Guided patient and skin protection devices to protect the patient and their skin during the removal of plaster casts from fractured extremities

Abstract

A patient skin protection device that ensures protection of the patient's psychology and skin during the removal process of orthopedic plaster casts, comprising a protective plate (1) with a protective plate end (8), a guide plate (2) with a guide plate end (7) and a handle (3), characterized in that it includes a fastening element (5) which is arranged on the guide plate (2) and which, in order to prevent lateral sliding of the guide plate (2), at least partially embeds itself when the guide plate (2) is pressed onto the plaster cast, wherein the protective plate (1) has a thickness that is equal to or less than the thickness of the guide plate (2).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to medical devices for the removal of orthopedic and traumatological plaster casts. In particular, it relates to guided metallic skin guards that enable the safe cutting and removal of plaster or plastic casts using oscillating plaster forceps. BACKGROUND

[0002] In medical fields such as orthopedics and traumatology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and orthopedics and prosthetics, it is necessary to cut and remove the plaster casts after the application of complete, traditional plaster (Plaster of Paris) or synthetic medical plaster casts to human arms or legs for treatment or impression-taking purposes. This requires cutting and removing the casts using a vibrating-oscillating plaster saw motor. Despite careful adherence to current medical literature recommendations, a significant number of patients experience severe anxiety during these cast removals due to fear of cuts or burns to the skin.Furthermore, despite all precautions – in addition to these subjective fears – objectively varying degrees of cuts and burns can occur as a result of contact with the saw blade of the plaster saw motor or due to the operator's lack of experience. Despite the recommendations contained in the literature and the existing methods for protecting patient skin, completely satisfactory protection has not been achieved in the past 175 years. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] The first use of medical plaster casts made of Plaster of Paris in orthopedics was performed by A. Mathijsen in the 1850s. In the approximately 175 years since, despite the use of cutting tools such as knives / blades, piano wires placed under the plaster before application, Gigli saws, and others, patients' fear of injury or cuts, as well as the practitioners' fear of injuring the patient, and consequently skin injuries of varying degrees, were unavoidable. To prevent injuries, methods such as water or vinegar baths, thin plastic tubing, unguided plastic or wooden rods, pieces of marble or tin, and cut-resistant fabrics were employed to facilitate removal and protect the patient and their skin. Following the invention of the vibrating motor for cutting plaster by H.Stryker in the 1950s added injuries such as cuts and burns to the list of problems caused by excessive sharpness, dullness, or overheating of the saw blade. Despite the patented and unpatented products and methods developed over this long period, as well as numerous scientific publications, no satisfactory results have yet been achieved. Despite the inadequacy of all these methods, current recommendations in the literature essentially remain limited to the advice: "Be careful, cut the plaster with an up-and-down motion, without pulling the motor." The necessary literature references are provided below.

[0004] The closest similar tools to the present technique consisted of plastic or wooden rods 1 cm or more thick, which, however, could still be easily cut through by the plaster saw motor. Their thickness and rigidity presented significant disadvantages when inserted between the plaster and the skin, as insertion was difficult. Another disadvantage was the lack of a guide structure that would indicate the path of the material being inserted under the plaster and make its movement visible to the operator from the outside. For example, if a plastic or wooden board 2 cm wide, 1 cm or more thick, and 30-40 cm long is inserted between the plaster and the skin, in addition to the difficulty of insertion, an unintentional rotation of the board by just 5 degrees along its longitudinal axis from the proximal end is barely perceptible from the outside.Even this five-degree deviation results in the loss of distal alignment of the 30-40 cm long and 2 cm wide plate from its center to its distal tip. Since there is no external indication of this deviation, the protective function is lost, and the risk of injury cannot therefore be completely eliminated.

