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US3815588A - Apparatus and methods relating to support of the forearm - Google Patents

Apparatus and methods relating to support of the forearm Download PDF

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US3815588A
US3815588A US00301517A US30151772A US3815588A US 3815588 A US3815588 A US 3815588A US 00301517 A US00301517 A US 00301517A US 30151772 A US30151772 A US 30151772A US 3815588 A US3815588 A US 3815588A
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support
forearm
elbow
support member
hand
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B Klausner
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    • 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. splints, casts or braces
    • A61F5/04—Devices for stretching or reducing fractured limbs; Devices for distractions; Splints
    • A61F5/05—Devices for stretching or reducing fractured limbs; Devices for distractions; Splints for immobilising
    • A61F5/058—Splints
    • A61F5/05841—Splints for the limbs
    • A61F5/05858—Splints for the limbs for the arms

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a novel support for the forearm, including the elbow and hand.
  • the support inherently relieves stress on the shoulder joint by transferring a part of the weight of the arm to the collar bone, neck or otherpart of the body to which retaining means may be affixed. While not limited thereto, it is especially useful in supporting the arm of a hemiplegic as its resilient characteristics and configuration provide an excellent means of supporting the affected limb of such an individual.
  • the present invention provides a support for the forearm, including the elbow and hand which is lightweight and may be made to conform generally to the shape of an individual patients limb.
  • the hand is maintained in a natural relaxed and functional position.
  • shoulder sublaxation, wrist drop and flexion deformities may be prevented and deformities resulting from spasticity are prevented or relieved as the forearm, including the elbow, the wrist and the hand are supported in the functional position. Shoulder pain is also relieved.
  • FIG. 1 is a front view-of a patient who is fitting himself with the novel support according to the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a front view of a patient with the support of the invention fitted in place. 4
  • FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the support of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the support of the invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the support of the invention taken along line 55 of FIG. 3.
  • FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the support of the invention taken along line 6 6 of FIG. 3.
  • FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the support of the invention taken along line 77 of FIG. 3.
  • FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the support of the invention taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 3.
  • the invention provides an apparatus which relieves stress on the shoulder by supporting the forearm;
  • said apparatus comprising a resilient semi-rigid support member adapted to partially encircle and conform generally to the shape of the partially encircled forearm when the forearm is positioned against the chest wall or body preferably in a generally orthogonal position relative to the upper arm with the forearm pronated with the wrist and hand in a functional position.
  • the support member also includes means adapted to retain said support member generally in said position.
  • the preferred means for retaining the support member in an orthogonal position or in any position against the chest wall ,or body is an elongated strap which is adapted to be affixed to the support at the area where the elbow is supported and extends around the neck of the patient down to and around the distal end of the support.
  • the straps may be attached preferably by a pressure sensitive device such as a Velcro pile and Velcro hook to facilitate connection of the support by the patient without the aid of others.
  • the main structural part of the support may be constructed exclusively of a polymeric foam material that is resilient and semi-rigid.
  • resilient is meant to describe the physical property of a material which is deformable by the pressure exerted by the weight of a limb and which will tend to recover its size and shape after the weight of the arm is removed.
  • semi-rigid is meantto describe the physical property of a material which is flexible but which has sufficient stiffness to provide substantial support to a limb.
  • Suitable foams having these properties include selected polyurethanes foams, polyethylene foams, vinyl foams and the like.
  • the end of the support which is intended to be used at the upper end of the forearm and around the elbow is preferably constructed so that it is approximately from one-fourth to three-fourths, or one-half as wide as the width of the support at its widest point.
  • the narrowed, elbow receiving end facilitates the shaping of the semi-rigid material so that it may be custom fitted to the lengthof each individual patient's forearm. This feature also prevents the distortion of the shape of the main part of the support between the hand and the upper forearm.
  • the support of the invention may be custom fitted to each patient as described hereinafter or may be made in three or four or more standard sizes which will be adjustable to practically any individual by means of the specially shaped elbow portion.
  • the main structural part of the support may be optionally provided with a plurality of apertures which extend from the upper to the lower surface thereof. These apertures provide a means of reducing the total weight of the support although the primary objective is to allow the evaporation of perspiration from the supported limb while allowing air to circulate and keep the limb cool. l
  • the apertures may be made by drilling or punching holes'in the main structural part.
  • the configuration of the holes and spacing thereof is not critical provided that the size, number and spacing should not adversely affect the structural integrity of the support so that the support will lose its desired configuration.
