Macromolecular splint

By incorporating resistance wires and through-holes within the polymer splint, the problems of drug sustained release and excessive humidity were solved, achieving targeted drug release and reduced humidity, thus promoting fracture healing and minimizing skin damage.

CN224070656UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-03SUZHOU & SCI & TECH DEV
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-04-07
Publication Date
2026-04-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing polymer splints lack drug release function, resulting in poor fracture healing. Furthermore, the high relative humidity at the point of contact between the polymer splint and the skin can easily lead to skin damage.

Method used

A resistance wire is installed inside the splint. When energized, it generates heat and a magnetic field. The splint body has through holes designed as honeycomb holes to facilitate the flow of medication into the fracture site. At the same time, the resistance wire reduces the humidity between the splint and the skin, and the magnetic field generated by the resistance wire promotes fracture healing.

Benefits of technology

It achieves targeted drug release, reduces humidity at the splint-skin contact point, improves skin tensile strength, and promotes fracture healing through magnetic field, reducing the risk of skin ulceration and closed injuries.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to a macromolecule splint, which comprises a splint body and a resistance wire arranged in the splint body, the resistance wire is electrified to heat and generate a magnetic field, and the splint body is provided with a through hole for liquid medicine to pass through. The through holes are formed in the splint body, so that medicine can conveniently flow into the skin surface of a fracture of a patient through the through holes. Meanwhile, the resistance wire is arranged in the splint body, the resistance wire is electrified for heating, the relative humidity between the splint body and the skin is reduced, and the tensile strength of the skin is improved. In addition, a magnetic field generated by electrifying the resistance wire is beneficial to promoting bone healing at the fracture part.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical devices, and in particular to a polymer splint. Background Technology

[0002] In orthopedic or reconstructive surgery, polymer splints are typically used to facilitate fixation of fracture sites, swelling and injured joints, and to support and fix sprained ligaments and muscle tissue.

[0003] Existing polymer splints are typically composed of multiple layers of polymer fibers impregnated with polyurethane and polyester. They feature rapid hardening, high strength, and water resistance, making them an upgraded product of traditional plaster bandages.

[0004] However, traditional polymer splints are only used as wound fixation devices and lack a drug-releasing module design. Their polymer base (such as polyurethane and polyethylene) lacks drug-carrying porous structures or surface-modifying functional groups, making it impossible to achieve targeted release of antibiotics, growth factors, or analgesics. In the early stages of fracture healing (inflammatory phase) and during callus formation, local drug intervention can accelerate fracture healing. Traditional polymer splints require oral or injectable administration, posing a risk of systemic side effects. Furthermore, traditional polymer splints also carry the risk of closed-cell skin damage. Because polymer splints need to be moistened with saline solution before use, the relative humidity in the relatively enclosed space between the splint and the skin can reach 85%-95%, with the stratum corneum hydration exceeding normal levels by 2-3 times, leading to accelerated degradation of epidermal barrier proteins (filaggrin, nautiloidin). This continuously moist environment reduces the skin's tensile strength by 40%-60%, making the skin more susceptible to shear injuries. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this utility model discloses a polymer splint that facilitates drug delivery and reduces the relative humidity of enclosed spaces, while also generating a magnetic field to promote bone healing.

[0006] The objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] A polymer splint includes a splint body and a resistance wire disposed within the splint body. The resistance wire generates heat and produces a magnetic field when energized. The splint body has through holes for the passage of medicinal liquid.

[0008] Furthermore, the through holes are provided in a plurality of form, and the through holes are honeycomb holes.

[0009] Furthermore, the clamping plate body includes an upper clamping plate and a lower clamping plate, and the resistance wire is located between the upper clamping plate and the lower clamping plate.

[0010] Furthermore, the resistance wire is in the shape of a spiral disc.

[0011] Furthermore, at least two resistance wires are provided, and the resistance wires are connected in parallel.

[0012] Furthermore, the resistance wire is electrically connected to a control device, which includes a resistance wire temperature adjustment module and a resistance wire magnetic field strength adjustment module.

