Brace and fixture for housing cast stays

Abstract

A main object of the present technology is to prevent a hard cast stay from being exposed and coming into contact with a patient's skin even if the cast stay is displaced due to movement of the patient when the patient wears a brace that houses the cast stay.SOLUTION: As a result of intensive studies, the present inventors have found that, by covering the cast stay with a pair of covering portions that cover the cast stay in a double-opening structure, even if the cast stay is displaced due to the movement of the patient when the patient wears the brace, the hard cast stay can be prevented from being exposed and coming into contact with the skin of the patient.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an appliance and a fixture for storing a cast stay. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of orthopedic medicine, there is a demand for various joint braces that can quickly immobilize the affected area of ​​a patient by attaching a cast stay shaped to fit the affected area to the brace.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a joint brace that includes a cast stay for immobilizing an affected area and a main body that includes a pocket for accommodating the cast stay. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-170434 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The main purpose of this technology is to prevent the hard cast stay from being exposed and coming into contact with the patient's skin even if the cast stay shifts due to the patient's movements while wearing an orthosis that stores the cast stay. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a result of extensive research, the inventors have found that by using an orthosis with a set of covering parts that has a double-opening structure to cover the cast stay, and by covering the cast stay with the overlapping covering parts of the set, even if the cast stay shifts due to the patient's movements while wearing the orthosis, the hard cast stay will be exposed and will not come into contact with the patient's skin.

[0007] That is, the present technology provides an appliance for storing a cast stay, which includes a main body having a storage section for a cast stay and a fixing section for fixing the cast stay to the affected area of ​​a patient, and a set of covering sections connected to a pair of opposing edge portions of the storage section, the covering sections having a connecting end that connects with the storage section and a non-connecting end that does not connect with the storage section, and the set of covering sections overlap around at least a part of the non-connecting ends to cover the cast stay. In the prosthetic device of the present technology, the pair of covering portions preferably slidably overlap each other, and the covering portions preferably have symmetrical shapes. In the orthosis of the present technology, a bending region that is relatively easy to bend may be formed in at least a part of the longitudinal direction of the storage portion, and the storage portion may be constricted in the bending region. Furthermore, in the bending region, the non-connected ends of the pair of covering portions may be formed to protrude toward each other in the direction of the other covering portion. The orthosis of the present technology may further include a fixation means for maintaining the flexed state. In the brace of the present technology, the coupling end may be colored a different color from the main body.

[0008] Next, the present technology provides a fixture comprising a cast stay and the orthosis according to claim 1. Here, the cast stay may be formed from a water-curable resin. The immobilization devices of the present technology may be for immobilization of elbow, hand, knee, or foot joints. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is an image of an upper limb immobilization brace viewed from the side (inside) that comes into contact with the patient's affected area. [Figure 2] This is an image of an upper limb immobilization brace viewed from the side (outside) that does not come into contact with the patient's affected area. [Figure 3] This is an image of the cast stay before it hardens. [Figure 4]This is an image of the cast stay after hardening. [Figure 5] This is an image diagram showing the state in which one of a set of covering parts is turned up to store the cast stay in the brace. [Figure 6] This is an image diagram showing the state in which both covering parts of one set are turned up to store the cast stay in the brace. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing how a cast stay is stored in the orthosis of the present technology. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing how a cast stay is stored in the orthosis of the present technology. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing how the fixing device of the present technology is attached to the upper limb. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing how the fixing device of the present technology is attached to the upper limb. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing how the fixing device of the present technology is attached to the upper limb and restricts extension of the elbow joint. [Figure 12] This is an image of a knee brace seen from the side (inside) that comes into contact with the patient's affected area. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing a fixation device according to the present technology attached to a knee. [Figure 14] This is an image of a leg brace seen from the side (inside) that comes into contact with the patient's affected area. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing a state in which the fixing device of the present technology is attached to a foot. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present technology will be described below. However, the embodiments shown below are examples of typical embodiments of the present technology, and the present technology is not limited to only the preferred embodiments below and can be freely modified within the scope of the present technology.

