AU2003204858B2

AU2003204858B2 - Pressure Ulcer Prosthesis and Method for Treating and/or Preventing Pressure Ulcers

Info

Publication number: AU2003204858B2
Application number: AU2003204858A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Craig Andrews; David Huber
Original assignee: Guardaheel IP Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Guardaheel IP Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2002-06-25
Filing date: 2003-06-20
Publication date: 2008-09-04
Anticipated expiration: 2023-06-20
Also published as: AU2003204858A1; AU2008252048A1; AUPS316802A0

Description

Pressure Ulcer Prosthesis and Method for Treating and/or Preventing Pressure Ulcers Technical Field The present invention relates to a prosthesis for treating and/or preventing pressure ulcers. The invention also relates to a method of treating and/or preventing pressure ulcers. More particularly the present invention is directed to a prosthesis and method for treating and/or preventing pressure ulcers on the foot of the patient, and more particularly still, on or around the lateral malleolus and calcaneus of the patient's foot.

Background of the Invention Immobility, prolonged periods of lying down such as following surgery, peripheral vascular disease and diabetes are all examples of the kinds of things that are associated with pressure sores or pressure ulcers in patients.

Patients who are lying down for prolonged periods are particularly prone to developing pressure ulcers on or around the calcaneus and lateral malleolus of the foot.

Patients with diabetes are highly susceptible to developing diabetic foot ulcers caused by poor circulation and patients with peripheral vascular disease are susceptible to developing arterial ulcers.

In such patients, mechanical pressure, moisture, friction and shearing forces all predispose to the development of pressure ulcers (see for example, Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14 th edition, Fauci et al (eds), 1998, McGraw Hill, at 43).

There are a wide variety of prosthesis which have been developed for treating and/or preventing pressure ulcers. However, many of these, such as US 4197845, US 5449339, US 4186738 and US 4104746 all make some contact with the sole of the patient's foot making it potentially difficult for the patient to walk whilst wearing the prosthesis.

In addition, each of the above mentioned prior art examples, as well US 5957874, all have the effect, that when the patient is wearing them and is supine, the height of the patient's foot relative to that of their knee is greater, causing the patient's leg to hyperextend. This can be uncomfortable and is not overcome by the prior art mentioned above.

[l:\DAYLIB\ibd02833.doc:hxa Object of the Invention It is the object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least one of the above disadvantages.

Summary of the Invention In a first aspect, the present invention provides a pressure ulcer prosthesis comprising an elongate body to support a patient's limb, said body having: a longitudinal axis and a longitudinally extending support surface for the limb, said support surface in transverse cross-section being arcuate and concave; and a distal end with a further surface extending from the support surface so as to diverge from the longitudinal axis such that a portion of the limb adjacent the further surface is relieved from pressure.

In one preferred embodiment, the prosthesis body has a transverse cross-section being arcuate and concave. In further embodiments, the prosthesis body is of any other shape, preferably, a shape suitable for accommodating the support surface for the limb and simultaneously providing an appropriate shape capable of enabling a patient wearing the prosthesis to comfortably lie supine on a substantially horizontal surface, such as a bed.

In some preferred embodiments, the prosthesis body has at least one hole for providing ventilation to the area of the limb on which the prosthesis is placed. In alternative embodiments there is a plurality of such holes through the prosthesis body.

In some preferred embodiments, the prosthesis further comprises a liner for lining the support surface and, in further embodiments still, the further surface.

In such embodiments, the liner is formed from a high density foam. In alternative embodiments, the liner is formed from a low density foam, or any other material suitable for improving comfort of a patient wearing the prosthesis.

Further, the liner may have substantially the same shape as the support surface of the prosthesis body or may have a different shape better served to improving the particular patient's comfort. For example, a liner surface which remains in contact with the patient's body may have the same contour as that of the patient's body upon which it will be worn.

In other preferred embodiments the prosthesis further comprises at least one reinforcement structure on the outer surface of the prosthesis body for reinforcing the prosthesis' rigidity. In some such embodiments, the reinforcement structure is integral [l:DAYLB\ibd]02833.doc:hxa with the prosthesis body. In others, the reinforcement structure is connected to or secured by a securing means to the prosthesis body.

In yet still further preferred embodiments, the reinforcement structure extends around a perimeter of the outer surface of the prosthesis body just inwardly from an edge S of the perimeter.