[0005] The most significant distinguishing feature of this technique is that it eliminates all the shortcomings of the aforementioned methods with a structure resembling simple pliers. This pliers have a narrower arm that remains above the plaster cast and a wider main guard arm that is inserted between the cast and skin for protection. Its greater width provides a safe operating space for the plaster saw motor, allowing the cutting process to be carried out safely. Its cost-effectiveness, versatility, thin and flexible metal structure (ensuring ease of use), the absence of a need for specialized training, and the ability to achieve a success rate of over 99% offer considerable advantages in plaster cast removal. GOAL OF THE INVENTION

[0006] During procedures for removing plaster casts from patients' extremities, patients may experience anxiety about cuts from the plaster saw motor, as well as unintentional or accidental severe skin injuries that occur during the cutting process due to technical shortcomings, defects in the plaster structure, or equipment-related causes such as sharp or dull saw blades. To minimize or completely eliminate these injuries, guided skin protection devices have been developed based on our laboratory and clinical studies. These devices fully protect patients and their skin during plaster cast removal.

[0007] These devices consist of flexible strips of stainless steel (or aluminum) with the following dimensions determined to be optimal: a material thickness of 0.6 mm (range 0.3 mm-1 mm), a protective plate with a width of 2 cm (3 cm for strip removal models) and lengths of 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm and 40 cm (1-2 cm longer than the guide plate), and a guide plate with a width of 1 cm (also 2 cm depending on the model).

[0008] The four different types of guided, metallic skin guards arranged above the plaster cast according to the invention, which enable guided and safe plaster cutting by the plaster saw motor from the outside – above the plaster cast – can, when used correctly, eliminate 99% of all the aforementioned undesirable situations and simultaneously minimize the need for extensive training and experience required for plaster cast removal using traditional methods with a plaster saw motor. Due to their economic advantages, reusability, and ease of use, the skin guards make plaster cast removal a straightforward, complication-free, and highly reliable procedure. Each of the four different models has its own advantages, and after a certain level of experience, all types of plaster cast removal can be carried out smoothly with just one model.It is assumed that with this type of patient or skin protection device, plaster cast removal will not be a frightening experience for either the patients or the operators / technicians performing the procedure. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The most important feature of the skin protection devices according to the invention is that they resemble a specially adapted pair of pliers and consist of a patient protection arm, a guide arm, and a grip or handling area that connects these parts. When cutting and removing the plaster cast from the patient using a plaster saw motor, they comprise a guide arm that remains above the plaster cast and serves as a guide for the saw blade's path, as well as a main protection arm made of thin, flexible steel (or aluminum) plates and designed to be at least 1 cm wider along the device than the guide plate to ensure a safe working area for the saw blade. This protection arm is inserted between the plaster material and the skin of the patient's extremity and serves to protect the patient.

[0010] The third main component is the handle arm, which connects the two aforementioned components above, forming a simple clamp-like structure and enabling manipulation and insertion of the device. The protective arm has a slightly reduced material thickness compared to the guide arm (for example, 0.5 mm protective arm thickness versus 0.6-0.7 mm guide arm thickness). This allows the thinner protective arm to be more flexible, conforming better to body contours, while the upper guide arm, which is thicker and stiffer than the protective arm, minimizes the possibility of lateral displacement of the guide arm during use. The skin protection device according to the invention can also include a warning circuit designed to emit a light and / or sound signal when the saw blade of the plaster cutter comes into contact with the conductive protective plate.This additional feature is a mechanism composed of commercially available components, which is detachably fastened by means of conductive metallic contacts at both ends (. Fig. 8; Nos. 12, 13, 14) enables simple installation and operation. In particular, when removing plaster casts that take a longer time, such as children's or thigh casts, patient comfort is increased by the easy retrofitting using the clip-on / clip-off function.