[0011] [Orthotics] The orthosis for storing the cast stay according to the present technology (hereinafter simply referred to as "orthosis") comprises a main body having a storage section for the cast stay and a fixing section for fixing the cast stay to the affected area of ​​the patient, and a covering section for covering the storage section.

[0012] In orthopedic medical settings, a cast stay that can be deformed into any shape and hardened is used. The cast stay is hardened to fit the patient's affected area, and the cast stay is then attached to an orthosis to externally fix the affected area in an appropriate position.

[0013] In the orthosis according to the present technology, the covering part is a set of covering parts joined to a set of opposing edges of the storage part. That is, the storage part of the orthosis according to the present technology has a double-opening structure (a structure provided with two lid-like (flap-like) covering parts that can be opened and closed to enable the storage and removal of the cast stay to be stored. Hereinafter, this may be referred to as a double-flap structure).

[0014] Furthermore, the pair of covering parts provided in the orthosis of the present technology each have a connecting end that connects to the storage part and a non-connecting end that does not connect to the storage part, and the pair of covering parts overlap each other around at least a part of the non-connecting end to cover the cast stay. This allows the cast stay to be quickly fixed to the affected part of the patient, and prevents the hard cast stay from being exposed and coming into contact with the patient's skin even if the position of the cast stay shifts due to the patient's movement while wearing the orthosis.

[0015] The configuration of the prosthetic device of the present technology will be described in more detail below.

[0016] <Main body> The main body of the orthosis according to the present technology has a storage section for the cast stay and a fixing section for fixing the cast stay to the affected area of ​​the patient.

[0017] In the orthosis of the present technology, the storage section for the cast stay can have any shape to match the shape of the cast stay to be stored in. Furthermore, the shape of the storage section and the shape of the cast stay do not need to be the same, but from the viewpoint of suppressing displacement of the cast stay relative to the affected area of ​​the patient, it is preferable that the shape of the storage section and the shape of the cast stay are approximately the same.

[0018] Here, "substantially the same" does not mean that the shape is completely similar, but rather that the basic shapes such as the outlines are the same, but different shapes are allowed as long as the relationship between the storing object and the object to be stored is not substantially impaired.

[0019] In the orthosis of the present technology, a bending region that is relatively easy to bend is formed in at least a portion of the longitudinal direction of the storage section, so that the cast stay can be quickly fixed to fit the shape of the affected area around the joint of the elbow, hand, knee, foot, etc. Furthermore, by forming a bending region in at least a portion other than the longitudinal end of the storage section provided in the orthosis of the present technology, it is possible to effectively suppress displacement of the cast stay with respect to the affected area of ​​the patient.

[0020] The bending region is a region in the storage section that bends when the orthosis (the cast stay stored therein) of the present technology is fixed in a bent state. The bending region is formed as a region that is relatively easy to bend compared to the region other than the bending region of the storage section. The bending region can be formed by any method, but examples include making the width of the storage section in the bending region relatively narrower than the width of the region other than the bending region, using a material that forms the bending region that is more flexible than the material that forms the region other than the bending region, or making the thickness of the region that forms the bending region relatively thinner than the thickness of the region other than the bending region.

[0021] One method for narrowing the width of the storage section in the bending region relative to the width of the other regions (regions other than the bending region) is, for example, to form a constricted shape for the storage section in the bending region. Here, "a constricted storage section" refers to a shape in which at least a portion of the storage section other than the longitudinal ends is relatively narrower than the width of the other regions (regions other than the bending region). The constricted shape of the storage section in the bending region can be formed by providing a notch in the storage section that is cut out in a substantially arc shape (including a semicircular arc shape) or a substantially rectangular shape. By forming the storage section in the bending region with a constricted shape, it is possible to suitably suppress displacement of the cast stay relative to the affected area of ​​the patient.

