DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ANALGESIC IMMOBILIZATION OF FRACTURED RIBS

摘要

A device (22) for analgesic immobilization in the event of thorax or rib fractures as well as a method for application of such a device are disclosed. The immobilization device (22) includes a flat splint element (24) which covers a large area of the region of the break (19), and is provided with an adhesive layer (26) which is located on the side thereof facing the body and is used to adhere the immobilization device (22) to the body. In a preferred method of application, two separate areas of adhesive are applied to the patient's skin over the fracture at two different points in the breathing cycle. This allows the device to remain in place more securely under the dynamic condition of the ribcage that results from constant inhalation and exhalation.

主权项

1. A method of splinting a rib fracture of a patient, comprising steps of:
providing a device comprising:
a splint element that is rigid and plastically deformable, and is provided with a first adhesive on an inner surface thereof;a perimeter element secured to the splint element and lying outside of an outer edge of the splint element, the perimeter element having a second adhesive thereon facing in a same direction as the first adhesive; and applying the device to the patient by:
1. adhering the splint element to a first area of skin of a patient that overlies the rib fracture by contacting the first adhesive to said first area of skin, while preventing the second adhesive from contacting the skin of the patient; and2. after adhering the splint element to the first area of skin, exposing the perimeter element and adhering the perimeter element to a second area of skin of the patient that lies outside of the first area.