  • a pressure sensitive device may be employed.
  • the support may be made in any color with any design or may be covered with printed fabrics to secure patient acceptance.
  • the hand may also be secured to the support by means of a single or multiple loop arrangement of fabric or other suitable material such as plastic strips, elastic webbing and the like.
  • the support is to be used by a hemiplegic individual such as a victim of a cerebral vascular accident, the use of means to secure the finger and thumb to the surface of the main structural support is believed to be especially advantageous as it helps to prevent and treat the spasticity of the hand commonly seen in such individuals.
  • This invention also provides a novel method of supporting the forearm, including the elbow and hand, of a patient.
  • the method comprises supporting the forearm in a resilient, semi-rigid support member adapted to partially encircle and conform generally to the shape of said partially encircled forearm when said forearm is positioned against the chest wall or body preferably in an orthogonal position relative to the upper arm with the "forearm pronated and the wrist and hand in a functional position and employing means to retain said support member generally in said orthogonal positionby attaching said support to the patients clothing or body.
  • the term functional position refers to the position of the wrist and hand where the wrist is articulated so that the This method is based on supporting the forearm, including the aibow, wrist and hand by means of a resilient semi-rigid support member which is adapted to encircle and conform generally to the shape of said partially encircled forearm when said forearm is positioned against the body or chest wall preferably orthogonal to the uppef arm with the forearm pronated and the wrist and hand in a functional position with the fingers and thumb held to the suppoit member by retaining means and employing means adapted to retain said support member generally in said orthogonal position.
  • the hand is preferably elevated above the level of the elbow as in the method of providing support to the forearm but individual patients may prefer alternate positions.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 wherein a patient is shown with the support apparatus of theinvention, the main structural part 10 orsupport member, is shown fitted to the forearm, including the elbow and hand.
  • the strap 12 is shown in FIG. 2 in the normal use position where it extends around the elbow 14 up and over the shoulder to where it is fastened at the wrist area 16.
  • FIG. 3 shows a top plan view of the support apparatus.
  • This apparatus is constructed from a cross-linked polyethylene foam of closed cell construction having'a specific gravity of 0.04, and having three-sixteenths inch holes on a 1 inch square grid. It is first cut to the general outline of FIG. 3 and then heated to 200F.
  • the preferred geometric articulation for the joints of the shoulder and arm are as follows; the wrist should be in about 20 dorsiflexion, the metacarpo-phalangeal joints in about 45 flexion (at about 135), the proximal interphalangeal joints at about 30'(at about 150), and the distal interphalangeal joints at about 20 flexion (at about 160).
  • the thumb should be in half palmer abduction and half opposition, the interphalangeal joint in a few degrees of flexion.
  • the elbow should be at 90 flexion and the mid-prone position and the shoulder at about 45 abduction, about 30 flexion and in neutral rotation.
  • Pronation or pronated as used herein is meant to describe the position of the forearm when it is rotated toward the midline of the body with the thumb of the hand next to the body.
  • a novel method for the prevention and relief of deformities resulting from spasticity in the hand of a hemiplegic patient is also provided by this invention.
  • support strap 12 and retention straps 14 are riveted in place.
  • elbow retaining strap 16 is provided to permit custom fitting of the support to different individuals who have different size arms.
  • These straps are of lightweight woven cotton or nylon and are provided with pressure or contact sensitive Velcro hooks and pile for fastening to the patient.
  • spaced loops 18 for the fingers and individual loop 20 are sewn, adhesivelybonded or riveted in place.
  • FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 provide details of the construction of the support by sections taken through the indicated points of FIG. 3.
  • a male patient, age 53, who was a right hemiplegic (CVA) was fitted with the support shown in FIGS. 1-3. He reported that this shoulder did not sublux and increased comfort was noticed as compared to prior use of a conventional sling made of an open mesh fabric.
  • CVA right hemiplegic
  • forearm as used hereinabove is meant to include the distal portion of the arm, including the area from the elbow to the wrist.
  • An apparatus for supporting the forearm, including the elbow and hand, of a patient which comprises a resilient semi-rigid support member constructed from a polymeric foam material and adapted to partially encircle and conform generally to the shape of the partially encircled forearm when said forearm is pronated with the wrist and hand held in a functional position, said support member having for receiving the elbow an extension that is narrower than the width of the support at its widest point, means adapted to detachably afiix said support member to the forearm, including the hand and elbow of a patient, means for securing the fingers and thumb to the surface of said support, said support member having means attached to the support member for retaining said support member against the body with the forearm supported in a generally orthogonal position to the upperarm.
