Protective protector for radial styloid process stenosing tenosynovitis

By incorporating placement pockets and aluminum alloy fixing supports within the protective gear to secure the insertion points of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis muscles, the problem of existing protective gear restricting hand movement is solved, providing a lightweight and effective protective gear solution.

CN223969200UActive Publication Date: 2026-03-06ZHONGSHAN HOSPITAL FUDAN UNIV
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-20
Publication Date
2026-03-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing braces, while fixing the thumb, often restrict the movement of other fingers and wrists, affecting the patient's normal hand movements and causing inconvenience in daily life.

Method used

By incorporating a placement pocket and a fixing support on the wrist brace, the fixing support is inserted into the placement pocket to directly fix the insertion points of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis muscles. The brace is made of aluminum alloy to increase flexibility and lightness, and is designed as a thin brace to reduce restrictions on the thumb and wrist joint.

Benefits of technology

It achieves effective fixation of the thumb and wrist joint while reducing the impact on daily activities, providing greater wearing comfort and functionality, and is suitable for preventing recurrence of radial styloid tenosynovitis.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to a protective tool, in particular to a protective tool for radial styloid process stenosing tenosynovitis, which comprises a wrist guard (1), a placing bag (2) and a fixed supporting piece (5), the placing bag (2) is arranged on the wrist guard (1) and horizontally extends to the third metacarpal bone basal part of the hand back part from the middle part of the big thenar muscle of the palm surface; and the fixing and supporting piece (5) is inserted into the placing bag (2) and is used for fixing the dead point of the extensor major hallux and the dead point of the extensor minor hallux. Compared with the prior art, the utility model solves the problem in the prior art that the normal hand action of a patient is limited due to the influence on the actions of other fingers and wrists when the protector limits the thumb. According to the scheme, by changing the placement position of the fixing supporting piece, the effect on movement of the thumb and the wrist joint of a patient is small while the hallux short stretching tendon and the hallux long stretching tendon are fixed.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a protective gear, specifically a protective gear for radial styloid tenosynovitis. Background Technology

[0002] De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a common type of tenosynovitis, affecting the tendon sheaths of the extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus muscles. It is prevalent among new mothers, commonly known as "mommy's wrist," caused by prolonged activities such as holding and breastfeeding, bathing, changing clothes, washing diapers, and washing bottles. The frequent wrist flexion and extension combined with thumb abduction or rotation (such as grasping or turning objects) leads to repeated friction and increased pressure on the tendon sheath at the radial styloid process, ultimately resulting in inflammation. However, de Quervain's tenosynovitis is not limited to new mothers. People whose work requires prolonged wrist dorsiflexion while the thumb grasps are also prone to this condition, such as hairdressers, factory workers, typists, and those who use computers extensively. Epidemiological studies show that the incidence of de Quervain's tenosynovitis is generally higher in women than men, especially in women aged 30 to 50.

[0003] The most prominent clinical manifestation of this disease is pain. The pain is usually located at the radial styloid process, on the outer side of the wrist, and sometimes radiates to the forearm or hand. It worsens when gripping objects, rotating the wrist, or performing certain activities. Secondly, in some patients, a "clicking" sound may occur during thumb abduction and dorsiflexion, usually due to poor gliding of the tendon within the tendon sheath. Some patients report increased pain at night, especially when improper wrist posture during sleep can trigger severe pain.

[0004] Currently, conservative treatment is the preferred approach for stenosing tenosynovitis, with immobilization being the most important aspect. Doctors typically recommend wearing protective braces to stabilize the wrist and thumb. Currently available braces for this condition mainly include the following two types:

[0005] The first type is a brace containing a steel plate, represented by a utility model patent (patent number CN211271490U). These braces are typically large and long, spanning the wrist and thumb. Their main structure includes a wrist guard and a thumb sleeve, with the steel plate located on the outer side of the hand, running from the wrist along the outer side of the radius to the back of the thumb and finally reaching the tip. Their advantages are secure fixation and reliable immobilization; once worn, the wrist and thumb are essentially unable to move. The disadvantages are also obvious: firstly, they are bulky; secondly, they completely restrict the movement of the wrist, thumb, and even the hand, preventing normal use of the affected hand and causing numerous inconveniences in daily life.

[0006] The second type is a brace without a steel plate. This type of brace is lighter and mainly consists of a wrist guard and a thumb sleeve. To further reduce weight, some braces have simplified the wrist guard section, retaining only the portion of the wrist guard material close to the thumb sleeve. The advantages of this type of brace are its lightness and minimal impact on daily hand activities. However, its disadvantage is insufficient immobilization of the thumb, which hinders the thumb extensor tendon from resting properly, ultimately affecting the treatment outcome.

