Splint system

Abstract

System including a clamp and bandage for use in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.

The invention having thus been described, what is claimed as new and desired to secure by Letters Patent is: 
     
       1. Splint system for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome in .Iadd.the wrist of .Iaddend.a patient comprising: (a) a clamp .[.formed from.]. .Iadd.comprising .Iaddend.a generally rectangular sheet of semi-rigid material .[.and formed into.]. .Iadd.providing .Iaddend.a generally tubular shape having four generally planar panels, a first two of the panels occupying the ends of the rectangular sheet, and the other two panels being located between the first two panels to give a cross-section of a diamond-shaped conformation for embracing the wrist of a patient with opposite corners embracing the wrist exteriorly of the radius and ulna bones to press .[.them together.]. .Iadd.said bones towards one another.Iaddend., and   (b) a bandage surrounding the clamp to regulate the pressure of the clamp on the wrist.   
     
     
       2. Splint system as recited in claim 1, wherein the clamp is formed of a thermoplastic resin. 
     
     
       3. Splint system as recited in claim 2, wherein the resin is poly-epsilon-caprolactone. 
     
     
       4. Splint system as recited in claim 1, wherein the ends of the sheet are located at one corner of the diamond and are spaced from one another, and wherein the other three corners of the diamond are defined by the junction between the panels, the corners being formed with smooth curves. 
     
     
       5. Splint system as recited in claim 1, wherein the bandage is of a generally elongated rectangular shape with a loop-and-hook fastener located at its ends. 
     
     
       6. Splint system as recited in claim 1, wherein the ends are provided with outwardly-extending flares to prevent pinching when the ends are pressed together. 
     
     
       7. Splint system for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome .Iadd.in the wrist of a patient.Iaddend., comprising: (a) a clamp .[.formed.]. of .[.a.]. semi-rigid material .[.and formed into.]. .Iadd.providing .Iaddend.a generally tubular shape of parallelogram-shaped cross-section to give a conformation in which the clamp embraces the wrist of a patient with opposite corners embracing the wrist exteriorly of the radius and ulna bones to press .[.them together.]. .Iadd.said bones towards one another.Iaddend., and   (b) a bandage surrounding the clamp to regulate the pressure of the clamp on the wrist. .Iadd.   
     
     
       8.  Splint system for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist of a patient comprising: (a) a clamp comprising a generally rectangular sheet of semi-rigid material providing at least two generally planar panels joined at a corner and adapted to embrace a side of the wrist of a patient exteriorly of one of the radius and ulna bones; and   (b) bandage means engaged with said clamp to regulate the pressure of the clamp on the wrist of the patient, said clamp and bandage means cooperating to apply pressure to the opposite narrow sides of the wrist of the patient to press the radius and ulna bones towards one another. .Iaddend. .Iadd.9. Splint system as recited in claim 8 wherein said clamp is formed of a thermoplastic resin. .Iaddend. .Iadd.10. Splint system as recited in claim 8, wherein said corner is formed with a smooth curve. .Iaddend.