  • said means attached to the support member comprise an elongated strap which is adapted to be affixed to the support at the area wherein the elbow is supported and extends around the neck of the patient down to and around the distal end of said support.
  • polymeric foam material is a polyethylene foam mate rial.
  • a method of supporting the forearm, including the elbow and hand, of a patient which comprises supporting said forearm in a support as defined in claim 1.

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  • 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)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)

Abstract

An apparatus and methods are disclosed which relate to supporting the forearm by means of a resilient, semi-rigid support member adapted to partially encircle and conform generally to the shape of said forearm when said forearm is positioned adjacent to the chest wall or body with the forearm pronated and the wrist and hand held in a functional position, said support member also including means adapted to retain said support member generally against the body or chest wall.

Description

United States Patent 1191 Klausner June 11, 1974 1 APPARATUS AND METHODS RELATING 2,916,034 12/1959 Detwiler .1 128/94 TO SUPPORT OF THE FOREARM 3,703,894 11/1972 Galloway et a1. 128/77 [76] Inventor: Bracha Klausner, 250 W. 94th St., FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS New York, NY. 10025 918,189 l/1947 France 128/94 [22] Filed: 1972 Primary ExaminerRichard A. Gaudet [21] Appl. No.: 301,517 Assistant Examiner-J. Yasko [52] US. Cl 128/77, 128/87 A, 128/94 [57] ABSTRACT. 51 Int. Cl. A61f 5/10 An apparatus and methods are whlch Felate [58] Field of Search 128/77 87 89 94 83 to supporting the forearm by means of a resilient,
/8 semi-rigid support member adapted to partially encircle and conform generally to the shape of said forearm hen said forearm is positioned adjacent to the chest [56] References Cited w wall or body with the forearm pronated and the wrlst UNITED STATES PATENTS and hand held in a functional position, said support Galt member also including means adapted to retain aid 1,267,142 5/1918 Stowers et al. 128/94 support member generally against the body or Chest 1,304,153 5/1919 Bugge 128/94 wan 1,708,757 4/1929 Freileweh 128/89 2,875,754 3/1959 Messer 128/94 9 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTED 11 1914 3. 815588 SHEET 2 OF 2 APPARATUS'AND METHODS RELATING TO SUPPORT OF THE FOREARM This invention relates to a novel support for the forearm, including the elbow and hand. The support inherently relieves stress on the shoulder joint by transferring a part of the weight of the arm to the collar bone, neck or otherpart of the body to which retaining means may be affixed. While not limited thereto, it is especially useful in supporting the arm of a hemiplegic as its resilient characteristics and configuration provide an excellent means of supporting the affected limb of such an individual.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is well known in the prior art to employ a sling for supporting the forearm of a patient who has almost any type of injury or disability which restricts the normal manipulation of the arm and may induce a painful sublaxation of the shoulder. Many prior art slings are constructed of fabric or straps which have permitted the arm to hang limply with the weight of the arm causing pressure to be applied around the sides of the arm by the fabric or straps of the sling which pass upwardly to engage the neck or shoulder. The structure of these slings has usually resulted in the arm being positioned with the palm facing towards the body of the patient. These factors contribute to the discomfort associated with prolonged use of a sling. In addition with hemiplegic patients they do not provide adequate shoulder support or any relief from the spasticity frequently noted in these patients. The wrist and hand have not been supported in the functional position in prior art slings, if infact they have been supported at all.
The present invention provides a support for the forearm, including the elbow and hand which is lightweight and may be made to conform generally to the shape of an individual patients limb. The hand is maintained in a natural relaxed and functional position. In hemiplegic patients, shoulder sublaxation, wrist drop and flexion deformities may be prevented and deformities resulting from spasticity are prevented or relieved as the forearm, including the elbow, the wrist and the hand are supported in the functional position. Shoulder pain is also relieved. I
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 isa front view-of a patient who is fitting himself with the novel support according to the invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of a patient with the support of the invention fitted in place. 4
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the support of the invention.
FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the support of the invention.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the support of the invention taken along line 55 of FIG. 3.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the support of the invention taken along line 6 6 of FIG. 3.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the support of the invention taken along line 77 of FIG. 3.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the support of the invention taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 3.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention provides an apparatus which relieves stress on the shoulder by supporting the forearm;
cluding the elbow, the wrist and thehand; said apparatus comprisinga resilient semi-rigid support member adapted to partially encircle and conform generally to the shape of the partially encircled forearm when the forearm is positioned against the chest wall or body preferably in a generally orthogonal position relative to the upper arm with the forearm pronated with the wrist and hand in a functional position. The support member also includes means adapted to retain said support member generally in said position. I
The preferred means for retaining the support member in an orthogonal position or in any position against the chest wall ,or body is an elongated strap which is adapted to be affixed to the support at the area where the elbow is supported and extends around the neck of the patient down to and around the distal end of the support. By the distal end of the support is meantth'e end at which the hand is supported. The straps may be attached preferably by a pressure sensitive device such as a Velcro pile and Velcro hook to facilitate connection of the support by the patient without the aid of others. y
The main structural part of the support may be constructed exclusively of a polymeric foam material that is resilient and semi-rigid. By the term resilient is meant to describe the physical property of a material which is deformable by the pressure exerted by the weight of a limb and which will tend to recover its size and shape after the weight of the arm is removed. By the term semi-rigid is meantto describe the physical property of a material which is flexible but which has sufficient stiffness to provide substantial support to a limb. Suitable foams having these properties include selected polyurethanes foams, polyethylene foams, vinyl foams and the like.
The end of the support which is intended to be used at the upper end of the forearm and around the elbow is preferably constructed so that it is approximately from one-fourth to three-fourths, or one-half as wide as the width of the support at its widest point. 'The narrowed, elbow receiving end, facilitates the shaping of the semi-rigid material so that it may be custom fitted to the lengthof each individual patient's forearm. This feature also prevents the distortion of the shape of the main part of the support between the hand and the upper forearm.
The support of the invention may be custom fitted to each patient as described hereinafter or may be made in three or four or more standard sizes which will be adjustable to practically any individual by means of the specially shaped elbow portion.
The main structural part of the support may be optionally provided with a plurality of apertures which extend from the upper to the lower surface thereof. These apertures provide a means of reducing the total weight of the support although the primary objective is to allow the evaporation of perspiration from the supported limb while allowing air to circulate and keep the limb cool. l
The apertures may be made by drilling or punching holes'in the main structural part. The configuration of the holes and spacing thereof is not critical provided that the size, number and spacing should not adversely affect the structural integrity of the support so that the support will lose its desired configuration.
sistance. For this purpose, a pressure sensitive device may be employed. The support may be made in any color with any design or may be covered with printed fabrics to secure patient acceptance. The hand may also be secured to the support by means of a single or multiple loop arrangement of fabric or other suitable material such as plastic strips, elastic webbing and the like. When the support is to be used by a hemiplegic individual such as a victim of a cerebral vascular accident, the use of means to secure the finger and thumb to the surface of the main structural support is believed to be especially advantageous as it helps to prevent and treat the spasticity of the hand commonly seen in such individuals. :This invention also provides a novel method of supporting the forearm, including the elbow and hand, of a patient. The method comprises supporting the forearm in a resilient, semi-rigid support member adapted to partially encircle and conform generally to the shape of said partially encircled forearm when said forearm is positioned against the chest wall or body preferably in an orthogonal position relative to the upper arm with the "forearm pronated and the wrist and hand in a functional position and employing means to retain said support member generally in said orthogonal positionby attaching said support to the patients clothing or body.
Generally it is preferred to position the support so that the hand will be elevated slightly above the level of the elbow. This is done to assistcirculation and prevent undue stress on the shoulder, wrist or hand. The term functional position refers to the position of the wrist and hand where the wrist is articulated so that the This method is based on supporting the forearm, including the aibow, wrist and hand by means of a resilient semi-rigid support member which is adapted to encircle and conform generally to the shape of said partially encircled forearm when said forearm is positioned against the body or chest wall preferably orthogonal to the uppef arm with the forearm pronated and the wrist and hand in a functional position with the fingers and thumb held to the suppoit member by retaining means and employing means adapted to retain said support member generally in said orthogonal position.