[0011] In this way, if the plaster saw touches the guard arm during cutting, the light (and / or sound) warning circuit is closed and the warning light is activated. If the operator recognizes this warning signal, they can assess the situation and easily withdraw the saw to prevent further contact with the guard arm. This prevents the patient from being affected by vibrations on the metal caused by the saw blade or by localized heat buildup from prolonged contact at the same point. This alarm unit can be easily connected to the guard and the plaster saw motor system via the connection contacts at any time for active use. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Fig. 1 Side view of three different embodiments of the skin protection devices according to the invention. Fig. 2 Side view of a fourth embodiment of the skin protection device according to the invention. Fig. 3 Side view of an embodiment of the skin protection device according to the invention with an insulating coating under the protective part. Fig. 4 Top view of a laterally guided skin protection device according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5 Oblique view from above and front of a skin protection device guided centrally (along the center line) according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6 a) Top view → bottom view and b) bottom view → top view of the fourth skin protection device according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein both arms can be designed as both guides and protective plates. Fig. 7 Perspective view of an embodiment of the guide part of the skin protection device according to the invention, comprising a slot in the central center line for cutting a plaster cast. Fig. 8 Illustration of the light / sound warning circuit as used in one embodiment of the invention. Fig. 9 Illustration of a portable table holder according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 10 Illustration of a holder permanently mounted on the wall according to an embodiment of the invention. REFERENCE MARKS IN FIGURES

[0012] The skin protection device has three main core parts and four supporting parts. In the Fig. Parts 1-10 are marked with the reference numbers "1-17": 1 protective plate 2 Guide plate 3 handles 4 Mounting area 5 Fastening element 6 Suspension opening 7 End of the guide plate 8 End of the protective plate 9 Insulation coating 10 slots 11 Warning circuit 12 Vibration plaster saw 13 Power source 14 Light / sound source 15 Portable Holders 16 Fixed Holders 17 Handle coating DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The skin protection devices according to the invention, for protecting patients from injuries, anxiety, and fears, as well as from skin damage during the removal of orthopedic plaster casts, consist in their most basic embodiment of a protective plate (1) with a protective plate end (8), a guide plate (2) with a guide plate end (7), a handle (3), and a stabilizing element (5) arranged on the guide plate (2) to ensure increased stability against displacement of the guide (2). To prevent lateral sliding of the guide plate (2), this stabilizing element is partially embedded in the plaster cast when the guide plate (2) is pressed onto it, thus preventing lateral slippage.The insulating coating (9) on the underside of the protective plate (1) serves to protect the patient from potential electrical leakage currents by acting as a barrier between the device and the patient's skin. An acoustic / visual (sound / light) alarm system ( Fig. 8), which is triggered in the event of contact between the oscillating gypsum saw (12) and the protective plate (1), is one of the main structures intended for optional use during the sawing process.

[0014] The protective plate (1) consists of a stainless steel (or aluminum) sheet that is inserted between the plaster cast and the patient's skin, i.e., from below under the cast. Depending on the length of the applied plaster cast, it may preferably have active lengths of 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, or 40 cm in its final configuration, a width of approximately 2 cm or 3 cm depending on the guide type or arrangement, and a thickness of approximately 0.4–1 mm, depending on the quality of the flexible metal material used. The upper end of the plate is oval-shaped in the transverse plane to facilitate insertion, and an approximately 1 cm long section of the tip is bent backward, creating a blunt, ball-shaped end (8) that prevents snagging or pricking of the skin.Additionally, the 2-3 cm long end piece of the guard plate is angled at up to 5 degrees towards the upper guide plate (2) and away from the skin, thus eliminating the risk of puncturing, irritating, or damaging the skin. For safety reasons, the guard plate (1) is 1-2 cm longer than the guide plate (2) during cutting.

[0015] In these pincer-like skin protection devices, the guide plate (2) follows the protective plate (1) positioned between the plaster cast and the skin symmetrically from the top of the plaster cast. It indicates the position of the enclosed protective plate (1) indirectly, but precisely. The guide plate (2) is made of the same material as the protective plate (1) and is narrower (except for the third model in Fig. 6) and has the same thickness or a greater thickness to increase its stability. For reasons of safe cutting, it is 1-2 cm shorter than the protective plate (1), with its tip curved upwards to allow for easy handling, and thus forms the second main arm or main component of the device.

