WO2011090904A2

WO2011090904A2 - Finger shield for tying sutures

Info

Publication number: WO2011090904A2
Application number: PCT/US2011/021285
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian L. Badman
Original assignee: Badman Brian L
Priority date: 2010-01-20
Filing date: 2011-01-14
Publication date: 2011-07-28
Also published as: WO2011090904A3

Abstract

A finger shield includes an elongate structure having the two arms of the vee portion arranged to straddle a finger knuckle, a stem portion arranged to cover a finger crease opposite the finger knuckle, and a central area located at the intersection of the vee and stem portions and arranged to cover a lateral or medial side of the finger between the finger knuckle and finger crease. Preferably, the central area and/or stem portion include a protective portion. At least a portion of the elongate structure may be stretchable. The elongate structure may be woven fabric and/or other materials, for example such as those used for adhesive bandages. An adhesive may be applied to the elongate structure on a side opposite the protective portion. In certain embodiments, a portion of a finger of a surgical glove comprises a finger shield or a protective portion, wherein when the glove is worn on a hand, the finger shield or protective portion is positioned to protect the lateral and/or medial sides and/or finger crease of a joint.

Description

DESCRIPTION

FINGER SHIELD FOR TYING SUTURES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to protective gear for fingers that are subject to localized pressure generated by thread material, and particularly, to protective handwear for surgeons and/or other medical clinicians for use during suture tying.

There are many reasons for suturing including, but are not limited to: holding body tissues together after an injury or surgery, holding body tissues to bone or other synthetic materials, closing dead space, supporting and strengthening wounds until healing increases their tensile strength, approximating skin edges for an aesthetically pleasing and functional result, and minimizing the risks of bleeding and infection. Suture tying is well known and techniques for tying sutures vary.

In general, suture tying commonly subjects the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP joint) and/or the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP joint) of the fingers (such as the index, ring, middle fingers and/or the thumb) to injury due to tension and pressure from the suture while tying. The DIP joint is the first joint of a finger, connecting the distal and intermediate phalanges. The PIP joint is the joint of a finger connecting the intermediate and proximal phalanges. The portions of the DIP and/or PIP joint most subject to injury from suture fixation during medical and/or surgical procedures are the medial or lateral sides of the DIP joint, and the skin crease (or fold) on the palm side of the joint.

In certain procedures, such as orthopaedic procedures, fixation devices known as suture anchors are utilized. More specifically, suture anchors are used to secure tissue such as tendons or ligaments to bone using a suture. For example, in rotator cuff repairs, anchors are tapped into a bone and the torn tendon is sutured to an eyelet provided on the anchor to secure the tendon.

Sutures for orthopaedic repairs generally have a braided composite design, for example, multi-strand polyester and/or polyethylene wires. Such suture designs provide the superior strength required for orthopaedic applications; however, the tension and pressure required to be applied by a surgeon's fingers in tying these sutures often leads to cuts and other abrasions on the surgeon's fingers. Even when the gloves worn by a surgeon are resistant to cuts under the pressure applied, the surgeon's skin at the point of pressure from repeated tensioning and tying of sutures still may be in pain and even break open from the focused pressure that is transmitted through the glove by the thin wire-like structure of orthopaedic sutures during tying.

Prior protective finger wraps for use by surgeons (including other medical professionals assisting with procedures) are bulky and cover the entire circumference of the finger, thus impeding; movement of finger joints and decreasing the dexterity of the surgeon^'s hands. Therefore, a need exists for a protective device that sufficiently protects the area of fingers used to tension and tie sutures while also not restricting the movement of fmger joints.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The subject invention provides a shield for a fmger of a hand that allows movement of

DIP and/or PIP joints while ensuring protection o the medial or lateral sides of the joint and/or the skin crease on the palm side of the joint from injury caused by a thread. The fmger shield inhibits pain, inflammation, contusions, abrasions, and/or lacerations on the fmger that may result from tying a thread. Preferably, the subject invention is a shield for the medial or lateral sides of DIP and/or PIP joints of a fmger or the skin crease on the palm side of the DIP and/or PIP joint of a finger during suture tying.

