, are adjusted. Thus, the proximal support section  15  and the distal support section  16 , respectively, have medial movement. The distal support section  16  should be adjusted through the rod  25  and the tube  31  to a length to accommodate distal anatomical limb length. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the rods  20  and  25  are made of steel and the troughs  22  and  27  are made of aluminum. The tubes  21  and  26 , in the exemplary embodiment, are made of aluminum, hard injection molded plastic, extruded hardened plastic, or other like light material. 
     For releasably securing the rods  20  and  25  to the tubes  21  and  26 , respectively, to maintain the rods  20  and  25  in the selected positions relative to the tubes  21  and  26 , respectively, suitable releasable locking devices  30  and  31  are provided (FIGS.  1 - 6 ). The locking devices  30  and  31  are similar in construction and operation. Therefore, only the locking device  31  will be illustrated and described herein in detail. 
     The locking device  31  includes a cylindrically-shaped nut  32  (FIGS.  5  and  6 ). The nut  32  is formed with an axial bore  33 . The inner wall of the nut  32  surrounding the bore  33  is threaded. The end of tube  26  facing the rod  25  is formed with external threads and is received by the bore  33  of the nut  32 . Disposed within the bore  33  of the nut  32  is a temporarily yieldable collet  34 . The collet  34 , in the exemplary embodiment, is made of brass. At the end of the rod  25  facing the trough  27  is an internally threaded collet stop  35  with a bearing surface end to prevent the collet  34  from being removed from the rod  25 . The rod  25  passes freely through the nut  32  and the collet  34  and enters the tube  26 . The rod  25  is detachably secured to the collet stop  35  through threaded engagement. By rotating the nut  32  into threaded engagement with the tube  26  to move the nut  32  toward the trough  27 , the collet  34  is urged toward the tube  26  and the collet  34  is temporarily compressed by the wall surrounding the bore  33  of the nut  32  until a tight releasable locking engagement is made between the rod  25  and the tube  26 . The compression of the collet  34  causes the collet  34  to releasably grip the rod  25 . The releasable locking devices  30  and  31  are of the type disclosed in the U.S. patent to Lee, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,288, granted on Aug. 30, 1994 for Traction Splint and is disclosed herein by reference. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the trough  22  (FIGS. 1-4) is formed with a pair of transversely spaced slots  36  and a pair of transversely spaced slots  37  spaced longitudinally from the slots  36 . The slots  36  receive an anchor strap  38  and the slots  37  receive an anchor strap  39 . The straps  38  and  39  overlie the dorsum of an injured limb. At the ends of the straps  38  and  39  are suitable fasteners. In the exemplary embodiment, the fasteners are the well-known loop and hook type fasteners. The straps  38  and  39 , when the employment thereof is desired, maintain the injured limb securely supported to the trough  22 . 
     In a similar manner, the trough  27 , in the exemplarty embodiment, is formed with a pair of transversely spaced slots  40  and a pair of transversely spaced slots  41  spaced longitudinally from the slots  40 . The slots  40  receive an anchor strap  45  and the slots  41  receive an anchor strap  46 . The straps  45  and  46  overlie the dorsum of the injured limb. At the ends of the straps  45  and  46  are suitable fasteners. In the exemplary embodiment, the fasteners are the well-known loop and hook type fasteners. The straps  45  and  46 , when the use thereof is desired, maintain the injured limb securely supported to the trough  27 . 
     The slots  36 ,  37 ,  40  and  41  can be modified to accommodate the use of materials other than anchoring straps, such as swath material, Cling and Curlex medical binding material, or other binding material. There are times when anchoring straps, such as anchoring straps  38 ,  39 ,  45  and  46  may not be desirable. There are occasions when a swath and/or a binding material may be desired. There are times when neither straps, swathes and binding material may not be needed. 
     Interconnecting the proximal support section  15  and the distal support section  16  of the frame  11  is a connector or hinge  50 . The connector  50  (FIGS. 1-4) provides up and down movement for the proximal support section  15  and the distal support section  16 , respectively. Also, the connector  50  provides lateral movement for the proximal support section  15  and the distal support section  16 , respectively. 
