U.S. patent number 3,789,842 [Application Number 05/191,389] was granted by the patent office on 1974-02-05 for therapeutic support device.
Invention is credited to Avrum I. Froimson.
United States Patent |
3,789,842 |
Froimson |
February 5, 1974 |
THERAPEUTIC SUPPORT DEVICE
Abstract
A theropeutic support device of the type to be worn by a user,
such as a tennis player, on his arm for relief of the pain
resulting from the pathological lesion commonly referred to as
"tennis elbow." The device includes a flexible, elongated band-like
body formed from a substantially inelastic material for disposition
around the proximal forearm below the elbow, and having a
selectively adjustable fastener system to hold the opposed ends of
the body in secured overlapping relation to provide a closed
adjustable loop encompassing the forearm in the installed position
thereof.
Inventors: |
Froimson; Avrum I. (Shaker
Heights, OH) |
Family
ID: |
22705295 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/191,389 |
Filed: |
October 21, 1971 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
602/62;
128/DIG.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F
15/006 (20130101); A61F 13/108 (20130101); A61F
2013/0028 (20130101); A61F 2013/00102 (20130101); Y10S
128/15 (20130101); A61F 2013/00565 (20130101); A61F
13/62 (20130101); A61F 2013/00119 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61F
13/00 (20060101); A61F 13/10 (20060101); A61F
13/56 (20060101); A61f 013/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;128/165,169,87,DIG.15,157,327 ;273/189A,189R |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Gaudet; Richard A.
Assistant Examiner: Yasko; J.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Teare, Teare & Sammon
Claims
1. A proximal forearm therapeutic support band for alleviating the
symptoms of the pathological lesion known as "tennis elbow" by
applying restrictive pressure against expansion of the proximal
forearm upon contraction of the musculature thereof, said support
band comprising,
a flexible, essentially inelastic body adapted to be secured around
the proximal forearm immediately below the elbow in the general
relaxed condition thereof,
said body being substantially rectangularly shaped and having
opposed side and end edges with a length between about 8 to 15
inches and a width between about 2 to 3 inches.
said body being of a laminate-like construction including an inner
layer made of elastomeric, friction material for providing a
friction surface for holding said body against movement when
disposed around said forearm, and an outer layer made of
essentially inelastic, fibrous material disposed in engaged
superimposed relation with said inner layer,
said inner and outer layers being secured to each other throughout
their confronting surfaces to provide said laminate-like
construction,
said laminate-like construction of said body, as provided by said
outer layer, having a maximum elongation between three-eighths to
one-half inch when subjected to an axial load of between 10 lbs. to
20 lbs. per unit of length for controllably limiting radial
expansion of the resistive force caused by tightening of the
forearm muscle so as to prevent full contraction of the wrist
tensor muscles during use thereof, and
selectively adjustable fastener means disposed on the said body for
securing said body in an adjustable loop along said forearm
including a base member secured to said outer layer on the surface
opposite said inner layer and disposed adjacent one end of said
outer layer, said base member including a plurality of tooth-like
projections, and at least one strap-like member secured to said
outer layer on the surface opposite said inner layer and disosed
adjacent the opposed end of said outer layer, said strap-like
member including a mat-like fibrous layer for interlocking
engagement with the projections on said base member to hold said
body in encompassing relation around said forearm in the secured
position of said
2. A proximal forearm support band in accordance with claim 1,
wherein
said inner and outer layers are secured to one another throughout
their respective peripheries by means of stitching so as to secure
the opposed side and end edges thereof in abutting, non-overlapping
relationship, with
3. A proximal forearm support device in accordance with claim 2,
wherein
said base member is spaced inwardly of the associated end of the
outer layer,
said strap-like member extends in generally parallel relation to
the longitudinal central axis of said body and overlaps said body
at one end and extends outwardly from the associated end of the
outer layer at its opposed end.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a theropeutic support
device, particularly to an elbow support device for providing
relief of elbow pain, and especially the pathological lesion known
as "tennis elbow."
A common injury, particularly to tennis players, is a painful
inflammation at the elbow. It is believed that the inflammation
results from the stretching of a tendon which has its point of
origin on the elbow. Such tendon is technically known as the common
extensor origin of the lateral humeral epicondyle. The injury may
occur for a variety of reasons. One such reason is due to the shock
placed upon such tendon by improper stroking of the ball. Such
shock occurs because it is difficult for every tennis player to
master the necessary technique for continually stroking the ball
correctly. Moreover, even the experienced and expert player in a
game as fast as tennis often finds it necessary to hit the ball
while off balance and/or in an awkward position, thereby being
unable to strike the ball in the proper manner to minimize such
shock.