[0022] <Coated part> As described above, the pair of covering parts included in the orthosis according to the present technology are coupled to a pair of opposing edges of the storage part, so that the storage part has a double-flap structure formed by the covering parts, and each of the pair of covering parts has a coupled end that couples with the storage part and a non-coupled end that does not couple with the storage part, and the pair of covering parts overlap around at least a portion of the non-coupled ends to cover the cast stay. This allows the cast stay to be quickly fixed to the affected part of the patient, and prevents the hard cast stay from being exposed and coming into contact with the patient's skin even if the position of the cast stay shifts due to the patient's movement while wearing the orthosis.

[0023] It is preferable that the pair of covering parts of the orthosis of the present technology slidably overlap each other, for example, by having the non-connected ends be free ends. By slidably overlapping, when the patient is wearing the orthosis, the cast stay can be quickly fixed to the affected part of the patient, and even if the position of the cast stay is shifted due to the patient's movement, the hard cast stay can be effectively prevented from being exposed and coming into contact with the patient's skin.

[0024] Here, "sliding" refers to the movement of one object on the surface of another object while the surfaces of the objects are in contact with each other. In this technology, it refers to the movement of one covering on the surface of the contact surface of the other covering at the contact surface of a pair of overlapping coverings.

[0025] "Free end" means that the end does not have a fixing means. In this technology, the non-connected ends of the covering parts do not have a fixing means for fixing the overlapping state, such as a hook-and-loop fastener (Magic Tape (registered trademark)), so that when a pair of overlapping covering parts contact each other, one covering part can slide smoothly over the surface of the contact surface of the other covering part.

[0026] The shape of the set of covering parts provided in the orthosis of the present technology is not particularly limited as long as they are capable of overlapping and covering the cast stay around the non-connected end, and the shapes of the covering parts may be symmetrical or different.

[0027] If the shape of the set of covering parts provided in the orthosis of the present technology is symmetrical, the same orthosis can be used to cover the cast stay appropriately in accordance with the patient's movements, regardless of whether the affected area is on the left or right half of the patient's body.

[0028] Here, "symmetrical shape" is not limited to a completely symmetrical shape, but also allows for different shapes to the extent that the cast stay can be appropriately covered in accordance with the patient's movements, regardless of whether the affected area is on the left or right half of the patient's body.

[0029] In the orthosis of the present technology, when the aforementioned bending region is formed in at least a portion of the longitudinal direction of the storage section, the non-connected ends of the pair of covering sections are formed to protrude toward each other in the bending region, making it less likely that the non-connected ends will come into contact with joints such as the patient's elbows and knees, thereby reducing the discomfort felt when wearing the orthosis.

[0030] Furthermore, in the orthosis of the present technology, the connecting end of the covering part is colored a different color from the main body, so that the position of the cast stay stored in the orthosis can be seen from the outside, allowing doctors and others to easily understand the positional relationship between the cast stay and the affected area.

[0031] <Fixing means> The orthosis of the present technology may further include a fixing means for maintaining a flexed state, thereby making it possible to suitably maintain a joint of the patient, such as an elbow, hand, knee, or foot, in a flexed state. The fixing means is preferably installed around the main body that covers the flexed joint.

[0032] The method of fixing by the fixing means is not particularly limited, and any method can be suitably used. Examples of the fixing means include a fixing belt, a hook and loop fastener, a buckle, a snap button, a string, etc.

[0033] <Thumb fixing part> When the brace of the present technology is for an elbow, it may further include a thumb fixing portion for fixing the thumb. By including the thumb fixing portion, movement of the elbow joint can be effectively suppressed, and the affected area can be fixed more effectively.

[0034] The thumb fixing portion may be formed integrally with the main body of the brace of the present technology, or may be formed as a separate body that can be separated from the main body of the brace.

[0035] When the thumb fixing portion is formed separately from the main body of the orthosis of the present technology, the position of the thumb fixing portion relative to the main body of the orthosis can be adjusted for use when the affected area is on both the left and right halves of the patient's body. Furthermore, for patients who do not need to fixate the thumb, not using the thumb fixing portion reduces the contact area between the orthosis and the skin, which can reduce the discomfort the patient feels when wearing the orthosis.