     Toward this end, the connector  50  comprises a proximal support section rotatable support  51  (FIGS. 1-4 and  7 ) and a distal support section rotatable support  52  (FIGS. 1-4 and  8 ). The rotatable support  51  includes a threaded shaft  53 . Disposed in threaded engagement with the shaft  53  at one end thereof is an internally threaded annular disk  54 . The axis of the disk  54  is coextensive with the axis of the shaft  53 . Fixed to the disk  54  for rotation therewith is the proximal end of the rod  20 . The rod  20  extends radially from the disk  54  and is perpendicular to the axis of the shaft  53 . In the exemplary embodiment, the proximal support section  15  is capable of rotating 250 degrees about the axis of the shaft  53 . 
     At the opposite end of the shaft  53  is fixedly secured a knob  55  for imparting rotation to the shaft  53 . Mounted on the shaft  53  intermediate the disk  54  and the knob  55  is a bridging member  56  (FIGS. 1-4 and  7 ) that has at the opposite ends thereof rings  57  and  58  (FIG.  8 ). The axes of the rings  57  and  58  are angularly spaced apart by ninety degrees. The ring  57  loosely surrounds the shaft  53 . The ring  58  is internally threaded. In the exemplary embodiment, a suitable washer is disposed on the shaft  53  between the disk  54  and the ring  57  of the bridging member  56 . In the exemplary embodiment, the side of the ring  57  facing the washer is formed with angularly spaced gripping projections disposed generally along the periphery of the side thereof facing the washer. Through this arrangement, the proximal support section  15  can be adjustably moved laterally when the knob  55  is turned in a direction enabling the disk  54  to be rotated about the axis of the shaft  53 . When the knob  55  is rotated in an opposite direction, the shaft  53  draws the disk  54  toward the knob  55  into locking engagement between the knob  55  and the ring  57  of the bridging member  56 . Thus, the disk  54  is releasably locked in the adjusted position about the shaft  53 . 
     The rotatable support  52  for the distal support section  16  includes a threaded shaft  60 . Disposed in threaded engagement with the threaded shaft  60  at one end thereof is an internally threaded annular disk  61 . The axis of the disk  61  is coextensive with the axis of the shaft  60 . Fixed to the disk  61  for rotation therewith is the proximal end of the rod  25  (FIGS. 1-4 and  8 ). The rod  25  extends radially from the disk  61  and is perpendicular to the axis of the shaft  60 . In the exemplary embodiment, the proximal support section  15  is capable of rotating 250 degrees about the axis of the shaft  53 . In the exemplary embodiment, the distal support section  16  is capable of rotating 250 degrees about the axis of the shaft  60 . In the exemplary embodiment, the angular displacement for the proximal support section  15 , relative to the distal support section  16  about the axis of a shaft  70 , can reach  220  degrees. In the exemplary embodiment, the angular displacement for the distal support section  16 , relative to the proximal support section  15  about the axis of the shaft  70 , can reach 220 degrees. 
     At the opposite end of the shaft  60  is fixedly secured a knob  62  for imparting rotation to the shaft  60 . Mounted on the shaft  60  intermediate the disk  61  and the knob  62  is a bridging member  63  (FIGS. 1-4 and  8 ) that has at the opposite ends thereof rings  64  and  65  (FIG.  8 ). The axes of the rings  64  and  65  are angularly spaced apart by ninety degrees. The ring  64  loosely surrounds the shaft  60 . The ring  65  is internally threaded. In the exemplary embodiment, a suitable washer is disposed on the shaft  60  between the disk  61  and the ring  64  of the bridging member  63 . In the exemplary embodiment, the side of the ring  64  facing the washer is formed with angularly spaced gripping projections disposed generally along the periphery of the side thereof facing the washer. Through this arrangement, the distal support section  16  can be adjustably moved laterally when the knob  62  is turned in a direction enabling the disk  61  to be rotated about the axis of the shaft  60 . When the knob  62  is rotated in an opposite direction, the shaft  60  draws the disk  61  toward the knob  62  into locking engagement between the knob  62  and the ring  64  of the bridging member  63 . Thus, the disk  61  is releasably locked in the adjusted position about the shaft  60 . 
     As previously stated, the connector  50  also provides up and down movement for the proximal support section  15  and the distal support section  16 , respectively. Toward this end, the connector  50  (FIGS. 1-4 and  9 ) includes an intermediate rotatable support  69  disposed between the proximal rotatable support  51  and a distal rotatable support  52 . The intermediate rotatable support  69  includes the threaded shaft  70 . The shaft  70  is disposed in spaced relation to and between the shafts  53  and  60  of the proximal support section rotatable support  51  and the distal support section rotatable support  52 . At one end of the shaft  70  are disposed the internally threaded rings  58  and  65  of the bridging members  56  and  63 , respectively. The rings  58  and  65  are disposed in threaded engagement with the shaft  70 . 