[0007] The third type is an improved version of the brace that falls between the two types mentioned above. It is represented by the utility model patent (patent number: CN211797131U). This brace consists of a wrist guard connected to a thumb sleeve. A strip-shaped storage bag parallel to the thumb is added to the back of the thumb, with an internal arc-shaped support plate. Although this brace has less impact on the range of motion of the wrist, it still restricts the range of motion of the thumb and makes it inconvenient for patients to use their thumbs in daily life.

[0008] Therefore, developing a brace for stenosing tenosynovitis that is easy to wear and restricts the movement of the thumb without affecting the movement of other fingers and the wrist is a problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a protective brace for radial styloid tenosynovitis, addressing at least one of the aforementioned problems. This is because existing braces, while restricting the thumb, also affect the movement of other fingers and the wrist, thus limiting the patient's normal hand movements. This solution, by changing the placement of the fixation support, achieves fixation of the extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus tendons while minimizing the impact on the patient's thumb and wrist joint movement.

[0010] The objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0011] A protective brace for stenosing tenosynovitis of the radial styloid process, comprising a wrist brace, a placement pouch, and a fixation support;

[0012] The aforementioned placement pouch is set on the wristband, extending horizontally from the middle of the thenar eminence on the palm to the base of the third metacarpal bone on the back of the hand;

[0013] The fixing support is inserted into the placement bag to fix the insertion point of the abductor pollicis longus and the insertion point of the extensor pollicis brevis.

[0014] Preferably, the placement bag extends horizontally from the middle of the thenar eminence of the palm, through the middle of the first metacarpal bone, to the base of the third metacarpal bone on the back of the hand.

[0015] Preferably, the thenar eminence of the palm where the bag is placed is configured as an open end, and the base of the third metacarpal bone on the back of the hand is configured as a closed end.

[0016] Preferably, the fixing support is a long strip structure or a cross-shaped structure; when the fixing support is a cross-shaped structure, the fixing support extends to both sides at the first metacarpal bone on the back of the hand to form a cross-shaped structure.

[0017] Preferably, the fixing support is a solid structure, a hollow structure, or a perforated structure.

[0018] Preferably, the fixing support is made of aluminum alloy, which has a certain degree of flexibility and can be bent and wrapped around the palm. At the same time, aluminum alloy is lightweight, which can improve wearing comfort.

[0019] Preferably, the protective gear also includes a thumb sleeve, which is an integral part of the wrist guard.

[0020] Preferably, the opening at the end of the thumb sleeve is positioned below the distal phalanx of the thumb.

[0021] Preferably, the protective gear further includes a silicone reinforcing strip, which is disposed on the outer side of the thumb sleeve.

[0022] Preferably, at least one silicone reinforcing strip is provided, and each silicone reinforcing strip is positioned directly opposite the back of the thumb.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0024] De Quervain's tenosynovitis primarily affects the extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus tendons. The extensor pollicis brevis tendon inserts at the base of the first phalanx; the abductor pollicis longus tendon inserts at the base of the first metacarpal bone. Daily thumb dorsiflexion is often accompanied by thumb abduction, placing stress on both tendons simultaneously, with the extensor pollicis brevis tendon bearing the greatest load. During a tenosynovitis flare-up, both tendons must be immobilized and rested. Previous braces immobilized the entire distal forearm, wrist, and thumb, providing effective immobilization, but severely restricting wrist and thumb movement, which is unacceptable to most patients due to significant disruption to daily life.

[0025] This invention uses a fixed support placed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the thumb on the dorsolateral aspect of the first metacarpal bone to directly fix the insertion points of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis muscles, thus restricting the movement of these two tendons. Because the insertion point of the extensor pollicis longus tendon is located on the distal phalanx of the thumb, this product imposes less restriction on it, allowing the patient's thumb to perform a small range of dorsiflexion movements.

