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WO1996027349A1 - Digit support - Google Patents

Digit support Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1996027349A1
WO1996027349A1 PCT/GB1995/000492 GB9500492W WO9627349A1 WO 1996027349 A1 WO1996027349 A1 WO 1996027349A1 GB 9500492 W GB9500492 W GB 9500492W WO 9627349 A1 WO9627349 A1 WO 9627349A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
brace
digit
backing member
cylinder
glove
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1995/000492
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Hans-Peter Wurmli
Original Assignee
Wurmli Hans Peter
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Wurmli Hans Peter filed Critical Wurmli Hans Peter
Priority to PCT/GB1995/000492 priority Critical patent/WO1996027349A1/en
Publication of WO1996027349A1 publication Critical patent/WO1996027349A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices ; Anti-rape devices
    • A61F5/01—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. long-term immobilising or pressure directing devices for treating broken or deformed bones such as splints, casts or braces
    • A61F5/0102—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. long-term immobilising or pressure directing devices for treating broken or deformed bones such as splints, casts or braces specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations
    • A61F5/0104—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. long-term immobilising or pressure directing devices for treating broken or deformed bones such as splints, casts or braces specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations without articulation
    • A61F5/0118—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. long-term immobilising or pressure directing devices for treating broken or deformed bones such as splints, casts or braces specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations without articulation for the arms, hands or fingers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices ; Anti-rape devices
    • A61F5/01—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. long-term immobilising or pressure directing devices for treating broken or deformed bones such as splints, casts or braces
    • A61F5/0102—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. long-term immobilising or pressure directing devices for treating broken or deformed bones such as splints, casts or braces specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations
    • A61F2005/0181—Protectors for articulations
    • A61F2005/0186—Thumb protectors

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a brace for a digit, in particular for a thumb.
  • Sporting injuries can be serious. When sustained by a professional sportsperson such injuries can ruin a season and thereby reduce earnings. Even when sustained by amateurs, they may seriously inconvenience and even prevent a person from carrying out their usual work.
  • a common sporting injury is that of a sprain, for example, Gamekeeper's Thumb.
  • This is a sprain of a ligament in the thumb which is common among athletes, especially skiers and tackle football players.
  • the injury is caused by a forceful movement of the digit, usually accompanied by hyperextension, which occurs when the digit is extended at an abnormally great angle.
  • broken bones may also be suffered by an athlete.
  • the navicular (scaphoid) fracture is caused by a force on an outstretched hand which compresses the navicular bone between the radius and second row of carpal bones.
  • the present invention aims to meet these dual requirements, and thereby prevent or mitigate injuries of the kind described.
  • the invention has particular relevance to skiers. Falls are an inevitable part of skiing and skiers instinctively put their hands out when they fall. In packed snow conditions, in particular, the hands take a considerable impact, leading to injuries of kind discussed.
  • skiers do nothing to prevent sprains, for example Gamekeeper's Thumb, because they do not offer any bracing or support and so allow the thumb to hyperextend backwards.
  • a brace for at least one digit prevents the hyperextension of the or each digit.
  • a brace does not hinder the normal movement of the digit or digits.
  • a brace for at least one digit comprises a rigid digit support for at least part of the or each digit.
  • the digit support surrounds at least part of the or each digit.
  • the brace comprises a rigid extension from which extends the or each digit support.
  • the brace is adjustable.
  • the adjusting means may comprise a tension strap connected between the rigid extension and part of the digit support.
  • the brace is made of a rigid but lightweight material.
  • the digit support is shaped to accommodate at least part of a thumb.
  • a glove is fitted with a brace according to the first or second aspects of the invention.
  • brace is permanently received within the glove.
  • the glove may be provided with a pocket into which the brace may be removably located.
  • Figure 1 shows the back view of a brace according to the invention
  • Figure 2 shows an inside view of the brace of Figure 1
  • Figure 3 shows a view of the back of a hand on which the brace is worn as it would be when holding a ski-pole;
  • Figure 4 shows the hand wearing the brace of Figure 1 as seen from above as it would be holding a ski-pole
  • Figure 5 shows the inside of a hand wearing the brace of Figure 1 with the adjustable tension strap crossing the palm.
  • a brace 1 for supporting a thumb is shown.
  • the brace shown is suitable for use with a right hand.
  • the brace comprises a digit support 2 and a backing member 3.
  • the backing member 3 is connected at one end to the digit support 2 and is provided with a curved portion or flange 4 at the other.
  • the digit support 2 is in the form of a hollow cylinder 5 shaped to accommodate a thumb, the cylinder having top and bottom openings 6,7.
  • the thumb is inserted into the bottom opening 6 and extends through the top opening 7.
  • the cylinder 5 only covers the thumb up to the first thumb joint. This is sufficient to protect the thumb ligament from hyperextension, but also allows for a degree of freedom of movement for the remainder of the thumb.
  • the edges of the top and bottom openings together with the inside surface of the cylinder are smoothed to prevent chaffing either by providing a lining, or padding, or by any other suitable means.
  • the backing member 3 in use, extends away from the digit support 2 across the back of the hand.
  • the top edge 8 of the backing member 3 is arranged so that, in use, it is spaced from the knuckles 10 at the top of the hand 12, and so allows for free movement of the fingers 13.
  • the bottom edge 9 of the backing member 3 is arranged so that, in use, it is spaced from the wrist 11 so as to allow for free movement of the wrist 11.
  • the inside surface 14 of the backing member 3 may also be lined or padded to prevent chaffing with the back of the hand.
  • a lining of foam will provide insulation, comfort and helps to ensure a secure fit for each individual wearer of the brace.
  • the backing member 3 is held in place relative to the hand by the flange 4 which extends from the back of the hand down along the side of the hand. In this way the thumb ligament is held in a fixed relation to the rest of the hand and is further protected against hyperextension.
  • All the edges of the brace are preferably contoured to reduce the possibility of the brace cutting into the skin of the wearer.
  • the brace 1 may be further secured against movement relative to the hand by the use of an adjustable tensioning strap 15.
  • the tensioning strap 15 may be secured by a first connection 16 to the digit support 2 and by a second connection 17 to the flange 6.
  • the tensioning strap 15 may also serve as the glove fastening.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Nursing (AREA)
  • Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)