[0036] The main body of the brace and the thumb fixing portion of the present technology can be suitably joined via the joint area, for example, by making the thumb fixing portion and / or the main body of the brace have a joint area.

[0037] The means for joining the main body of the prosthesis and the thumb fixation part of the present technology is not particularly limited, and any suitable method can be used, such as a fastening belt, a hook-and-loop fastener, a buckle, a snap button, welding, or an adhesive string.

[0038] <Material> The material for forming the brace of the present technology is not particularly limited as long as it is a material that can be used to form each component that stores, fixes, and covers the cast stay, and known materials can be suitably used.

[0039] In addition, by using a material with a mesh structure or a porous structure, such as a fiber material or a foam material, as the material for forming the main body and covering portion of the brace of this technology, breathability can be improved and discomfort associated with wearing the brace for long periods of time can be reduced.

[0040] Furthermore, by subjecting the main body and covering portion of the brace of the present technology to a water-repellent treatment, it is possible to reduce discomfort such as stuffiness that occurs when the user of the brace sweats.

[0041] <Cast stay> The orthosis of the present technology can be used as a fixation device to fixate the affected area of ​​a patient by storing a cast stay. As a result, even if the position of the cast stay shifts due to the patient's movement while wearing the fixation device, the set of covering parts of the orthosis of the present technology overlaps and covers the cast stay, preventing the hard cast stay from being exposed and coming into contact with the patient's skin.

[0042] Here, the term "cast stay" refers to a member that fixes and supports the affected area.

[0043] The cast stay that can be used in the present technology may be a pre-formed one, but even if it can be hardened in a state where it is deformed into any shape according to the shape of the affected part in the medical field, the cast stay can be quickly fixed to the affected part of the patient using the orthosis of the present technology. From the viewpoint of suppressing the positional deviation of the cast stay relative to the affected part of the patient, it is preferable that the shape of the cast stay is substantially the same as the shape of the storage part. Specifically, when the cast stay is used in a bent state, it is preferable that a notch that is notched in a substantially arc-shaped (including a semicircular arc-shaped) or substantially rectangular shape is provided in the bending region of the cast stay, so that the cast stay has a constricted shape.

[0044] If the cast stay usable in the present technology can be deformed into any shape to fit the shape of the affected area and then hardened, it may be provided with a core material to provide strength. In this case, the core material is made of a base fabric and a hardening material impregnated into the base fabric, and the strength of the cast stay can be achieved by adjusting the thickness and material of these materials.

[0045] When the cast stay has a base fabric, the base fabric can be a knitted fabric, woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, or the like made from a material that is flexible, has low moisture regain, high tensile strength, and is non-reactive with the curable material used. For example, a knitted fabric, woven fabric, or nonwoven fabric made from glass fiber, aramid fiber, polyester fiber, polyolefin fiber, polyamide fiber, polyacrylic fiber, rayon fiber, cotton fiber, or the like can be used, and these may be used alone or in combination. In particular, a Raschel knitted fabric made from glass fiber or polyester fiber yarn is preferred, and the thickness is preferably about 0.08 to 5 mm.

[0046] In the case where the cast stay can be deformed into any shape to match the shape of the affected area and then hardened, suitable hardening materials include, for example, water-hardening resins that harden when they come into contact with water, photo-hardening resins that harden when exposed to light, and thermoplastic resins that are softened by heating and then hardened by cooling.

[0047] As the water-curable resin, for example, a polyurethane prepolymer obtained by reacting a polyol with an excess amount of a polyisocyanate can be used. As the photocurable resin, for example, an acrylate resin such as a urethane (meth)acrylate resin can be used. Furthermore, as the thermoplastic resin, for example, polyester resin or the like can be used.

[0048] <Other configurations> The fixing device of the present technology may have other configurations in addition to the above-described configurations as needed, as long as the desired physical properties are not significantly impaired.

