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

[0014]In some implementations, the foot support further comprises a toe guard that is configured to be disposed within the cast and to extend over a portion of one or more of a patient's toes. While the toe guard can comprise any suitable characteristi

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 highl

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