Adjustable Wrist Orthotic

摘要

An adjustable wrist orthotic suitable for the treatment of wrist fractures and similar injuries. The orthotic preferably includes a top panel joined to a bottom panel. The top and bottom panels are preferably joined by a radius connector which spans a “radius gap” between the top and bottom panel. An “ulna gap” may optionally be provided between the top and bottom panels as well. If an ulna gap is present, then an ulna connector is preferably provided to span this gap. A radius lace assembly is provided for adjusting the closure of the radius gap. The radius lace assembly is secured by placing a radius tab attached to a radius lace in a desired position on the exterior of the orthotic. Varying the placement position of the radius tab varies the taper of the radius gap so that the orthotic can accommodate wide variations in forearm geometry.

主权项

1. A method for attaching a wrist splint to a patient having a hand, a wrist, and a forearm, comprising:
a. providing a wrist splint, including
i. a top panel having a hand end and a forearm end,ii. a bottom panel having a hand end and a forearm end, said bottom panel offset from said top panel by a radius gap,iii. providing a radius tab,iv. providing a radius lace, said radius lace spanning said radius gap, with said radius lace running from a first lace anchor on said top panel proximate said hand end of said top panel, passing through a first eye on said bottom panel, through a second eye on said radius tab, through a third eye on said bottom panel, through a fourth eye on said top panel, through a fifth eye on said top panel, through a sixth eye on said bottom panel, through a seventh eye on said radius tab, through an eighth eye on said bottom panel, to a second lace anchor on said top panel proximate said forearm end of said top panel; b. installing said wrist splint on said hand, wrist, and forearm, of said patient c. creating a desired divergence angle between said top panel and said bottom panel by offsetting said radius tab a selected distance from said hand end of said top panel; and d. attaching said radius tab to said wrist splint in a fixed position.