In a first embodiment, a finger shield includes a y-shaped structure having anus of a vee portion arranged to straddle a fmger knuckle, a stem portion arranged to cover a fmger crease opposite the finger knuckle, and a central area located at the intersection of the vee and stem portions and arranged to cover a lateral or medial side of the fmger between the finger knuckle and finger crease.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the central area and/or stem portion is resistant to abrasion and/or is able to absorb pressure from a suture during tying. In a related embodiment, one or more portion(s) of the central area and/or stem portion comprises a protective material that is resistant to abrasion and/or is able to absorb pressure from a suture during tying. In certain embodiments, the protective material may be a reinforced structure or layer that is positioned on the central area and/or stem portion. Alternatively, one or more portion(s) of the central area and/or stem portion is made of or is substantially formed with the protective material.

In certain embodiments, the stem portion is shaped to ensure the protective portions of the fmger shield (namely those located over the lateral or medial sides or the skin crease of the DTP and/or PIP joint) remain securely positioned on the finger, even during thread tying. In a related embodiment, the stem portion is fashioned with a tailpiece to be positioned over the lateral (or medial) side of the DIP and/or PIP joint not covered by the central area. The tailpiece may include a protective portion. In another embodiment, the stem portion has arms and a vee portion arranged to straddle the skin crease.

At least a portion of the y-shaped structure may be stretchable. The y-shaped structure may be woven fabric and/or other materials, for example Kevlar® (registered trademark of DuPont) or para-aramid synthetic fiber, materials such as those used for adhesive bandages, or a blend or other composite of materials that is stretchable.

An adhesive may be applied to any one or more portions, or entirety, of the finger shield for adhering to the skin. In certain embodiments, an adhesive is applied to the y- shaped structure. In other embodiments, the reinforced structure and adhesive may be located on opposite sides of the y-shaped structure.

In a second embodiment, a surgical glove includes a finger shield along a portion of a finger of the glove. The finger shield portion is arranged to be located over at least one of the lateral or medial side of the DIP and/or PIP joint of the finger, and the skin crease on the volar side of the DIP and/or PIP joint of the fmger. In certain embodiments, the finger shield is provided as a layer positioned within the finger portion of the glove. In other embodiments, the fmger shield forms a portion of the fmger of the glove. In further embodiments, only the central area and/or stem portion of the fmger shield is positioned within the finger portion of the glove or forms a portion of the fmger of the glove.

Additional features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a first embodiment of the fmger shield;

Fig. 2 is a bottom view of the fmger shield of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 A is a dorsal (back) view of a fmger donning the finger shield of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3B is a side view of a fmger donning the fmger shield of Fig. 1 ; and

Fig. 3C is a volar (palm) view of a finger donning the finger shield of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4A is a dorsal (back) view of a finger to which embodiments of the invention are applied.

Fig. 4B is a volar (palm) view of a fmger to which embodiments of the invention are applied.

Fig. 5 illustrates an embodiment o the fmger shield in which the stem portion includes a protective portion. Fig. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the linger shield in which the stem portion includes a tailpiece.

Fig. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the linger shield in which the stem portion is o a V-shaped structure.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE

For the purposes of promoting and understanding the principals of the invention, reference will now be made to one or more illustrative embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same.

As used herein, the term "finger" is intended to mean any digit in the hand such as the thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger, or little (or pinky) finger.

The subject invention is directed to a finger shield to be disposed around a finger. The subject finger shield is generally a bandage-like structure with an elongate shape that is designed to protect the portions of the DIP and/or PIP joint of the finger, particularly those areas of the finger most subject to injury when tying a thread or suture. Preferably, the subject finger shield protects the medial (toward thumb or radius) or lateral (away from thumb or radius) sides of the DIP and/or PIP joint and/or the skin fold (or crease) of the DIP and/or PIP joint.

