MODIFIABLE UNIVERSAL SPRINK FOR WRIST AND FINGER STABILIZATION AND MODULAR KIT FOR ITS MANUFACTURE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to hand splints that can be used to stabilize the wrist or fingers of a wearer, for example in cases of overuse syndromes or for conservative therapies following a contusion, bone fracture, and the like. The invention is particularly directed towards splints that can be modified in their shape, adapted to different anatomies and clinical pictures of the wearer, and reusable.

[0002] Conventional splints, whether prefabricated or applied directly to the anatomy (for example, as a plaster cast or a plaster cast), are generally not reusable because they are manufactured to be very specific to the injury and / or are unhygienic after use. Therefore, such splints are no longer viable from both an economic and an ecological perspective.

[0003] In the prior art, a few solutions for modularly assembled hand splints are known, which can therefore be subsequently adapted to a certain extent to the individual anatomy of the wearer. For example, DE 44 38 568 A1 discloses a traction splint device that can be used as an (accompanying) aid for gymnastic exercises to be performed following surgery or can completely replace such exercises, but can also be used for the (temporary) immobilization of limbs.The rail device according to DE 44 38 568 A1 is designed for attachment in the wrist and finger area of ​​the wearer and comprises a rail section extending over the back of the wearer's hand when attached, a first fastening device connected to the rail section for attaching the rail device in the wrist area, and a second fastening device connected to the rail section for attaching the rail device in the finger area of ​​the wearer. The first fastening device consists of releasable and resealable closures encompassing the wearer's forearm in the wrist area, which may be designed, in particular, as hook-and-loop fasteners.The second fastening device is designed by at least one plug-in part with at least one plug-in opening for receiving and removing at least one finger of the carrier of the rail device, wherein different insert parts can be inserted into the plug-in openings to adapt to the individual finger anatomy.

[0004] In particular, the rail device according to DE 44 38 568 A1 can be modularly constructed from individual components forming the rail area, the plug-in parts with plug-in openings, and the locking means. This allows, depending on the medical treatment purpose and the hand anatomy of the user, for example, one or more plug-in parts to be attached to the rail area in various ways.

[0005] Furthermore, for example, DE 20 2013 000 878 U1 proposes a finger support module and a modular hand support device comprising such a finger support module and a wrist orthosis. The wrist orthosis serves to stabilize a patient's wrist and restrict its range of motion, while the finger support module additionally offers the possibility of therapeutically positioning the fingers of the hand. For this purpose, the finger support module includes a rail section designed for attachment to a wrist orthosis, a fastening device provided on the rail section for the detachable attachment of the finger support module to the wrist orthosis, and a finger support section adjoining the rail section, which has a finger support surface.

[0006] The publication DE 20 2015 008342 U1 discloses a hand orthosis with a forearm brace and a metacarpal brace connected to the forearm brace via a connecting piece, wherein the hand orthosis further comprises at least one flexible element attached to the metacarpal brace extending essentially in a distal-proximal direction and one fastening element provided in the region of the distal end of the flexible element for attachment to a finger.

[0007] Document US 2006 / 211964 A1 discloses a hand splint explicitly designed for dorsal use, in which a forearm support section is integrally (i.e., inseparably) connected to a hand support section. The splint further comprises spring-loaded struts, one for each finger, detachably attached to the forearm support section and to the fingers.

[0008] Publication SE 539290 C2 discloses a wrist orthosis comprising: a splint with a supportive splint section adapted to extend over the joints (MCP joints) of the fingers of a human patient's hand, the supportive splint section having a dorsal head surface adapted to face the palm of the hand; and a wrist and forearm splint section integrated or connected to the supportive splint section, the wrist and forearm splint section extending from the supportive splint section to a distance corresponding to at least a portion of the forearm of the human patient. A first inflatable bladder is provided, arranged on the dorsal head surface of the supportive splint section at an MCP section of the supportive splint section to be aligned with the MCP joints of the hand.The supporting splint section is adapted to extend over at least a significant portion of the fingers. The wrist orthosis includes a second inflatable bladder located on the dorsal main surface of the supporting splint section, attached to a phalanx portion of the supporting splint section.

[0009] The publication EP 2 991 595 B1 discloses an orthopedic device comprising: an upper arm section for receiving an upper part of a person's arm; a forearm section for receiving a forearm part of the arm; and at least one elbow joint rotatably connecting the upper arm section and the forearm section, wherein the forearm section includes a release control located at a distal end of the forearm section and functionally coupled to the at least one elbow joint, wherein the release control is configured to transfer the at least one elbow joint from a restricted movement state to a free movement state when the release control is activated.

