Orthosis

Abstract

Device consisting of wrist cuff (7), bandage (3) and thumb cuff (2) connected to form a base body, and a tension band (4), characterized in that the tension band (4) is placed ulno-palmarly around the thumb (1) just below the flexion fold (5) of the thumb in a left turn on the right hand and in a right turn on the left hand, running obliquely from the radial side to the proximal inner side of the hand in the area of ​​the flexion fold of the wrist in extension to the third ray (6), and can be released and tensioned.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for alleviating the symptoms of a thumb saddle joint disease from the degenerative, inflammatory and rheumatic group.

[0002] Osteoarthritis of the thumb saddle joint, also known as rhizarthrosis, describes a nonspecific wear and tear of the cartilage joint, accompanied by a reduction in the gliding layer of the cartilage joint, possibly even its complete disintegration. The disease causes painful inflammation and tenderness. The protective posture weakens the capsule-ligament apparatus, resulting in secondary damage.

[0003] Various treatment methods are known to alleviate the symptoms. Some immobilize the joints, thereby more or less effectively preventing the movements and stresses perceived as painful. Other splints are positioned in such a way that the capsule-ligament-muscle system remains challenged in its natural movement through constant tension and relaxation, thus preventing it from becoming slack.

[0004] DE 3006362 A1 describes an invention consisting of two open bars attached to the forearm, in which the thumb is inserted into a sleeve extending towards the end of the splint in such a way that the entire hand, including the wrist, is stiffened and immobilized.

[0005] DE 3519493 A1 describes a device for immobilizing the thumb saddle joint, in which the thumb and hand are at least partially enclosed by a rigid molded body. The anatomical shape of the splint keeps the hand in its natural position, thus immobilizing both the thumb saddle joint and the metacarpophalangeal joint.

[0006] WO2011 / 110420 A1 claims a device which, according to its purpose, achieves a specific incomplete immobilization of the thumb saddle joint and thus reliably prevents the painful movement of the joints affected by arthrosis.

[0007] The above inventions share the common feature that a splint, sometimes even plastically deformable and thus anatomically adapted, tightly encloses the body part. Immobilizing the joint causes the capsule-ligament-muscle system to relax within a short period of time, leading to a progressive restriction of mobility, accompanied by a worsening of pain symptoms. The localized pressure of the splint also impairs blood circulation and leads to sensitivity and chafing in the affected areas of the body.

[0008] Immobilization limits or almost completely prevents the mobility of the joint and makes it significantly more difficult or even impossible to use the pincer grip formed by the thumb and middle finger of the hand.

[0009] DE 20 2012 009 952 U1 immobilizes the thumb saddle joint and simultaneously spreads it using a wing-shaped pad made of a flexible, padded material, glued into the anatomically shaped orthosis. Pressure on the tip of the thumb, such as that exerted during a pincer grip, is thus diverted to the metacarpal via the anatomically shaped orthosis. This increases the pressure on the pad and progressively separates the rubbing joint shells.

[0010] This invention has the disadvantage that the thumb saddle joint is tightly enclosed by the splint. The pressure exerted against the splint, amplified by the glued-in pad, leads to localized stress and even pressure sores when wearing the device. Furthermore, adjusting the orthosis is extremely difficult. Only a precisely aligned pad can force the joints apart; otherwise, it increases the perceived pain of the underlying condition.

[0011] DE 20 2014 103362 U1 discloses an invention in which the splint partially encloses the wrist, rests on the ball of the hand, and terminates with a coil below the first thumb joint. When the thumb is moved toward the middle finger to form a pincer grip, the thumb, due to its radial movement, tensions the splint attached to the wrist, thereby slightly spreading the thumb saddle joint.

[0012] This invention has the disadvantage that, with increasing age, especially in older people, prolonged pressure from the splint can cause localized pressure and chafing on the thumb and wrist. Another disadvantage is the at least partially impermeable material of the splint. The varying perspiration tendencies of patients can lead to skin irritations and even allergic reactions.

