Positioning system for positioning a pair of body segments of a patient that are articulated to each other

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (1, 1a, 1b) for positioning a pair of body segments articulated to each other. It finds particular, though not exclusive, application to the positioning of body segments of the upper and lower limbs and of the head. The positioning system according to the invention comprises at least a first kit containing one or more first support elements (3, 3a), suitable for entirely or partially supporting a first body segment, and a second kit comprising one or more second support elements (5, 5a, 5b, 5', 5''), suitable for entirely or partially supporting a second body segment articulated to said first body segment, said first support element(s) and said second support element(s) being mutually independent. Thanks to the fact that said support elements are mutually independent, they are freely positionable and orientable relative to each other.

Description

[0001] “Positioning system for positioning a pair of body segments of a patient that are articulated to each other ”

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a system for positioning a pair of body segments articulated to each other.

[0004] More particularly, the present invention relates to a system for positioning a pair of body segments articulated to each other of a patient in a lying or semi-lying position.

[0005] The present invention finds particular, though not exclusive, application in positioning the upper and lower limbs, especially of patients in a lying or semi-lying position, as well as in the positioning of the neck and head.

[0006] Background Art

[0007] Referring to Figure 1, according to the principles of biomechanics, the human body can be represented as a set of mutually articulated bodies (called body segments).

[0008] For example, the upper limb is formed by a first and a second body segment - the arm and forearm - articulated to each other (at the elbow) and a third body segment - the hand - articulated to said second body segment (at the wrist).

[0009] Likewise, the lower limb is formed by a first and a second body segment - the thigh and the leg - articulated to each other (at the knee) and a third body segment - the foot - articulated to said second body segment (at the ankle).

[0010] In the case of patients who are bedridden or undergoing clinical treatment and surgery, the lying or semi-lying position maintained for a long time generates numerous problems.

[0011] In particular, the lower and upper limbs of these patients are subject to oedemas, pressure ulcers, contractures and / or hyperextensions, and highly disabling intra / extra- rotations.

[0012] In order to remedy these problems, different types of wedges, padded cushions and various positioners have been developed and introduced on the market, aimed at preventing and / or managing the aforementioned complications.

[0013] However, known instruments have many limitations and do not allow for individualized and effective positioning of the limbs of the single individual.

[0014] In particular, they do not allow to obtain a positioning suitable for the morphology and anthropometry of individual patients, nor do they allow to obtain a relative positioning of their joints in the planes in which they can rotate and tilt. Modular positioning systems, e.g. suitable for pelvic support and containment, are known from the state of the art. By way of example, documents WO 2011 / 148329 and WO 2021 / 053533 in the name of the same Applicant as the present patent application may be cited. The modular structure of these positioning systems, comprising a plurality of support elements that can be variously combined with one another and variously positioned relative to one another, allows the positioning system to be adapted to the specific morphology of an individual user.

[0015] However, WO 2011 / 148329 and WO 2021 / 053533 neither disclose nor suggest a positioning system suitable for supporting and positioning two body segments articulated to each other.

[0016] Document US 2004 / 199072 describes a system for positioning a patient during a diagnostic examination or surgical procedure.

[0017] Said system comprises a plurality of different support elements, each of which can be used to maintain the patient’s body or part thereof in the optimal position for performing the diagnostic examination or surgical procedure.

[0018] Therefore, in US 2004 / 199072 the support elements are selected according to the diagnostic examination or surgical procedure to be performed, rather than according to the morphology and anthropometry of the individual patient.

[0019] Furthermore, US 2004 / 199072 neither discloses nor suggests a positioning system suitable for supporting and positioning two body segments articulated to each other.

[0020] Document US2017 / 348173 discloses a support intended for surgical use and comprising a base element with an ergonomic shape and a padded cover element.

[0021] However, in US2017 / 348173 the base element with an ergonomic shape is made as a single piece and does not lend itself to positioning or orienting in an adjustable manner two body segments articulated to each other.

[0022] Document DE 29613489 U describes an orthopaedic couch assembled from wedge- shaped, cube-shaped and / or cuboid-shaped support elements made of a foamed material and mutually assembled. Said support elements are mounted to a shared base element. Said orthopaedic couch allows the legs to be raised to ensure a relaxed position for the user, and the possibility of assembling the support elements in different combinations allows the orthopaedic couch to be adapted to the morphology of the individual patient.