[0010] US Patent 5,490,409 A discloses an adjustable cam-acting rod bending device for bending a surgical rod, comprising two handles bendable about a pivot, the pivot having a rotatable eccentric bending knob mounted on the pivot, the bending knob being rotatable into one of several selectable radius bending positions for use in inserting and bending a surgical rod into a recess between the rotatable bending knob and a pair of pivot points, each pivot point being located on an upper section of each of the handles, the rod being bendable by contact of each of the pivot points with the rod, the pivot points bringing the rod into contact with the bending knob within the recess, the bending knob being rotatable into a plurality of alternate selectable radius bending positions, the rod bender further comprising a toggle lever.which holds the bending knob while the handles are moved, wherein the toggle lever has two movable arms connected at a further pivot point by a pin, wherein the pin is slidable in a selected channel of a plurality of channels located on the rear side of a plate, wherein the plate is positioned between the two handles and the bending knob, against which the bending knob is rotatable into one of the alternating positions of the radius bend, wherein the pin is slidably movable in each of the channels, and wherein the bending knob is rotatable into a desired locking position against the round plate. It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative and, in particular, improved splint for wrist and finger stabilization of a wearer, with regard to its simplicity and efficiency in handling and manufacturing.which can be precisely adapted to as many different clinical pictures as possible.

[0011] This problem is solved by a modifiable universal rail according to claim 1 and by a modular kit for its manufacture or adaptation according to the dependent claim. Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. All further features and effects mentioned in the claims and the following description for the universal rail also apply to the modular kit, and vice versa.

[0012] According to one aspect, a modifiable universal splint is provided, designed to stabilize the wrist and / or fingers of its wearer or patient. Due to its modifiability, the universal splint presented here can be customized and reused for different applications and clinical conditions, as well as for the different hand anatomies of individual wearers. (The universal splint can—but does not necessarily have to—be designed to be universally usable for both the left and right hand.)

[0013] The universal splint comprises, firstly, a rigid, flat base plate designed to support the palm of the hand (i.e., the inner surface or underside of the hand, excluding the fingers). Ideally, when wearing the splint, almost the entire surface of the wearer's palm rests on this base plate. Attached to the base plate, either permanently or detachably, is at least one flexible hand strap, adjustable in circumference, designed to be wrapped around the wearer's hand to secure the base plate. The base plate can be made of, for example, metal or another material rigid within the relevant load-bearing range, such as plastic, etc., with a thickness chosen to ensure stability.

[0014] Furthermore, the universal splint comprises a rigid, elongated forearm splint that can be detachably attached (or permanently fixed) to the base plate and is designed to support the forearm. At least one flexible forearm support strap, adjustable in circumference and designed to be wrapped around the wearer's forearm to secure the forearm splint, is permanently or detachably attached to the forearm splint.

[0015] Furthermore, the universal splint comprises at least one finger element that can be detachably attached (or permanently fixed) to the base plate. Depending on the application and the required stabilization of one or more fingers of the wearer, one, two, three, four, or five finger elements may be attached to the base plate. Each finger element comprises an elongated finger splint designed to support an entire finger and at least one permanently or removable, flexible finger fastening strap that is individually adjustable in circumference and designed to be wrapped around the wearer's finger to secure the finger splint.

[0016] The universal splint can be used entirely without finger elements in specific applications that do not require finger stabilization and where, for example, stabilization or immobilization of a wrist by combining the base plate with the forearm splint is sufficient. Conversely, the use of individual or multiple finger elements of the universal splint, with or without the base plate and entirely without the forearm splint, is also possible when finger stabilization or immobilization is the primary concern.

[0017] Each finger splint is designed to withstand transverse (i.e., acting perpendicular to its longitudinal direction) force loads in a first force range, which covers forces that can be applied by a human finger. It is either rigid or elastically flexible only to a predetermined extent suitable for stabilizing purposes. In a higher (i.e., significantly greater than the first) second force range, the finger splint is plastically deformable to such an extent that, through plastic bending caused by forces in the second force range, it can be permanently adapted to the individual finger shape and orientation of a wearer of the universal splint.

[0018] The universal splint is designed in particular (see the accompanying figures) such that, when worn, it rests against the palm of the hand and, correspondingly, against the underside of the forearm or the respective finger of the wearer. Alternatively, and not according to the invention, the universal splint can also be designed for dorsal use (i.e., on the top side of the hand, forearm, and fingers).

