Device and method for analgesic immobilization of fractured ribs

Abstract

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.

Description

[0001]This application is a Divisional of co-pending Application Ser. No. 12 / 549,208, filed on Aug. 27, 2009, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10 / 547,336 filed on Sep. 1, 2005; which is the 35 U.S.C. 371 national stage of International application PCT / CH2004 / 000109 filed on Mar. 1, 2004; which claimed priority to Switzerland application 328 / 03 filed Mar. 3, 2003. The entire contents of each of the above-identified applications are hereby incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention relates to the field of medical aids. It includes both a device and method for analgesic immobilization of fractured ribs (thorax immobilization device). Such a device is known from, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,312,334.BACKGROUND ART[0003]Rib fractures are very painful, especially if multiple ribs are fractured simultaneously. This is especially true while breathing, and as a result the patient tends to breathe flatly (reduced forced vital capacity, FVC), or, in ca...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an improved analgesic immobilizing device for use in treating thorax fractures. The device is simple to use, easy to apply, safe, and reduces pain and improves breathing without significantly influencing the patient's movement. The invention includes a formable, flat splint element that is rigid in itself but also formable, covering the fracture area and neighboring non-fractured ribs. The splint element contains an adhesive layer for adhering it to the body. The splint element is comfortable to wear and can be easily fitted to the outside contour of the thallus. The splint element can be further covered with a covering, such as tissue or elastic foam material, and perforated for better permeability. The invention also includes a protecting foil for covering the upper side of the splint element and protecting it from external effects.

Problems solved by technology

Rib fractures are very painful, especially if multiple ribs are fractured simultaneously.

The immobilization of fractured ribs presents an unique splinting challenge due to their localization.

This is because—due to the inhibition of the breathing—the risk of pneumonia is greatly increased in such cases.

The various trials after Malgaine with taping or surgical approaches were all failures, owing to either a lack of any therapeutic advantage or the costs (e.g., with surgical approaches).

This substantial difference has made it impossible even for experts to apply the results or observations of the usual splinting techniques the splinting of a rib fracture.

As noted above, circular bandaging cannot be used without inhibiting the breathing capacity.

However, this is usually not sufficient.

However, those immobilizing devices ensure a limited mobility in the region of the fracture, but, at the same time, they hinder breathing to a large extent, as well.

The drawbacks of this arrangement include the necessary intervention, the difficulty in positioning the wire, and the hindering of the patient's movements by the stretched wire and the frame.

It is entirely unsuitable for use in connection with a larger and moving area, such as the chest.

Groiso acknowledges that for securing a bigger thermoplastic splint, adhesive attachment is not sufficient.

As a result, the fractured sites of the ribs may rub on each other, causing pain for the patient.

This pain may lead to a cramp in the intercostal musculature, which only exacerbates the pain.

He even disclaims the applying of an inelastic adherent patch even because it is asserted not to be appropriate for allowing the patient's comfort.

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