In addition to protecting those areas of the finger, the finger shield is unique in that it allows mobility of the DIP and/or PIP joint while ensuring the medial side, lateral side, and/or skin fold of the DIP and/or PIP joint is protected. In certain embodiments, the finger shield does not cover but rather straddles the knuckle of a finger, thus providing little or no hindrance to flexing or extending a finger when tying a thread. Because the finger shield straddles the knuckle, the finger shield is less likely to shift, lift off, gape, and/or bunch/wrinkle, which can interfere with thread tying or protection of portions of the DIP/PIP joint area described above, when the finger is flexed or extended.

For reference, Figs. 4A and 4B are provided wherein a dorsal (back) and volar (palm) view, respectively, of an index finger, middle finger, ring finger, or little (or pinky) finger are illustrated. As indicated in Figs. 4A and 4B, the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP joint) 20 is the first joint of a finger 22, connecting the distal phalange 24 and intermediate phalange 26. The proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) 40 is the joint of a finger 22 connecting the intermediate phalange 26 and proximal phalange 42. Depending on the hand (right or left), the sides of the DIP joint 20 and/or PIP joint 40 are identified as the medial (toward thumb or radius) or lateral (away from thumb or radius) sides 28, 30. The knuckle 36 is the rounded prominence formed on the dorsal side 38 of the finger 22 by the ends of the two adjacent phalanges at the DIP joint 20 or PI joint 40. The skin fold (or crease) 32 is the crease in the skin formed on the volar side 34 of the finger 22 by the two ends of the two adjacent phalanges at the DIP joint 20 or PIP joint 40.

A thumb (not illustrated) has a single interphalangeal joint, referred to herein as the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint. As with the middle finger, ring finger, or little (or pinky) finger illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B, the thumb has a medial (toward radius) side and lateral (away from radius) side of the DIP joint; a knuckle, or rounded prominence, formed on the dorsal side of the thumb by the ends of the two adjacent phalanges at the DIP joint; and skin fold (or crease) in the skin formed on the volar side of the thumb by the two ends of the two adjacent phalanges at the DIP joint.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the finger shield 50 is generally an adhesive bandage-like structure with an elongate shape that provides the above described desired protection yet allows greater mobility of the DIP and/or PIP joint than prior art shields. For example, a first illustrative embodiment of the finger shield 50 is illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, which includes an elongate y-shaped structure having: a V-shaped or U-shaped area 52 comprising two spaced apart arms 54 and 56 of a vee portion 58, wherein the arms 54, 56 are arranged to straddle a finger knuckle 36 (Fig. 4 A) on the dorsal (back) side 38 of the finger 22; a stem portion 60 comprising at least one arm 62 that is arranged to cover the skin crease 32 (Fig. 4B) opposite the linger knuckle 36; and a central area 64 located at the intersection of the vee 58 and stem 60 portions and arranged to cover and protect a portion of the lateral or medial side 28, 30 of the linger 22 (Figs. 4 A and 4B) or thumb between the knuckle 36 and skin crease 32.

The central area 64 and/or stem portion 60 includes a protective portion 72 that is resistant to abrasion and/or is able to absorb pressure generated from a thread during tying. In certain embodiments, the protective portion 72 may be formed substantially a part of the finger shield 50. In alternate embodiments, the protective portion 72 is a separate (reinforced) layer 70 positioned on the finger shield 50. Fig. 1 illustrates a finger shield 50 that may include a reinforced layer 70, for example a pad, coupled to or integral with the y- shaped structure.