     Fixed to the shaft  70  is a knob  71  for imparting rotation to the shaft  70 . In the exemplary embodiment, between the rings  58  and  65  is disposed a suitable washer. In the exemplary embodiment, the sides of the rings  58  and  65  facing the washer therebetween are formed with locking projections. The rings  58  and  65  are oppositely threaded. By turning the knob  71  in one direction, the internally threaded rings  58  and  65  of the bridging members  58  and  63 , respectively, are released from locking engagement. The rings  58  and  65  are then, respectively, rotatably movable about the axis of the shaft  70  for adjustably moving the proximal support section  15  and the distal support section  16 , respectively, in the up and down direction. When the knob  71  is turned in the opposite direction, the threaded rings  58  and  65  of the bridging members  58  and  63 , respectively, are locked in the set position. 
     Before adjusting the lateral movements of the proximal support section  15  and the distal support section  16 , respectively, through the proximal rotatable support  51  and the distal rotatable support  52 , respectively, the intermediate rotatable support  69  is in a locked adjusted position. After the intermediate rotatable support  69  is in the locked adjusted position, the proximal support section  15  and the distal support section  16  are set in their respective desired lateral positions. Thereupon, the knobs  62  and  71  are rotated to lock, respectively, the proximal limb support section  15  and the distal limb support section  16  in their respective desired lateral positions through the proximal rotatable support  51  and the distal rotatable support  52 . 
     A sling  75  (FIGS. 2 and 3) with a suitable shoulder pad  76  is attached to opposite ends of the frame  11 . In the exemplary embodiment, the shoulder pad  76  is made of suitable foam material enveloped by a closed cell material, such as nylon, to prevent the introduction of foreign materials into the inner foam section of the sling. In the exemplary embodiment, the contour of the pad  76  is tubular for comfort and for reducing pressure point sensitivity. The trough  22  of the proximal support section  15 , in the exemplary embodiment, is formed at the free end thereof with a transversely disposed semicircular or arcuate slot  76 . A suitable strap  77  is attached at one end thereof to one end of a strap  78 . At the other end of the strap  78  is a loop that interconnects with the walls of the arcuate slot  76 . 
     At the free end of the trough  27  of the distal support section  16  of the frame  11  are formed transversely spaced, longitudinally extending slots  79  and  80 . A strap  81  with a suitable fastener at the end thereof, such as a well-known loop and hook type fastener, is received by the slots  79  and  80 . The strap  81  carries a suitable generally transversely disposed hand grip  85  (FIGS.  1  and  2 ). In the exemplary embodiment, the hand grip  85  is a closed cell, extruded tubing manufactured by Rubatex Corporation of Roanoke, Va. Other foam materials can be employed, such as vinyl nitrile. The hand grip  85  is movable and adjustably positioned through the connection with the strap  81 . The end of the support sling  75 , opposite the end of the support sling  75  attached to the trough  22 , is attached to the trough  27  through the strap  81 . The interconnection between the strap  81  and the end of the support sling  75  adjacent thereto includes a suitable releasable attachment  87  (FIGS. 2 and 3) for enabling the adjustment of the length and the angle of the support sling  75 . The attachment  87  has releasably attached components. One of the components has a buckle for adjusting and locking a strap  86 . The strap  86  is secured to the end of the support sling  75  adjacent the strap  81 . 
     Depicted in FIG. 10 is a suitable adjunctive pad  90 . The pad  90  extends along the length of the proximal support section  15  and along the length of the distal support section  16 . The pad  90 , in the exemplary embodiment, is of a width to accommodate the trough  22  and the trough  27 . In the exemplary embodiment the width of the pad  90  is approximately four and one-half inches. In the exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the pad  90  is approximately one quarter to one-half inch in length. In the exemplary embodiment, the core of the pad  90  is made of a suitable soft and padded foam material. Such foam material may be closed cell to inhibit moisture absorption. An outer closed cell material or nylon envelopes the foam material of the pad  90  to prevent the seeping of foreign substances or contaminant fluids into the core of the pad  90 . The pad  90  provides alignment and support for fractures which are adjacent to the elbow of the injured person. The pad  90  increases patient comfort and eliminates the use of adjunctive medical product padding. Suitable seams, not shown, are formed in the pad  90  intermediate the ends thereof for flexure. In the exemplary embodiment, the pad  90  is freely disposed between the limb of the injured person and the support sections  15  and  16  of the frame  11 .