Abstract
Methods for installing braces or spacers or braces that protect the heel of a person wearing a non-weightbearing cast, for applying multiple exemplary embodiments are described, such as an embodiment with two braces that are each attached to at least one point on either side of the foot, with one brace below the heel and the other behind the heel with a clearance space between each brace and the cast, to redirect loads from the heel to points behind the ankle and forward of the arch.
Claims
1. A method for installing braces to a non-weightbearing cast by an installer to a patient whereby a doctor or provider orders non-weightbearing casts of any of the type Fiberglass long leg cast, short leg cast, Fiberglass long leg splints, short leg splints. Plaster long leg cast, short leg cast, Plaster long leg splints, short leg splints. Hip Spica Cast long leg Fiberglass and Plaster, or other similar types of casts; to aid in healing common fractures of the type: Tibia, Fibula, Ankle, Navicular, Cuboid, Cuneiform Bones, Stress Fractures; an installer fabricates and installs an appropriate non-weightbearing cast to the patient; installer clearly communicates to the patient that the objective is to protect the heel from contact when a force is applied to the cast at the heel area, installer selects appropriate braces, and that this is accomplished by redistributing the force to the distal and proximal ends of the foot and ankle structures; installer opens the packaging which includes at a minimum, the brace assembly (or two braces) and their attachment hardware; Installer attaches the hardware and brace assemblies to the cast, during or after which the cast is completely formed; as the braces are placed, a first brace is to be located at the distal end of the foot and cast, with attachments at the inner side of the navicular and outer side of the cuboid bones; a second brace is located to the posterior end of the foot and cast, with attachments at the inner side of the medial malleous bone and outer side of the lateral malleolus bone; installer holds the brace in place and secures using 2 inch or 3 inch width fiberglass cast material; installer smooths and molds the cast material to secure the braces firmly and smooth edges for uniformity.
2. The method of claim 1 further including steps for after both braces are secured and molded into place, including providing specific care instructions that are necessary and include appropriate warnings; once patient is clearly informed of the necessary care inform patient of the benefits of the braced cast over the nonbraced cast; a. Sleeping b. Resting c. Increased ability to live a more normal life by having increased ability to place foot in usual circumstances (as opposed to having to remain in a controlled environment to eliminate possible contact with the cast and other items) such as: Attend school during recovery, Attend sporting events, Go out to restaurants, Ride in an automobile, Go to movie, Shop, And any other activities beyond historical restrictions; provide further traditional instructions for resting, sitting or sleeping using a towel or pillow that may be placed below the cast; and when showering or bathing the cast and braces must be covered with plastic and cast covers as provided by your orthopedic tech or other medical professional, following their instruction carefully.
3. The method of claim 1 further including steps specifically required to install other embodiments of braces with different features and capabilities; and Testing of proper functionality; of a nonlimiting mechanical, audible embodiment, wherein each mechanism is tested by the installer using an appropriate weighting to test for a 5# maximum load; and of the electrical embodiments wherein the electrical connections and mechanisms are tested for operability; and installing general items including batteries, attaching decorative features, and the like.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a nonlimiting demonstration of a cast being applied to a right leg, typical of either leg.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a nonlimiting demonstration of the brace installation.
[0028] FIG. 3 demonstrates a nonlimiting alternative mounting detail concept using 2 fastening points.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a nonlimiting demonstration of a warning label. The information on the label is necessary for effective use of a braced non-weightbearing cast.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a nonlimiting demonstration of other brace embodiments for which the methods herein would apply.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a nonlimiting demonstration of a heel shield.
[0032] FIG. 7 is a nonlimiting demonstration of a braced non-weightbearing cast resting on a pillow and table surface.
[0033] FIG. 8 is a nonlimiting demonstration of a braced non-weightbearing cast from a view below the cast and foot.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0034] FIG. 1 is a nonlimiting demonstration of a cast being applied to a right leg, typical of either leg. The figure 100 shows the installation using typical fiberglass tape as a component of an exemplary 110 (right) or 120 (left) fiberglass non-weightbearing cast. 130 represents a finished non-weightbearing cast, having 140 rear and 150 lower braces and a general location of the braces. The figure also shows 160, a nonlimiting conceptual mounting detail, right shown and left typical. Such 160 mounting details are installed during the cast fabrication process and secured with fiberglass tape or other appropriate means. 160 also demonstrates a nonlimiting flexible backing plate that would provide a securing surface for attaching the backing plate to the 130 cast. 140 and 150 braces would then mount to the 160 mounting details; and would then be further secured using means such as fiberglass casting tape or plaster.
