Fixation devices and joint braces

Abstract

To provide a fixing material capable of quickly and reliably following an affected part in use, and being strong and hardly causing positional deviation after curing, and joint orthosis.SOLUTION: A sheet-like fixing material 1 to be attached to a joint area, the fixing material 1 is a folded part 2 formed at a prescribed position and has a folded form, the fixing material 1 including, at least at one end of the folded part 2, a connection part formed by connecting the fixing materials facing each other. When the folded form of the fixing material 1 is unfolded in use, the fixing material 1 is curved and deformed inward to form a joint storage part. Alternatively, a joint orthosis including at least the fixing material 1 and an orthosis capable of storing the fixing material 1 is also provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixing material for forming a splint, a cast, a stay, etc. for fixing or instructing an affected part for the purpose of treatment or protection in the medical field, the sports field, etc., and an articular prosthesis.

Background Art

[0002] In the medical field of orthopedics, a treatment is performed in which a fixing material formed in a shape along a patient's affected part is attached to an articular prosthesis and fixed so that the affected part is maintained in an appropriate position.

[0003] As a fixing material used for such a treatment, for example, in Patent Document 1, an intermediate material in which a water-curable resin is applied to a stretch fabric woven using a double raschel knitting machine, and upper and lower surface layers formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the intermediate material, including a stretchable non-woven fabric and a barrier film of a water-curable resin, are disclosed.

[0004] The fixing material described in Patent Document 1 follows the curved surface of the bent part without generating a fold at the location applied to the bent part of the joint part.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Such a fixing material, particularly a sheet-like fixing material, may not be able to sufficiently follow the three-dimensional side surface of a joint part having a three-dimensional curved surface when the joint part is the affected part. In particular, for joint parts having a bent part such as an ankle joint or an elbow, in order to maintain the affected part in an appropriate position, it takes a long treatment time and also imposes a mental burden on the patient.

[0007] Furthermore, if the procedure takes too long, the fixation material may harden before the affected area is properly secured, potentially resulting in insufficient fixation. Additionally, moving the affected area after the fixation material has hardened may cause the material to shift from its attachment point or cause friction between the material and the affected area.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a fixation material and joint orthosis that can quickly and reliably conform to the affected area, and that, after the fixation material has hardened, is strong and resistant to displacement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a sheet-like fixing material to be attached to a joint, wherein the fixing material is folded at a folded portion formed at a predetermined position, and at least one end of the folded portion is provided with a connecting portion formed by the joining of opposing fixing materials. Furthermore, the fixing material according to the present invention may further comprise a curable sheet and a covering material covering the sheet. In this case, the joint portion may be formed by joining opposing covering materials together. Furthermore, the fixing material according to the present invention may further comprise a joint housing portion formed when the fixing material is opened from a folded state using the folded portion as a base axis, causing the fixing material to curve inward. Furthermore, the fixing material according to the present invention may further comprise corner folding portions formed by folding the corner portions located at both ends of the folded portion. In this case, the corner folding portion can be supported from the outside by the joint housing portion. Furthermore, this corner folding portion may further comprise creases that have been pre-applied to the fixing material. Furthermore, the fixing material or the sheet may be formed from a water-curable resin. Furthermore, the covering material may be formed from a nonwoven fabric. Furthermore, the present invention provides a joint orthosis comprising at least the above fixing material and an orthosis capable of housing the fixing material. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The fixation material and joint orthosis according to the present invention can be quickly and reliably adapted to the affected area, and after the fixation material hardens, it is strong and unlikely to shift position away from the affected area. The effects described herein are not necessarily limited, and any of the effects described herein may also be present. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of a fixing material 1 in a folded state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the material composition of a fixing material 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the material composition of the fixing material 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the joint portion 3 of a fixing material 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the fixing material 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the fixing material 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of the corner folding portion 6 of the fixing material 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is an exploded view showing the joint portion 3 of the fixing material 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing an articular orthosis 100 having a fixing member 1 and an orthosis 9 capable of housing the fixing member 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below show an example of typical embodiments of the present invention, and thus the scope of the present invention should not be construed narrowly. Also, the present invention can be combined with any of the following embodiments and their modified examples.