[0016] The guide plate (2) serves to indirectly indicate the position of the lower protective plate (1) on the plaster cast from the outside at a one-to-one scale, thus offering a significant advantage over all other protective methods known in the literature. Depending on the model of skin protection device used, the shape, position, and dimensions of the guide plate (2) may vary.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the protective plate (1) has a thinner structure compared to the guide plate (2). Due to the greater flexibility of the thinner lower protective plate (1), it can more easily adapt to the body contours and move along them, while the upper guide plate (2), which is thicker and stiffer / rigider than the protective plate (1), minimizes the possibility of lateral slippage to the right or left of the projection of the protective plate (1) during use.

[0018] Four types of skin protection devices were developed according to the positioning of the guide plate (2) relative to the protective plate (1). Type 1: The guide is arranged laterally and symmetrically to the protective plate. 2. Type: The guide is arranged centrally or symmetrically to the protective plate. 3. Type: Depending on the handling, both arms can serve as a guide plate (2) or as a protective plate (1). 4. Type: The guide plate (2) is centrally vertically slotted (10) and arranged symmetrically to the protective plate ( Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7).

[0019] The following describes these different designs of skin protection devices.

[0020] Laterally guided skin protection device ( Fig. 4) When a 1 cm wide guide plate (2) is placed against the upper side edge of a 2 cm wide protective plate (1), lateral guidance is created. This ensures that when the guide plate (2) is advanced along the oscillating plaster puller motor (12), a 1 cm wider protective area remains on the protective plate (1) to protect the skin. These narrow skin guards are particularly suitable for easier application with plaster casts of small diameter.

[0021] The centrally guided skin protection device ( Fig. 5) consists of a 1 cm wide guide plate (2) which is positioned at the location corresponding to a 3 cm wide protective plate (1) by mirroring the upper midline. Such skin protection devices are particularly well suited for removing plaster casts by cutting and removing smooth strips without damaging the cast, or for loosening tight plaster casts by making double cuts in one operation to facilitate removal. The device is easier to use for removing large-diameter plaster casts or tight plaster casts on the extremities.

[0022] A skin protection device in which both arms can function as both a protective plate (1) and a guide plate (2) ( Fig. 6a, b), consists essentially of a 3 cm wide plate and two 2 cm wide arms that meet symmetrically in the middle at a 1 cm wide body part, creating 1 cm wide protective zones on either side. When the skin guard is reversed, only the positions of the protective plate (1) and the guide plate (2) change, and the cutting side is now opposite the previous cutting position. Unlike other skin guards, this model lacks the fastening elements (5) such as screws, pins at the tips of the guide plates (2), and the upward-curved features at their tips to prevent jamming when inserting the skin guard between the plaster cast and the skin. To avoid skin irritation, the spherical shape and the 5° tip bend on both arms have been retained. The protective plate, only 2 cm wide on each arm, also facilitates application when removing plaster casts of varying diameters.Depending on the position and side of the patient's leg, the technician can rotate the device and conveniently cut through the plaster cast without having to change position to use the dominant hand.