When the protective portion is presented as a separate layer on the finger shield, the reinforced layer 70 can be located on any side of the finger shield so long as the layer does not interfere with thread tying. In certain embodiments, the edges of the reinforced layer may be sloped to prevent catching or snagging of a thread during tying. Materials for a protective portion may be chosen based in part upon resistance to abrasion and/or ability to absorb pressure generated from a thread during tying. Examples of materials that be used to form the protective portion include, but are not limited to, natural polymers (such as rubber); synthetic polymers (such as synthetic rubber, Bakelite, neoprene, nylon, PVC, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyacrylonitrile, PVB, silicone, and the like), ceramic materials, metal materials, and a composite or blend of any of the materials listed above. Such materials can be provided in any suitable form for protecting the medial, lateral, and/or skin crease of a DIP and/or PIP joint in accordance with the subject invention. Suitable forms include, but are not limited to, textiles (such woven materials from natural or synthetic fibers, including felt), foams, gels, and/or plates.

In one embodiment, the protective portion is formed of aramid fibers (such as EVLAR, TWARON, NOMEX, NEW STAR, TEIJINCONEX and X-FIPER). Alternatively, the protective portion is formed of neoprene foam, EVA foam, sheet rubber, silicone gel, or sheet plastic.

According to the subject invention, the protective portion can be of any shape, so long as it covers or protects the medial, lateral, and/or skin crease of a DIP and/or PIP joint. The protective portion can be an anthropomorphic (for example according to the shape and mobility of the DIP and/or PIP joint), amorphous, circular, triangular, oval, rectangular, square, and the like. Figs. 1 and 6 illustrate protective portions 72 that are circular. Fig. 3B illustrates a protective portion 72 that is triangular in shape. Figs. 3C, 5, and 7 illustrate protective portions that are ovoid in shape.

Any one or more portions of the finger shield 50 can be of flexible, stretchable, and/or elastic material to accommodate movement of the finger. Preferably, the V- (or U-) shaped structure 52 is made of flexible, stretchable, and/or elastic materials that allow a user to flex and/or extend the finger without displacement of the finger shield from about the DIP and/or PIP joint. In certain embodiments, the V- (or U-) shaped structure 52 of the finger shield 50 may be woven fabric and/or other materials, for example such as those used for adhesive bandages. In a related embodiment, the central portion 64 of the finger shield 50 may be composed of stretchable, flexible, and or elastic to allow increased mobility of the DIP or PIP joint. In other embodiments, the protective portion 72 of the finger shield may incorporate stretchable, flexible, and/or elastic materials.

Examples of flexible, stretchable, and/or elastic materials that can be used to form one or more portions or all of the finger shield include, but are not limited to: polyurethane films; polyolefin films, such as polyethylene and polypropylene films; polyvinyl chloride films; ethylene vinyl acetate films; woven fabrics; nonwoven fabrics; and a composite or blend of any of the materials listed above. The flexible, stretchable, and/or elastic material may be perforated or nonperforated.

According to the subject invention, a woven material useful in the practice of the present invention has a polyester fiber, such as polyethylene terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate, in the warp direction and a polyamide fiber, such as nylon 6 or nylon 6.6 in the fill direction. Alternatively, the woven material may a have polyethylene terephthalate fiber, in the warp direction and a polybutylene terephthalate fiber in the fill direction. Such woven materials are known and are used commercially with adhesive bandages.

The adhesive 74 secures the finger shield 50 to the finger 22 (Figs. 4 A and 4B) or thumb. The finger shield may be placed on a finger immediately adjacent to skin or over a glove (e.g., surgical glove) or other covering surrounding a user's skin. An adhesive 74, for example a latex free releasable or non-releasable adhesive, may be applied to any one or more portions, including all, of the side of the finger shield 50 adjacent the finger. For example, Fig. 2 illustrates an adhesive 74 applied to the arms 54, 56 of the y-shaped structure on the side facing the finger 22 or thumb. In a related embodiment, the adhesive 74 may cover the entire side of the finger shield 50 adjacent the finger, or select portions, for example the arms 54, 56, and 62 but not the central area 64.