[0013] The aim of the invention is a device that dynamically relieves the arthritic modified thumb saddle joint, encourages the capsule-ligament-muscle apparatus in its natural movement and ensures pressure-free wearing comfort at all points of the joint plane of the thumb saddle joint due to the flexible materials used.

[0014] A device ( Fig. 1, Fig.2), which consists of a wrist cuff (7), a bandage (3) and a thumb cuff (2), which are connected to one another to form a base body, and a tension band (4) which is not necessarily firmly connected to the base body. The device, which is adapted to the anatomy of the affected hand, encloses the wrist on the one hand with the wrist cuff (7) and the thumb (1) on the other hand with the thumb cuff (2). The wrist cuff (7) and thumb cuff (2) are connected via the bandage (3), which wraps around the thumb saddle joint. Below the flexion crease (5) of the end joint of the thumb of the affected hand, the tension band (4) encloses the thumb (1).

[0015] In a preferred design, the base body is made of a soft material, also in combination with leather. For example, the bandage (3) can be made of moisture-regulating leather, whereas the wrist (7) and thumb cuffs (2) can be made of a woven synthetic material. In a preferred design, polyamide, polyester, elastane, viscose, or a mixture of these materials are used. In a preferred design, the tension band (4) is made of a synthetic fiber with high tear resistance and high stability.

[0016] The device is applied to the affected hand with the wrist cuff (7) and thumb cuff (2) on the one hand. The tension band (4) is guided around the thumb (1) just below the flexion crease of the end joint of the thumb (5) in a left-hand loop on the right hand or a right-hand loop on the left hand and is releasably tensioned from the radial side in a diagonal direction to the proximal palmar side in the area of ​​the flexion crease of the wrist, extending to the third ray (6).

[0017] When the thumb (1) is moved toward the middle finger in a pincer grip, the resulting radial movement tightens the tension band (4), which is positioned below the flexion crease of the thumb's distal interphalangeal joint (5), passes over the thumb's distal interphalangeal joint, and is releasably fixed to the wrist (6) as an extension of the third ray. This slightly lifts the thumb saddle joint from its original position, creating a gap between the interlocking joint heads. As a result, the joint heads rub against each other less, or even not at all, resulting in a noticeable reduction in pain.

[0018] The effect is similar when bending the first end joint of the thumb: the tension band (4) fixed below the flexion fold of the end joint of the thumb is tightened as a result of the flexion and levers the thumb saddle joint slightly out of the joint hollow and leads to a pressure relief of the superimposed joint bones.

[0019] By slightly hyperextending the thumb (1), the tension can be regulated when applying the tension band (4). The more the tension band (4) is applied in extension, the more effective the subtle process of gentle, symptom-adapting distraction of the thumb saddle joint becomes.

[0020] The device's soft material preserves the mobility of the remaining capsule-ligament-muscle system of the hand. The material is comfortable and breathable thanks to its properties. The softness of the material ensures exceptional comfort at all key points at the level of the thumb saddle joint.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment, a pad is incorporated into the device below the bandage (3). This pad simultaneously corrects the osteoarthritis-related misalignment of the ligaments and supports them. In a preferred embodiment, this pad is made of a flexible material, such as plastic, rubber, or silicone. Designation: 1 thumb 2 thumb cuffs 3 Bandage 4 drawstring 5 Thumb flexion crease 6 Flexion crease of the wrist in extension to the third ray 7 Wrist cuff QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 3006362 A1

[0004] DE 3519493 A1

[0005] WO 2011 / 110420 A1

[0006] DE 20 2012 009 952 U1

[0009] DE 20 2014 103362 U1

[0011]

Claims

[1] Device consisting of a wrist cuff (7), a bandage (3) and a thumb cuff (2) connected to a base body, and a tension band (4), characterized by that the tension band (4) just below the flexion crease of the end joint of the thumb (5) ulno-palmar on the right hand in a left turn or on the left hand in a right turn around the thumb (1) placed from the radial side diagonally to the proximal palm side in the area of the flexion crease of the wrist in extension to the third ray (6) can be releasably tensioned. [2] Device according to 1, characterized by that a pad is incorporated on the inside of the hand below the bandage (3).

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