[0023] A skin protection device with a central slot (10) ( Fig. 7) In this embodiment of the invention, the skin guard includes a plaster impression slot (10) in the center of the symmetrically arranged guide plate (2). This slot (10) is created by cutting out a section at least 5 mm wide from the center line of the 2 cm wide main guide plate (2), extending longitudinally to 2 cm from its end. Through this slot (10), the opening of a plaster impression motor, which is typically about 1 mm thick, can easily cut through the plaster impression. In one embodiment of the invention, the handle (3) of the skin guard is formed by bending one end of each of the guard plate (1) and the guide plate (2). These two plates can be cut and joined separately or formed as a single piece and bent symmetrically from the center. The handle (3) is the handle shaft to which the guard plate (1) and the guide plate (2) are connected and fixed.It is ergonomically shaped and approximately 10 cm long. All skin protection devices can also be formed directly from the protective plate (1) and the guide plate (2) without a handle (3). However, for easier handling, each device includes a handle (3) approximately 10 cm long and 1-3 cm wide, made of the same materials. For this purpose, the existing length of the skin protection devices formed by bending is extended by 20 cm. The overlapping parts form a 10 cm long handle (3) when bent. Direct cutting and overlapping rivet welding for size adjustment can be performed without prior bending of the plate. In a further embodiment of the invention, the handle (3) is formed by bonding the protective plate (1) and the guide plate (2) using adhesive, rivets, or spot welding.

[0024] In one embodiment of the invention, the protective plate (1) and the guide plate (2) of the skin protection device are connected to each other in the fixing area (4) by welding or riveting. The fixing area (4) is located at the connection point between the handle (3) and the main body. After the protective plate (1) and the guide plate (2) have been bent by the handle (3), one or two rivets are inserted at intervals of one centimeter, or spot welds are made at intervals of approximately one to two centimeters, to prevent lateral movement of the guide plate (2). As the length of the protective plate (1) and the guide plate (2) increases, their lateral stability decreases towards the ends. Under pressure, lateral displacement and thus deviations from the safe guidance path can occur. The stability of the two plates can be increased by applying two rivets or a 2 cm long weld seam at the connection point.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, the end of the guide plate (7) is bent upwards, away from the protective plate (1). In this embodiment, the guide plate (2) is bent upwards by approximately 45 degrees for a length of about 2 cm from its end, making it easier to handle. It is 1-2 cm shorter than the protective plate (1), thus preventing the motor from running over healthy skin.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the invention, the 1-2 cm long end of the protective plate (8) is bent upwards towards the guide plate (2). In this embodiment, this end of the protective plate (1) is bent at approximately 5 degrees towards the guide side. The protective plate (1) is 1-2 cm longer than the guide plate (2) to prevent cuts.

[0027] In one embodiment of the invention, the fastening element (5) consists of at least one screw or pin at the point where the end of the guide plate (7) is angled relative to the protective plate (1). At the point where the end of the guide plate (7) is angled upwards from the protective plate (1), a fastening element (5), for example, a bluntly rounded metal screw or a pin approximately 1 cm long, is inserted through the connection point between the flat part of the guide plate (2) and the angled area. When the guide plate (2) is pressed against the plaster model under motor pressure during the cutting process to prevent lateral slippage, the slightly rounded end of this fastening element (5) partially penetrates the plaster model, thus providing additional protection by preventing lateral slippage.The fastening element (5) is therefore located at the junction between the flat end of the guide plate (2) and the angled section. This feature is not present in model 3.

[0028] In one embodiment of the invention, the skin protection device further comprises a hanging loop (6) in the handle area (3), which enables the skin protection device to be hung on a wall. The hanging loop (6) is a single opening in the handle area (3) with a diameter of approximately 0.5-1 cm, which serves to hang the skin protection device on the wall.

[0029] In a further embodiment of the invention, the skin protection device further comprises an insulating coating (9) on the surface of the protective plate (1) facing the guide plate (2), i.e., on the surface that comes into contact with the patient's skin. The insulating coating (9) can be coated with epoxy resin fluid or strips to prevent the metallic cold sensation and static charging of the skin-contacting underside of the protective plate (1).