Adhesive 74, in accordance with the subject invention, can be formed of a conventional, pressure-sensitive adhesive that will readily adhere to human skin, that is nontoxic and that can be removed from the skin without injuring the skin. Typical examples of a suitable adhesive for adhesive 74 include, but are not limited to: adhesives based on styrenic block copolymers and tackifying resins (such as HL-1491 from HB-Fiiller Co. (St. Paul Minn.), H-2543 from ATO-Findley (Wawatausa, Wis.), and 34-5534 from National Starch & Chemical (Bridgewater, N.J.); adhesives made from ethylene copolymers, including ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers; acrylic based adhesives; dextrin based adhesives; urethane based adhesives; and adhesives based on natural and/or synthetic elastomers; The adhesive 74 may also include amorphous polyolefins including amorphous polypropylene, such as HL-1308 from HB Fuller or Rextac RT 2373 from Huntsman (Odesssa, Tex.). The adhesive 74 may be based on synthetic elastomers or natural rubber modified, where necessary or desirable, with tackifiers and antioxidants as known in the art.

The adhesive can be applied to the finger shield, e.g., by spraying, slot die coating or other methods well-known for this purpose. The adhesive can be applied by control coating, control weaving, control fiberization, meltblowing, flexo coating, screen printing, or other discontinuous coating methods. The amount of adhesive typically applied to adhesive bandages can be similarly applied to the finger shields described herein. In certain embodiments of the invention, the coating weight of the adhesive will typically range from about 20 grams per square meter ("gsm") to about 100 gsm.

Figs. 3 A-3C, illustrate embodiments of a finger shield 50 positioned about a DIP joint of a finger. As described herein, the finger shield can also be positioned about a PIP joint of a finger. The finger shield 50 is designed to protect the portions of the DIP joint 20 most subject to injury, namely the medial (toward thumb) or lateral (opposite thumb) sides 28, 30 (Fig. 3B) of the DIP joint, and the skin fold (or crease) 32 on the volar (palm) side 34 of the DIP joint.

Fig. 3A illustrates the two spaced apart arms 54, 56 of a finger shield 50 arranged to straddle a knuckle 36. Fig. 3B illustrates a central portion 64 of a finger shield 50, wherein the protective portion 72 is positioned on or substantially forms the central portion 64. Fig. 3C illustrates an arm 64 of a stem portion 62 that includes a protective portion 72 positioned on or substantially forms the stem portion 72. The protective portions illustrated in Figs. 3B and 3C are able to resist abrasion and/or absorb pressure from a thread during tying. The protective portions of Figs. 3B and 3C provide protection for the lateral/medial side of the DIP joint (or PIP joint) and skin crease, respectively.

Many surgeons wear two layers of surgical gloves. Optionally, the surgeon can don a first glove, apply the finger shield 50 to the first glove covered finger 22 of in the location described above and shown in Figs. 3A-3C, and then don a second glove over the first glove and finger shield 50. In this way, the finger 22 is protected by the finger shield 50 and neither the surgeon's or the patient's skin is in contact with the finger shield 50, including its adhesi ve 74.

The finger shield 50 may include appropriate features and made using appropriate manufacturing processes for using the finger shield 50 in surgical environment. For example the finger shield can be sterile and may include a radiological marker (not shown).

The dimensions and arrangement of the arms 54, 56, and 62 can be tailored to best fit the finger 22, and can be provided in different sizes and arrangements. For the illustrative finger shield 50, the length of each arm 54, 56, and 62 from the center 66 to the distal ends is about 1 inch. The width of the arms 54 and 56 of the vee portion 58 vary from about 3/8 inches toward the center 66 to about 1/4 inches at the distal end. The angle between the arms 54 and 56 is about 60 degrees. The width of the arm 62 of the stem portion 60 varies from about 1/4 inches toward the center 66 to about 1/8 inches at the distal end. The diameter of the pad 70 is about 1/2 inches.

In a second embodiment, a surgical glove or finger cot includes a protective portion at one or more finger(s) of the glove. The protective portion is situated on the glove such that when the glove is worn on a hand, the protective portion is located over the lateral and/or medial sides, and/or the skin crease, of the DIP and/or PIP joint. In one embodiment, the protective portion is arranged to be located over at least one of the lateral or medial side 28, 30 of the DIP joint 20 of the finger 22 or thumb. In another embodiment, the protective portion may be arranged to be located over the skin crease 32 on the volar side 34 of the DIP joint 20, and may also extend over at least a portion of the dorsal side 38 of the finger 22. The protective portion can be integral with the glove or finger cot or a separate reinforced layer provided on the inside or outside surface of the glove or finger cot.