[0019] This design of the universal splint ensures ease of use during customization, application, and wear, as well as sufficient stability for every indication across the entire forearm and hand area, while maintaining the necessary elastic flexibility. Materials suitable for the respective functionality of the individual components of the universal splint should ideally be selected so that they remain reusable even after repeated use, meaning they should be sterilizable and / or washable. Suitable materials in this regard include, for example, non-toxic metals and metal alloys, recyclable plastics, fastening straps, and covers with padding made of washable fabrics (e.g., textiles), and much more.Depending on the area of ​​application, sterilization method, and specific use case, it can also be advantageous for all materials of the universal splint to be durable and / or fully functional across a wide temperature range, for example, from approximately -30°C to approximately +50°C. Particularly in medical applications, the simple and modular design of this universal splint allows for compliance with necessary hygiene standards. Specifically, the entire universal splint, or at least its components that come into contact with the wearer's body (such as the textile covering, see below), can be designed for machine washing at temperatures of, for example, 60°C or even higher. Furthermore, the splint or its individual components can be designed for regular sterilization using high temperatures, for example, up to +60°C, +70°C, or even higher.For rigidly designed rails and plates, bacterial disinfection may also be possible at an even higher temperature range or with other chemical agents.

[0020] The universal splint described herein is also characterized by a compact and practical design, making it easy to use and suitable for virtually any application. The potential medical or therapeutic indications for this universal splint include, but are not limited to, synovitis (inflammation of the synovial membrane), peripheral infections, overuse syndromes, and conservative therapies for conditions such as contusions, sprains, non-displaced fractures, swelling, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), postoperative rehabilitation of fractures, and much more.

[0021] Due to its ease of use, adaptability, and reusability, the universal splint can be used in a wide variety of settings and situations. These situations may require very fast, versatile, and reliable assistance / solutions with relatively little effort, or they may require recurring, highly qualified medical and therapeutic measures. This includes, for example, all medical practices that need hand splints immediately or for extended or recurring treatment of the hand, such as general practitioners, orthopedists, surgeons, neurologists, etc. Other areas of application include the treatment of injuries or as preventative protective measures for emergency services, paramedics, soldiers, athletes (such as climbers), disaster relief workers, nursing homes, and also for use by health insurance companies and employers' liability insurance associations.

[0022] According to a first embodiment (see the accompanying figures), each finger splint is formed from a wire bent into an approximately triangular, rectangular, or U-shaped double wire, the wire diameter of which corresponds to the force intervals specified for the finger splint. Metals or metal alloys are therefore particularly suitable as wire material, but also any other material with comparable material properties. Metals can also be particularly suitable with regard to the sterilizability of the splint by high temperatures, such as in boiling water or steam, or even higher. The U-shaped double wire is attached to the base plate at the ends of its two U-shaped legs (see figures). Fig. 1-4 ), so that its U-shaped end forms a free distal length section of the finger splint.

[0023] As an alternative to the embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, in this first embodiment a finger splint can also be designed as a double wire consisting of two separate and interconnected individual wires. The two individual wires can be connected, for example, at their proximal ends attached to the base plate and additionally at their opposite, i.e., distal, ends and / or in other length sections of the respective finger splint (for example, by suitable crossbars that can be glued, welded, or screwed to the two individual wires).

[0024] In this first embodiment, the two legs or individual wires of the double wire can run approximately parallel to each other at a distance of slightly less than a finger's width (which, for example, can correspond to about 1 cm), such that, when the universal splint is used as intended, they support a finger of the wearer resting on the finger splint along its longitudinal axis on both sides. Alternatively or additionally, the double wire can be plastically bent at one or more points distributed along its length to adapt to an individual finger shape and orientation in a transverse direction perpendicular to a plane locally defined by each of the two legs / individual wires. These transition points should sensibly be formed along the finger splint at locations corresponding to the finger joints of the respective wearer.At these transition points, a finger splint can be adapted to the individual finger position or curvature of the wearer by means of plastic bending, resulting in individually shaped angles of inclination of, for example, up to 90°.

[0025] As an alternative to the first embodiment, a finger splint can also be designed as a simple single wire of suitable thickness or as a flat band, for example rectangular or rounded at the ends, made of a material of suitable thickness. For example, the functionality described herein can be achieved with a metal band approximately 1 cm wide and a few millimeters thick.

