Combination finger and wrist splint

• US 20030078531A1
• Filed: 10/23/2002
• Published: 04/24/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/23/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Jimmy Phong Xuan Nguyen
• Original Assignee: Jimmy Phong Xuan Nguyen
• Inventors: Nguyen, Jimmy Phong Xuan
• Granted Patent: US 6,808,502 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 602/22
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/05866 for wrists, hands, fingers or thumbs

Abstract

There is a mulifunctional finger, hand and wrist splint which includes a slab support member. In a position of use the slab support member extends along the underside of, and substantially follows the contours of, a wearer'"'"'s lower forearm wrist and palm so that the wrist is immobilised. The slab support member in the area of the wearer'"'"'s palm forms an anchor plate for a fracture support which is releasibly attached to the anchor at a range of positions to align with one or more finger or metacarpal fractures.

Claims

1. A multifunctional finger, hand and wrist splint having a slab support member which in a position of use extends along the underside of, and substantially follows the contours of, a wearer'"'"'s lower forearm wrist and palm whereby the wrist is immobilised and said slab support member in the area of the wearer'"'"'s palm forming an anchor for a fracture support which is releasibly attached to said anchor at a range of positions to align with one or more finger or metacarpal fractures.

2. The splint as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fracture support is attached to the anchor by a connector strip which fits into sockets in said anchor.

3. The splint as claimed in claim 2 wherein said connecting strip is made from a pliable material whereby the angle at which the fracture support is attached to the anchor can be adjusted by bending said strip.

4. The splint as claimed in claim 3 wherein the fracture support includes an elongated channel with hinged side panels.

5. The splint as claimed in claim 3 wherein the fracture support is a digit splint having a plurality of segments which are arranged end-to-end on a connecting linkage formed by metal wires and said connector strip whereby the assembly is longitudinally adjustable but resistant to lateral deflection.

6. The slint as claimed in claim 5 wherein the segments are identical in shape with each segment having a concave upper surface, a rounded underside and planar ends through which apertures are formed to receive said metal wires and connecting strip.

7. The splint as claimed in claim 6 wherein there are three segments arranged end-to-end to form opposite end segments and a center segment with said metal wires and connecting strip extending through respective opposite ones of said end segments and into said center segment.

8. The splint as claimed in claim 5 wherein the digit splint is bendable so as to put a finger fracture in flexion or in extension as is required for mallet fracture injuries.

9. The splint as claimed in claim 8 wherein the fracture support is a multiple finger support plate able to simultaneously immobilise two or more fingers.

10. The splint as claimed in claim 9 wherein a central section thereof abuts the heel of the wearer'"'"'s hand and supports the wearer'"'"'s wrist at an angle of about 30 degrees.