Inventors:
Loren Working - Barberton OH
International Classification:
A61F 500
Abstract:
An orthopedic brace is described which substantialy permits the full use of the fingers and the hand, while immobilizing the wrist for the purpose of preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or in the event the Syndrome is already present, for causing a remission and eventual elimination of the syndrome. The brace comprises a stiff member extending dorsally down the forearm with a moldable plastic crosspiece attached to the lower end thereof in a generally tee-shaped configuration. The crosspiece is elevated at an angle of about 7-10x from the horizontal to accommodate the normal dorsi flexion. The moldable plastic cross-piece is softened by warming to the degree necessary to mold it to the patient's hand. The brace is then placed on the upper, or dorsal surface of the wearer's forearm and hand and the softened crosspiece is molded to the contours of the back of the wearer's hand, and curled around the outside of the hand. The brace is thereafter fastened to the wearer by means of the cincture straps one of which passes across the palm, and the other two around the middle and upper parts of the forearm, none passing around the wrist.