In yet another embodiment, the finger shield 50 is applied to or integral with a tubular portion 1 10 (Figs. 3A-3C) of a finger of a glove or finger cot. For example, a tubular portion 110 can be the portion of a glove sized to be snuggly worn on finger 22 (or thumb). The tubular portion 1 10 preferably covers a portion of the distal phalange 24 and the intermediate phalange 26. The tubular portion 110 may include or not include a closed portion covering the distal end of the finger 22, and therefore may be either a band or a finger cot closed at one end. The finger shield 50 can be a separate reinforced layer provided on the inside or outside surface of the glove or finger cot. Alternatively, the finger shield 50 forms an integral part of the tubular portion of the glove or finger cot. The finger shield 50 is arranged on the glove or finger cot such that it protects the lateral and/or medial sides and/or skin crease of the finger.

Fig. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the invention. In Fig. 5, a finger shield 50 is provided wherein the protective portion is located on the stem portion 60 to protect the skin crease from any discomfort or injury resulting from thread tying.

Fig. 6 illustrates yet another embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6 illustrates a finger shield 50 comprising a central area 72 with a protective portion 72 and a stem portion 60 comprising an arm 62 and a tailpiece 68. According to the subject invention, the tailpiece 68 can ensure the finger shield 50 is more securely positioned on the finger and/or prevent disengagement, gaping, and/or wrinkling of the stem portion. In a related embodiment, the tailpiece 68 is to be arranged near the edge of a skin crease. Alternatively, the tailpiece 68 can be arranged to be positioned along the lateral/medial side of a DIP or PIP joint. The tailpiece can be of any known shape or size so long as it is able to function as desired. The arm 62 and/or tailpiece 68 can include a protective portion (not illustrated). Fig. 7 illustrates another embodiment of the invention. Fig. 7 illustrates a finger shield 50 wherein the stem portion 60 comprises a V-shaped or U-shaped area comprising two spaced apart arms 82 and 84 of a vee portion 86. The V-shaped or U-shaped stem portion 60 preferably straddles a skin crease.

For use. the finger shield can be placed on one or more fingers of a hand. Several different sizes of linger shields and/or gloves including the finger shield or protective portion may be produced to accommodate various users with different sizes of fingers.

The finger shield is useful in preventing pain, abrasion, inflammation, contusion, and/or laceration on the finger that may result from a thread during tying of a stitch. The linger shield is resistant to abrasion and/or is able to absorb pressure generated by a thread when it is being tied. Preferably, the finger shield is used to protect the sides and/or skin crease of a DIP and/or PIP joint on one or more fingers when tying a suture. Suture thread includes, but is not limited to, those made from biological materials, synthetic materials, or a combination of biological and synthetic materials. Examples of biological materials include, but are not limited to, catgut and silk. Examples of synthetic materials include, but are not limited to, polyglycolic acid (Biovek), polylactic acid, polydioxanone, caprolactone, polypropylene, polyester, nylon, or stainless steel.

A finger shield may be formed using an extrusion process. In an embodiment, an aramid material that forms a protective portion of a finger shield and a polyethylene material that forms a flexible, stretchable, and/or elastic portion are simultaneously extruded to form the finger shield. In certain embodiments, the two materials bond together during the extrusion process. In alternate embodiments, the protective portion is formed separately from the material of the finger shield and the two are subsequently bonded together. The two may be bonded together by, but are not limited to being bonded by, heat welding, sonic welding, solvent welding or gluing. After the protective portion and the finger shield material are bonded together, the resulting material may be cut and shaped to form individual finger shields. Other processes may also be used to produce finger shields, including, but not limited to, injection molding and reaction injection molding.