In the past, treatment of tennis elbow has included rest, cock-up
splints, and elbow braces to allow the injured tendon and
associated muscles to heal. Where the injury is too severe, it has
been necessary to resort to surgical methods such as fasciotomy,
muscle stripping, or tendon lengthening.
The surgical method of curing the problem is usually considered to
be a last resort as it is expensive and results in a permanent
modification of the arm muscle structure. The cock-up splints and
the elbow braces have also been unsatisfactory. They are expensive,
cumbersome, and unnatural. Such splints and braces are designed to
prevent the arm from straightening. By this means they alleviate
the tension on the elbow tendon technically known as the common
extensor origin on the lateral humeral epicondyle. The aforesaid
splints and braces are cumbersome and difficult to apply and have
the disadvantage that the arm cannot be extended. The full
extension of the arm is the natural and best way of playing tennis.
As a result, the wearer of the brace has to develop a new and
unnatural stroke.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A flexible but non-elastic band for circumscribing the forearm
adjacent the elbow is provided. The band is of a predetermined
width range to cooperate in obtaining the desired spreading of the
resistive pressure while mitigating wrinkling or skewing of the
device; the band is also of a predetermined adjustable length range
to provide the necessary tightness. In the preferred form, the band
is held in place by a fastener which facilitates the even
distribution of the pressure and in obtaining the desired
tightness. In the preferred form, the band is a laminate with the
inner surface being of a foam rubber padding to assist in
preventing slippage.
By the foregoing arrangement, a band is provided which operates to
resist the expansion of the forearm which is normally caused by the
maximum contraction of the wrist and finger flexors and extensors
at the moment of impact. The device has the advantage of not
continually and unduly compressing the forearm muscles during the
non-impact periods while preventing excessive expansion of such
muscles at the critical moment of impact to achieve the desired
result. As a result, the device achieves its purpose without
stopping the circulation or causing discomfort to the wearer.
The foregoing device is light in weight, comfortable, easy to apply
and remove, and does not encumber the wearer or interfere with the
normal elbow motion necessary for a normal tennis stroke. The
device is constructed and arranged to apply a minimum and
comfortable pressure during ordinary exertion, but acts to apply
strong counter-pressure at the moment of impact. By this
arrangement, the device can remain in position on the forearm
during strenuous activity while continually alleviating pain
resulting from play. In addition, one size support fits all
patients thereby providing ease of dispensing and prescribing. In
severe cases, the use of the forearm band relieves the pressure
while the arm is also being treated with local anesthetic and
steroid injections into the tender tissues distal to the lateral
epicondyle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, generally side elevation view of the
theropeutic support device made in accordance with the present
invention, and is illustrated as applied to the forearm of a tennis
player;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the top, or outer surface of the
device;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the bottom, or inner surface of the
device; and
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane of line 4--4
of FIG. 2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The theropeutic support device made in accordance with the present
invention, illustrated generally at 2, is best shown in FIG. 1
disposed in encompassing relation around the forearm 4 of a tennis
player immediately below the elbow 6. In general, the device 2
includes an elongated web-like body 8 constructed in accordance
with a predetermined width-and-length range. Preferably, the body 8
is of a laminated construction (FIG. 4) having an inner layer 10
made of a flexible, friction gripping and cushion-like material
which may be fixedly secured to an outer layer 12 made from a
flexible, inelastic material. The body 8 includes a selectively
adjustable fastener means, designated generally as 14, constructed
to hold the opposed ends of the body in secured overlapping
relation to provide a closed, adjustable loop encompassing the
forearm 4 in the installed position thereof.
In accordance with the invention, the body 8 of the device 2 is
preferably of a substantially inextensible, yet flexible
construction. In the form shown, the outer layer 12 is preferably
made of a high strength, inelastic material which has minimum
elongation or stretchability in any direction when subjected to
load. Preferably, the material is made from a non-woven fabric,
such as muslin with a duck substrate, or a canvas material or the
like. For example, in the present invention it has been found that
such material for the outer layer has a elongation or
stretchability which does not exceed a length increase of
three-eighths inch upon application of an axial load of 10 pounds
or does not exceed a length increase of 1/2 inch upon an axial load
of 20 pounds. Being of a non-woven construction, the fabric
material for the outer layer provides the desired flexibility to
enable the body 8 to be readily wrapped in encompassing relation
around the forearm.