[0013] Furthermore, the splint body is rolled into a tubular shape, and a medical film is provided on the outer side of the splint body. The medical film extends beyond the edge of the splint body and can be applied to the skin. The medical film and the skin form a sealed space, and the splint body is located within the sealed space. The medical film has a first hole, which communicates with the sealed space through the through hole. The first hole is connected to a tubing assembly, which is connected to an external negative pressure device and an external drug supply device.

[0014] Furthermore, the clamp body is provided with a number of ventilation holes, the diameter of which is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 1.5 mm.

[0015] Furthermore, the control device is located on the outside of the clamp body, and the control device is connected to the resistance wire via a male and female connector.

[0016] Furthermore, the clamp body is provided with a receiving cavity, and the resistance wire is located in the receiving cavity.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: by setting through holes on the splint body, it is convenient for the medicine to flow into the skin surface of the patient's fracture site through the through holes; at the same time, by setting resistance wires in the splint body, the relative humidity between the splint body and the skin is reduced by energizing the resistance wires and heating them, thereby improving the tensile strength of the skin; in addition, the magnetic field generated by the energizing resistance wires helps to promote bone healing at the fracture site. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a first schematic diagram of the polymer clamp of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a second schematic diagram of the polymer clip of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a third schematic diagram of the polymer clamping plate of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 4 This is the fourth schematic diagram of the polymer clamp of this utility model.

[0022] In the picture:

[0023] 1 - Clamp body; 1a - Upper clamp; 1b - Lower clamp; 2 - Resistance wire; 3 - Control device; 4 - Medical film; 5 - Piping assembly; 6 - Male and female plugs; 7 - Drug supply connector; 8 - Negative pressure connector. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solution of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0025] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0027] To address the shortcomings of existing polymer splints, such as inconvenient drug delivery, poor therapeutic effect, and high relative humidity at the skin-contact area, this utility model discloses a polymer splint, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the polymer splint of this utility model includes a splint body 1 and a resistance wire 2 disposed within the splint body 1. The resistance wire 2 generates heat and a magnetic field when energized. The splint body 1 has through holes for the passage of medicinal liquid. The resistance wire 2 can be made of enameled wire, or the surface of the resistance wire 2 can be provided with an insulating and waterproof layer.

[0028] In use, the polymer splint of this invention first wets the splint body 1. Before wetting, the splint body 1 is sheet-like. Due to the waterproof design of the resistance wire 2, the resistance wire 2 will not conduct electricity to the skin after being energized. At this time, the wetted splint body 1 can be molded as needed. Then, the splint body 1 is rolled into a tube and wrapped around the patient's fracture site, such as around the arm or lower leg. Alternatively, the splint body 1 can be attached to the skin surface of the injured arm or lower leg, and then a bandage can be wrapped around the arm or lower leg to bind the splint body 1 to the arm or lower leg. During the process of fixing the patient's injury with the splint body 1, the operator manually applies the splint body 1 to the skin surface. At this time, the splint body 1 deforms, and its shape changes to a biomimetic shape that can conform to the skin surface of the arm or lower leg. After a period of time, the splint body 1 hardens, becoming as resistant to deformation as plaster, at which point the fixation of the splint body 1 to the patient's fracture site is complete. After the splint body 1 is fixed, medication can be sprayed onto it using a spray bottle. The medication flows through the through-hole to the skin surface, penetrating the injured area and promoting healing. Alternatively, a catheter can be connected to the through-hole to inject the medication. Then, the resistance wire 2 is energized. The energized wire 2 heats up, raising the temperature of the splint body 1 near the skin. Because the splint body 1 is moist and has undergone medication administration, the relative humidity is relatively high in the enclosed space where it contacts the skin. Heating the resistance wire 2 evaporates the moisture in the skin-contact area, reducing the relative humidity and increasing the skin's tensile strength. Simultaneously, since the resistance wire 2 does not directly contact the skin, it prevents burns caused by its heat. Furthermore, the energized resistance wire 2 generates a pulsed electromagnetic field, which may affect the opening of ion channels (such as calcium ion channels) by altering the potential difference across the cell membrane, promoting calcium ion influx. Calcium ions play a crucial role in osteoblast differentiation and bone matrix mineralization. Experiments have shown that pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEFs) can activate voltage-gated calcium channels, increasing intracellular calcium ion concentration and subsequently activating downstream signaling pathways. PEFs can also enhance adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis efficiency by influencing mitochondrial function, providing energy support for bone repair. Furthermore, PEFs can upregulate the expression of osteoblast markers (such as alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin), promoting bone matrix formation and aiding in bone healing at fracture sites.