[0049] The fixation device of the present technology can be suitably used for immobilizing an affected area that can be immobilized using a cast stay. In particular, by combining it with a cast stay that can be deformed into any shape and hardened, the affected area can be quickly immobilized so that it is in an appropriate position according to the condition of the affected area of ​​the patient. Therefore, it can be suitably used for immobilizing an affected area around a joint, such as an upper limb (elbow, hand, etc.) or a lower limb (knee, foot, etc.). Therefore, it can be suitably used for immobilizing an upper limb, for example.

[0050] Specific embodiments of the prosthetic device according to the present technology will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are examples of embodiments of the present technology, and the present technology should not be interpreted as being limited to the contents of these embodiments.

[0051] <1 First Embodiment> Fig. 1 is an image diagram of a first embodiment of an upper limb immobilization brace viewed from the side (inside) that comes into contact with the patient's affected area, and Fig. 2 is an image diagram of the upper limb immobilization brace viewed from the side (outside) that does not come into contact with the patient's affected area. Note that explanations of common symbols in each drawing will be omitted unless particularly necessary.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 1, the brace 10 according to the first embodiment comprises a main body 11 having a storage section 12 capable of storing a cast stay and a fixing section 13 for fixing the cast stay to the affected area of ​​the patient, and a set of covering sections 14, the covering sections 14 of which are formed to overlap each other.

[0053] Each set of covering parts 14 is connected to the storage part 12 of the main body 11 at a connecting end 15 provided on the edge of the storage part 12. The side of the covering parts 14 that is not connected to the storage part 12 is a non-connecting end 16, and the non-connecting end 16 does not have any means for fixing the overlapping covering parts 14 together, making it a free end and allowing the overlapping parts to slide relative to each other. This makes it possible to quickly maintain a state in which the cast stays are fixed to the patient's affected area when the patient is wearing the orthosis, and effectively prevents the hard cast stays from being exposed and coming into contact with the patient's skin even if the position of the cast stays shifts due to the patient's movement.

[0054] 1 and 2, each set of covering parts 14 has a symmetrical shape. This allows the cast stay to be appropriately covered in accordance with the patient's movements using the same orthosis, regardless of whether the affected area is on the left or right side of the patient's body.

[0055] 1 and 2, a notch cut out in a substantially arc shape (semicircular arc shape) is provided in a portion of the longitudinal direction of the storage section 12, thereby creating a narrower portion that is narrower than the width of the other areas, thereby forming a bending region 17 that is relatively easy to bend. This makes it possible to suitably prevent the cast stay from shifting position relative to the affected area of ​​the patient.

[0056] 1 and 2, the non-connected ends 16 of a pair of covering portions 14 are formed to protrude toward each other in the direction of the other covering portion at the position of the bending region 17. In other words, the non-connected ends 16 of a pair of covering portions 14 at the position of the bending region 17 are shaped to protrude toward the connected ends 15 of each other covering portion when the covering portions 14 are closed. This makes it less likely that the non-connected ends 16 will come into contact with joints such as the elbows and knees of the patient, which can reduce discomfort when wearing the brace 10.

[0057] 1 and 2, the brace of this embodiment may have the connecting end 15 colored a different color from the main body 11. By adopting such a configuration, the position of the cast stay stored in the brace can be visually confirmed from the outside, and a doctor or other specialist can easily understand the positional relationship between the cast stay and the affected area.

[0058] 1 and 2 includes a fixing belt 18 as fixing means for maintaining a flexed state, which makes it possible to suitably maintain the patient's joints, such as elbows and knees, in a flexed state.

[0059] 1 and 2 includes a thumb immobilization section 20 that immobilizes the thumb. This effectively prevents movement of the elbow joint of the upper limb, and more effectively immobilizes the affected area.