In the invention, it has been found important that the width of the
body 8 of a predetermined dimension for optimum results.
Preferably, the body 8 has a widthwise dimension in a range between
2 inches to 3 inches with the preferred dimension being 2-1/2
inches. Moreover, it has been found that when the device has a
lesser widthwise dimension, it does not give the desired
distribution of support pressure for the forearm, and that a
greater width results in a loose fit so as not to achieve the
objects of the present invention.
In accordance with the invention, it is desired that the pressure
applied to the forearm muscle be more of a restrictive pressure,
resisting undue expansion of the muscle, rather than a compressive
pressure. Since such resistive pressure occurs only when the ball
is actually being struck, the pressure is not sufficient to cut-off
the circulation or cause discomfort to the user. Thus, it is in
accordance with the invention for the body 8 to be adjustably
secured in position so as to apply minimum pressure upon the
forearm muscle during the time when it is relaxed. The forearm
muscle is in such a relaxed condition during much of a tennis game,
since only a small portion of the total time of a tennis match is
involved in the actual contact with the ball. Moreover, such time
of contact is very short in duration. Accordingly, this minimum
pressure is supplied, in part, by use of a friction or non-slip
gripping material which provides a frictional contact between the
inner layer 10 and the surface of the forearm to assist in holding
the body 8 in position rather than relying on securement by extreme
compression. In the invention it has been found that a preferred
material for the inner layer 10 be made from a flexible,
elastomeric material having friction gripping and cushion-like
characteristics, such as foam rubber.
In the invention, the inner 10 and outer 12 layers are preferably
secured to one another so as to prevent relative movement
therebetween and to prevent any wrinkling between the component
layers. Accordingly, the layers may be secured together by an outer
stitching, as at 16, disposed around the outer periphery thereof.
In addition, the confronting opposed surfaces of the inner and
outer layers may be bonded to one another, as at 18, so as to
provide a laminate-like construction. Preferably, the layers may be
bonded together by a suitable adhesive material which is compatible
with the material of the inner foam layer and which provides a
bonded securement to the outer layer 12.
In the invention, though the body 8 could be wrapped with more than
one revolution about the forearm, it is preferred that only one
revolution or wrap be utilized. In any event, it is important that
the pressure exerted by the wrapped body be such so as not to apply
excessive pressure to the forearm during the period of its relative
relaxation. Accordingly, it is an important aspect of the invention
that the fastening system, as at 14, be employed to provide
adjustability, not only to fit a variety of arms, but to permit
each user to adjust the device for his own personal comfort.
Moreover, such fastening system must not only permit rapid
application, but also should maintain general uniformity of
pressure upon the forearm.
In the invention, it has been found that a Velcro type fastener
system having predetermined dimensions and incorporated on the body
8 of the device is preferable. Velcro is a trademark of Nelcro S.A.
Such fastener system is based upon the concept of an intermeshing
relation between loop-like projections on one member that are
adapted for interlocking engagement within a fibrous, mat-like
material.
As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fastener system 14 of the
present invention includes an elongated base member 20 fixedly
secured by stitching 22 adjacent one end of the body 8 and on the
side adjacent the outer layer 12 thereof. As shown, the base 20
includes a series of spaced parallel rows of loop-like projections
24 made integral with the base and extending outwardly therefrom.
By this arrangement, the loop-like projections 24 are of a
generally U-shaped construction with the distal end of the loop
extending in a direction away from the base 20. Preferably, the
base 20 has a length of approximately 5 inches and a width of 2
inches. The base is preferably of an elongated, polygonal, such as
rectangular, construction extending parallel to and in a lengthwise
direction with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the body
8. Preferably, the base is disposed inwardly of the opposed side
edges 26 of the base a distance of approximately one-fourth inch,
and is spaced inwardly adjacent one of the respective ends 28 of
the body 8 a distance of approximately 1 inch.
At the opposite end 28 of the body 8, a pair of elongated straps 30
and 32 are provided to extend laterally outwardly from the body 8.
In the form shown, the straps 30 and 32 are fixedly secured by
suitable stitching, as in 34, adjacent the end of the body 8 on the
side adjacent the outer layer 12, and are preferably disposed in
generally parallel relationship with respect to one another and
with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the body 8. Each
of the strap-like members 30 and 32 includes a fibrous, mat-like
material 34 and 36 (FIG. 3) disposed on the side adjacent the inner
layer 10 of the body 8. By this arrangement, the loop-like
projections 24 of the base 20 are received in interlocking meshing
engagement with the fibrous, mat-like material 34 and 36 provided
on the respective straps 30 and 32 for holding the body in closed
overlapping relation around the forearm 4 in the installed
position, as best seen in FIG. 1.