Abstract

A digit support comprises a unitary component having a backing member (3) adapted to extend across the back of a hand and an integral digit support (2) extending from one edge of the backing member. The support (2) comprises a hollow cylinder shapped to accommodate the digit and having a bottom opening (6) adjacent to the backing member through which the digit is adapted to be inserted into the cylinder and a top opening (7) from which the digit can extend from the cylinder.

Description

DIGIT SUPPORT
This invention relates to a brace for a digit, in particular for a thumb.
Sporting injuries can be serious. When sustained by a professional sportsperson such injuries can ruin a season and thereby reduce earnings. Even when sustained by amateurs, they may seriously inconvenience and even prevent a person from carrying out their usual work.
A common sporting injury is that of a sprain, for example, Gamekeeper's Thumb. This is a sprain of a ligament in the thumb which is common among athletes, especially skiers and tackle football players. The injury is caused by a forceful movement of the digit, usually accompanied by hyperextension, which occurs when the digit is extended at an abnormally great angle.
In addition to sprains, broken bones may also be suffered by an athlete. For example, the navicular (scaphoid) fracture is caused by a force on an outstretched hand which compresses the navicular bone between the radius and second row of carpal bones.
It is clearly advantageous to provide means whereby the risk of such injuries can be lessened, or even whereby such injuries can be eliminated. However, such means must also allow for the normal use and movement of those digits in order to be useful.
The present invention aims to meet these dual requirements, and thereby prevent or mitigate injuries of the kind described. The invention has particular relevance to skiers. Falls are an inevitable part of skiing and skiers instinctively put their hands out when they fall. In packed snow conditions, in particular, the hands take a considerable impact, leading to injuries of kind discussed.
For skiers existing ski gloves do nothing to prevent sprains, for example Gamekeeper's Thumb, because they do not offer any bracing or support and so allow the thumb to hyperextend backwards.
According to a first aspect of the invention a brace for at least one digit prevents the hyperextension of the or each digit. Preferably such a brace does not hinder the normal movement of the digit or digits.
According to a second aspect of the invention, a brace for at least one digit comprises a rigid digit support for at least part of the or each digit. Preferably the digit support surrounds at least part of the or each digit.
Preferably the brace comprises a rigid extension from which extends the or each digit support.
Preferably the brace is adjustable. The adjusting means may comprise a tension strap connected between the rigid extension and part of the digit support.
Preferably the brace is made of a rigid but lightweight material.
Preferably the digit support is shaped to accommodate at least part of a thumb. According to a third aspect of the invention, a glove is fitted with a brace according to the first or second aspects of the invention.
Preferably the brace is permanently received within the glove.
Alternatively the glove may be provided with a pocket into which the brace may be removably located.
The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-
Figure 1 shows the back view of a brace according to the invention;
Figure 2 shows an inside view of the brace of Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows a view of the back of a hand on which the brace is worn as it would be when holding a ski-pole;
Figure 4 shows the hand wearing the brace of Figure 1 as seen from above as it would be holding a ski-pole; and
Figure 5 shows the inside of a hand wearing the brace of Figure 1 with the adjustable tension strap crossing the palm.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a brace 1 for supporting a thumb is shown. The brace shown is suitable for use with a right hand. The brace comprises a digit support 2 and a backing member 3. The backing member 3 is connected at one end to the digit support 2 and is provided with a curved portion or flange 4 at the other.