[0060] 1 and 2, the main body 11 and the thumb fixing portion 20 are formed as separate bodies that can be separated. The thumb fixing portion 20 has a joint region 21, which allows the thumb fixing device 20 to be connected to the main body 11 via the joint region 21. This allows the position of the thumb fixing portion relative to the main body of the orthosis to be adjusted for use when the affected area is on either the left or right half of the patient's body. Furthermore, for patients who do not require thumb fixation, not using the thumb fixing portion reduces the contact area between the orthosis and the skin, which can reduce the discomfort the patient feels when wearing the orthosis.

[0061] In the brace 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the joining region 21 is formed by a hook and loop fastener, but is not limited to this form.

[0062] 1 and 2, in the brace of this embodiment, the main body 11 and the covering portion 14 are made of a fiber material with a mesh structure. This improves breathability and can reduce discomfort caused by wearing the brace for long periods of time.

[0063] 1 and 2, in the brace of this embodiment, the main body 11 and the covering portion 14 are treated to be water repellent. This can reduce the discomfort caused by sweating by the brace user, such as stuffiness.

[0064] Next, a cast stay that can be used in the fixture of the present technology will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0065] Fig. 3 is an image diagram of the cast stay 31 before it is hardened, and Fig. 4 is an image diagram of the cast stay 31 after it has been hardened. Although not clearly shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the cast stay 31 used in this embodiment can be hardened in a state where it has been deformed into any shape in accordance with the shape of the affected area, and is provided with a core material for providing strength, and the core material is formed from a base fabric and a water-setting resin impregnated into the base fabric.

[0066] Before hardening, the cast stay 31 is stored in a moisture-impermeable package such as an aluminum pouch. Figure 3 shows the cast stay 31 before hardening, removed from the package. The shape of the cast stay 31 is formed to be approximately the same as the shape of the storage section 12, from the viewpoint of suppressing displacement of the cast stay. The cast stay 31 in Figure 3 is used in a bent state as shown in Figure 4, and has a constricted shape in the bent region by a notch cut out in an approximately arc shape (semicircular arc shape).

[0067] The cast stay 31 taken out of the packaging bag is hydrated, and then excess water is removed from the surface of the cast stay 31.

[0068] Thereafter, the cast stay 31 is stored in the storage compartment of the device body by a method to be described later, and the device is then worn on the patient, whereby the cast stay 31 is deformed to fit the shape of the affected area of ​​the patient and hardened in that state. Figure 4 shows the cast stay 31 after hardening to fit the shape of the patient in this way.

[0069] Next, a method for storing the cast stay in the brace and wearing the brace with the cast stay stored therein as a fixture on a patient will be described with reference to Figs. 5 to 11 .

[0070] Figure 5 shows a state in which one of the pair of covering parts 14 has been turned up to store the cast stay in the brace 10. Figure 6 shows a state in which the other covering part 14 has also been turned up (a state in which both covering parts 14 have been turned up).

[0071] Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 7, the cast stay 31 is hydrated and excess water is removed from its surface, and then stored in the storage section 12 of the orthosis 10. As shown in Fig. 8, a pair of covering sections 14 overlap each other at least partially around the non-connected ends 16 of the covering sections 14 to cover the cast stay 31, thereby forming a fixing device consisting of the cast stay 31 and the orthosis 10. If necessary, a thumb fixing section may be connected to the fixing device.

[0072] 9 to 11 are conceptual diagrams showing how the fixation device prepared as described above is attached to the patient's upper limb.

[0073] First, as shown in FIG. 9 , the fixture 30 is placed against the upper limb of the patient P so that the flexed region 17 is at the position of the patient P's elbow. Then, as shown in FIG. 10 , the fixture 30 is fixed with the fixing portion 13, thereby deforming the cast stay included in the fixture 30 to fit the shape of the affected area. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11 , by fixing with the fixing belt 18, the joints of the patient P, such as the elbow, hand, knee, and foot, can be maintained in a flexed state, and the state of the cast stay can be fixed more effectively. Furthermore, since the fixture 30 of the present technology has a pair of overlapping covering portions that cover the cast stay, even if the cast stay shifts due to the patient P's movement while wearing the brace, the hard cast stay is exposed and can be prevented from coming into contact with the patient P's skin.