[0029] In the polymer clamp of this utility model, the shape, number, and many other technical features of the through holes have multiple implementation methods. Below, for each of these features, one implementation method is selected for detailed description, and the embodiment in which this implementation method is described is referred to as Embodiment 1. Other implementation methods for the through hole shape and other features are referred to as Embodiment 2 or other embodiments, which are briefly described below.

[0030] In Example 1, as Figure 1 As shown, the splint body 1 has several through holes, which are honeycomb-shaped and distributed throughout. The honeycomb design significantly increases the breathability of the splint body 1, effectively preventing skin ulceration due to lack of ventilation. Furthermore, the numerous honeycomb holes simplify medication administration; a mist of medication can be sprayed onto the splint body 1 using a spray bottle. Additionally, because the splint body 1 is covered with honeycomb holes, the resistance wire 2 inevitably appears within some of them. While the medication will inevitably come into contact with the resistance wire 2 as it flows through the holes, the insulation design of the resistance wire 2 prevents it from becoming charged, greatly reducing the possibility of electric shock. Moreover, the honeycomb design significantly reduces the weight of the splint body 1 while slightly reducing its overall strength.

[0031] In embodiment two, besides being designed in a honeycomb pattern and having several through holes, a single through hole can also be provided, and the shape of the through hole can be arbitrary. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the polymer splint of this utility model can also be configured such that the splint body 1 is sheet-like in normal operation, but can be rolled into a tubular shape under stress. The splint body 1 is made of polyvinyl alcohol sponge. A medical film 4 is provided on the outside of the splint body 1, extending beyond the edge of the splint body 1, that is, the projection of the splint body 1 on the medical film 4 is completely inside the medical film 4. The medical film 4 can be applied to the skin, forming a sealed space with the skin, and the splint body 1 is located within the sealed space. The medical film 4 has a first hole, which communicates with the sealed space through a through hole. The first hole is connected to a tubing assembly 5, which is connected to an external negative pressure device and an external drug supply device. Specifically, the tubing assembly 5 includes a drug supply tube and a negative pressure tube, both of which are connected to the first hole. The drug supply tube can be connected to an external drug supply device through a drug supply connector 7, and the negative pressure tube can be connected to an external negative pressure device through a negative pressure connector 8.

[0032] The method of using the polymer clip in Example 2 is as follows:

[0033] Step 1: After the splint body 1 is soaked, roll the splint body 1 around the fracture site of the arm or leg until the splint body 1 is rolled into a tube shape. Here, we take the example of the tubular splint body 1 being placed on the outside of the fractured lower leg.

[0034] Step 2: Attach the medical film 4 to the outside of the splint body 1, with the medical film 4 extending beyond all edges of the splint body 1. The portion of the medical film 4 extending beyond the splint body 1 is attached to the skin, so that the medical film 4 and the skin form a sealed space, and the splint body 1 is located within the sealed space.

[0035] Step 3: Seal the drug supply connector 7, connect the negative pressure connector 8 and the external negative pressure device to create negative pressure in the sealed space; at this time, the operator shapes the splint body 1 by hand. Since the sealed space is under negative pressure, the splint body 1 can fit well against the skin surface of the lower leg. The splint body 1 is shaped into a biomimetic shape that matches the lower leg.

[0036] Step 4: After the splint body 1 has cured, seal the negative pressure connector 8, connect the drug supply connector 7 to the external drug supply device, and let the drug flow into the sealed space, immersing the skin at the fracture site in the drug.

[0037] In Embodiment 2, the use of medical bandages is avoided by setting the splint body 1 into a tubular shape, effectively reducing the risk of skin damage caused by excessively tight bandages; the use of negative pressure facilitates better shaping of the splint body 1; the use of immersion-type drug delivery to the skin at the fracture site facilitates better bone healing; and because the medical film 4 has good water resistance, it can isolate external bacteria and external liquids, reducing the probability of infection of the skin at the fracture site.

