Systems and methods for providing a shear reduction system for an orthopedic cast

Abstract

The present invention relates to orthopedic casts. In particular, some implementations relate to a cast system having one or more underlayment components that are disposed between an internal surface of a cast or splint and a body part that is covered by the cast or splint. While the underlayment components can include any suitable element, in some cases, they include a compression sock and a padding layer. Additionally, in some such cases, the compression sock and the padding layer are capable of moving (at least somewhat) with respect to each other such that shearing movement between the skin of a casted appendage and the cast itself is configured to take place between the padding layer and the compression sock (and / or another portion of the underlayment). Additionally, in some cases, one or more components of the underlayment comprise an antimicrobial material, such as a bamboo fabric. Other implementations are also described.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 845,921 (Attorney Docket No. 21907.2), filed Jul. 12, 2013, and entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING AN ORTHOPEDIC DEVICE,” and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 978,891 (Attorney Docket No. 21907.3), filed Apr. 13, 2014, and entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A TOTAL CONTACT AND OFFLOADING CAST;” the entire disclosures of which are both hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to orthopedic casts. In particular, some implementations of the present invention relate to one or more components of a total contact cast system that can be used in the treatment of an appendage, such as a leg or foot. Indeed, in some implementations, the described cast system is configured to support a patient's foot and leg, while offloading weigh...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a cast for offloading weight from a wound on a patient's appendage, such as a foot. The cast has straps and wings that connect different parts of the cast and strengthen it. It also has a foot support with at least two layers of padding for cushioning and offloading pressure from the wound. The foot support also has a toe guard for protection. The technical effects of this invention are improved protection and comfort for patients while supporting the weight off the wound area.

Problems solved by technology

People across the world suffer from ulcerations and injuries to one or both of their feet.

For instance, as many people suffering from diabetes also suffer from poor blood flow in their appendages, such people can be at a relatively high risk of developing sores, wounds, or ulcers on their feet—especially on the soles of their feet.

Such sores, ulcers, and other wounds can dramatically affect an individual's life, limiting the individual's ability to walk, work, and play, and costing the individual (or others) relatively large amounts of money and time spent in, and for, recovery.

Additionally, in some extreme cases, such sores, ulcers, and wounds can lead to amputation, which can dramatically increase healthcare costs, and otherwise complicate life.

However, as many individuals (including diabetics) suffer from neuropathy (or nerve damage in one or more appendages), many such individuals often cannot feel the pain that is normally associated with foot sores, ulcerations and / or wounds.

As a result, some such individuals may not be highly motivated by pain to reduce pressure applied to a damaged portion of the foot, which may ultimately lead to tissue breakdown, ulceration, and other damage.

Accordingly, some such individuals may continue to place detrimental amounts of weight on their foot and / or a wound thereon—thus causing the wound to further deteriorate, and thus, increasing the chances of infection and other comorbidities.

While some such devices have been useful in the treatment of such wounds, such devices are not necessarily without their shortcomings.

Indeed, some conventional devices for treating foot wounds are relatively: hard to put on, hard to take off, uncomfortable, non-breathable, ineffective at offloading weight from wounds in abnormal locations, hard to use with other apparatus (e.g., negative pressure wound therapy), and / or are otherwise difficult to use or ineffective at treating these wounds.

Thus, while techniques currently exist that are used to treat foot wounds, ulcerations, and sores, challenges still exist, including those mentioned above.

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