The digit support 2 is in the form of a hollow cylinder 5 shaped to accommodate a thumb, the cylinder having top and bottom openings 6,7. In use, the thumb is inserted into the bottom opening 6 and extends through the top opening 7. In the preferred embodiment shown the cylinder 5 only covers the thumb up to the first thumb joint. This is sufficient to protect the thumb ligament from hyperextension, but also allows for a degree of freedom of movement for the remainder of the thumb. Preferably the edges of the top and bottom openings together with the inside surface of the cylinder are smoothed to prevent chaffing either by providing a lining, or padding, or by any other suitable means.
As can be seen in Figure 3, the backing member 3, in use, extends away from the digit support 2 across the back of the hand.
The top edge 8 of the backing member 3 is arranged so that, in use, it is spaced from the knuckles 10 at the top of the hand 12, and so allows for free movement of the fingers 13.
The bottom edge 9 of the backing member 3 is arranged so that, in use, it is spaced from the wrist 11 so as to allow for free movement of the wrist 11.
The inside surface 14 of the backing member 3 may also be lined or padded to prevent chaffing with the back of the hand. For example, a lining of foam will provide insulation, comfort and helps to ensure a secure fit for each individual wearer of the brace.
The backing member 3 is held in place relative to the hand by the flange 4 which extends from the back of the hand down along the side of the hand. In this way the thumb ligament is held in a fixed relation to the rest of the hand and is further protected against hyperextension.
All the edges of the brace are preferably contoured to reduce the possibility of the brace cutting into the skin of the wearer.
The brace 1 may be further secured against movement relative to the hand by the use of an adjustable tensioning strap 15. As shown in Figure 5, the tensioning strap 15 may be secured by a first connection 16 to the digit support 2 and by a second connection 17 to the flange 6.
If the brace 1 is incorporated in a glove, the tensioning strap 15 may also serve as the glove fastening.

Claims

1. A brace for a digit comprising a unitary component having a backing member (3) adapted to extend across the back of a hand and an integral digit support (2) extending from one edge of the backing member, characterised in that the digit support (2) comprises a hollow cylinder (5) shaped to accommodate the digit and having a bottom opening (7) adjacent to the backing member through which the digit is adapted to be inserted into the cylinder and a top opening (6) from which the digit can extend from the cylinder.
2. A brace as claimed in claim 1, in which the cylinder (5) is carried from the backing member (3) by means of a integral rigid extension.
3. A brace as claims in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the cylinder (5) is disposed at one end of the backing member ( 3) .
4. A brace as claimed in claim 3, in which a flange (4) located at the end of the backing member (3) remote from the cylinder (5) is adapted to co-operate in use with the side of the hand.
5. A brace as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the brace is made from a rigid lightweight material .
6. A brace as claimed in any of claims 2-4, including an adjustable tension strap (15) connected between the rigid extension and the opposite end of the backing member.
7. A brace as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the inside surfaces of the cylinder (5) and the backing member (3) are lined or padded to prevent chaffing.
8. A glove fitted with a brace according to any previous claim.
9. A glove according to claim 8, wherein the brace is permanently received within the glove.
10. A glove according to claim 8, wherein the brace is removably located in a pocket provided in the glove.
PCT/GB1995/000492 1995-03-07 1995-03-07 Digit support WO1996027349A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/GB1995/000492 WO1996027349A1 (en) 1995-03-07 1995-03-07 Digit support