[0038] In Example 2, as Figure 2 As shown, the splint body 1 is provided with several ventilation holes, the diameter of which is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 1.5 mm. By providing ventilation holes, this invention allows the splint body 1 of Embodiment 2 to reduce the probability of skin ulceration at the fracture site during the molding process, as the medical film 4 also has a certain degree of breathability. In other embodiments, ventilation holes may not be provided; instead, an air duct may be added to the pipeline assembly 5. One end of the air duct is connected to the sealed space, and the other end is connected to a ventilation device, which ventilates the sealed space.

[0039] In Example 1, as Figure 3 As shown, the clamp body 1 includes an upper clamp 1a and a lower clamp 1b, with the resistance wire 2 located between the upper clamp 1a and the lower clamp 1b. In the production process of this polymer clamp, the upper clamp 1a and the lower clamp 1b can be produced separately first. After the resistance wire 2 is placed between the upper clamp 1a and the lower clamp 1b, the upper clamp 1a and the lower clamp 1b can be connected by bonding or other methods. By setting the clamp body 1 as an upper clamp 1a and a lower clamp 1b, this polymer clamp facilitates manufacturing. In other embodiments, the clamp body 1 and the resistance wire 2 can be installed within the clamp body 1 using a process similar to injection molding, with the clamp body 1 integrally formed.

[0040] In Example 1, as Figure 1As shown, the resistance wire 2 is in the shape of a spiral disc, meaning that the resistance wire 2 is spirally wound around a central point, forming a disc shape after each coil. Using a spiral disc-shaped resistance wire 2 results in a stronger magnetic field at its center, leading to a better magnetic therapy effect. In other embodiments, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the resistance wire 2 can also be arranged in a serpentine pattern.

[0041] In Example 1, as Figure 1 As shown, at least two resistance wires 2 are provided, and the resistance wires 2 are connected in parallel. This invention effectively enhances the magnetic therapy effect by providing at least two resistance wires 2; and by connecting the resistance wires 2 in parallel, even if one resistance wire fails, it will not affect the operation of the other resistance wires 2. In other embodiments, if the resistance wires 2 are arranged in a serpentine pattern, multiple serpentine resistance wires 2 can also be provided, and the resistance wires 2 can also be connected in parallel.

[0042] In Example 1, as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the resistance wire 2 is electrically connected to the control device 3. The control device 3 includes a resistance wire temperature adjustment module and a resistance wire magnetic field strength adjustment module, and also includes a battery. The control device 3 is located outside the splint body 1, and the battery powers the resistance wire 2. Therefore, by operating the resistance wire temperature adjustment module and the resistance wire magnetic field strength adjustment module, the temperature of the resistance wire 2 and the intensity of the generated magnetic field can be controlled, thereby controlling the relative humidity at the point of contact between the splint body 1 and the skin, and controlling the therapeutic effect on the fracture site. In other embodiments, a receiver and a battery can also be installed inside the splint body 1, with the battery, receiver, and resistance wire 2 electrically connected. The receiver can connect to a mobile phone via Bluetooth. The operator can send commands to the receiver through the mobile phone, and the receiver can control the amount of current discharged by the battery to the resistance wire 2, thereby controlling the temperature of the resistance wire 2 and the intensity of the generated magnetic field.

[0043] In Example 1, as Figure 3 As shown, the control device 3 is located on the outside of the clamp body 1. The control device is connected to the resistance wire 2 via a male and female connector 6, which is also located on the outside of the clamp body 1. Specifically, the resistance wire 2 is electrically connected to the male connector in the male and female connector 6, and the control device 3 is electrically connected to the female connector in the male and female connector 6. Because the clamp body 1 is a disposable item, while the control device 3 can be reused, this invention allows the control device 3 to be reused through the male and female connector 6. In other embodiments, a design can also be adopted where a battery and receiver are built into the clamp body 1; therefore, both the built-in battery and receiver are disposable items.