Preferably, the straps 30 and 32 have a width of approximately 1
inch and a length of approximately 3 inches. The straps 30 and 32
are disposed in overlapping relation to an extent of approximately
1 inch with respect to the body 8 in relation to the end edge 28 so
that they extend laterally outwardly from the edge 28 a distance of
approximately 2 inches. By this arrangement, there is avoided any
loose edges which would provide undesirable flapping due to the
wind velocity created by movement of the forearm during the
striking of the ball. Such flapping would provide a source of
annoyance to the user. In addition, any loose flapping surfaces
would possibly cause a loosening or wrinkling of the body 8 and,
hence, might interfere with the quality of the forearm swing.
Moreover, swing. a game such as tennis, it is desirable to have
minimum distractions as the game requires the utmost concentration.
The type of fastener system described has been found to provide the
additional advantage in that it is not only quick and easy to
install, providing for rapid adjustment, but it also distributes
the fastening pressure evenly, thereby further increasing the
anti-skew characteristic of the device. This is extremely important
since the device does not rely upon compression for holding same in
place during the period of relaxation of the forearm. It is to be
recognized that in periods when the forearm is relaxed, it may
still be in motion. For example, when a player is running in a
direction toward the ball he is necessarily gripping the Racket
(FIG. 1) tightly to prepare for his stroke. Moreover, during a
tennis match, many times a player is running to be in a given
position and is not even preparing to strike the ball. At such
time, again, the arm would be in motion as part of the retention of
balance in running. During such periods of motion, it is necessary
that the device not slip or become wrinkled, thereby lessening or
destroying the effectiveness thereof.
In the invention, the body 8 has been constructed to have a length
sufficient to accommodate almost all forearm sizes. Preferably, the
body has a length of between 8 inches to 15 inches with 8-1/2
inches to 14-1/2 inches being preferred. This taken in conjunction
with the adjustable fastener system 14 provides the desired support
for practically any size forearm and provides the maximum
elongation of three-eighths inch to one-half inch for the minimum
and maximum length sizes, respectively, as aforesaid.
In the embodiment shown, the inner layer 10 has a thickness
arranged between one thirty-secondth inch and one-sixteenth inch,
and the outer layer 12 has a thickness arranged between one
thirty-secondth inch and one-sixteenths inch with the overall
thickness of the body 8 being between one-sixteenth inch and
three-sixteenths inch, and with the preferred overall thickness
being one-eighth inch.
In a typical application, the body 8 of the device 2 is simply
wrapped about the forearm 4 immediately below the bend of the arm
at the elbow 6, as best seen in FIG. 1. The device should be
applied sufficiently forward on the forearm so that it does not cut
into the flexed bicep muscle on the upper arm when the forearm is
bent to its maximum upward limit.
In the invention, the lengthwise dimension of the body 8 is
adjusted by wrapping the same partway around the forearm, and
holding it in this partially wrapped position, as by placing the
forearm against the front of the users body. Then with the thumb,
for example, placed upon the base 20 of the fastener system 14, the
fingers can separately move the other end of the body with the
strap 30 and 32 into tight overlapping engagement with the opposite
end of the body 8, thereby to slightly compress the muscle
underlying the body of the device. When this position is achieved,
the strap 30 and 32 may then be pressed by the fingers of the right
hand, for example, into the base 20 so as to mesh the projections
24 in interlocking holding engagement within the fibrous mat-like
material 34 and 36 of the respective straps, thereby securing the
device in position with the desired amount of tightness. During
play, the device is secured in encompassing relation comfortably on
the forearm. Then, during the periods when the ball is actually
being stroked, the device sufficiently resists the expansion of the
forearm to apply the desired counter or resistive pressure thereto.
As a result, the undesired stretching of the lateral humeral
epicondyle is prevented.
By the foregoing arrangement, and accompanying drawings it will be
seen that the present invention provides a therapeutic support
device wherein the symptoms of "tennis elbow" can be controlled in
a high percentage of patients by by its use on the proximal
forearm. This limits full contraction of the wrist extensor
muscles. Moreover, the device reduces tension on the tendon fibers
originating from the lateral epicondyle. The use of the device in
accordance with the invention replaces taping and re-taping with
adhesive tape and effectively lessens the need for surgery,
hastening recovery, and permitting earlier return to athletic and
work without recurrence of pain.
* * * * *