[0013] <(1) Configuration of the fixing material> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the folded fixing material 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The fixing material 1 according to this embodiment is a sheet-shaped fixing material, which has a folded-back portion 2 formed at a predetermined position, and a coupling portion 3 at at least one end of the folded-back portion 2, and is characterized by having a folded form at a predetermined position. The coupling portion 3 is formed by coupling the fixing materials 1 to each other. By opening the folding structure of the fixing material 1 around the folded-back portion 2 (hereinafter simply referred to as "opening"), a three-dimensional space (joint accommodating portion 4, see FIG. 5) can be formed. Further, the fixing material 1 has corner portions 5 located at both ends of the folded-back portion 2. Furthermore, the corner portions 5 have corner folding portions 6 formed by folding them along the fold lines 7, respectively.

[0014] As a result of intensive studies to improve the followability of the fixing material 1 to the joint portion, the inventor has found that by providing the above-mentioned folded-back portion 2 and the coupling portion 3 at at least one end of the folded-back portion 2, the curvature and space formed when the fixing material 1 is opened can improve the followability to the joint portion.

[0015] In the present invention, the position of the above-mentioned folded-back portion 2 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the joint portion to be applied.

[0016] <(2) Material composition of the fixing material> FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the material composition of the fixing member 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, it is a schematic cross-sectional view in the direction of the arrow along the line A-A in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, the fixing member 1 according to the present embodiment may include, for example, a covering member 12 including an outer covering member 12a and an inner covering member 12b, and a curable sheet 11 (hereinafter simply referred to as "sheet"). The fixing member 1 may form a layer structure such that the sheet 11 is sandwiched from above and below by the outer covering member 12a and the inner covering member 12b. Further, in the fixing member 1, the outer covering member 12a and the inner covering member 12b sandwich the sheet 11 and may be in a form that accommodates the sheet 11 in a bag-like structure formed by adhering to each other.

[0017] (2)-1 Curable Sheet The sheet 11 is hardened after being made to follow the joint part which is the affected part, and may have curability in order to exhibit strength. The sheet 11 is made of, for example, a material that cures by water or light, or a material that softens and can be formed by heat. More specifically, the sheet 11 may be obtained by holding a resin on a base fabric in which a plurality of layers of fiber materials are laminated. After bringing the fixing member 1 including the sheet 11 into contact with the joint part and taking a mold, the joint part can be fixed by curing the fixing member 1. Also, the strength of the fixing member 1 may be adjusted according to the thickness and material of the sheet 11.

[0018] For example, knitted fabrics, woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics, etc. can be used as the base fabric. More specifically, knitted fabrics, woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics using glass fibers, aramid fibers, polyester fibers, polyolefin fibers, polyamide fibers, polyacrylic fibers, rayon fibers, cotton fibers, etc. can be used, and these may be used alone or arbitrarily selected and combined.

[0019] The base fabric used in the present invention is preferably flexible, has a low moisture content and high tensile strength, is non-reactive to water-curable resins, and is easily wettable. In the viewpoint of easily conforming to the shape of the joint area and improving its fixation strength, the base fabric used in the present invention is preferably made of glass fiber or polyester fiber. The thickness of the base fabric is preferably 0.5 mm or more, more preferably 0.8 mm or more. Furthermore, the thickness of the base fabric is preferably 8 mm or less, more preferably 5 mm or less, but is not limited thereto.

[0020] As the resins mentioned above, for example, a polyurethane prepolymer composition consisting of a polyurethane prepolymer having isocyanate groups at the ends, obtained by reacting a polyol and a polyisocyanate, a catalyst, and other additives is preferably used as a water-curable resin. As a photocurable resin, for example, an acrylate resin such as a urethane (meth)acrylate resin is preferably used. As a thermoplastic resin, for example, a polyester resin is preferably used. As the resin used in the fixing material of the present invention, a water-curable resin is preferred.

[0021] (2)-2 Covering material The covering material 12 may cover part or all of the surface of the sheet 11. Alternatively, the covering material 12 may have a bag-like structure larger than the sheet 11 and cover the sheet 11 to enclose it. The covering material 12 can reduce the leakage of the water-curable resin to the outside. It also allows the practitioner to handle the fixation material 1 without directly touching the water-curable resin. Furthermore, the covering material 12 can evenly hold the water supplied during use on the surface of the water-curable resin, thereby improving the uniformity of the curing of the water-curable resin. In addition, the covering material 12 can also act as a cushioning material when attaching the fixation material 1 to the joint.