[0026] This invention effectively stabilizes the extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus tendons by altering the placement of the fixation support, while minimizing the impact on the patient's thumb and wrist joint movement. Therefore, it significantly reduces the disruption to daily life. Furthermore, the product utilizes an aluminum alloy fixation support, and the wristband and thumb sleeve can be designed in a thinner style for convenient daily wear and can also be used to prevent recurrence of radial styloid tenosynovitis. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the back of the hand structure when the protective gear of this utility model is worn;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the thumb side structure when the protective gear of this utility model is worn;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the fixing support component of this utility model, wherein a) is a solid structure / hollow structure, and b) is a hollow structure;

[0030] In the picture: 1-Wristband; 2-Pouch; 3-Thumb sleeve; 4-Silicone reinforcing band; 5-Fixing support. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] A protective brace for radial styloid tenosynovitis, such as Figure 1-3 As shown, it includes a wristband 1, a storage bag 2, and a fixing support 5;

[0034] The placement bag 2 is set on the wristband 1 and extends horizontally from the middle of the thenar eminence of the palm to the base of the third metacarpal bone on the back of the hand;

[0035] The fixing support 5 is inserted into the placement bag 2 to fix the insertion point of the abductor pollicis longus and the insertion point of the extensor pollicis brevis.

[0036] More specifically, in this embodiment:

[0037] like Figure 1-3 As shown, this embodiment provides a brace that can be used as an adjunct treatment for stenosing tenosynovitis of the radial styloid process, including: a wrist brace 1, a placement bag 2, a thumb sleeve 3, a silicone reinforcing band 4, and a fixing support 5. The wrist brace 1 is made of a highly elastic and breathable fabric, such as nylon or sponge fabric, with a thickness of approximately 1mm, to provide a good and comfortable wearing experience. The wrist brace 1 wraps around the entire wrist, serving to fix the wrist and support the placement bag 2. The wrist brace 1 is approximately cylindrical, with a circumference of approximately 13-20cm, which can cover the thickness of an adult wrist.

[0038] An integral (e.g., sewn) placement pouch 2, approximately 5-10 cm long and 1 cm wide, can be provided on the outer surface of the wrist brace 1. Different sizes can be designed to suit different patients. The placement pouch 2 is parallel to the wrist brace 1 (circumferentially positioned and approximately perpendicular to the central axis of the wrist brace 1). The opening of the placement pouch 2 is located on the thenar eminence of the wrist brace 1, extending horizontally from the middle of the thenar eminence outwards, around the outer side of the thumb (middle of the first metacarpal bone), to the middle finger on the back of the hand (base of the third metacarpal bone). It is generally perpendicular to the thumb, and the end of the placement pouch 2 is blind. The placement pouch 2 can also have a perforated mesh structure to facilitate observation when the fixing support 5 is inserted into the placement pouch 2.

[0039] The thumb sleeve 3 is an integral part of the wrist guard 1, located at the thumb position of the wrist guard 1. It is used to wrap around and fix the thumb, and also to prevent the wrist guard 1 from slipping off. The thumb sleeve 3 has a diameter of about 2-3cm, a circumference of about 6-9cm, and a width of about 2-5cm. The opening at its end allows the distal phalanx of the thumb to be exposed, reducing additional constriction on the thumb.

[0040] The silicone reinforcing band 4 is located on the outer side of the thumb sleeve 3, and is attached to the back of the thumb. The silicone reinforcing band 4 consists of 1-5 layers of cured silicone, which are tightly attached to the outer side of the thumb sleeve 3 to strengthen and apply pressure, and help limit the dorsiflexion of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint.

[0041] The fixing support 5 is a long strip structure made of aluminum alloy, and further designed with a mesh to increase flexibility. The length of the fixing support 5 matches the placement bag 2, approximately 5-10cm in length and 1cm in width. The fixing support 5 is inserted into the placement bag 2 to provide reinforcement and fixation.

[0042] When wearing this protective gear, taking the right hand as an example, similar to wearing gloves, first distinguish between the inside and outside (in this embodiment, the part with the placement pocket 2 is the outside). Insert the 2nd to 5th fingers of the right hand into the wrist guard 1, and then slip the thumb 3 into the thumb sleeve 3; after tidying it up, ensure that the silicone reinforcing band 4 is facing the back of the thumb. Slowly insert the fixing support 5 into the entrance of the placement pocket 2 on the thenar eminence of the palm of the protective gear until all the fixing support 5 is inserted into the placement pocket 2, and the wearing is complete.

[0043] Example 2

[0044] In this embodiment, the fixing support 5 extends 1-2 cm upwards and downwards at the first metacarpal bone on the back of the hand, forming a cross shape to enhance its support for the first metacarpal bone and the first metacarpophalangeal joint. Correspondingly, the storage bag 2 also forms a cross-shaped structure extending 1-2 cm upwards and downwards at this location to accommodate the fixing support 5. Because the fixing support 5 is a mesh structure, its flexibility allows it to be inserted into the storage bag 2 and unfold at the cross-shaped structure.

[0045] The rest of the structure is the same as in Example 1.