[0030] In one embodiment of the invention, the skin protection device further comprises a warning circuit (11) which emits a light and / or sound signal as soon as a vibrating cast iron saw (12) touches the protective plate (1) made of conductive material during use ( Fig. 8) This warning circuit (11) includes a power source (13) with a first (positive) and a second (negative) terminal, and a light / sound source (14) with a first and a second terminal. In one embodiment, the power source (13) is a battery. In another embodiment, the light source (14) is an LED (light-emitting diode). The light source (14) can be mounted at a location visible to the operator on the skin protection device or on the oscillating cast iron saw (12). The first terminal of the power source (13) is connected to the first terminal of the light source (14) via a conductive element, for example, a wire. The second terminal of the light source (14) is connected to the protective plate (1) made of conductive material. The second terminal of the power source (13) is electrically connected to the oscillating saw blade (12), which is made of a conductive material such as metal.When using the skin protection device according to the invention, the circuit closes as soon as the oscillating saw blade (12) touches the protective plate (1). This causes current to flow from the power source (13) to the light / sound source (14), from the light source (14) to the protective plate (1), and then back through the oscillating saw blade (12) to the power source (13), causing the light source (14) to illuminate.

[0031] The current in the warning circuit (11) can be reduced by a resistor connected in series. The warning circuit (11) ensures that the heat generated by the heating of the protective plate (1) or the vibration of the saw blade upon contact with the plate does not cause discomfort to the patient when the oscillating plaster saw (12) comes into contact with the plate.

[0032] The skin guards are made of food-grade stainless steel (304) for daily use, with active working lengths of the guard plate (1) and guide plate (2) of 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, and 40 cm. Devices with an active working length of 20-30 cm are most commonly used. For a 30 cm long device, a 60 cm long metal plate is used if a handle (3) is not desired. If a handle (3) is to be attached, an additional 20 cm is added to the length of the main plate to create a 10 cm long handle (3) when bent. Therefore, a total metal plate length of 80 cm is used.

[0033] In one embodiment of the invention, the skin protection device comprises a portable hanger (15) with a base, at least one projecting post and a main body with suspension hooks attached thereto ( Fig. 9) In this embodiment, the portable hanger (15) is suitable for use on a table or similar surface. In another embodiment of the invention, the skin protection device comprises a permanently installed hanger (16) for attachment to a surface by means of at least one connecting element. This hanger also has a main body with suspension hooks ( Fig. 10) In this embodiment, the permanently installed hanger (16) can be attached to a wall, for example, with screws or nails. In daily use, one of these two types of hanging devices is used to hold the skin protection devices together and to facilitate handling.

[0034] In one embodiment of the invention, the handle (3) of the skin protection device further comprises a handle coating (17) made of materials such as wood, plastic or metal, which enables a secure grip.

[0035] In one embodiment of the invention, the skin protection device further comprises visual or musical aids.

[0036] When removing a plaster cast, patients may fear cuts, which can range from minor to very serious. This fear can be caused by the plaster cutter itself. Similarly, the patient's fear of injuries, burns, or cuts can range from minor to severe. The goal is to minimize or completely avoid skin injuries, burns, or both—which, despite all training and precautions, frequently occur with the plaster cutter and can range from minor to very serious—as well as the associated anxieties of both patient and operator, and to enable significantly faster and safer plaster cast removal. This makes the procedure considerably more comfortable and faster for both patient and surgeon, and prevents patients from suffering new, unexpected, unwanted, and potentially legally actionable injuries.Given the widespread use of plaster casts in medicine for stabilizing fractures and extremities, the global benefits of such a system can be estimated. It is anticipated that this system will become indispensable in any facility where plaster casts are applied and removed, due to its high level of comfort, cost-effectiveness, durability, and suitability for long-term use. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION - Economic - Safe, as it is made of stainless steel (No. 304) or aluminum - Versatile - Washable Sterilizable - Thanks to its thin, flexible structure, it adapts perfectly to the surface of the extremities. - Easy to use without special training, high success rate - Over 99% success rate in cutting and removing plaster casts without harming the patient. After just a few practice sessions, plaster cast cutting and removal can be performed professionally. - Time savings through faster and safer cutting and removal of plaster casts - Regardless of whether the plaster impression blade is old and blunt or new and very sharp, this method poses no risk to the patient.