[0023] However, the orthopaedic couch described in DE 29613489 U is designed to support a patient’s entire body and neither describes nor suggest the possibility of separately supporting a pair of body segments articulated to each other.

[0024] Furthermore, as described in DE 29613489 U, a base element is provided, and the support elements have the same width as the base element. This entails that said support elements can variously be stacked onto one another and can be moved relative to one another in the longitudinal direction of the base element. However, they cannot be freely positionable and orientable relative to one another and to the base element.

[0025] Therefore, a solution of the type described in DE 29613489 U would not allow varying the orientation of a support element for a first body segment with respect to the support element for a body segment articulated thereto.

[0026] The problems outlined above, although particularly felt in the case of the upper and lower limbs, can also be found in other mutually articulated body segments, such as the head and neck.

[0027] The main object of the present invention is therefore to overcome the limitations of prior art, by providing a system for positioning a pair of mutually articulated body segments that enables correct support and positioning of said body segments irrespective of the structure (in particular, the length) of each of said body segments and their mutual orientation.

[0028] In other words, the main object of the present invention is to provide a system for positioning a pair of mutually articulated body segments that is or can be adapted to the individual patient, irrespective of the structure (in particular, the length) of each of said body segments and their mutual orientation.

[0029] These and other objects are achieved by means of the positioning system as claimed in the appended claims.

[0030] Summary of Invention

[0031] The system for positioning a pair of mutually articulated body segments according to the invention comprises at least a first kit containing one or more first support elements, suitable to support a first body segment, and a second kit comprising one or more second support elements, suitable to support a second body segment articulated to said first body segment, said first support element(s) and said second support element(s) being mutually independent.

[0032] Each first support element has a substantially flat lower surface suitable to rest on a bearing plane and an upper surface having a shape complementary to the shape of the body segment to be supported, or of a part thereof; similarly, each second support element has a substantially flat lower surface suitable to rest on a bearing plane and an upper surface having a shape complementary to the shape of the body segment to be supported, or of a part thereof.

[0033] Due to the fact that the aforementioned support elements are mutually independent, they are freely positionable and orientable relative to each other.

[0034] In particular, they are freely orientable relative to each other on the bearing plane on which they rest.

[0035] Advantageously, according to a preferred embodiment of the embodiment, the first kit of the positioning system comprises a plurality of first support elements of different lengths and / or inclinations and / or shapes.

[0036] Similarly, the second kit of the positioning system comprises a plurality of second support elements of different lengths and / or inclinations and / or shapes.

[0037] In this way, the first support elements and the second guide elements more appropriate to the morphological features and specific needs of the individual patient can be selected each time and / or the combination of first support elements and second support elements more appropriate to the morphological features and specific needs of the individual patient can be selected each time.

[0038] According to the invention, the first kit of first support elements may comprise first support elements suitable to support the entire length and width of the first body segment of the patient and / or suitable to support part of the length of the first body segment of the patient and / or suitable to support part of the width of the first body segment of the patient.

[0039] Similarly, the second kit of second support elements may comprise second support elements suitable to support the entire length and width of the second body segment of the patient and / or suitable to support part of the length of the second body segment of the patient and / or suitable to support part of the width of the second body segment of the patient.

[0040] If the support elements are suitable to support the entire length and width of the patient’s body segment to be supported, their upper surface will have a shape complementary to the shape of said body segment. If the support elements are suitable to support only part of the length and / or width of the patient’s body segment, their upper surface will have a shape complementary to the shape of the corresponding portion of said body segment.

[0041] In the case of first / second support elements suitable to support only part of the length and / or width of a body segment of the patient, more than one first / second support elements can be mutually combined to give overall support to the patient’s body segment, with the possibility of positioning and orienting them freely relative to one another.

[0042] The support elements of the positioning system according to the invention can be made of polymer foams. In particular, polymer foams of different densities can be used for one and the same support element (for example, by making the lower part thereof with a higher density, i.e., more rigid, and the upper part thereof with a lower density, i.e., softer).

[0043] The support elements of the positioning system according to the invention can be provided inferiorly and / or superiorly with a surface made of a non-slip material.

