Postoperative compression binder

Abstract

The present invention provides for an advanced postoperative compression binder including at least two overlapping stretchable bands. The bands are connected by stitches located within an overlapping portion of the bands. The stitches are spaced from first and seconds ends of the bands to allow individual compression-adjustments of the binder to allow compression to be adapted to the type of surgery or trauma performed and to a level of comfort desired by the patient. The invention provides for wound inspection and care without the need to open the total compression binder, which will maintain a degree of support during wound inspection and care, decrease pain and increase comfort for the patient.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A compression binder for supporting a portion of a patient's body comprising:
 at least two stretchable bands including upper and lower bands, each band having a length and having first and second ends, the first and second ends each having a fastener, the fastener on the first end being adjustably connectable to the fastener on the second end to vary a tension applied to the patient's body, each band further having a width defined by upper and lower edges extending between the first and second ends, each band having an inner surface configured to be positioned next to the patient and an outer surface configured to be positioned away from the patient; and   a plurality of vertical stitches connecting the upper and lower bands, the inner surface of the upper band overlapping the outer surface of the lower band to form an overlapping portion having a width between the lower edge of the upper band and the upper edge of the lower band, the vertical stitches being located entirely within the overlapped portion at positions spaced a first distance D 1  above the lower edge of the upper band and a second distance D 2  below the upper edge of the lower band, the vertical stitches being spaced apart a distance no greater than a maximum distance selected to prevent the patient's tissue from bulging through the compression binder between the vertical stitches.   
     
     
         2 . The compression binder of  claim 1  wherein the width of the overlapping portion is in a range of 0.25 inch to 2 inches. 
     
     
         3 . The compression binder of  claim 2  wherein the width of the overlapping portion comprises 0.7 inch. 
     
     
         4 . The compression binder of  claim 1  wherein the vertical stitches are spaced apart a distance in a range of 0.5 inch to 1.8 inches. 
     
     
         5 . The compression binder of  claim 4  wherein the vertical stitches are spaced apart a distance of 1.4 inches. 
     
     
         6 . The compression binder of  claim 1  wherein D 1  is less than D 2 . 
     
     
         7 . The compression binder of  claim 6  wherein D 1  is 0.125 inch and D 2  is 0.375 inch. 
     
     
         8 . The compression binder of  claim 1  wherein the vertical stitches are spaced from the first end by a distance equal to at least 5 inches. 
     
     
         9 . The compression binder of  claim 8  wherein the vertical stitches are spaced from the second end by a distance equal to at least 8 inches. 
     
     
         10 . A method of making a compression binder for supporting a portion of a patient's body, the compression binder having at least two stretchable bands including upper and lower bands, each band having a length and having first and second ends, the first and second ends each having a fastener, the fastener on the first end being adjustably connectable to the fastener on the second end to vary a tension applied to the patient's body, each band further having a width defined by upper and lower edges extending between the first and second ends, each band having an inner surface configured to be positioned next to the patient and an outer surface configured to be positioned away from the patient, the method comprising:
 connecting the upper and lower bands with a plurality of vertical stitches such that the inner surface of the upper band overlaps the outer surface of the lower band to form an overlapping portion having a width between the lower edge of the upper band and the upper edge of the lower band, the vertical stitches being located entirely within the overlapping portion at positions spaced a first distance D 1  above the lower edge of the upper band and a second distance D 2  below the upper edge of the lower band, the vertical stitches being spaced apart a distance no greater than a maximum distance selected to prevent the patient's tissue from bulging through the compression binder between the vertical stitches.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the width of the overlapping portion is in a range of 0.25 inch to 2 inches. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the width of the overlapping portion comprises 0.7 inch. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the vertical stitches are spaced apart a distance in a range of 0.5 inch to 1.8 inches. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the vertical stitches are spaced apart a distance of 1.4 inches. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10  wherein D 1  is less than D 2 . 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein D 1  is 0.125 inch and D 2  is 0.375 inch. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the vertical stitches are spaced from the first end by a distance equal to at least 5 inches. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the vertical stitches are spaced from the second end by a distance equal to at least 8 inches.