James E Bishop

US Patent:

20170273817, Sep 28, 2017

Filed:

Apr 24, 2017

Appl. No.:

15/495562

Inventors:

James Martin Bishop - Carleton MI, US

International Classification:

A61F 5/058
A61F 5/048

Abstract:

Usage of the Original Device Broken Down: The original device was created to stabilize a unilateral (one leg) closed mid shaft femur fracture by the use of held in place mechanical traction. The device has parallel telescoping rails, made from the frame itself, these rails allow the device to be adjusted and size appropriate for all heights of patients requiring this device. These rails lock in the position the medical provider deems correct. To start the application process, a medically trained individual must first apply an ankle brace (if no ankle fracture is present) to the injured leg, this brace has a loop attached to the bottom of it (this loop is used later), the provider will then pull manual traction using the ankle of the injured leg in a directional manner meant to realign the broken femur to its normal position prior to the break. The goal is to stretch the shortened injured leg until it meets the length of the non-injured leg. The force needed to reach this position is then matched by the devices mechanical ability to recreate the same amount of force the provider used to hold the leg in proper place. The original device then uses a strap that wraps around the whole upper portion of the injured leg (ischium/groin/thigh area), this strap secures the upper leg to the device and now becomes the anchor point the device will use to pull traction against. After this groin strap is secured, the device has a ratchet strap that can now be attached to the ankle brace loop mentioned above. Traction is now applied by pulling the leg taught until it matches the manual force applied by the provider; this is done by using a hand turned dial located on the device end. Once the desired outcome is reached, the device is then secured in place to inhibit any further movement until further medical care is required.Usage of the Modified BTSD Broken Down: The BTSD will serve the same function as the original, being a tool that is specific for a unilateral closed mid shaft femur fracture; but will also come optional to be outfitted with two fixed in place ratchet assemblies for treating a bilateral femur fracture. The key differences the BTSD will have over the original will be (1) better overall stabilization to the injured leg, (2) the BTSD design change to the original frame offers a simpler and a more practical application which now allows the uninjured leg to be part of stabilization process, (3) the BTSD offers a less painful, more effective and overall safer means of traction being applied, (4) the BTSD ratchet assembly housing will come optional with one ratchet strap housing assembly being able to slide and lock into grooved/notched positions found on the device frame; or come optional with two ratchet strap housing assemblies that will be found fixed on the device frame that do not move, this option being used to treat bilateral femur fractures. (5) The BTSD traction assembly will also have different means to how you apply the traction force, I am removing the single hand turn dial located on the housings side and replacing it with an adapter that will accept a handheld wrench device to allow better leverage during turns; an adaptor will be located on each side of assembly for the choice of leg affected (6) the BTSD will now offer-the option of the shock position for unstable patients. Outside of these specific and unique changes, the BTSD will utilize certain aspects, specs and be made out of similar materials from the original device.Steps of BTSD Application: (1) Depending on version of device you have, recognize the need of device (unilateral/bilateral closed mid-shaft femur fracture) (2) Carefully apply ankle brace(s) to injured leg(s). (3) Measure the desired length needed of the device. (4) If using the unilateral device option, the provider will then slide the ratchet housing assembly to the correct groove notch lock position of leg affected (4) The provider will then carefully guide the device into its correct position; this technique is similar to that of the original device, stopping at the hips. (5) Once in position, the provider will secure the two shoulder straps to the patient. (6) Now that the patient is strapped in, the devices ratchet strap can now be attached to the ankle brace(s) that were applied earlier; it attaches to a loop found on the ankle brace bottom by use of a hook. (7) The provider will now use the hand held wrench/lever device, attach it to the appropriate side adapter end of the ratchet assembly housing and begin applying traction; continuous turns of traction will be conducted until the injured leg is pulled enough to realign fracture, if both legs are affected you will pull traction simultaneously on both legs until desired outcome is reached. (8) After desired traction is achieved, the injured leg(s) is now further secured to the device with Velcro straps using the opposite leg as a secondary means of splinting; these Velcro straps are found attached to the device. (9) The abdominal strap is now fastened once all the leg straps are completed; this is another means of securing the patient to the device, helping minimize any potential harmful movements during the duration of patient care. (10) If needed, you can set the tripod arm into the elevated position, placing the patient in the shock position.