A cast for broken limbs and related method, the cast comprising a cylindrical, double wall sleeve fabricated of a thin polymeric or elastomeric material and containing a cylindrical batt of fiberglas or like reinforcement impregnated with a polymeric catalyst. The opposed ends of the cast are constructed so that the spaced sleeves are sealed one to another and also to the cylindrical batt of the fiberglas or the like, which is concentrically disposed within the cast intermediate the spaced sleeves. Spacers may be used to maintain said concentric relationship. The cast comprises a plurality of breather ports, the edges of which are sealed as are the ends of the cast. When it is desired to use the cast, a suitable polymeric material is injected through a filler port into the interior of the cast between the two spaced concentric sleeves. The physician manually kneads the resin within the cast causing the catalyst initially contained within the central reinforcement to become mixed into the polymer thereby initiating polymerization. The filling vessel is detached and the cast is placed upon the injured limb of the patient. A conventional wrapping, such as an elastic roll bandage, is placed on the cast to exert pressure causing the same to conform precisely to the exterior surface of the injured limb. The wrapping is removed once the resin has set and adequately cured. BACKGROUND 1. Field of Invention The present invention relates broadly to the art of placing a cast on an injured limb and more particularly to a novel cast comprising a pair of concentric sleeves sealed at the ends and containing therebetween a cylindrical batt of reinforcement impregnated with a resin activating substance which initiates polymerization when comingled with a suitable polymer, and a related method. 2. Prior Art Heretofore, the use of a cast comprising plastic interior and exterior walls have most frequently utilized a polymeric foam in the interior between the sleeves. This has created a number of problems because it is difficult to control the foam and often the cast becomes a pressure-applying device rather than an instrument which restrains undesired movement of the limb. Also, such an approach prevents adequate breathing of the skin in the vicinity of the cast. As a consequence, the medical profession has used only to a limited extent such an approach. BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION With the foregoing in mind, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a novel cast for injured limbs and related methods. Another paramount object of the present invention is the provision of a novel cast wherein the cast comprises spaced concentric sleeves sealed one to the other at opposed ends and containing therein a cylindrical batt of reinforcement impregnated with a catalyst wherein a polymeric material is injected between the sleeves into contiguous relation with the reinforcement and is caused to be polymerized when mixed with the catalyst. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a novel cast comprising a plurality of breather holes intermediate spaced cylindrical walls of the cast. These and other objects and features of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, taken with reference to the accompanying drawing(s).
A method is disclosed for applying a splint to an injured body part in which a plurality of hollow, resilient tubes have their ends connected to a pair of spaced collars. A quick setting epoxy material is introduced into each tube in such a manner that when the epoxy hardens, the tubes cooperate to form a rigid splinting assembly about the injured body part.
A splint or other body-support device adapted to fit around or along a body portion of a human or animal subject is formed with a closed compartment containing capsules or the like of two mutually reactive substances capable of hardening or foaming in situ to form a hardenable mass stabilizing the shape of the device. The device may comprise an envelope of a flexible material which may be kneaded or deformed to rupture the capsules and mix the reactive substances.
A protective cannula retaining device provides a medical accessory comprising an inflatable pad having an observation opening and a transparent strap positioned over the opening.
A cast for placement on a limb or other portion of the human anatomy in the event of a bone fracture or other injury for maintaining the enclosed portion of the limb or human anatomy immobilized while the bone fracture or other injury is healing. More specifically, a cast is provided in which flowable, liquid material may be injected at least once or at different time intervals during the healing period in order to maintain an optimum fitting relationship between the cast and the limb or human anatomy for maintaining optimum alignment stability and immobilization throughout the healing period. A low density, hardenable, liquid plastic material such as expandable polyurethane foam is injected between a stocking or other buffer which engages the limb or other portion of the human anatomy and a fabric wrap or a liner of other material forming an inner layer of a conventional plaster cast or a fiberglass reinforced cast with the liquid material being injected into this area by the use of a syringe with an attached tube that is inserted into the cast to the inner end thereof with the tube being gradually pulled out of the cast to fill and evenly distribute foam in the space between the cast and limb to fill any space resulting from reduction in size of the limb or human anatomy thereby maintaining optimum fit between the cast and limb or human anatomy and thus maintaining optimum alignment, stability and immobilization of a fractured limb or the like.
A substantially pillow-shaped, inflatable second cushion that is separable and removably interconnected together with the first cushion maintains proper foot flexion when the body is in the supine position, and is removable to allow ambulation while the foot and lower leg remain cradled in the first cushion. A substantially pillow-shaped, inflatable third cushion is pivotally attached to the bottommost compartments of the first cushion and is pivotally positionable either directly under the Achilles' heel area, or directly under the heel area, or tucked forward of the heel area to provide light compression of the ankle, foot and heel areas. An integral shoe spoon attached to the first cushion prevents the foot cushion from catching bed clothing. A rigid base is provided for rigidly fixing the first inflatable cushion in position to prevent contraction of the feet of comatose patients, for example. A novel connector with two-finger pinch-to-open releasing action provides easily adjustable straps to secure the first cushion non-circumferentially about a foot and lower leg.