The hand is preferably elevated above the level of the elbow as in the method of providing support to the forearm but individual patients may prefer alternate positions.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein a patient is shown with the support apparatus of theinvention, the main structural part 10 orsupport member, is shown fitted to the forearm, including the elbow and hand. The strap 12 is shown in FIG. 2 in the normal use position where it extends around the elbow 14 up and over the shoulder to where it is fastened at the wrist area 16. FIG. 3 shows a top plan view of the support apparatus. This apparatus is constructed from a cross-linked polyethylene foam of closed cell construction having'a specific gravity of 0.04, and having three-sixteenths inch holes on a 1 inch square grid. It is first cut to the general outline of FIG. 3 and then heated to 200F. Thereafter it is shaped to conform to the forearm of a patient When the hand is immobilized, the preferred geometric articulation for the joints of the shoulder and arm are as follows; the wrist should be in about 20 dorsiflexion, the metacarpo-phalangeal joints in about 45 flexion (at about 135), the proximal interphalangeal joints at about 30'(at about 150), and the distal interphalangeal joints at about 20 flexion (at about 160). The thumb should be in half palmer abduction and half opposition, the interphalangeal joint in a few degrees of flexion. The elbow should be at 90 flexion and the mid-prone position and the shoulder at about 45 abduction, about 30 flexion and in neutral rotation.
Pronation or pronated as used herein is meant to describe the position of the forearm when it is rotated toward the midline of the body with the thumb of the hand next to the body.
A novel method for the prevention and relief of deformities resulting from spasticity in the hand of a hemiplegic patient is also provided by this invention.
who is protected from the heat by suitable clothing.
After the support cools and sets it is removed and support strap 12 and retention straps 14 are riveted in place. Also en elbow retaining strap 16 is provided to permit custom fitting of the support to different individuals who have different size arms. These straps are of lightweight woven cotton or nylon and are provided with pressure or contact sensitive Velcro hooks and pile for fastening to the patient. Thereafter, (or before) spaced loops 18 for the fingers and individual loop 20 are sewn, adhesivelybonded or riveted in place.
FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 provide details of the construction of the support by sections taken through the indicated points of FIG. 3.
A male patient, age 53, who was a right hemiplegic (CVA) was fitted with the support shown in FIGS. 1-3. He reported that this shoulder did not sublux and increased comfort was noticed as compared to prior use of a conventional sling made of an open mesh fabric.
A female patient, age 53, who was a left hemiplegic as a result of an embolic blockage at the bifurcation of the right common carotid artery was fitted with the support shown in FIGS. 1-3. Contracture did not develop and wrist and shoulder pain, which had been a previous problem, subsided so as to eliminate the necessity for analgesics.
The term forearm as used hereinabove is meant to include the distal portion of the arm, including the area from the elbow to the wrist.
Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described hereinabove, there is no intent to limit the invention thereto, but it is intended to cover all variations thereof within the purview of those skilled in the art and as defined by the appended claims.
I claim: I
1. An apparatus for supporting the forearm, including the elbow and hand, of a patient which comprises a resilient semi-rigid support member constructed from a polymeric foam material and adapted to partially encircle and conform generally to the shape of the partially encircled forearm when said forearm is pronated with the wrist and hand held in a functional position, said support member having for receiving the elbow an extension that is narrower than the width of the support at its widest point, means adapted to detachably afiix said support member to the forearm, including the hand and elbow of a patient, means for securing the fingers and thumb to the surface of said support, said support member having means attached to the support member for retaining said support member against the body with the forearm supported in a generally orthogonal position to the upperarm.
2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said means attached to the support member comprise an elongated strap which is adapted to be affixed to the support at the area wherein the elbow is supported and extends around the neck of the patient down to and around the distal end of said support.
3. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said resilient semi-rigidsupport member is perforated by a plurality of apertures extending from the upper to the lower surface thereof.
4. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the means for securing the fingers and thumb to the surface of said support comprise loops of fabric sized to the individual fingers and thumb.
5. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said polymeric foam material is a polyethylene foam mate rial.
6. A method of supporting the forearm, including the elbow and hand, of a patient, which comprises supporting said forearm in a support as defined in claim 1.
7. A method as defined in claim 6 wherein the forearm, including the elbow and hand, are supported so that the hand is elevated above the elbow.
8. A method as defined in claim 6 wherein the support member is retained generally in said position by an elongated strap which is affixed to the support at the area wherein the elbow is supported and extends up and around the neck of the patient and down to the distal end of said support.
9. A method as defined in claim 6 wherein the fingers and thumb are secured to the surface of said support by loops of fabric.

