Casting Apparatus and Method for Using the Same

Abstract

A casting or splinting device comprises a plastic casting body formed into various configurations for immobilizing a bone fracture or the like. The casting body is filled with small spherical granules having a smooth and slippery surface. The casting body is sealed and provided with an outlet port for aspirating air from within the casting body. Aspiration of air from the casting body results in a rigid casting or splint.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to the field of casting material, and more particularly to the design of a casting apparatus for forming a rigid structure for application in skeletal and joint fixation.[0002]In clinical practice, there are many conditions and circumstances, such as fractures and dislocations of bones and joints, injuries of muscles, tendons, fasciae and ligaments, correction of congenital and acquired deformities, etc., in which the involved skeletal and joint have to be fixed for treatment. Plaster of paris has been used as casting material for skeletal and joint fixation for more than one hundred years and is still the standard casting material in many countries. But it is not without drawbacks, such as heavy weight, water intolerance, etc. In recent years, synthetic resin (polyurethane resin, etc.) has been used widely and has become part of the established orthopedic practice in most developed countries. Although resin im...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]It is an object of the present invention to provide a casting apparatus that is reusable and that is easy to apply and remove.

[0006]It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a casting apparatus wherein the stiffness or hardness of the casting is adjustable by removal of air contained within the casting apparatus.

[0007]It is still another object of the present invention to provide a casting apparatus where air may be removed from within the casting with a suction pump.

[0009]In another embodiment of the present invention the casting body is divided into a plurality of compartments for more even distribution of the spherical granules therein. Portions of the casting body may be devoid of compartments or channels thereby permitting more flexibility for shaping the casting about joints or the like.

Problems solved by technology

But it is not without drawbacks, such as heavy weight, water intolerance, etc.

Although resin impregnated splinting bandages have many advantages over traditional based materials, they still have some drawbacks.

A synthetic splint thus requires an activator, may irritate the skin and cause an allergic reaction.

Both the plaster of paris and the synthetic resin casts require a substantial period of time for the cast to set and hardened, and require multiple step to prepare and are difficult and messy to apply.

In addition, these casts are removed by cutting them off the patient and discarded and thereby adding to the pollution of the environment.

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