[0026] Alternatively or in addition to a continuous design along the length of the finger splint, a finger splint can also be modularly constructed from several sections detachably connected by plug-in connections, joint connections (e.g., via at least one ball-and-socket joint), or similar mechanisms. These sections can be selected and combined differently depending on the application. The plug-in or joint connections are sensibly positioned along the finger splint at points corresponding to the finger joints. At these transition points, a finger splint can offer an angular range of motion of, for example, up to 90° to adapt to the individual finger position or curvature of the wearer.

[0027] In a specific design, the forearm splint is rigid or elastically flexible within predetermined limits for transverse (i.e., acting perpendicular to its longitudinal direction) force loads in a third force interval, which covers forces that can be applied to it by a human forearm when wearing the universal splint. In a higher (i.e., significantly above the third force interval) fourth force interval, it is plastically deformable to such an extent that it can be permanently adapted to an individual forearm shape and orientation through plastic deformation caused by forces in the fourth force interval. This allows the forearm splint to be precisely adapted to an individual anatomy and indication through plastic deformation.

[0028] According to a second embodiment, which is particularly fully combinable with the above first embodiment and its above-mentioned alternatives, the forearm splint is also formed from a wire bent into a double wire in an approximately triangular, rectangular or U-shaped shape, the wire thickness of which corresponds to the force intervals specified for the forearm splint (cf. Fig. 1-4 Here too, metals or metal alloys are particularly suitable as wire material, but any other material with comparable properties can also be used. Metals, in turn, can be especially well-suited with regard to the sterilizability of the splint through high temperatures, such as in boiling water or steam, or even higher.

[0029] As an alternative to the embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, in this second embodiment a forearm splint can also be designed as a double wire consisting of two separate and interconnected individual wires. The two individual wires can be connected, for example, at their proximal ends attached to the base plate and additionally at their opposite, i.e., distal, ends and / or in other sections along the length of the forearm splint (for example, by suitable crossbars that can be glued, welded, or screwed to the two individual wires).

[0030] In the aforementioned second embodiment, the double wire of the forearm splint can be attached to the base plate, in particular with the proximal ends of its two legs / individual wires, so that its triangular, rectangular or U-shaped end or its interconnected distal single wire ends form a free distal length section of the forearm splint (cf. Fig. 1-4 ) and can, for example, serve to support the elbow. However, the forearm splint can also be significantly shorter than the forearm length of a specific wearer, in order to support, for example, approximately three-quarters or half the length of their forearm from the wrist.

[0031] In particular, the two legs or individual wires of the double wire forearm splint can run approximately parallel to each other at a distance of slightly less than one forearm width, such that they support a forearm resting on the splint along its longitudinal axis on both sides when used as intended. Alternatively or additionally, the double wire of the forearm splint can be plastically bent at one or more points distributed along its length to adapt to an individual forearm shape and / or wrist position in a transverse direction perpendicular to a plane locally defined by each of the two legs / individual wires of the forearm splint.

[0032] Alternatively or in addition to a double wire, a forearm splint can also be constructed from a simple single wire, a strip of material, or a half-tube of a suitable width and material thickness, and / or modularly from several length sections detachably connected to each other by plug connections or the like, which can be chosen differently depending on the application.

[0033] The base plate of the universal splint presented herein has a smooth upper surface for resting the palm on and an underside facing away from the palm, to which the forearm splint and at least one finger element are detachably attached. The base plate can, for example, be designed as a third-tube support.

[0034] Furthermore, in the universal splint presented herein, the upper surface of the base plate comprises a first flat surface section, designed to support a large portion of the palm extending from the wrist to approximately the base of the fingers, and a second flat surface section, designed to support the remaining portion of the palm from approximately the base of the fingers. The first and second surface sections merge seamlessly into one another, forming a straight (or alternatively, a curved or bent) bend in the upper surface of the base plate, creating an obtuse angle between 180° and 270° (see figure). Fig. 1-4 ). The aforementioned angle is to be measured in a normal half-plane extending upwards from the top of the base plate and perpendicular to the bend.

[0035] In a specific design, the detachable connections of the forearm splint and / or the finger elements to the base plate can be formed with screw connections, and the base plate can have, for example, suitable through holes or blind holes with or without internal threads.

