GB2399287A

GB2399287A - Heel Ulcer Cast Contact Shield

Info

Publication number: GB2399287A
Application number: GB0305337A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Olarewaju James Oladipo
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-03-08
Filing date: 2003-03-08
Publication date: 2004-09-15
Also published as: GB0305337D0

Abstract

A heel ulcer cast contact shield applied to the internal surface of an applied extremity cast to contour it in such a way as to prevent contact between the area of ulceration on the heel portion of the foot and the cast when the patient is in a recumbent position is disclosed. The heel ulcer cast contact shield is for use in patients who are diabetic, and those with compromised circulation that has resulted in the development of an ulcer in the heel portion of the lower extremity.

Description

This in;,Ention relates generally to plaster casts, and mole specificl]ly,

to a contoured limb shield applied to the deer to an applied cast to protect an area of ulceration on the hoe! portion of the foot from contact pressure when the involved extremity is in a recumbent' or dependent position. The cast contact shield of the invention is for use on the interior surface of the applied cast.

BACKC;ROUNI:) Chronic neuropathic ulcerations are common sequelae of chronic diabetes and peripheral vascular diseascs.In severe cases of these, and 1,. the presence of infections, one or more surgical debn; dernent procedures are required. Following surgery, application of plaster cast is required for irnrnobilization of the affected limo and joints. The application of plaster Cast also allows tolerable weight bearing for the patient both in a recumbent and upright positions.

A conLlron location for the development of ulceration is the. heel portion ot the foot. This usually involve the ifenor or p]antar surface, and the posterior part of the foot. Healing of the wound at this location is funkier compromised by pressure that may need to be applied for weight bearing, dunag ambulation.

As routinely done during the application of a plaster cast, adequate padding is applied directly to the skin before the plaster layer is laid on top. The plaster then hardens to conform to the shape of the extremity. During the treatment of nIcerations over the heel, it is commonly desired to avoid direct contact between the cotton padding layer and the overlying cast. However, because of the soft nature of the cast when it is inserted in water, the distance between the cast layer and the soft padding is difficlit to maintain.

One of the ways used to circumvent this, is to use a prefabricated orthotic splint. This option is, however, not applicable in the operating room environment and does not provide an ideal and conjoining splint provided by a plaster cast or splint. The use of prefabricated splint is also expensive as the wound commonly soaks through the dressing and padding onto the prefabricated splint and may need co be changed frequently.

There is, therefore, an obvious limitations to currently available options.

Accordingly, there is a need for better way to pru,cc: Such an ulcerated area during cast application. 1 1

SUMMARY

Accordingly, an object of this invention is to provide a means of relieving pressure on an area of ulceration over a part of the body that may be subjected to e.;cessive pressure when a plaster cast Is applied over it.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the foregoing and other objects and advantages are attained by a heel ulcer cast contact shield, which includes a contoured body, a hollow recess overlying the area of ulceration, and two limbs proximal and distal on either side of the hol] ov recess.

The contoured body is shaped at its proximal limb to conform to the posterior aspect of the lower leg, and at its distal limb to conform to the olantar aspect of the foot. The heel ulcer cast contact shield is preferably made of a strong but flexible material It is, however, reinforced in the area of the recess to prevent collapse with the effect of the ÀYveight of the limb.

DEIAILE7L) DESCHlPTlON As shown in FIG. 1, the heel ulcer cast contact shield includes a contoured body 73. The body 23 is elongated and extends into a hollow recess 4? The body 23 has a prox7rna] limb 44 contoured to fit the part of the body proximal to the area of ulceration, and a distal limb 46 that Is contoured to fit, the part of the body, i.e., the foot distal to the area of uIceraion. The heel ulcer cast contact shield is preferably made of a strong but flexible material made out of a plastic composite, compressed paper, or cardboard products.