[0074] <2. Second embodiment> Next, a knee immobilization brace will be described as a second embodiment of the present technology. Fig. 12 shows an image of the knee immobilization brace as seen from the side (inside) that contacts the affected part of the patient. As shown in Fig. 12, the brace 10 according to this embodiment also includes a main body 11 having a storage section 12 that can store a cast stay and a fixing section 13 for fixing the cast stay to the affected part of the patient, and a set of covering sections 14, the covering sections 14 of which are formed to overlap each other.

[0075] As shown in Figure 12, in the orthosis 10 according to this embodiment, a set of covering parts 14 is connected to the storage part 12 of the main body 11 at a connecting end 15 provided on the edge of the storage part 12. The side of the covering parts 14 that is not connected to the storage part 12 is a non-connecting end 16, and the non-connecting end 16 does not have any means for fixing the overlapping covering parts 14 together, but is a free end, allowing the overlapping parts to slide relative to each other. This makes it possible to quickly maintain a state in which the cast stays are fixed to the affected part of the patient when the patient is wearing the orthosis, and effectively prevents the hard cast stays from being exposed and coming into contact with the patient's skin even if the position of the cast stays shifts due to the patient's movement.

[0076] For the brace according to this embodiment, the cast stay that fits the affected area is hydrated using the same procedure as in the first embodiment, excess water on the surface is removed, and the cast stay is then stored in the storage section 12 of the brace body of this embodiment, and the brace is then worn on the patient, whereby the cast stay can be deformed to fit the shape of the patient's affected area and hardened in that state. Figure 13 is an image showing the fixation brace according to this embodiment worn on the knee.

[0077] The second embodiment can also have the same features as those that can be used in the first embodiment, and can suitably use the configuration that can be used in the first embodiment.

[0078] <3 Third embodiment> Next, a foot (ankle) immobilization brace will be described as a third embodiment of the present technology. Fig. 14 shows an image of the foot immobilization brace as seen from the side (inside) that contacts the affected part of the patient. As shown in Fig. 14, the brace 10 according to this embodiment also includes a main body 11 having a storage section 12 that can store a cast stay and a fixing section 13 for fixing the cast stay to the affected part of the patient, and a set of covering sections 14, the covering sections 14 of which are formed to overlap each other.

[0079] As shown in Figure 14, in the orthosis 10 according to this embodiment, a set of covering parts 14 is connected to the storage part 12 of the main body 11 at a connecting end 15 provided on the edge of the storage part 12. The side of the covering parts 14 that is not connected to the storage part 12 is a non-connecting end 16, and the non-connecting end 16 does not have any means for fixing the overlapping covering parts 14 together, making it a free end, allowing the overlapping parts to slide relative to each other. This makes it possible to quickly maintain a state in which the cast stays are fixed to the patient's affected area when the patient wears the orthosis, and effectively prevents the hard cast stays from being exposed and coming into contact with the patient's skin even if the position of the cast stays shifts due to the patient's movement.

[0080] For the orthosis according to this embodiment, the cast stay that fits the affected area is hydrated using the same procedure as in the first embodiment, excess water on the surface is removed, and the cast stay is then stored in the storage section 12 of the main body of the orthosis according to this embodiment. The orthosis is then worn on the patient, whereby the cast stay can be deformed to fit the shape of the patient's affected area and hardened in that state. Figure 15 is an image diagram showing the fixation orthosis according to this embodiment worn on a foot.

[0081] The third embodiment may also have the same features as those that can be used in the first or second embodiment, and may suitably use the configurations that can be used in the first or second embodiment.

[0082] As shown in the above embodiments, the storage section of the orthosis of the present technology has a double-flap structure with one set of covering parts, and these covering parts overlap to cover the cast stay, so that the cast stay can be quickly fixed to the patient's affected area, and even if the position of the cast stay shifts due to the patient's movement while wearing the orthosis, the hard cast stay will not be exposed and will not come into contact with the patient's skin.