[0036] Such a screw connection can include one, two, or more than two fastening screws. The fastening screws can be inserted into one of the corresponding through-holes or blind holes in the base plate and screwed in, either into an internal thread cut into the hole or into a corresponding nut. The fastening screw(s) can interact with a clamping element, e.g., in the form of a clamping plate, so that when the fastening screw(s) are screwed in, the clamping element is pressed against the base plate, thereby clamping and fixing the finger element, which is held in place by a section between the clamping element and the base plate.

[0037] Preferably, the length of the fastening screws is determined such that, after tightening with the finger element inserted, the screwed-in end of the fastening screws does not protrude on the side of the base plate opposite the screw connection.

[0038] In particular, the length of the forearm splint and / or the finger elements can be adjusted by sliding them longitudinally along the respective screw connection when it is partially loosened. Such length adjustability is generally directly achieved when the splint is designed as a double wire and the fastening screws are positioned between the two legs or individual wires of the double wire. By providing at least two fastening screws arranged longitudinally along the finger elements for each screw connection, the finger elements can also be secured against rotation after being fixed to the base plate, especially by ensuring that the distance between the fastening screws is greater than the distance between the two U-shaped legs of the respective finger element.

[0039] Furthermore, the universal splint can additionally include an elbow splint, which is rigidly and elongatedly designed to support the elbow and / or upper arm of a wearer and is rotatably connected to the forearm splint at a distal end facing away from the base plate, such that it can be folded out from a parked position, fully against the forearm splint, to an operating position, folded away from the forearm splint at a suitable angle. The universal splint comprises one or more release and locking mechanisms designed to lock the elbow splint to the forearm splint both in its parked position and in its operating position at a suitable angle relative to the forearm splint, and to release the respective locking mechanism.The suitable angle of inclination can, for example, be the desired resting angle at which the upper arm and forearm are to be stabilized relative to each other using the universal splint. When combined with the second embodiment described above, the elbow splint can also be designed as a double-wire splint. In its parked position, folded together with the forearm splint, both wire legs of the elbow splint can extend, for example, to both sides of the double wire of the forearm splint, resulting in a particularly compact arrangement for transport or storage of the universal splint.

[0040] The elbow splint may also include at least one lockable flexible upper arm fastening strap, designed to be wrapped around the upper arm to fix the elbow splint to it.

[0041] In a specific design, the flexible hand, forearm, upper arm, and / or finger fastening straps can each be closed with a fastener, such as a hook-and-loop fastener. The hook-and-loop fastener can be particularly large, allowing the circumference of the fastening strap to be adjusted by varying the overlap of the two strap ends within the fastener area. Alternatively, instead of a closure, the strap can be continuous and therefore without a fastener, allowing the wearer's finger, forearm, upper arm, or hand to simply be inserted through the respective fastening strap.In this case, the respective fastening strap can be made of a circumferentially elastic stretchable material, for example a stretch fabric and / or rubber, in order to ensure both adaptability of the strap circumference to the individual body size of the wearer and easy putting on and taking off when applying and removing the universal rail.

[0042] According to another aspect, a modular kit is provided for manufacturing, completing, or modifying a universal rail of the type described herein. This modular kit includes, among other things, the following: one or more base plates of different dimensions and / or shapes (optionally with at least one lockable flexible hand fastening strap permanently or detachably attached to them); one or more forearm splints of different dimensions and / or shapes, each detachably attachable to the base plate (optionally with at least one lockable flexible forearm fastening strap permanently or detachably attached to them); and at least one or more finger elements of different dimensions and / or shapes, each detachably attachable to the base plate, for each finger of a hand.

[0043] The aforementioned components of the kit can be provided in pairs for a left and a right hand, and may be, for example, mirror-symmetrical to each other and / or otherwise differently designed. All or some components can also be designed universally for use with both the left and right hand. A possible kit may also be intended for only one hand – i.e., only left or only right. On the other hand, a minimal kit suitable for all cases could include two base plates, one designed for the left and the other for the right hand of a user, a set of five finger elements for five fingers of one hand, and a single forearm splint.

[0044] For the plastic bending of the finger splints and / or the forearm splint(s) to adapt them to different applications and wearer anatomies, the modular kit may also include a folding iron as an auxiliary tool (see below). Fig. 6 und 7 The bending iron can, for example, comprise a set of two or more contouring irons rotatably connected to one another, each with one or more projections designed in such a way that the finger or forearm splint to be bent can be clamped between the projections of two interlocked, rotatably connected contouring irons and bent into a desired shape by rotating these contouring irons relative to each other.

