Modular Shoulder External Rotation Wedge System and Method

摘要

A modular sling and pillow system for setting an appropriate abduction angle and external rotation angle in a shoulder joint. The patient's forearm is secured in a sling. An abduction pillow is fastened to the patient's side, just above the waist and facing the elbow contained within the sling. An appropriate external rotation wedge is then attached to the abduction pillow. The external rotation wedge is preferably fastened to the abduction pillow using VELCRO fasteners so that it can be easily removed and replaced. The abduction pillow pivots the upper arm outward. The external rotation wedge rotates the upper arm by moving the wrist out away from the body. The sling is attached to the external rotation wedge so that an integral brace comprising the sling, the external rotation wedge, and the abduction pillow is created.

主权项

1. A method for stabilizing a shoulder joint in a patient's arm in a position having a desired amount of abduction and external rotation, comprising:
a. providing a sling; b. providing an abduction pillow, said abduction pillow having a lateral surface; c. providing an external rotation wedge, said external rotation wedge having a lateral mounting surface and a lateral surface, with an angular displacement between said lateral mounting surface and said lateral surface; d. attaching said abduction pillow to said patient proximate said patient's waist proximate said arm, with said lateral surface of said abduction pillow facing outward; e. placing said arm in said sling; f. attaching said external rotation wedge to said abduction pillow with said lateral mounting surface of said external rotation wedge mating against said lateral surface of said abduction pillow; and attaching said sling to said lateral surface of said external rotation wedge.