The recess part 42 of the bee] nicer cast contact shield is farther reinforced to prevent collapse with the impact of weight. The heel ulcer cast contact shield has an inner surface 25 and an exterior surface 27. The inner surface 2 is preferably lined at its edges 48 with a cushion like material secured vitTi any cornrnercially available means to avoid excessive pressure on the skin deep to the cotton layer of padding on the application of cast. The inner.

surface 25 may also be coated on its inner surface with adhesive patches 50 and protected with a liner which Is removed at the time of use. This adhesive lining makes it easier to apply the shield to the layer of padding and maintaining it in position while the cast is being prepared. Other means of securing the ulcer cast sh jeld may be used during manufacture, e.g.7 straps, bands, etc. Lyle proxirna] limb 44 and the distal limb 46 are preferably flexible and are contoured to fit to the parts of the body on either side of the area of ulceration. They may also be cut for a better fit. Multiple perforations:2 are also positioned on some or part of the ulcer cast shield to allow for easy evaporation of moisture or any excess secretions generated by the the ulcer.

Allis described invention provides a reliable and user friendly way to protect the area of ulceration of parts of the extremity that needed to be treated by application of a plaster cast.

While the present invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing Corn the spirit and scope of the present invention; therefore, the appended claims are to be construed to cover equivalent structures.

The inner surface edges of the heel ulcer cast contact shield is preferably affixed with a cushion-like Lateral that further decrease the contact pressure on the skin.

In another form of this insertion, the ulcer cast contact shield can be adapted to fit over the posterior aspect of the elbow and the m3eolar arena of the ankle.

To apply the heel ulcer cast contact shield, initial wound dressings are applied, and a layers of cotton padding is applied over the skin of the extremity in preparation to "pply a plaster cast. The heel ulcer cast contact shield is then applied to cotton layer with the recess part of the body applied over the area of the ulcer. This is then secured with further layers of cotton padding, or an adhesive tape to maintain its position when the plaster cast is applied. Lee plaster cast is then applied oN er in the usual manner.

This invention is of great value in diabetic patients, or patients who suffer f, Dm peripheral vascular disease. It also improves wound care and functional outcome in patients as contact presser over the area of ulceration is less. Other parts of the body where this may alsso be applicable is the olecranon process of the elbow, and the ma]leoli of the ankle appropriate modifications to contour speciEcatons will however be required for use in these parts of the body.

Other objects, advantages, and novel aspects of the present invention evil I become apparent in the detailed description of the invention that follows, in which the preferred embodiment of the invention is shown by way of illustration ofthe best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention.

DIA GRAM

FIG. Is a perspective view of a heel ulcer cast contact shield incorporating the principles of the ir;vention. i

Claims

1 is. 1.1 S t, ha; Is claimed is I.N heel ulcer cast contact shield for

application to the interior ol an i;niieS cast comSorising: :i! an elongated reinforced material has ing an inner surface, an cuter she; tied contoured to fit over the planta. aspect of the midfoor distally, and the d isle posterior aspect of The leg, thereby covering the heel: 3! !-'a ring a recess in the area oilily naxinS.'m contour shapely io Jim v cr the -,r:..sture of The tree! po,t,on of Else foot Without contacting The said h c! lrrio'.

at. ,'-eel ulcer cast contact shield of claims 7 herein its edecs is prelr;oi Red id 2 cushion to further the skin t,om excessive pressure and to -at stoma better lo the ldDsdell,r'in pOCiC'sisig.

a. ,-'L heal ulcer cast cunracT shield ot claim I, Herein [he recess part uv erring the posterior and inferior aspect of the heel portion of the icot re.frably has one or more ovoid perforations to further decrease an excessive pressure over the area or ulceration during use.

A heel ulcer cast contact shield o''clain I wherein the proximal part us erlyinu the lower leg and the dis al part overlying the mid to forefoot has m,aller perforations to allow for;rrSprovej aeration and mo jsture escape rouh the overlying cast.