[0045] Furthermore, the modular kit may include a cover made of soft, especially textile, material, designed to be placed on and covered like a shell over the interconnected base plate and forearm splint.

[0046] The corresponding hand and forearm fastening straps are integrated into the cover (see below). Fig. 5 and 6 The cover allows the base plate and forearm splint, which are made of rigid materials such as metal, to lie softly and therefore more comfortably against the wearer's body. In particular, padding can be integrated into the cover at appropriate points to prevent pressure sores on the patient's body.

[0047] The above aspects of the invention, its embodiments, and specific configurations are explained in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the accompanying drawings. The drawings can be understood as being to scale or as a purely schematic illustration of the basic design principle, i.e., not to scale, and may be scalable differently than depicted. They show: Figure 1 is a perspective volar view of an embodiment of a modifiable universal splint of the type shown herein in an assembled state without a fabric covering, with finger elements attached thereto for all five fingers of a wearer and a forearm splint attached thereto; Figure 2 is a perspective dorsal view of the universal splint of the Fig. 1 Figure 3 shows another perspective view of the universal rail. Fig. 1 View from the front along the length of the forearm splint; Figure 4, a side view of the universal splint. Fig. 1 ; Figure 5 a modular kit of the type shown herein for the universal rail of the Fig. 1 with separate cover; Figure 6 modular kit of the Fig. 5 with the assembled universal rail with attached cover, as well as a locking bar and two further finger rails; and Figure 7 an example step for the shaping bending of a finger rail with the locking bar in the modular kit of the Fig. 6 .

[0048] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a modifiable universal splint 1 of the type set forth herein in an assembled state with a view to the underside 2 of its base plate 3 with finger elements 4 for all five fingers of a carrier (not shown) attached thereto by screw connections 30 and a forearm splint 5 also attached to the underside 2 of the base plate 3 by screw connections 31.

[0049] The embodiments shown herein depict the universal rail 1 for a left hand. By mirroring the base plate 3 (with respect to the through or blind holes), the assembly described below can also be implemented for a right hand.

[0050] Such a screw connection 30, 31 can comprise one, two, or more than two fastening screws 32. The fastening screws 32 can be inserted into one of the corresponding through or blind holes 33 in the base plate 3 and screwed in there, either into an internal thread cut into the hole or into a corresponding nut. The fastening screw(s) 32 can interact with a clamping element 34, e.g., in the form of a clamping plate, with through-holes for receiving the corresponding fastening screw 32, so that when the fastening screw(s) 32 are screwed in, the clamping element 34 is pressed against the base plate 3, thereby clamping the finger element 4, which is received by a section between the clamping element 34 and the base plate 3, and thus fixing it to the base plate 3.

[0051] Each finger element 4 comprises an elongated finger splint 6 designed to support an entire finger and two or three elastically stretchable and / or lockable flexible finger fastening straps 7, which are designed to be wrapped around a finger to fix the finger splint 6 to it. The finger fastening straps 7 can, for example, be fastened by hook and loop fasteners according to Fig. 5 and 6 be lockable, which is in Fig. 1 not shown.

[0052] In In this example, both the finger splints 6 and the forearm splint 5 are each formed from a U-shaped double wire of a suitable wire thickness, whereby, to avoid repetition, reference is made to the detailed description of the corresponding first and second embodiments above.

[0053] Fig. 2 shows another perspective view of the universal rail 1 of the Fig. 1 With regard to the upper surface 8 of the base plate 3, designed to support the palm of a carrier (not shown). How to best use this and the following Fig. 4 As can be seen, the upper surface 8 of the base plate 3 in this example is formed with a straight bend 9 (which can alternatively also be curved, not shown) between its first flat surface section 10 and a second flat surface section 11 arranged at an angle between approximately 180° and 270°, as described above in the general part of the description. To avoid repetition, reference is made here to that detailed description above.

[0054] Fig. 3 shows another perspective view of the universal rail 1 of the Fig. 1 View from the front along the longitudinal direction of the forearm splint 5.

[0055] Fig. 4 shows a side view of the universal rail 1, in which the individually adapted curved shapes of the individual rails 6 and 5 are particularly easy to see.

[0056] Fig. 5 shows a modular kit 12 of the type shown herein for the universal rail 1 of the Fig. 1 with their individual components of the Fig. 1-4 in a partially disassembled state and with a separate cover 13 made of soft textile material, which is designed to be placed on and covered like a shell over the connected base plate 3 and forearm splint 5. The cover 13 also incorporates hand and forearm fastening straps 14 and 15, respectively, which can be closed with hook and loop fasteners, for attaching the base plate 3 and the forearm splint 5 to the hand and forearm of a wearer (not shown).