[0022] Preferably, the covering material 12 has water permeability that allows water supplied during use to pass through smoothly, and has moderate breathability, and does not react with the water-curable resin. For example, knitted fabrics, woven fabrics, or nonwoven fabrics made from synthetic fibers such as polyolefin fibers, polyester fibers, polyethylene fibers, polyolefin fibers, and polyvinyl chloride fibers, or synthetic fibers such as rayon, or natural fibers such as cotton can be used. The covering material 12 may further be treated with a water-repellent (resin-repellent) coating using a fluororesin. This can reduce the leakage of the water-curable resin to the outside. In addition, the water-repellent properties of the covering material 12 can reduce water wetting of the skin surface and suppress discomfort to the patient.

[0023] The materials used for the outer covering material 12a and the inner covering material 12b may be different. For example, the outer covering material 12a may be made of a material that is easy to handle, such as for bending, and has excellent water permeability, while the inner covering material 12b may be made of a material that has cushioning properties for joint areas and has appropriate breathability. With this configuration, by wetting only the surface of the outer covering material 12a with water during handling, the inner covering material 12b applied to the patient's skin can be made less wet, thereby reducing discomfort to the patient.

[0024] Furthermore, the covering material 12 may be provided with notches 12c. The notches 12c can be provided for injecting and draining water to cure the sheet 11 during use. The notches 12c may be formed, for example, in the area where the covering material 12 contacts the edge of the sheet 11. By providing notches 12c, the resin contained in the sheet 11 will not leak out, and the water after the curing reaction will be able to drain easily. In addition, as shown in Figure 1, multiple notches 12c may be formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 11. This will allow water to be injected into the entire surface of the sheet 11 and the injected water to be efficiently drained.

[0025] (2)-3 Other components The fixing material 1 according to the present invention may include a sheet 11 and a covering material 12, as well as other components as necessary. For example, it may have a cushioning material 11a to improve the fit to the joint area which is the affected area. It may also have a water-blocking film 11b to reduce water exposure to the patient's skin.

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the material composition of a fixing material 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, an example of a schematic cross-sectional view in the direction of the arrow AA in Figure 1 is shown. The fixing material 1 according to this embodiment may further comprise, for example, an outer covering material 12a and a sheet 11, and a cushioning material 11a, a water-blocking film 11b, and an inner covering material 12b. The fixing material 1 may form a layered structure such that the sheet 11, the cushioning material 11a, and the water-blocking film 11b are sandwiched from above and below by the outer covering material 12a and the inner covering material 12b. In this layered structure, each overlapping component may be bonded to each other. Alternatively, the fixing material 1 may take a form in which the outer covering material 12a and the inner covering material 12b bond to each other to form a bag-like structure, and house the sheet 11, the cushioning material 11a, and the water-blocking film 11b.

[0027] The cushioning material 11a described above preferably has cushioning properties for the joint area to which it is applied, is resistant to penetration of uncured water-curable resin, and has moderate breathability. It is also preferable that it is easily deformable to conform to the shape of the joint area. This cushioning material 11a reduces contact between the fixing material 1 and the joint area, reduces the transfer of reaction heat to the joint area when the water-curable resin hardens, and further reduces water wetting of the skin. In the present invention, the cushioning material 11a is preferably a foam of a single material or composite of, for example, a urethane-based material, a polyolefin-based material, or an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

[0028] The water-blocking film 11b described above preferably has moderate waterproofing and breathability. This water-blocking film 11b can reduce water exposure to the skin and maintain patient comfort.

[0029] The material configuration of the fixing material 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the material configuration shown in Figures 2 and 3 is merely an example of an embodiment and is not limited thereto; it can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. For example, each component of the fixing material can be selected as needed, and the order in which they are laminated can also be selected as appropriate. Furthermore, the folded portion 2 may have different configurations as a boundary.

[0030] <(3) Joint section> The connecting portion 3 in the fixing material 1 is formed by connecting opposing fixing materials 1 at at least one end of the folded portion 2. Having the connecting portion 3 makes it easier for the fixing material 1 to form a three-dimensional space that is easily applied to the joint area when the folded fixing material 1 is opened using the folded portion 2 as the axis, as the fixing material 1 curves inward. In the fixing material 1 of the present invention, it is preferable that the connecting portion 3 is formed at both ends of the folded portion 2. This allows the three-dimensional space formed by the fixing material 1 to take the form of a bag that can accommodate the joint area.