Claims (9)

1. An apparatus for supporting the forearm, including the elbow and hand, of a patient which comprises a resilient semi-rigid support member constructed from a polymeric foam material and adapted to partially encircle and conform generally to the shape of the partially encircled forearm when said forearm is pronated with the wrist and hand held in a functional position, said support member having for receiving the elbow an extension that is narrower than the width of the support at its widest point, means adapted to detachably affix said support member to the forearm, including the hand and elbow of a patient, means for securing the fingers and thumb to the surface of said support, said support member having means attached to the support member for retaining said support member against the body with the forearm supported in a generally orthogonal position to the upperarm.
2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said means attached to the support member comprise an elongated strap which is adapted to be affixed to the support at the area wherein the elbow is supported and extends around the neck of the patient down to and around the distal end of said support.
3. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said resilient semi-rigid support member is perforated by a plurality of apertures extending from the upper to the lower surface thereof.
4. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the means for securing the fingers and thumb to the surface of said support comprise loops of fabric sized to the individual fingers and thumb.
5. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said polymeric foam material is a polyethylene foam material.
6. A method of supporting the forearm, including the elbow and hand, of a patient, which comprises supporting said forearm in a support as defined in claim 1.
7. A method as defined in claim 6 wherein the forearm, including the elbow and hand, are supported so that the hand is elevated above the elbow.
8. A method as defined in claim 6 wherein the support member is retained generally in said position by an elongated strap which is affixed to the support at the area wherein the elbow is supported and extends up and around the neck of the patient and down to the distal end of said support.
9. A method as defined in claim 6 wherein the fingers and thumb are secured to the surface of said support by loops of fabric.
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Cited By (41)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3903878A (en) * 1974-11-04 1975-09-09 Donald C Spann Device for supporting a limb and associated extremity
US3938509A (en) * 1974-12-09 1976-02-17 Barber Lois M Hand splint
US4214579A (en) * 1978-08-23 1980-07-29 Ford Cynthia A Dynamic shoulder, forearm, wrist and hand support
US4265232A (en) * 1979-07-02 1981-05-05 Timothy Stonich Inclined arm support for stroke victims
US4286588A (en) * 1979-07-18 1981-09-01 Lovegrove Paul D Medical support board
FR2501037A1 (en) * 1981-03-09 1982-09-10 Bernard Marcel Device for immobilising fingers in extension - comprises metal plate with side extensions folding over back of hand and elongate tongues to support fingers
US4355635A (en) * 1980-07-14 1982-10-26 Jung Products, Inc. Adjustable arm sling with pouch
DE3135067A1 (en) * 1981-09-04 1983-03-24 Schütt und Grundei GmbH Medizintechnische Fabrikation, 2400 Lübeck Splint for supporting a region of the forearm and hand
US4382439A (en) * 1981-05-21 1983-05-10 Shen C Anthony Thumb spica
US4497316A (en) * 1982-07-01 1985-02-05 Lilla James A Cantilevered suspension sling
WO1986003399A1 (en) * 1984-12-07 1986-06-19 Lilla James A Cantilevered suspension sling
US4622961A (en) * 1985-04-04 1986-11-18 Margery Christensen Arm sling with mitten pocket
US5152739A (en) * 1990-02-23 1992-10-06 Michael Grob Fixation and mobilization splint
US5334132A (en) * 1993-04-16 1994-08-02 Burkhead Wayne Z Convertible arm sling