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/GB1995/000492 WO1996027349A1 (en) 1995-03-07 1995-03-07 Digit support

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1996027349A1 true WO1996027349A1 (en) 1996-09-12

Family

ID=10767865

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1995/000492 WO1996027349A1 (en) 1995-03-07 1995-03-07 Digit support

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO1996027349A1 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0931465A3 (en) * 1998-01-24 1999-11-17 Reusch International GmbH & Co. KG Sport glove in particular snowboard glove
CH702784A1 (en) * 2010-03-08 2011-09-15 Chrisofix Ag Palmar thumb and thumb saddle joint rail.
WO2013160478A1 (en) * 2012-04-26 2013-10-31 Bsn Medical Gmbh Thumb orthosis
US10245171B2 (en) 2015-04-09 2019-04-02 Ossur Iceland Ehf Hand support and method for using the same

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1326351A (en) * 1970-08-21 1973-08-08 Steeper Roehampton Ltd Hugh Splints
US4084586A (en) * 1976-10-13 1978-04-18 Hettick Lon R Tubular support for enclosing a body member
DE3006362A1 (en) * 1980-02-20 1981-08-27 Sanitätshaus Prinz oHG, 2430 Neustadt Hand support for fractured wrist - fits around base of fingers and above wrist, incorporating securing straps and thumb loop
US4445507A (en) * 1980-12-23 1984-05-01 Eisenberg Joel Howard Glove with thumb restraint element
EP0143348A1 (en) * 1983-10-31 1985-06-05 Reinhold Hauber Strickwarenfabrik Gmbh & Co. KG Metacarpal thumb splint
US4732142A (en) * 1986-11-03 1988-03-22 David Hurlburt Deep friction massage orthosis
GB2201598A (en) * 1987-03-03 1988-09-07 Joel Howard Eisenberg Retainer for glove

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1326351A (en) * 1970-08-21 1973-08-08 Steeper Roehampton Ltd Hugh Splints
US4084586A (en) * 1976-10-13 1978-04-18 Hettick Lon R Tubular support for enclosing a body member
DE3006362A1 (en) * 1980-02-20 1981-08-27 Sanitätshaus Prinz oHG, 2430 Neustadt Hand support for fractured wrist - fits around base of fingers and above wrist, incorporating securing straps and thumb loop
US4445507A (en) * 1980-12-23 1984-05-01 Eisenberg Joel Howard Glove with thumb restraint element
EP0143348A1 (en) * 1983-10-31 1985-06-05 Reinhold Hauber Strickwarenfabrik Gmbh & Co. KG Metacarpal thumb splint
US4732142A (en) * 1986-11-03 1988-03-22 David Hurlburt Deep friction massage orthosis
GB2201598A (en) * 1987-03-03 1988-09-07 Joel Howard Eisenberg Retainer for glove

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0931465A3 (en) * 1998-01-24 1999-11-17 Reusch International GmbH & Co. KG Sport glove in particular snowboard glove
CH702784A1 (en) * 2010-03-08 2011-09-15 Chrisofix Ag Palmar thumb and thumb saddle joint rail.
WO2011110420A1 (en) * 2010-03-08 2011-09-15 Chrisofix Ag Palmar thumb and thumb saddle joint splint
US10201448B2 (en) 2010-03-08 2019-02-12 Chrisofix Ag Palmar thumb and thumb saddle joint splint
WO2013160478A1 (en) * 2012-04-26 2013-10-31 Bsn Medical Gmbh Thumb orthosis
US10080679B2 (en) 2012-04-26 2018-09-25 Bsn Medical Gmbh Thumb orthosis
US11207201B2 (en) 2012-04-26 2021-12-28 Bsn Medical Gmbh Thumb orthosis
US10245171B2 (en) 2015-04-09 2019-04-02 Ossur Iceland Ehf Hand support and method for using the same
US11376147B2 (en) 2015-04-09 2022-07-05 Ossur Iceland Ehf Hand support and method for using the same
US12023268B2 (en) 2015-04-09 2024-07-02 Ossur Iceland Ehf Hand support and method for using the same

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