[0031] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a joint 3 of a fixing material 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, Figure 4(a) shows an example of a schematic cross-sectional view in the direction of the arrow BB of a joint 3 of a fixing material 1 having the configuration shown in Figure 2. The joint 3 is formed by joining opposing fixing materials 1 together. The joint 3 can be formed, for example, by joining opposing inner covering materials 12b at the folded portion 2. Furthermore, the joint 3 may be formed not only by joining the inner covering materials 12b together, but also by joining the laminated outer covering material 12a. This makes the joint stronger. Here, the method for forming the joint 3 may be based on methods known in the art. For example, the joint 3 can be formed by bonding with an adhesive, heat welding, or sewing. In particular, it is preferable that the joint 3 in the fixing material 1 of the present invention is formed by heat welding or sewing.

[0032] Figure 4(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the joint portion 3 of the fixing member 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention, in the direction of the arrow BB. The fixing member 1 shown in Figure 4(b) has the same configuration as the fixing member 1 shown in Figure 2. Here, the joint portion 3 can be formed, for example, by joining only the opposing outer covering materials 12a at the folded portion 2. In this case, the inner covering material 12b may be joined to the opposing outer covering material 12a inside the joint portion 3.

[0033] Figure 4(c) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the joint 3 of the fixing material 1a in the direction of the arrow BB according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4(c), the fixing material 1a has an outer covering material 12a and a sheet 11. In this case, the joint 3 can be formed by the direct bonding of the outer covering materials 12a together.

[0034] Figure 4(d) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the joint 3 of the fixing material 1b in the direction of the arrow BB according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4(d), the fixing material 1b has sheets 11. In this case, the joint 3 can be formed by the direct joining of the sheets 11 together.

[0035] The joint portion 3 of the fixing material 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the configuration shown in Figure 4 is just one example of an embodiment of the present invention and is not limited thereto. It can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention, and the position, size, and shape of the joint portion 3 are not limited. Furthermore, the components contributing to the joint can be appropriately selected depending on the layer structure of the fixing material 1.

[0036] <(4) Forms of use of fastening materials> The fixing material 1 of the present invention usually has a folded form at a folded portion 2 formed at a predetermined position, and can be opened using the folded portion 2 as a pivot point when in use.

[0037] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of a fixing material 1 according to one embodiment of use of the present invention. More specifically, Figure 1 shows an example of a schematic diagram showing the appearance when the fixing material 1, which has a folded form, is changed to an unfolded state. When the fixing material 1 is opened from its folded form in the α direction with the folded portion 2 as the axis, as shown in Figure 5, the fixing material 1 undergoes a curving deformation inward (β direction). This curving deformation creates a three-dimensional space, the joint housing portion 4, inside the folded portion 2. By applying the fixing material 1 so as to follow the joint portion in this joint housing portion 4, the fixing material 1 can be made to smoothly follow the joint portion. Furthermore, by applying the bending portion of the joint portion to the line of the folded portion 2, the fixing material 1 can be made to smoothly follow the three-dimensional structure of the bending portion as well.

[0038] <(5) Corner folding section> Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the fixing material 1 according to another use embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, it shows an example of a schematic diagram showing the appearance when the fixing material 1 is changed to an open state and the corners 5 located at both ends of the folded portion 2 are folded. In the joint housing portion 4 formed when the corners 5 are folded, a deeper three-dimensional space is formed near the folded portion 2. The corner folding portion 6 also supports the joint housing portion 4 from the outside. The strength of the fixing material 1 can be improved by the overlapping of the corner folding portion 6 with the fixing material 1. In addition, since the corner folding portion 6 is held in a pre-folded state to conform to the bending portion of the joint, deformation due to hardening of the fixing material 1 can be suppressed. At this time, the folding direction of the corner folding portion 6 is not limited and can be arbitrarily selected according to the joint portion.

[0039] Furthermore, by forming the above-mentioned corner folding portion 6, the fixing material 1 can be applied to the joint portion while maintaining its unfolded angle γ at a desired angle. This makes it easier to make the fixing material 1 conform to the bending portion of the joint.

[0040] The corner folding portion 6, when viewed from the side of the joint portion, can be formed into a roughly triangular shape, for example, with each of the corners 5 at both ends of the folded portion 2 forming one corner. Depending on its purpose, the corner folding portion 6 can take on a roughly triangular shape with no limitations on the length or angle of its sides. In the corner folding portion 6 of the present invention, it is preferable that the same shape is formed at each corner 5 of the folded portion 2. This makes it easier to support the joint portion at the center of the fixing material 1 and allows for good balance.