[0035] FIG. 2 is a nonlimiting demonstration of the brace installation. 200 shows the process of locating 210 (rear shown, lower typical) brace being located to leave a 211 and 212 minimum spacing such as 0.25 inches. 211 and 212 spacings being between the inner surface of the brace and the outer surface of the cast. Once located, braces are then 220 secured with fiberglass tape. 230 demonstrates a secured pair of braces. Further application of fiberglass tape is contemplated to make an integrated and uniform appearance of the braces and cast.
[0036] FIG. 3 demonstrates an a nonlimiting alternative mounting detail concept using 2 fastening points. 300 demonstrates an assembly view of two braces on one cast using a total of four anchoring points. 310 locating points are shown in a nonlimiting arrangement as circles to represent a fastening method such as a female fastener attached to a backing plate that is then mated with a male fastener that extends through each of the 310 (2 shown typ 4) locating points (clearance holes).
[0037] In the 300 attachment concept, application of forces is usually along eccentric axes. When these forces are applied, there is a resulting torque. This torque, in turn realigns and displaces the force to impact points that are remote from the heel. As a result, the installer of this 4 point brace should be aware of the resulting impact points and may provide padding or reinforcement to accommodate the resulting forces.
[0038] FIG. 4 is a nonlimiting demonstration of a warning label. The information on the label is necessary for effective use of a braced non-weightbearing cast. The method for installing such braces must include a clearly understood warning of how to properly use the braced cast. This includes a mechanical clicking alert that is activated when forces above 5# are applied. For this type of bracing the mechanism should be tested before and after installation using a load of an appropriate weight, for example a 5# weight. The reset mechanism should also be tested. For an embodiment that utilizes decorative features on the braces similar tests should be provided. The mechanism should be demonstrated for the user, parents or other available responsible person.
[0039] For embodiments using electrical features, battery holders must be installed and secured by methods obvious to anyone familiar with the art. For this type of bracing the mechanism should be tested before and after installation using a load of an appropriate weight, for example a 5# weight. The reset mechanism should also be tested. The mechanism should be demonstrated for the user, parents or other available responsible person.
[0040] FIG. 5 is a nonlimiting demonstration of other brace embodiments for which the methods herein would apply. 500 presents 2 concepts. 510 rear brace is typical, and uses 520 battery pack secured to the cast or similar and optionally secured using fiberglass tape or similar. 530 nonlimiting anchoring mechanism is installed on each anchor to utilize pressure sensitive contacts to connect positive and negative leads (not shown) and thus complete circuits activating 550 lights and 560 audible alerts. In another nonlimiting embodiment 540 pressure pads are secured to the 510 typ brace to receive user contact to close circuits and activate a combination of 540 visual alerts and 550 audible alerts. The components demonstrated in 500 are designed to indicate to the user that a force near or over 5 pounds has occurred and contacted at least one of the braces.
[0041] FIG. 6 is a nonlimiting demonstration of a heel shield. The 620 shield is attached to the 610 non-weightbearing cast using methods similar to the rear and lower brace methods demonstrated in this specification. However, multiple 630 anchoring details are most appropriate. This embodiment presents the opportunity for 640 contact pads to be used at the points of transferred impact forces to specific areas of the foot and heel. Such contact pads fit inside the previously mentioned gaps between braces and the non-weightbearing cast. 670 anchoring plates having more than one anchor mechanism are an example. Additionally, circuitry and components such as 650 visible lights and 660 audible sonolerts are installed and used by the patient to give notice of contact loads near or greater than 5 pounds.
[0042] FIG. 7 is a nonlimiting demonstration of a braced non-weightbearing cast resting on a pillow and table surface. In the FIG. 700, a leg 710 is shown generally resting as recommended on a 720 table surface. The 730 pillow supports the leg below the knee area for this type of 740 non-weightbearing cast. The 750 braces redirect forces that would normally be applied to the heel area of the 740 cast. The forces are now taken from contact point with the 750 braces and applied to the 740 cast through the attachment means. Here, a 770 force is applied to the cast by the table, caused by the weight of the leg and cast resting on said table. This force is generally along a 771 vertical axis direction. Elsewhere in this specification such a force is one of many common forces. The force is experienced by the 750 brace assembly; and transferred about the 772 center of the brace attachment, generally to points 774 near the ankle and 776 top of the foot.
[0043] FIG. 8 is a nonlimiting demonstration of a braced non-weightbearing cast from a view below the cast and foot. The brace 810 is shown with a space between the brace and the back of the heel.
[0044] The drawings provided are exemplary to demonstrate the details shown. The shapes, orientations, materials, modifications, alternatives and substitutions that are obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art are included. Further, tools and alternative fastening systems are also contemplated by the inventor and this specification. Finally, the shape of the braces are contemplated as rounded, eccentric, triangular, and others.
