Medical apparatus for the treatment and prevention of heel decubitus

Abstract

A heel supporting medical apparatus for the treatment and prevention of decubitus or pressure ulcers. The present invention provides a medical and physical therapy apparatus adapted to elevate heels of individuals subjected to substantial bed rest. By elevating the heels, the skin of the heel will not be in constant contact with the bed mattress, and thus pressure ulcers or bedsores will be substantially avoided. Moreover, the present invention provides an apparatus by which the legs of the individual can be substantially immobilized while at the same time elevating the heel. The apparatus also provides adjustably cushioned support from several angles to increase the comfort of the individual.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A heel protection device for treating and preventing formation of pressure ulcers, the device comprising: 
 a base having first and second ends defining a longitudinal axis, and first and second sides defining a lateral axis;    a first support on the base and adapted to support and elevate human legs;    a second support on the base proximate the second end and spaced from the first support, the second support adapted to limit longitudinal movement of human feet;    third and fourth supports on the base proximate the first and second sides, respectively, and adapted to limit lateral and rotational movement of human legs; and    a cushioned heel support on the base between the first and second supports and between the third and fourth supports, the heel support adapted to be positioned immediately below a human heel elevated by the first support.    
     
     
         2 . The heel protection device of    claim 1    wherein the first support is divided into two halves to support and elevate individual human legs, and wherein the device further includes a fifth support on the base between the two halves of the first support, the fifth support adapted to limit lateral and rotational movement of human legs.  
     
     
         3 . The heel protection device of    claim 2    wherein the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth supports are inflatable and expandable by changing air pressure within each support.  
     
     
         4 . The heel protection device of    claim 1    wherein the first support includes internal baffles to maintain the contour of the first support.  
     
     
         5 . The heel protection device of    claim 1    further including a layer of cushioning gel on the first and second supports.  
     
     
         6 . The heel protection device of    claim 5    further including a fabric cover with a plurality of sleeves covering the base, the supports, and the layers of gel.  
     
     
         7 . The heel protection device of    claim 3    wherein the device is operable in a prevention mode and a treatment mode, the first support being inflated and the second, third, fourth, and fifth supports being deflated in the prevention mode, all supports being inflated in the treatment mode.  
     
     
         8 . The heel protection device of    claim 7    wherein the second end and first and second sides of the base are movable to be perpendicular to the center of the base when the device is in the treatment mode, the second support moving with the second end, the third and fourth supports moving with the first and second sides.  
     
     
         9 . The heel protection device of    claim 8    wherein the second end and first and second sides of the base include fasteners adapted to secure the second end and first and second sides together in the treatment mode.  
     
     
         10 . The heel protection device of    claim 1    wherein the base includes a bottom surface having an anti-skid layer with a relatively high co-efficient of friction.  
     
     
         11 . A medical apparatus for elevating and substantially immobilizing the legs of an individual, the apparatus comprising: 
 a cushioned member adapted to support the legs from below, from both sides, and against the bottom of the foot when the individual is positioned horizontally, the heel of the individual being elevated by and not being in contact with the cushioned member; and    means for changing the amount of pressure imparted by the cushioned member against the legs of the individual.    
     
     
         12 . The medical apparatus of    claim 12    further including a heel pad positioned immediately below the heels of the individual.  
     
     
         13 . The medical apparatus of    claim 13    wherein the means for changing pressure includes air chambers within the cushioned member, the air chambers adapted to be opened for exhaustion or introduction of air pressure.  
     
     
         14 . The medical apparatus of    claim 14    wherein the cushioned member includes individual air bladders adapted to be positioned below each leg, on the outside of said leg, between the legs, and against the bottom of the feet.