[0041] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the corner folding portion 6 of the fixing material 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, an example of a schematic diagram of the fixing material 1 viewed from direction C in Figure 1 is shown. Figure 7 shows the shape of the corner folding portion 6, as well as the shape of the sole of the ankle joint P to which the fixing material 1 is applied. The corner folding portion 6 has points a,a in the folded portion 2, with length X extending inward from each corner 5. Furthermore, there are points b,b that intersect with the end of the fixing material 1 when a straight line is drawn outward from points a,a with an angle θ with respect to the direction of the folded portion 2. The length from points b,b to each corner 5 is denoted as Y. Here, the unfolding angle γ of the fixing material 1 can be adjusted by changing the angle θ. For example, by setting the angle θ to 40°, 45°, and 50°, the unfolding angle γ can be set to 100°, 90°, and 80°.

[0042] In the present invention, the expansion angle γ is, for example, 60° or more, preferably 70° or more, and more preferably 80° or more. The expansion angle γ is, for example, 120° or less, preferably 110° or less, and more preferably 100° or less. With such a numerical range, the fixing material 1 can be widely applied to the angles of the flexion parts of each joint in the body.

[0043] The part to which the fixation material 1 of the present invention is applied can be appropriately selected as needed. For example, it is preferable to apply it to a joint area having a flexed portion, more specifically to the ankle joint or elbow.

[0044] The shape of the fixing material 1 described above can be selected as appropriate as needed. In the case of the fixing material 1 of the present invention, for example, it may be rectangular.

[0045] Furthermore, the size of the fixation material 1 can be appropriately selected according to the range of the affected area to which it is applied. For example, when the fixation material 1 of the present invention is applied to the ankle joint, the width W of the fixation material in Figure 6 is, for example, 50 mm or more, preferably 60 mm or more, and more preferably 75 mm or more. The width W of the fixation material is, for example, 150 mm or less, preferably 140 mm or less, and more preferably 125 mm or less. If the width W of the fixation material is less than 50 mm, it will not be able to cover the joint area which is the affected area, and if the width W of the fixation material is greater than 150 mm, it will be out of balance with the size of the affected area, and the shape of the joint housing part 4 may not fit the application site.

[0046] Furthermore, the size of the corner folding portion 6 can be appropriately selected according to the range of the joint area to which it is applied. For example, in Figure 7, the joint area fixed to the center of the fixing member 1, which has a width W, has a width W1.

[0047] When the fixing material 1 of the present invention is applied to the ankle joint, the width W1 is, for example, 50 mm or more, preferably 58 mm or more. The width W1 is, for example, 75 mm or less, preferably 72 mm or less.

[0048] Furthermore, the length X of the corner folding portion 6 in the present invention is preferably half the width of the difference between the width W and the width W1. In other words, the length X can be expressed by the following equation (1).

[0049]

number

[0050] Furthermore, the length Y of the corner folding portion 6 in the present invention can be determined by the relationship between the length X and the unfolding angle γ. Here, the unfolding angle γ is preferably 80° or more and 100° or less, and in this case, the angle θ is 40° or more and 50° or less. Therefore, the ratio Y / X, which is the ratio of length Y to length X, can be 0.8 or more and 1.2 or less. In other words, the length Y is preferably within the range shown by the following equation (2).

[0051]

number

[0052] Figure 8 is an unfolded view showing the joint portion 3 of a fixing member 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 8(a), the fixing member 1 has a joint portion 3a. The joint portion 3a is formed by bonding the corner folding portion 6 in Figure 7, that is, the approximately triangular area enclosed by the corner portion 5 and points a and b. As a result, when the fixing member 1 is opened, the corner folding portion 6 is folded along the straight line connecting points a and b, that is, along the boundary of the joint portion 3a, thereby supporting the joint housing portion 4 from the outside and improving the strength of the overlapping portion of the fixing member 1.

[0053] Furthermore, in Figure 8(b), the fixing member 1 has a joint portion 3b. The joint portion 3b is formed by bonding only point b in Figure 7. In this case, when the fixing member 1 is opened, a corner folding portion 6 can be formed with point b as the base point, where the length X and angle θ are not fixed. In other words, depending on the shape of the joint portion to which it is applied, the corner folding portions 6 formed at both ends of the fixing member 1 may be the same shape or they may be different.