[0044] In Example 1, as Figure 3As shown, the splint body 1 has a receiving cavity, and the resistance wire 2 is located within the receiving cavity. The receiving cavity serves to limit the position of the resistance wire 2, so when the splint body 1 is wrapped around the patient's arm or calf, the position of the resistance wire 2 relative to the splint body 1 will not change significantly. When multiple resistance wires 2 are used, they will not overlap, thus avoiding affecting the heating and magnetic therapy effects. In other embodiments, when the splint body 1 is manufactured using a casting integral molding process, the resistance wire 2 is integrated with the splint body 1, and the relative position of the resistance wire 2 and the splint body 1 is also less likely to change.

[0045] In summary, the polymer splint of this invention, by providing through holes in the splint body 1, facilitates the flow of medication into the patient's fracture site. Furthermore, by incorporating a resistance wire 2 within the splint body 1, which is heated by electricity, the relative humidity between the splint body 1 and the skin is reduced, increasing the skin's tensile strength. The pulsed electromagnetic field generated by the energized resistance wire 2 helps promote bone healing at the fracture site. The honeycomb design facilitates skin ventilation and medication delivery, while also contributing to the lightweight nature of the splint body 1. The tubular shape of the splint body 1 effectively reduces the risk of skin damage caused by overly tight bandages; the use of negative pressure allows for better shaping of the splint body 1; the immersion-style medication delivery at the fracture site promotes better bone healing; the medical film 4 reduces the probability of external bacterial and fluid infection of the fracture site; and the ventilation holes reduce the probability of skin ulceration at the fracture site. By configuring the splint body 1 as an upper splint 1a and a lower splint 1b, the polymer splint of this invention is easy to manufacture. The spiral circular shape of the resistance wires 2 provides a better magnetic therapy effect. The use of at least two resistance wires 2 effectively enhances the magnetic therapy effect; and the parallel connection of the resistance wires 2 ensures that even if one resistance wire fails, the operation of the others is not affected. The control device 3 controls the relative humidity of the skin surface and the treatment effect at the fracture site. The male and female connectors 6 allow the control device 3 to be reused. By placing the resistance wires 2 within the accommodating cavity, the relative position between the resistance wires 2 and the splint body 1 remains fixed.

[0046] It should be emphasized that the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A polymer sandwich panel, characterized in that, It includes a clamp body (1) and a resistance wire (2) disposed in the clamp body (1). The resistance wire (2) generates heat and produces a magnetic field when energized. The clamp body (1) is provided with a through hole for the medicine liquid to pass through.

2. The polymer sandwich panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The through holes are provided in a plurality of form, and the through holes are honeycomb holes.

3. The polymer sandwich panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamp body (1) includes an upper clamp (1a) and a lower clamp (1b), and the resistance wire (2) is located between the upper clamp (1a) and the lower clamp (1b).

4. The polymer sandwich panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The resistance wire (2) is in the shape of a spiral disc.

5. The polymer sandwich panel according to claim 4, characterized in that, At least two resistance wires (2) are provided, and the resistance wires (2) are connected in parallel.

6. The polymer sandwich panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The resistance wire (2) is electrically connected to the control device (3), which includes a resistance wire temperature adjustment module and a resistance wire magnetic field strength adjustment module.

7. The polymer sandwich panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The splint body (1) is rolled into a tubular shape. A medical film (4) is provided on the outside of the splint body (1). The medical film (4) extends beyond the edge of the splint body (1). The medical film (4) can be applied to the skin. The medical film (4) and the skin form a sealed space. The splint body (1) is located in the sealed space. The medical film (4) is provided with a first hole. The first hole communicates with the sealed space through the through hole. The first hole is connected to a tubing assembly (5). The tubing assembly (5) is connected to an external negative pressure device and an external drug supply device.

8. The polymer sandwich panel according to claim 7, characterized in that, The clamp body (1) is provided with a number of ventilation holes, the diameter of which is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 1.5 mm.

9. The polymer sandwich panel according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control device (3) is located on the outside of the clamp body (1), and the control device is connected to the resistance wire (2) through a male and female plug (6).

10. The polymer sandwich panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamp body (1) has a receiving cavity, and the resistance wire (2) is located in the receiving cavity.