Claims

[1] A patient skin protection device that ensures protection of the patient's psychology and skin during the removal process of orthopaedic plaster casts, comprising a protective plate (1) with a protective plate end (8), a guide plate (2) with a guide plate end (7) and a handle (3), characterized by that it comprises a fastening element (5) which is arranged on the guide plate (2) and which, in order to prevent lateral sliding of the guide plate (2), at least partially embeds itself when the guide plate (2) is pressed onto the plaster cast, wherein the protective plate (1) has a thickness which is equal to or less than the thickness of the guide plate (2). [2] The patient skin protection device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the guide plate end (7) is bent away from the protective plate (1). [3] The patient skin protection device according to claim 2, characterized bythat the fastening element (5) comprises at least one screw or pin which is arranged at the point where the guide plate end (7) is bent and the end of which rests against the protective plate (1). [4] The patient skin protection device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the tip of the protective plate (8) is bent by about 5 degrees towards the guide plate (2). [5] The patient skin protection device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the protective plate (1) is made of a flexible metal material. [6] The patient skin protection device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the guide plate (2) is made of a flexible metal material. [7] The patient skin protection device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle (3) is ergonomically shaped and thus facilitates handling by angling one end of the protective plate (1) and the guide plate (2). [8] The patient skin protection device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the handle (3) is formed by multiple welding or riveting of the ends of the protective plate (1) and the guide plate (2) for stabilization. [9] The patient skin protection device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a suspension eyelet (6) is formed on the handle (3) which allows the skin protection device to be hung on a wall. [10] The patient skin protection device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that an insulating coating (9) is applied to the side of the protective plate (1) facing the guide plate (2). [11] The patient skin protection device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the protective plate (1) and the guide plate (2) are connected to each other by multi-point welding or riveting in a fastening area (4). [12] The patient skin protection device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that it includes (11) visual light or music devices. [13] The patient skin protection device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the guide plate (2) is 1-2 cm shorter than the protective plate (1). [14] The patient skin protection device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the guide plate (2) is narrower than the protective plate (1). [15] The patient skin protection device according to claim 14, characterized by, that the guide plate (2) is narrower than the protective plate (1) and is arranged along a side edge of the protective plate (1), thereby creating a protective area to protect the skin from the plaster cutting motor. [16] The patient skin protection device according to claim 14, characterized by , that the guide plate (2) is narrower than the protective plate (1) and is arranged so that it is mirror-image to the center of the protective plate (1), thereby enabling a smooth strip to be cut from the plaster cast to loosen it without damaging the cast, or to facilitate the removal of tightly applied plaster casts by cutting a strip in a single double-cut operation. [17] The patient skin protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized bythat the protective plate (1) and the guide plate (2) have the same width, converge at a narrower body and form protective areas on the sides. [18] The patient skin protection device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a plaster cutting slot (10) is formed in the middle of the guide plate (2). [19] The patient skin protection device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that it includes a warning circuit (11) which emits an optical / acoustic signal when a vibrating plaster cutting saw (12) touches the protective plate (1) made of conductive material during use. [20] The patient skin protection device according to claim 19, characterized by, that the warning circuit (11) comprises a power source (13) with a first and a second pole for electrical connection to an oscillating cast iron saw (12) and a light / sound source (14) with a first connection that is electrically connected to the first pole of the power source (13) and a second connection that is electrically connected to the protective plate (1). [21] The patient skin protection device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that it comprises a portable hanger (15) with a base, at least one post extending from the base and a top part connected to the post with several suspension hooks. [22] The patient skin protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized by , that it comprises a fixed hanger (16) with a main part having a suspension hook which can be attached to a surface by means of at least one connecting device. [23] The patient skin protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized by , that it has a handle covering (17) made of wood, plastic or metal, which allows for easy gripping.

Images