GB505775A - An orthopedic apparatus for the treatment of the limbs - Google Patents

Abstract

505,775. Deformity and fracture appliances. CASTALDO, E. Nov. 16, 1937, No. 31487. [Class 81 (ii)] An orthopµdic apparatus consists of frameworks for the .pelvis, thigh, leg and foot which. articulate together and have polyhedric shapes. Both the thigh and the leg assemblies consist of two polygonal encircling members 1, 2, la and 2a, having sides 5 raised clear of the limb while others 4 press against the flesh, these latter sides being connected by extensible longitudinal members 3. Hinges 6 and 6a are fitted in the encircling members to enable the frame works to be opened.. The pelvis assembly has two encircling members similarly built up of alternate concave and raised extensible parts. These members are connected by an elastic metal arch at the back and a dilatable bridge at the front. Hinges 16 are provided for opening purposes. The foot assembly comprises a sole plate 32 with two extensible grips 33 and 34 for the foot and heel. The pelvis and thigh assemblies are connected by a stirrup 11 which is pivoted at 9 on an extension 7 of the outer side member of the thigh, and also pivoted at 13 on the pelvis assembly. The thigh and leg assemblies are connected by means of member 22 pivoted transversely and connected to the leg by means of the vertical piyots 24 which are retained by springs. The leg and foot assemblies are connected by two stirrups. One, U-shaped, 30 is pivoted transversally at its ends to the leg at 35 while the other, L.shaped, 31 is pivoted at one end to the apex of the former and at the other to the sole plate at 37. The foot assembly is kept in the normal position by springs. A telescopic bar 18 is connected to the framework for the pelvis by a universal joint 17 and to the encircling members of the thigh by levers 19 and 20. Springs serve to keep the thigh in the erect position while the bar 18 supports the weight of the body. The extension 21 connected to member 22 serves to flex the knee on the forward movement of the thigh. Collars 25 are provided on the longitudinal members of the thigh and leg to serve as pivots into which the lugs 26 of a spring apparatus may fit (see Fig. 4). This apparatus comprises a threaded rod on which a cylinder 27 screws, thus compressing the spring 29 and forcing the lugs apart. Graduations on cylinder 28 indicate the pressure. On releasing the screws on the longitudinal members corrective forces may be applied to the limb. The apparatus may be used as a splint or to restore movement to impotent limbs. It may be modified for use on the arm.