[0044] Said surface of non-slip material can be made directly on the body of the support element, or the support element can be provided with a cover including said surface of nonslip material.

[0045] Due to the presence of said surface(s) made of a non-slip material, the support elements of the positioning system can be firmly held in the position and orientation selected during use thereof with respect to the surface of the limb to be supported and / or with respect to the bearing surface on which they are placed (for example, a bedsheet, a mattress, a stretcher, a stretcher trolley, etc.).

[0046] Each of the support elements of the positioning system can be coupled to one or more inclination-varying elements, made, for example, as wedge-shaped elements.

[0047] Said inclination-varying elements can be used to vary the inclination of the support element in a longitudinal direction relative to the axis of the body segment, or to vary the inclination of the support element in a transverse direction relative to the axis of the body segment, thereby achieving extra-rotation of the body segment.

[0048] The inclination-varying elements can also possibly be provided with a removable cover.

[0049] The inclination-varying elements (or their covers, where provided) can also be provided inferiorly and / or superiorly with a surface made of a non-slip material.

[0050] The coupling between a support element and a corresponding inclination-varying element can be obtained by exploiting the respective surfaces of non-slip material on the faces facing each other of said support element and said inclination-varying element (or the respective covers thereof, where provided), if such surfaces of non-slip material are present.

[0051] Alternatively, the coupling between a support element and a corresponding inclination-varying element can be obtained by providing, on the faces facing each other of said support element and said inclination-varying element (or the respective covers thereof, where provided), mutually cooperating male / female hook-and-loop means or similar connection means.

[0052] As a further alternative, if the support element is provided with a cover, the corresponding inclination-varying element can be directly introduced in said cover.

[0053] Thanks to the fact that each of the support elements of the positioning system can be associated with one or more inclination-varying elements, the versatility of the positioning system according to the invention is further enhanced, so as to achieve optimal positioning of each of the body segments concerned.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the positioning system further comprises a base element having a flat shape and made of a rigid or flexible material, on which the support elements of the positioning system can be firmly held in the selected position and orientation.

[0055] The base element is preferably larger, in both length and width, than the support elements, so that the support elements can be variously positioned and oriented with respect to one another and to the base element.

[0056] This makes it possible to create a steady 'pattern' of the combination of first and second support elements, which can be of advantage especially when the patient needs to be transferred (for example from a stretcher trolley to a bed). In this case, after the transfer it will not be necessary to 're-build' the correct (individual and mutual) positioning of each support element, because the correct configuration will be maintained thanks to the presence of the base element.

[0057] The coupling between each support element and the base element can be achieved by exploiting the surfaces of non-slip material of said support element, where provided, and by making the base element either entirely or partially with a surface made of a non-slip material.

[0058] Alternatively, the coupling between each support element and the base element can be obtained by providing, on the lower face of said support element and on the upper face of said base element, mutually cooperating male / female hook-and-loop means, or similar connection means.

[0059] The above also applies to the coupling between the base element and the inclinationvarying elements, if the latter are provided.

[0060] Each of the support elements of the positioning system can be coupled to one or more padding elements, with different shapes. The padding elements can also possibly be provided with a removable cover.

[0061] The padding elements (and their covers, where provided) can also be provided inferiorly and / or superiorly with a surface made of a non-slip material.

[0062] The coupling between a support element and a corresponding padding element can be achieved by exploiting the respective surfaces of non-slip material on the faces opposite to each other of said support element and said padding element (or their covers, where provided), if such surfaces of non-slip material are present.

[0063] Alternatively, the coupling between a support element and a corresponding padding element can be achieved by providing, on the faces opposite to each other of said support element and said padding element (or their covers, where provided), mutually cooperating male / female hook-and-loop means, or similar connection means.

[0064] As a further alternative, if the support element is provided with a cover, the corresponding inclination-varying element can be directly introduced in said cover.

[0065] Thanks to the fact that each of the support elements of the positioning system can be associated with one or more inclination-varying elements, the comfort of the positioning system according to the invention is remarkably improved.

[0066] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the positioning system comprises one or more padding elements suitable to be arranged on the overall combination of first and second support elements.

[0067] These padding elements can also possibly be provided with a removable cover.