[0057] Fig. 6 shows the modular kit 12 of the Fig. 5 with the fully assembled universal rail 1 and an additionally provided locking iron 16 and two further finger rails 6 of different lengths, which can thus be bent into the appropriate shape, as in Fig. 7 As shown, the clamping iron 16 in this example comprises two rotatably connected contouring irons 17, each with one or two projections 18, between which the finger rail 6 to be bent is clamped in order to be bent into a desired shape by rotating these contouring irons 17 relative to each other.

Claims

1. Modifiable universal splint (1) for wrist and / or finger stabilization, comprising: - a flat base plate (3) designed to be rigid for supporting a palm, with at least one flexible hand fastening strap (14) that can be individually adjusted in its circumference and is designed to be wrapped around the hand to fix the base plate (3) to it; - an elongated forearm splint (5) that can be detachably attached to the base plate (3) and is rigidly designed to support a forearm, with at least one flexible forearm fastening strap (15) that can be individually adjusted in circumference and is designed to be wrapped around the forearm to secure the forearm splint (5) thereto; and - at least one finger element (4) that can be detachably attached to the base plate (3), comprising an elongated finger splint (6) for supporting a whole finger and at least one flexible finger fastening strap (7) that can be individually adjusted in circumference and is designed to be wrapped around the finger to secure the finger splint (6) to it; - wherein each finger splint (6) is rigid or elastically flexible within predetermined limits for transverse force loads in a first force interval covering forces that can be applied with a human finger, and is plastically deformable in a higher second force interval in such a way that it is permanently adaptable to an individual finger shape and orientation by plastic bending due to forces in the second force interval; - the base plate (3) has a smooth upper side (8) for resting the palm of the hand on it and a lower side (2) facing away from it, to which the forearm splint (5) and the at least one finger element (4) are detachably attached; - the upper side (8) of the base plate (3) consists of a first flat surface section (10), which is designed to support a large part of the palm of the hand extending approximately to the metacarpophalangeal joints, and a second flat surface section (11), which is designed to support the remaining part of the palm of the hand approximately from the metacarpophalangeal joints; and - the first surface section (10) and the second surface section (11) merge without interruption and form a straight or curved bend (9) in the upper side (8) of the base plate (3), so that they form an obtuse angle between 180° and 270° with each other, measured in a normal half-plane extending upward from the upper side (8) of the base plate (3) and extending at right angles to the bend (9).

2. Universal splint (1) according to claim 1, wherein - each finger splint (6) is formed from a wire bent into a double wire in an approximately triangular, rectangular or U-shape, or is formed as a double wire from two individual wires connected to each other; - wherein the wire thickness corresponds to the said force intervals and the double wire is attached to the base plate (3) with the proximal ends of its two legs or single wires is attached to the base plate (3) so that its triangular, rectangular or U-shaped end or its connected distal single wire ends form a free distal length section of the finger splint (6).

3. Universal splint (1) according to claim 2, wherein - the two legs or single wires of the double wire run approximately parallel to each other at a distance of slightly less than a finger width apart, such that they support a finger resting on the finger splint (6) along its longitudinal axis on both sides thereof; and / or - the double wire is plastically bent at one or more points distributed along its length in order to adapt to an individual finger shape and orientation in a transverse direction that is perpendicular to a plane locally spanned by each of the two legs or individual wires.

4. Universal splint (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which - the forearm splint (5) covers transverse force loads in a third force interval, which is associated with a human forearm when wearing the universal splint (5), and is rigid or elastically flexible within predetermined limits, and is plastically deformable in a higher fourth force interval in such a way that it can be permanently adapted to an individual forearm shape and wrist position by plastic bending due to forces in the fourth force interval.

5. Universal splint (1) according to claim 4, in which - the forearm splint (5) is formed from a wire bent into a double wire in an approximately triangular, rectangular, or U-shape, or is designed as a double wire consisting of two individual wires connected to each other; - the wire thickness corresponds to the force intervals specified for the forearm splint, and the double wire of the forearm splint (5) is attached to the base plate (3) with the proximal ends of its two legs or single wires to the base plate (3) so that its triangular, rectangular or U-shaped end or its connected distal single wire ends form a free distal length section of the forearm splint (5).