[0054] Furthermore, the corner folding portion 6 may be folded along a crease 7 that has been pre-applied to the fixing material 1. Preferably, this crease 7 is applied along a straight line connecting points a and b on the corner folding portion 6. Here, the method for applying the crease 7 to the fixing material 1 may be based on methods known in the art. For example, the crease 7 is preferably applied by printing, sealing, stamping, sewing, or embossing. This makes the crease 7 easily visible and allows the fixing material 1 to be quickly opened to the desired unfolding angle γ.

[0055] <(6) How to use the fastening material> The following describes how to use the fixation material 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention when applied to the affected joint area. More specifically, an example of how to use it when applied to the affected ankle joint P will be described. First, the fixation material 1 is impregnated with water and excess water is removed. Next, the folding structure of the fixation material 1 is opened in the α direction. At this time, for the fixation material 1 shown in Figure 5, the joint housing portion 4 is formed by unfolding it in the α direction. For the fixation material 1 shown in Figure 6, the joint housing portion 4 is formed by unfolding it in the α direction and folding the corner folding portion 6. Then, this joint housing portion 4 is applied to the heel of the ankle joint P, and the fixation material 1 is molded and hardened by making it conform to the ankle joint P. Here, the fixation material 1 may be attached to the ankle joint P based on methods known in the art. For example, it is preferable to use a fixation device such as a bandage, band, or orthosis. The fixation device may be attached to multiple locations on the affected ankle joint P. Furthermore, it is preferable to fix the fixation material 1 by wrapping it around the ankle joint P, as with the bandage described above. This allows the fixation material 1 to maintain close contact with the ankle joint P, thus ensuring that the fixation material 1 hardens properly. In addition, even after the fixation material 1 has hardened, the patient to whom the fixation material 1 is applied can continue to go about their daily life as usual.

[0056] The fixing material 1 may be fixed to the ankle joint P by, for example, an orthosis 9. The orthosis 9 may be capable of accommodating the fixing material 1. Furthermore, the fixing material 1 may be used together with the orthosis 9 capable of accommodating the fixing material 1 as an arthrostomy orthosis 100. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an arthrostomy orthosis 100 having a fixing material 1 and an orthosis 9 capable of accommodating the fixing material 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The shape of the orthosis 9 is not particularly limited as long as it can accommodate the fixing material 1. The orthosis 9 in this embodiment includes, for example, a main body portion 91 that accommodates the fixing material 1, a support portion 92 that is attached to the position where the joint portion is bent, and a fixing portion 93. Furthermore, the main body portion 91 has a pocket portion 94 in which the fixing material 1 can be inserted and removed, and the support portion 92 can be attached to the pocket portion 94. With this configuration, a series of operations including molding the fixing material 1, hardening the fixing material 1, and fixing the joint portion which is the affected area can be combined into one operation, and the joint portion can be fixed quickly and reliably. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0057] 1(1a,1b) Fixing material 11. Curable sheet (sheet) 11a Cushioning material 11b Water Block Film 12 Covering material 12a Outer cladding 12b Inner cladding 12c cut 2 Folded section 3(3a,3b) Joint part 4. Joint housing 5 corners 6-corner folding section 7 folds 9. Orthotics 91 Main body 92 Support 93 Fixed part 94 Pocket section 100 joint braces P Ankle joint W Fixed material width W1 Width of the joint area Length from corner X to point a Length from corner Y to point b a, b Points on fixing member 1 α Deployment direction of fixing material 1 β Curving direction of fixing material 1 γ Unfolding angle of fixing material 1 θ Angle at the folding part

Claims

1. A sheet-like fixing material that is attached to a joint, The fixing material has a folded form at a folded portion formed at a predetermined position, At least one end of the folded portion is provided with a joint formed by the joining of the opposing fixing members, When the folded fixing member is opened using the folded portion as the pivot point, the fixing member curves inward to form a joint housing portion. A fixing material in which the joint housing portion is supported from the outside by corner folding portions formed by folding the corners located at both ends of the aforementioned folded portion.

2. The aforementioned fixing material is composed of a curable sheet and a covering material that covers the sheet. The fixing material according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion is formed by the joining of opposing covering materials.

3. The fixing material according to claim 1, wherein the corner folding portion is folded along a crease that has been made in advance on the fixing material.

4. The fixing material according to claim 2, wherein the fixing material or the sheet is formed of a water-curable resin.

5. The fixing material according to claim 2, wherein the covering material is formed of a nonwoven fabric.

6. An arthrostomy comprising at least a fixing member according to claim 1 or 2 and an orthosis capable of housing the fixing member.

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