[0068] The coupling between said padding elements and the support elements of the positioning system can be realized in the same manner as described above with reference to the padding elements for the individual supporting elements.

[0069] Brief Description of Drawings

[0070] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more evident from the ensuing detailed description of some preferred embodiments of the invention, given as non-limiting examples with reference to the annexed drawings, in which:

[0071] Fig. l schematically shows the body segments and the joints of the human body;

[0072] Fig.2 shows a first embodiment of the invention, in a side view;

[0073] Fig.3 a shows a second embodiment of the invention, in a side view;

[0074] Fig.3b shows the second embodiment of the invention, in a top view;

[0075] Fig.4a shows a third embodiment of the invention, in a side view;

[0076] Fig.4b shows the third embodiment of the invention, in a top view; Fig.5a shows a fourth embodiment of the invention, in a side view;

[0077] Fig.5b shows the fourth embodiment of the invention, in a top view.

[0078] Description of Embodiments

[0079] Some embodiments and application examples of the positioning system according to the invention will be briefly described below.

[0080] However, it will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the possible combinations obtainable with the present invention are numerous.

[0081] In the following description:

[0082] - the term 'orientation' and the like shall mean a rotation of the support elements about an axis perpendicular to the plane on which these support elements rest;

[0083] - the term 'inclination' and the like shall mean a rotation of the support elements about an axis parallel to the plane on which these support elements rest.

[0084] Figure 2 illustrates a positioning system 1 for positioning a pair of body segments articulated to each other, in particular a forearm and a hand.

[0085] Said positioning system comprises a first support element 3 for supporting the first body segment (forearm) and a second support element 5 for supporting the second body segment (hand).

[0086] The first support element 3 has a substantially flat lower surface suitable to rest on a bearing plane and an upper surface having a shape complementary to the shape of the body segment to be supported (forearm); similarly, the second support element 5 has a substantially flat lower surface suitable to rest on a bearing plane and an upper surface having a shape complementary to the shape of the body segment to be supported (hand).

[0087] The first and second supporting elements 3, 5 are mutually independent.

[0088] In this way, the first and second supporting elements 3, 5 are freely positionable relative to each other and freely orientable relative to each other on the plane on which they rest.

[0089] In the shown example, the first and second support elements 3, 5 are provided with respective removable covers.

[0090] Figure 2 further show a first inclination-varying element 7 associated with the first support element 3, and a second inclination-varying element 9 associated with the second support element 5.

[0091] The lower surface of the covers of the first and second support elements 3, 5 as well as the upper surface of the first and second inclination-varying elements 7, 9 can be made of a non-slip material, so as to ensure firm coupling.

[0092] Preferably, the lower surface of the first and second inclination-varying elements 7, 9 is also made of a non-slip material, so as to ensure firm positioning relative to the bearing surface.

[0093] Figures 3a, 3b show a positioning system 1 for positioning a pair of body segments articulated to each other, specifically a thigh and a leg.

[0094] Said positioning system comprises a first support element 3 for supporting the first body segment (thigh) and a second support element 5 for supporting the second body segment (leg).

[0095] The first support element 3 has a substantially flat lower surface suitable to rest on a bearing plane, and an upper surface having a shape complementary to the shape of the body segment to be supported (thigh); similarly, the second support element 5 has a substantially flat lower surface suitable to rest on a bearing plane, and an upper surface having a shape complementary to the shape of the body segment to be supported (leg).

[0096] The first and second support elements 3, 5 are mutually independent.

[0097] In particular, the possibility of orienting in a desired manner the first and second support elements 3, 5 relative to each other on the plane on which they rest is evident from Figure 3b.

[0098] In the shown example, the first and second support elements 3, 5 are provided with respective removable covers.

[0099] A first inclination-varying element 7 associated with the first support element 3 and a second inclination-varying element 9 associated with the second support element 5 are also visible from Figure 3a.

[0100] The lower surface of the covers of the first and second support elements 3, 5 as well as the upper surface of the first and second inclination-varying element 7, 9 can be made of a non-slip material, so as to ensure firm coupling.

[0101] Preferably, the lower surface of the first and second inclination-varying element 7, 9 is made of a non-slip material, so as to ensure firm positioning relative to the bearing surface.