[0083] The braces and fixators of the present technology are not limited to use for upper limbs such as elbows and hands, or lower limbs such as knees and feet, as described in the above embodiments, but can also be suitably used to fixate affected areas that can be fixed using cast stays.

[0084] The present technology can have the following configurations. [1] A main body having a storage section for a cast stay and a fixing section for fixing the cast stay to the affected area of ​​a patient; a pair of covering portions coupled to a pair of opposing edges of the storage portion; the covering portion has a coupling end that couples with the storage portion and a non-coupling end that does not couple with the storage portion, The pair of covering portions overlap each other around at least a portion of the non-connected end to cover the cast stay. An appliance for storing cast stays. [2] The brace described in [1], wherein the pair of covering portions slidably overlap each other. [3] The brace described in [1] or [2], wherein the covering portion has a symmetrical shape. [4] An orthosis according to any one of [1] to [3], in which a bending region is formed in at least a portion of the longitudinal direction of the storage section, and which is used in a bent state. [5] The brace described in [4], wherein the storage section is constricted in the bending region. [6] The brace described in [5], wherein the non-connected ends of the pair of covering portions are formed to protrude toward each other in the direction of the other covering portion in the bending region. [7] The brace according to any one of [1] to [6], further comprising a fixing means for maintaining the flexed state. [8] The brace described in any one of [1] to [7], wherein the connecting end is colored a different color from the main body. [9] The brace described in any one of [1] to [8], further comprising a thumb fixing portion for fixing the thumb.

[10] The orthosis described in [9], wherein the thumb fixing portion has a joint area, and the thumb fixing device is connected to the main body via the joint area.

[11] The brace described in any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein the material forming the main body and the covering portion has a mesh structure.

[12] The appliance described in any one of [1] to

[11] , wherein the main body and the covering portion are treated to be water repellent.

[13] A fixture comprising a cast stay and the appliance described in any one of [1] to

[12] .

[14] The fixture according to

[13] , wherein the cast stay is formed from a water-curable resin.

[15] A fixation device according to

[13] or

[14] , for fixing a joint.

[16] The immobilization device according to

[13] or

[14] , which is for immobilizing an elbow, hand, knee, or foot joint. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 10 Orthotics 11 Main unit 12 Storage area 13 Fixed part 14 Covering part 15 Joint end 16 Non-bonded end 17 Bend area 18 Fixing means (fixing belt) 20 Thumb fixing part 21 Bonding area (hook and loop fastener) 30 Fixtures 31 Cast stay P patient

Claims

1. A main body having a storage section for a cast stay and a fixing section for fixing the cast stay to an affected part of a patient; a pair of covering portions coupled to a pair of opposing edges of the storage portion; the covering portion has a coupling end that couples with the storage portion and a non-coupling end that does not couple with the storage portion, The pair of covering portions overlap each other around at least a portion of the non-connected end to cover the cast stay. An appliance for storing cast stays.

2. The brace of claim 1 , wherein the pair of coverings slidably overlap.

3. The brace of claim 1 , wherein the covering portion is symmetrical in shape.

4. The brace according to claim 1 , wherein a bending region is formed in at least a portion of the longitudinal direction of the storage section, and the brace is used in a bent state.

5. The brace of claim 4 , wherein the recess is constricted in the bending region.

6. The brace according to claim 5 , wherein the uncoupled ends of the pair of covering portions are formed to protrude toward each other in the bending region.

7. The brace of claim 4 , further comprising a fixing means for maintaining the flexed state.

8. The appliance of claim 1 , wherein the connecting end is colored a different color than the body.

9. The brace according to claim 1 , further comprising a thumb immobilization portion for immobilizing the thumb.

10. A fixture comprising a cast stay and the brace according to claim 1.

11. The fixture according to claim 10 , wherein the cast stay is formed of a water-curable resin.

12. 11. The immobilization device according to claim 10, for immobilizing an elbow, hand, knee, or foot joint.

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