[0046] Example 3

[0047] In this embodiment, the fixed support 5 is a solid aluminum alloy plate. The rest of the structure is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0048] Example 4

[0049] In this embodiment: the placement bag 2 is disposed on the inner surface of the protective gear, that is, the inner surface of the wristband 1. The rest of the structure is the same as in embodiment 1.

[0050] Example 5

[0051] In this embodiment: the fixed support 5 is a hollow aluminum alloy plate, with support plates spaced along its length in the internal cavity to provide sufficient structural support for the whole. The rest of the structure is the same as in embodiment 1.

[0052] This product directly fixes the insertion points of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis muscles by placing a fixation support 5 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the thumb on the dorsolateral aspect of the first metacarpal bone, thus restricting the movement of these two tendons. Because the insertion point of the extensor pollicis longus tendon is located on the distal phalanx of the thumb, this product imposes less restriction on it, allowing the patient's thumb to perform a small range of dorsiflexion. Furthermore, this product has a weak immobilizing effect on the wrist joint, leaving the patient's wrist joint movement largely unaffected.

[0053] This product effectively stabilizes the extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus tendons by altering the placement of the fixation support 5, while minimizing the impact on the patient's thumb and wrist joint movement. Therefore, its influence on daily life is reduced to a minimum. Furthermore, this product is made of aluminum alloy, and the wrist guard 1 and thumb sleeve 3 are designed to be thin for easy daily wear and can also be used to prevent recurrence of radial styloid tenosynovitis.

[0054] In summary, based on previous similar protective gear, this product has developed a new type of protective gear for radial styloid tenosynovitis, providing a lighter and more effective protective gear for the treatment of this disease.

[0055] The above description of the embodiments is provided to enable those skilled in the art to understand and use the utility model. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be easily made to these embodiments, and the general principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments without inventive effort. Therefore, the present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments, and any improvements and modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the disclosure of the present utility model without departing from its scope should be within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A protective brace for use in the treatment of De Quervain's tenosynovitis of the thumb, characterised in that, The protective guard comprises a wrist guard (1), a placement bag (2) and a fixing support (5). The placement bag (2) is arranged on the wrist guard (1) and horizontally extends from the middle part of the thenar muscle on the palm to the base of the third metacarpal bone on the back of the hand. The fixing support (5) is inserted into the placement bag (2) and used for fixing the insertion point of the long abductor muscle of the thumb and the insertion point of the short extensor muscle of the thumb.

2. The protective brace for the radial styloid tenosynovitis according to claim 1, wherein The placement bag (2) horizontally extends from the middle part of the thenar muscle on the palm to the base of the third metacarpal bone on the back of the hand through the middle part of the first metacarpal bone.

3. The protective brace for the radial styloid tenosynovitis according to claim 1, wherein The middle part of the thenar muscle on the palm of the placement bag (2) is arranged as an open end, and the base of the third metacarpal bone on the back of the hand is arranged as a closed end.

4. The protective brace for the radial styloid tenosynovitis according to claim 1, wherein The fixing support (5) is in a strip-shaped structure or a cross-shaped structure; when the fixing support (5) is in a cross-shaped structure, the fixing support (5) extends to both sides at the first metacarpal bone on the back of the hand, forming a cross-shaped structure.

5. The protective brace for the radial styloid stenosing tenosynovitis of claim 1, wherein, The fixing support (5) is in a solid structure, a hollow structure or a hollowed-out structure.

6. The protective brace for the radial styloid stenosing tenosynovitis of claim 1, wherein, The fixing support (5) is made of an aluminum alloy material.

7. The protective brace for the radial styloid stenosing tenosynovitis of claim 1, wherein, The protective guard further comprises a thumb sleeve (3), and the thumb sleeve (3) and the wrist guard (1) are in an integrated structure.

8. The protective brace for the radial styloid stenosing tenosynovitis according to claim 7, wherein The end opening of the thumb sleeve (3) is lower than the distal phalanx of the thumb.

9. The protective brace for the radial styloid stenosing tenosynovitis of claim 7, wherein, The protective guard further comprises a silica gel reinforced belt (4), and the silica gel reinforced belt (4) is arranged on the outer side of the thumb sleeve (3).

10. The protective brace for the radial styloid tenosynovitis according to claim 9, wherein The silica gel reinforced belt (4) is provided with at least one, and each silica gel reinforced belt (4) is arranged opposite to the back of the thumb.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Medical wrist support

    CN211271490U

  • Protector for adjuvant therapy of stenosing tenosynovitis

    CN211797131U