[0102] A base element 10 on which the support elements 3, 5 (possibly with interposition of the inclination-varying elements 7, 9) can be positioned and firmly held in the selected position and orientation is also shown in Figures 3a and 3b.

[0103] The base element 10 is a flat element, made of a rigid or flexible material, and is larger, in both length and width, than said support elements, so that said support elements can be variously positioned and oriented with respect to one another and to the base element.

[0104] The firm coupling between each support element 3, 5 and the base element 10 can be achieved by exploiting the surfaces of non-slip material of said support element, where provided, and by making the base element 10 either entirely or partially with a surface made of a non-slip material.

[0105] Alternatively, the coupling between each support element and the base element can be obtained by providing, on the lower face of said support element and on the upper face of said base element, mutually cooperating male / female hook-and-loop means, or similar connection means.

[0106] Figures 4a, 4b show a first positioning system la for positioning a pair of body segments articulated to each other, specifically a thigh and a leg, and a second positioning system lb for positioning a pair of body segments articulated to each other, specifically a leg and a foot.

[0107] The first positioning system comprises a first support element 3a for supporting the first body segment (thigh) and a second support element 5a for supporting the second body segment (leg).

[0108] The first and second support elements 3a, 5a are mutually independent.

[0109] The second support element 5a of the first positioning system la also acts as first support element 3b of the second positioning system lb, which further comprises a second support element 5b.

[0110] The first and second support elements 3b, 5b are mutually independent.

[0111] In other words, the central support element in Figures 4a, 4b is part of both positioning systems la, lb and cooperates with each of the lateral support elements in Figures 4a, 4b to make said positioning systems la, lb, said central support element being independent from and freely positionable and orientable relative to each of said lateral support elements.

[0112] In the shown example, all the support elements are provided with respective removable covers.

[0113] A first inclination-varying element 7a associated with the first support element 3a of the first positioning system la and a second inclination-varying element 9b associated with the second support element 5b of the second positioning system lb are also visible from Figure 4a. The lower surface of the covers of the supporting elements as well as the upper surface of the inclination-varying elements can be made of a non-slip material, so as to ensure firm coupling.

[0114] Preferably, the lower surface of the inclination-varying elements is also made of a non-slip material, so as to ensure firm positioning relative to the bearing surface.

[0115] Figures 5a, 5b show a positioning system 1 for positioning a pair of body segments articulated to each other, specifically a forearm and a hand.

[0116] Said positioning system comprises a single first support element 3 for supporting the first body segment (forearm) and two different second support elements 5’, 5” for supporting the second body segment (hand).

[0117] Each support element 3, 5’, 5” has a substantially flat lower surface suitable to rest on a bearing plane and an upper surface having a shape complementary to the shape of the body segment to be supported.

[0118] The first support element 3 is independent of the second support elements 5’, 5”.

[0119] In addition, the two second support elements 5’, 5” are mutually independent.

[0120] Thanks to the provision of a kit providing several different support elements, the versatility of the positioning system according to the invention in correctly positioning and orienting the body segment is enhanced.

[0121] In addition, a kit comprising several different support elements makes it possible - while still maintaining the correct position and orientation - to leave a desired position of the body segment free (for example, in the event that such body segment should be easily accessible by healthcare staff or has an open wound).

[0122] In the shown example, the first and second support elements 3, 5’, 5” are provided with respective removable covers.

[0123] It is evident from the above description that the positioning system according to the invention makes it possible to achieve the objects set forth above, being provided with remarkable versatility that enables to create an extremely large number of different combinations and to adapt to any specific needs of the individual patient.

[0124] It is also evident that the embodiments described above have been given merely by way of examples and that numerous variations and modifications are possible without going beyond the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0125] In particular, although in the embodiments described above reference has been made to body segment of the upper and lower limbs, the positioning system according to the invention lends itself to positioning and supporting any pair of body segments articulated to each other, especially to terminal body segments (upper limbs, lower limbs, head and neck).