All patents, patent applications, provisional applications, and publications referred to or cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety, including all figures and tables, to the extent they are not inconsistent with the explicit teachings of this specification.

It should be understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application.

Claims

CLAIMS I claim:

1. A finger shield for a joint of a finger, comprising:

a protective portion;

a V- or U-shaped structure having a first arm and a second arm, wherein the first and second arms form a vee portion;

a central area; and

a stem portion;

wherein the first and second arms are configured to straddle a knuckle of a joint;

wherein the stem portion is configured to be positioned about a skin crease of the joint;

wherein the central area is located at the intersection of the vee and stem portion and is configured to cover a lateral or medial side of the joint; and

wherein the protective portion is at the central area and/or the stem portion.

2. The finger shield of claim 1, wherein the protective portion substantially forms the central area and/or the stem portion.

3. The finger shield of claim 1 , wherein the protective portion is a reinforced layer at the central area and/or stem portion.

4. The finger shield of claim 1 , wherein the stem portion comprises a third arm.

5. The finger shield of claim 4, wherein the third arm includes a tailpiece.

6. The finger shield of claim 1, wherein the stem portion comprises a V- or U- shaped structure having a fourth arm and a fifth arm, wherein the fourth and fifth anus form a vee portion.

7. The finger shield of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the finger shield is made of stretchable, flexible, and/or elastic material.

8. The finger shield of claim 1 , wherein the protective portion is made of material selected from the group consisting of: natural polymers; synthetic polymers; ceramic materials; metal materials; and a composite or blend of any of the materials listed herein.

9. The finger shield of claim 8, wherein the protective portion is made of aramid material.

10. The finger shield of claim 1 , further comprising an adhesive.

1 1. A glove adapted for protecting a joint of a finger, comprising:

at least one linger portion to be worn over at least one linger of a hand, including lateral and medial sides and skin creases of the finger(s);

at least one protective portion located at the finger portion(s), wherein the protective portion(s) is positioned at the lateral and/or medial side(s) and/or skin crease(s) of the joint(s) of the finger (s).

12. The glove of claim 1 1 , wherein the protective portion is a reinforced layer on the glove.

13. The glove of claim 11, wherein the protective portion is integral with the glove.

14. The glove of claim 11, wherein the protective portion is a finger shield comprising:

a central area; and

a stem portion;

wherein the stem portion is configured to be positioned about the skin crease of the joint; wherein the central area is located at the intersection of the vee and stem portion and is configured to cover the lateral or medial side of the joint; and

wherein the protective portion is at the central area and/or the stem portion of the finger shield .

15. A finger cot adapted for protecting a joint of a linger, comprising: a finger portion to be worn over a finger of a hand, including lateral and medial sides and skin crease of a DIP joint of the finger;

at least one protective portion located at the finger portion, wherein the protective portion(s) is positioned at the lateral and/or medial side(s) and/or skin crease of the DIP joint of the finger.

16. The finger cot of claim 15, wherein the finger portion further includes coverage of lateral and medial sides and skin crease of a PIP joint of the finger, and wherein the protective portion(s) is positioned at the lateral and/or medial(s) and/or skin crease of the PIP joint of the finger.

17. The finger cot of claim 15, wherein the protective portion is a reinforced layer on the finger cot.

18. The finger cot of claim 15, wherein the protective portion is integral with the finger cot.

19. The finger cot of claim 15, wherein the protective portion is a finger shield comprising:

a V- or U-shaped structure having a first ami and a second arm, wherein the first and second arms form a vee portion;

a central area; and

a stem portion;

wherein the protective portion is at the central area and/or the stem portion of the finger shield.

20. A method for protecting medial and/or lateral sides and/or skin crease of a finger joint during a medical procedure, comprising:

applying a finger shield to a finger, wherein the finger shield comprises: a V- or U-shaped structure having a first arm and a second arm, wherein the first and second arms form a vee portion;

a central area; and

a stem portion;