Wrist brace

Abstract

The present application discloses an open air wrist brace for use in supporting the wrist in an anatomically neutral position, or in a position that permits therapeutically-useful extension, without increasing pressure on the carpal tunnel, median nerve or flexor tendons in the forearm.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to wrist braces, and more specifically, to an open air wrist brace for use in supporting the wrist in an anatomically neutral position or in a position that permits therapeutically-useful extension, without increasing pressure on the carpal tunnel, median nerve or flexor tendons in the forearm. BACKGROUND [0002] Many people suffer from compression injury to the soft tissues of the wrist and carpal tunnel. These injuries may be produced in the workplace, e.g., by frequent, sustained repetitive motions involving the use of the hands, or may be associated with trauma to the hand or wrist, pre-existing medical conditions, hormonal changes, hereditary traits, and use of medical apparatus such as wheelchairs, and other factors (Grosset al, 2002). Without treatment, such injuries accumulate and lead to chronic neuromuscular disorders of the hand and the upper limb. The most familiar of these disorders is carpal tunnel syndrome, wh...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] The present invention provides an open air wrist brace that is lightweight, durable, and easily attached by the wearer in a single motion, and is designed to hold the wrist in a neutral position, or in a position that prevents flexion but permits therapeutically—useful extension, without restricting the wearer's use of the hand to grasp objects and to perform daily tasks. The brace is held in place without exerting pressure on the carpal tunnel, or on tendons or nerves of the wrist and forearm.

Problems solved by technology

Many people suffer from compression injury to the soft tissues of the wrist and carpal tunnel.

Without treatment, such injuries accumulate and lead to chronic neuromuscular disorders of the hand and the upper limb.

Fifth Edition, Mosby press, USA, 2002) and produces pain, discomfort, nerve conduction disturbances and impairment of function of the hand and sometimes the upper limb as well.

Prolonged deprivation of oxygen and nutrients will result in severe nerve damage.

An increase in the volume of the carpal contents or a decrease in the cross-sectional area of the carpal tunnel will increase the hydrostatic (interstitial) pressure in the tunnel and can potentially lead to compression damage to the median nerve.

For example, conditions that irritate or inflame the tendons can cause them to swell and exert pressure on the median nerve.

The increase in volume of the tendons and the median nerve, when inflamed, can increase the likelihood of carpal tunnel symptoms.

They confine the wrist and forearm in a neutral position, but restrict the motion of the fingers required for daily activities; they enclose the hand, wrist and forearm in material which prevents air from circulating to the underlying tissues and promotes accumulation of moisture, bacteria and dirt between the brace and the tissue; they are difficult to attach to the hand and bulky to wear under clothing; they exert pressure on flexor tendons and the median nerve; and if made from a rigid material, they are uncomfortable to wear, develop unpleasant odors and have an anatomically incorrect shape.

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