6. Universal splint (1) according to claim 5, wherein - the two legs or individual wires of the U-shaped double wire of the forearm splint (5) run approximately parallel to each other at a distance of slightly less than one forearm width from each other, such that they support a forearm resting on the forearm splint (5) along its longitudinal axis on both sides thereof; and / or - the double wire of the forearm splint (5) is plastically bent at one or more points distributed along its length in order to adapt to an individual forearm shape and wrist position in a transverse direction that is perpendicular to a plane locally spanned by each of the two legs or individual wires of the forearm splint (5).

7. Universal splint (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which - the detachable connections of the forearm splint (5) and / or the finger elements (4) to the base plate are designed as screw connections or screw-clamp connections, preferably with length adjustability of the forearm splint (5) and / or the finger elements (4) by means of their displacement in their longitudinal direction along the respective screw connection or screw clamp connections; and / or - the flexible hand, forearm, and / or finger fastening straps (14, 15, 7) are each designed to be closed with a fastener, in particular a Velcro fastener.

8. Universal splint (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising - an elbow splint, which is rigid and elongated for supporting the elbow and / or upper arm and is connected to the distal end of the forearm splint (5) facing away from the base plate (3) in such a way that it can be rotated from a parking position completely applied to the forearm splint (5) to a position away from the forearm splint (5) ; and - one or more release and locking devices, which are designed to lock the elbow splint to the forearm splint (5) both in its parked state and in its operational state at a suitable angle of attack relative to the forearm splint (5) and to release the respective lock; and - at least one flexible upper arm fastening strap, the circumference of which can be individually adjusted, which is designed to be wrapped around the upper arm to fix the elbow splint thereto and which can be closed in particular by means of a Velcro fastener or another type of fastener.

9. Modular kit (12) for constructing a universal splint (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: - one or more base plates (3) of different sizes and / or shapes, with at least one flexible hand strap (14) that can be individually adjusted in circumference and is designed to be wrapped around the hand to secure the base plate (3) to it; - one or more differently dimensioned and / or shaped forearm splints (5), each of which can be detachably fastened to the base plate (3), each with at least one flexible forearm fastening strap (15) that can be individually adjusted in circumference and is designed to be wrapped around the forearm to secure the forearm splint (5) thereto; and - for each finger of a hand, at least one or more finger elements (4) of different sizes and / or shapes, each of which can be detachably attached to the base plate (3), each comprising an elongated finger splint (6) for supporting an entire finger and at least one flexible finger fastening strap (7) that can be individually adjusted in circumference, which is designed to be wrapped around the finger to fix the finger splint (6) thereto, wherein each finger splint (6) being rigid or elastically flexible within predetermined limits for transverse force loads in a first force interval covering forces that can be applied with a human finger, and being plastically deformable in a higher second force interval in such a way that it can be permanently adapted to an individual finger shape and orientation by plastic bending due to forces in the second force interval; - wherein the one or more base plates (3) have an upper side (8) that is smooth for resting the palm of the hand on it and a lower side (2) facing away from it, to which the forearm splint (5) and the at least one finger element (4) can be detachably attached, wherein the upper side (8) of the one or more base plates (3) comprises a first flat surface section (10) designed to support a large part of a palm extending approximately to the metacarpal joints, and a second flat surface section (11) designed to support the remaining palm of the hand approximately from the metacarpophalangeal joints; and wherein the first surface section (10) and the second surface section (11) merge into one another without interruption and forming a straight or curved bend (9) in the upper side (8) of the one or more base plates (3), so that they form an obtuse angle between 180° and 270° with each other, measured in a normal half-plane extending upward from the upper surface (8) of the base plate (3) and extending at right angles to the bend (9).

10. Modular kit (12) according to claim 9, further comprising: - a bending iron (16) for plastic bending of the finger splints (6) and / or the forearm splint(s) (5) to adapt them to different applications and patients; - wherein the bending iron (16) comprises a set of two or more contouring irons (17) that can be rotatably connected to each other, each with one or more projections (18) that are designed such that the finger or forearm splint (6, 5) to be bent (6, 5) can be clamped between the projections (18) of two interlocking contouring irons (17) connected to each other in a rotatable manner and bent into a desired shape by rotating these contouring irons (17) relative to each other.

11. Modular kit (12) according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising: - a cover (13) made of soft, in particular textile, material, which is designed to be placed over and cover the interconnected base plate (3) and forearm splint (5) like a sleeve; - wherein the associated hand and forearm fastening straps (14, 15) are integrated into the cover (13).