US5558626A (en) * 1992-09-08 1996-09-24 Holtzman; Elizabeth Ambulatory arm elevation sling
US5569172A (en) * 1994-08-02 1996-10-29 Padden; John Device for supporting and immobilizing a patient's arm and shoulder and method thereof
US5577516A (en) * 1994-03-24 1996-11-26 Stat Emergency Medical Products, Inc. Intravenous catheter support
US5681268A (en) * 1996-02-26 1997-10-28 Radman; Stanley I. Arm support and carpal nerve protection device
US5766142A (en) * 1997-02-06 1998-06-16 Restorative Care Of America Incorporated Resting hand orthosis with finger separators
US5848956A (en) * 1997-03-18 1998-12-15 Grettner; Norman L. Multi-purpose lat sling
DE19812257A1 (en) * 1998-03-20 1999-09-30 Erich Kratzmaier Limb support device for fractured bone i.e. for use in hospitals
US6154902A (en) * 1998-10-26 2000-12-05 Critical Concepts, Inc. Apparatus and method for supporting a patient on a surface and stabilizing the patient's arm
US6261253B1 (en) * 1996-03-26 2001-07-17 Lenjoy Engineering, Inc. Deformable orthosis
US6585198B2 (en) * 2001-02-14 2003-07-01 Carmen Dillon Wrist support for use with a computer mouse
US20040154628A1 (en) * 2003-02-05 2004-08-12 Callaway James J. Universal intravenous arm support
US20040193086A1 (en) * 2003-03-28 2004-09-30 Cofre Ruth P. Dynamic position adjustment device for extremities of the human body
US20040215119A1 (en) * 2003-04-23 2004-10-28 Guy Avon Arm support apparatus
US20050101898A1 (en) * 2003-11-07 2005-05-12 Cohen Jack E. Orthopedic braces for the third, fourth and/or fifth metacarpals and/or phalanges
US20050145255A1 (en) * 2004-01-05 2005-07-07 Mengato Richard A. Surgical hand support
US6945945B2 (en) 2000-06-28 2005-09-20 Givmohr Corporation Flaccid upper extremity positioning apparatus
US20090105656A1 (en) * 2007-10-19 2009-04-23 Schaeffer Rodney D Medical appliance stabilization device and method for using same
US20110004138A1 (en) * 2006-04-13 2011-01-06 Paavo Lasse Freijzer Medical aid
US8196588B1 (en) 2004-02-17 2012-06-12 Ron Krenzel Immobilizer
US9044324B2 (en) 2010-12-02 2015-06-02 Ronald Louis Krenzel Selectively adjustable arm and shoulder support
US20150297388A1 (en) * 2014-02-07 2015-10-22 Eric S. Peterson Arm support
US20160106958A1 (en) * 2013-05-05 2016-04-21 Resqdevices Pty Ltd An Intravenous Cannula Retainer
US9668902B1 (en) 2014-04-15 2017-06-06 Ronald Louis Krenzel Selectively adjustable arm and shoulder support
US9827133B1 (en) 2010-12-02 2017-11-28 Ronald Louis Krenzel Selectively adjustable arm and shoulder support
CN109124852A (en) * 2018-09-12 2019-01-04 吴新民 A kind of orthopaedics arm bone-fracture fixing splint
US10610400B1 (en) 2014-04-15 2020-04-07 Ronald Louis Krenzel Selectively adjustable arm and shoulder support
US20210401076A1 (en) * 2020-06-24 2021-12-30 Gri-Alleset, Inc. Arm protector kits and methods of making and using the same

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US1304153A (en) * 1919-05-20 Arm-sling
US1267142A (en) * 1918-02-14 1918-05-21 Jessie Alma Stowers Arm-support.
US1708757A (en) * 1926-11-09 1929-04-09 Susannah M Freileweh Orthopedic device
FR918189A (en) * 1945-12-03 1947-01-31 O Y Lilius & Cie A B Angular splint and knee splint
US2875754A (en) * 1956-07-05 1959-03-03 Dallas C Messer Surgical sling
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Cited By (45)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3903878A (en) * 1974-11-04 1975-09-09 Donald C Spann Device for supporting a limb and associated extremity
US3938509A (en) * 1974-12-09 1976-02-17 Barber Lois M Hand splint
US4214579A (en) * 1978-08-23 1980-07-29 Ford Cynthia A Dynamic shoulder, forearm, wrist and hand support
US4265232A (en) * 1979-07-02 1981-05-05 Timothy Stonich Inclined arm support for stroke victims
US4286588A (en) * 1979-07-18 1981-09-01 Lovegrove Paul D Medical support board
US4355635A (en) * 1980-07-14 1982-10-26 Jung Products, Inc. Adjustable arm sling with pouch
FR2501037A1 (en) * 1981-03-09 1982-09-10 Bernard Marcel Device for immobilising fingers in extension - comprises metal plate with side extensions folding over back of hand and elongate tongues to support fingers