Claims

CLAIMS1. Positioning system (1, la, lb) for positioning a pair of body segments that are articulated to each other, comprising a first kit containing one or more first support elements (3, 3a, 3b), suitable for entirely or partially supporting a first body segment, and a second kit comprising one or more second support elements (5, 5a, 5b, 5’, 5”), suitable for entirely or partially supporting a second body segment articulated to said first body segment, characterized in that each of said first support elements (3, 3a, 3b) has a substantially flat lower surface and an upper surface having a shape complementary to the shape of the body segment to be supported, or of a part thereof, and each of said second support elements (5, 5a, 5b, 5’, 5”) has a substantially flat lower surface and an upper surface having a shape complementary to the shape of the body segment to be supported, or of a part thereof, and in that said first support element(s) (3, 3a) and said second support element(s) (5, 5a, 5b, 5’, 5”) are mutually independent and freely positionable and orientable relative to each other on the plane on which they rest.

2. Positioning system (1, la, lb) according to claim 1, wherein said first kit of said positioning system comprises a plurality of first support elements (3, 3a, 3b) with mutually different lengths and / or inclinations and / or shapes, and / or said second kit of said positioning system comprises a plurality of second support elements (5, 5a, 5b, 5’, 5”) with mutually different lengths and / or inclinations and / or shapes.

3. Positioning system (1, la, lb) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said first kit of said positioning system comprises a plurality of first support elements (3, 3a) suitable for supporting the whole length and width of said first body segment of the patient, and / or said second kit of said positioning system comprises a plurality of second support elements (5, 5a, 5b) suitable for supporting the whole length and width of said second body segment of the patient.

4. Positioning system (1, la, lb) according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, wherein said first kit of said positioning system comprises a plurality of first support elements suitable for supporting part of the length and / or part of the width of said first body segment of the patient, said first support elements being mutually independent and freely positionable and orientable relative to one another, and / or said second kit of said positioning system comprises a plurality of second support elements (5’, 5”) suitable for supporting part of the length and / or part of the width of said second body segment of the patient, said second support elements (5’, 5”) being mutually independent and freely positionable and orientablerelative to one another.

5. Positioning system (1, la, lb) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first and second support elements are provided inferiorly and / or superiorly with a surface made of a non-slip material, or they are provided inferiorly and / or superiorly with hook-and-loop means, or they are provided with a removable cover having inferiorly and / or superiorly a surface made of non-slip material, or they are provided with a removable cover having, inferiorly and / or superiorly, hook-and-loop means.

6. Positioning system (1, la, lb) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising inclination-varying elements (7, 9, 7a, 9b), removably couplable to said first support elements (3, 3a, 3b) and / or said second support elements (5, 5a, 5b, 5’, 5”).

7. Positioning system (1, la, lb) according to claim 6, wherein said inclination-varying elements (7, 9, 7a, 9b) are provided inferiorly and / or superiorly with a surface made of a non-slip material, or they are provided inferiorly and / or superiorly with hook-and-loop means, or they are provided with a removable cover having inferiorly and / or superiorly a surface made of a non-slip material, or they are provided with a removable cover having inferiorly and / or superiorly hook-and-loop means.

8. Positioning system (1, la, lb) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising padding elements, removably couplable to said first support elements (3, 3a, 3b) and / or said second support elements (5, 5a, 5b, 5’, 5”).

9. Positioning system (1, la, lb) according to claim 8, wherein said padding elements are provided inferiorly and / or superiorly with a surface made of a non-slip material, or they are provided inferiorly and / or superiorly with hook-and-loop means, or they are provided with a removable cover having inferiorly and / or superiorly a surface made of a non-slip material, or they are provided with a removable cover having inferiorly and / or superiorly hook-and-loop means.

10. Positioning system (1, la, lb) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a base element having a flat shape and made of a rigid or flexible material, said first and second support elements being removably couplable to said base element.

11. Positioning system (1, la, lb) according to claim 10, wherein said base element is larger, in both length and width, than said support elements, so that said support elements can be variously positioned and oriented with respect to one another and to the base element.

12. Positioning system (1, la, lb) according to claim 10, wherein said base element is provided with a surface made of a non-slip material or with hook-and-loop means.

13. Use of the positioning system (1, la, lb) according to any one of claims 1 - 12 for positioning body segments of an upper limb or a lower limb of a patient.

14. Use of the positioning system (1, la, lb) according to any one of claims 1 - 12 for positioning the neck and head of a patient.

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