US4382439A (en) * 1981-05-21 1983-05-10 Shen C Anthony Thumb spica
DE3135067A1 (en) * 1981-09-04 1983-03-24 Schütt und Grundei GmbH Medizintechnische Fabrikation, 2400 Lübeck Splint for supporting a region of the forearm and hand
US4497316A (en) * 1982-07-01 1985-02-05 Lilla James A Cantilevered suspension sling
WO1986003399A1 (en) * 1984-12-07 1986-06-19 Lilla James A Cantilevered suspension sling
US4622961A (en) * 1985-04-04 1986-11-18 Margery Christensen Arm sling with mitten pocket
US5152739A (en) * 1990-02-23 1992-10-06 Michael Grob Fixation and mobilization splint
US5558626A (en) * 1992-09-08 1996-09-24 Holtzman; Elizabeth Ambulatory arm elevation sling
US5334132A (en) * 1993-04-16 1994-08-02 Burkhead Wayne Z Convertible arm sling
US5577516A (en) * 1994-03-24 1996-11-26 Stat Emergency Medical Products, Inc. Intravenous catheter support
US5569172A (en) * 1994-08-02 1996-10-29 Padden; John Device for supporting and immobilizing a patient's arm and shoulder and method thereof
US5681268A (en) * 1996-02-26 1997-10-28 Radman; Stanley I. Arm support and carpal nerve protection device
US6261253B1 (en) * 1996-03-26 2001-07-17 Lenjoy Engineering, Inc. Deformable orthosis
US5766142A (en) * 1997-02-06 1998-06-16 Restorative Care Of America Incorporated Resting hand orthosis with finger separators
US5848956A (en) * 1997-03-18 1998-12-15 Grettner; Norman L. Multi-purpose lat sling
DE19812257A1 (en) * 1998-03-20 1999-09-30 Erich Kratzmaier Limb support device for fractured bone i.e. for use in hospitals
US6154902A (en) * 1998-10-26 2000-12-05 Critical Concepts, Inc. Apparatus and method for supporting a patient on a surface and stabilizing the patient's arm
US6945945B2 (en) 2000-06-28 2005-09-20 Givmohr Corporation Flaccid upper extremity positioning apparatus
US6585198B2 (en) * 2001-02-14 2003-07-01 Carmen Dillon Wrist support for use with a computer mouse
US20040154628A1 (en) * 2003-02-05 2004-08-12 Callaway James J. Universal intravenous arm support
US7406967B2 (en) * 2003-02-05 2008-08-05 Callaway James J Universal intravenous arm support
US20040193086A1 (en) * 2003-03-28 2004-09-30 Cofre Ruth P. Dynamic position adjustment device for extremities of the human body
US20040215119A1 (en) * 2003-04-23 2004-10-28 Guy Avon Arm support apparatus
US20050101898A1 (en) * 2003-11-07 2005-05-12 Cohen Jack E. Orthopedic braces for the third, fourth and/or fifth metacarpals and/or phalanges
US6945252B2 (en) * 2004-01-05 2005-09-20 Mengato Richard A Surgical hand support
US20050145255A1 (en) * 2004-01-05 2005-07-07 Mengato Richard A. Surgical hand support
US8196588B1 (en) 2004-02-17 2012-06-12 Ron Krenzel Immobilizer
US8733365B2 (en) 2004-02-17 2014-05-27 Ronald Louis Krenzel Immobilizer
US20110004138A1 (en) * 2006-04-13 2011-01-06 Paavo Lasse Freijzer Medical aid
US20090105656A1 (en) * 2007-10-19 2009-04-23 Schaeffer Rodney D Medical appliance stabilization device and method for using same
US8123681B2 (en) 2007-10-19 2012-02-28 Rodney D. Schaeffer Medical appliance stabilization device and method for using same
US9044324B2 (en) 2010-12-02 2015-06-02 Ronald Louis Krenzel Selectively adjustable arm and shoulder support
US9827133B1 (en) 2010-12-02 2017-11-28 Ronald Louis Krenzel Selectively adjustable arm and shoulder support
US20160106958A1 (en) * 2013-05-05 2016-04-21 Resqdevices Pty Ltd An Intravenous Cannula Retainer
US20150297388A1 (en) * 2014-02-07 2015-10-22 Eric S. Peterson Arm support
US9668902B1 (en) 2014-04-15 2017-06-06 Ronald Louis Krenzel Selectively adjustable arm and shoulder support
US10610400B1 (en) 2014-04-15 2020-04-07 Ronald Louis Krenzel Selectively adjustable arm and shoulder support
CN109124852A (en) * 2018-09-12 2019-01-04 吴新民 A kind of orthopaedics arm bone-fracture fixing splint
US20210401076A1 (en) * 2020-06-24 2021-12-30 Gri-Alleset, Inc. Arm protector kits and methods of making and using the same

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