In such embodiments, the reinforcement structure has a width and forms a framelike structure on the outer surface of the prosthesis body. In alternative embodiments the reinforcement structure is essentially block-like and covers almost the entire outer surface of the prosthesis body. In further alternative embodiments, the reinforcement structure is a strip running along a longitudinal axis of the outer surface of the prosthesis body. In yet still further alternative embodiments, the reinforcement structure is a strip running along a horizontal axis of the outer surface of the prosthesis body.

In further alternative embodiments there are a plurality of reinforcement structures on the outer surface of the prosthesis body running along either the longitudinal or horizontal axis, or some running along one axis while others running along the opposite axis.

In yet still further alternative embodiments, the reinforcement structures may form a cross-hatched pattern on the outer surface of the prosthesis body, or any other pattern capable of further reinforcing the rigidity of the prosthesis body.

In yet still further preferred embodiments the prosthesis further comprises at least one fitting strap for securing the prosthesis to the patient's limb. The fitting strap can be formed of velcro, or any other material suitable for maintaining the prosthesis in the appropriate position.

In further preferred embodiments there are two fitting straps each located proximal a respective end of the prosthesis. In alternative embodiments there are a plurality of fitting straps on the prosthesis.

The prosthesis of preferred embodiments further comprises at least one antihyperextension means on the outer surface of the prosthesis' body proximal a proximal end of the prosthesis.

The preferred anti-hyperextension means prevents the patient's limb from hyperextending when the prosthesis is being worn by the patient while the patient is supine on a surface, such as a bed. Hyperextension is caused when the patient's leg comes under a further extension pressure above and beyond that which the patient feels when the patient's leg is naturally fully extended.

[I:\DAYLIB\Iibd]02833.doc:hxa 00 Preferred anti-hyperextension means have a rectangular prism type shape but follow a contour of the outer surface of the prosthesis body. Alternative embodiments of the anti-hyperextension means are of any shape provided that the shape allows the antihyperextension means to adequately perform its preferred function as described above.

In all such embodiments the anti-hyperextension means may be integral with, 00 V)connected to, or secured to the prosthesis body. The anti-hyperextension means of 00 present invention can be formed of any material provided that the material allows the antihyperextension means to perform its preferred function as described above.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a pressure ulcer prosthesis C 10 comprising an elongate body to support a patient's lower limb, said body having: a longitudinal axis and a longitudinally extending support surface adapted to receive an underside of the lower limb, said support surface in transverse crosssection being arcuate and concave; at least one anti-hyperextension means on an outer surface of the prosthesis body proximal a proximal end of the prosthesis, wherein the antihyperextension means is adapted to substantially prevent the patent's lower limb from hyper-extending when the prosthesis is being worn by the patient while the patient is supine on a surface; and a distal end with a further surface extending from the support surface so as to diverge from the longitudinal axis such that a portion of the lower limb adjacent the further surface is relieved from pressure.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating and/or preventing pressure ulcers on a patient's foot, said method comprising placing a prosthesis of the first or second aspect on the patient's leg, such that when the patient is supine on a substantially horizontal surface, the prosthesis prevents the calcaneus and lateral malleolus of the patient's foot from contacting the substantially horizontal surface or the prosthesis.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a prosthesis of the first or second aspect when used for the treatment and/or prevention of pressure ulcers on a patient's foot.

In preferred embodiments of the method of the third aspect, the prosthesis is placed on the posterior of the patient's lower leg below the popliteal fossa. Preferably, once the prosthesis is so placed, the lower leg is supported such that the patient's foot is 00 suspended when the patient is supine on a substantially horizontal surface. The suspension is such that the patient's lateral malleolus and calcaneus are prevented from coming into contact with the substantially horizontal surface on which the patient is supine, or the prosthesis.

Note that when the patient is supine on a substantially horizontal surface, there is 00 V- the possibility that because an edge of the distal end of the prosthesis body may elevate 00 0 the distal end of the patient's leg, the patient's leg will be caused to hyperextend.

As explained earlier, the preferred prosthesis further comprises an antihyperextension means. When such prosthesis has been placed on the patient's leg as i 10 described above, and the patient is supine on substantially horizontal surface, the antihyperextension means preferably rests on the substantially horizontal surface. As a consequence, the anti-hyperextension means preferably ensures that the patient's knee is at the same relative height as his/her foot, or is relatively higher than his/her foot, with respect to the substantially horizontal surface. In that way the anti-hyperextension means preferably prevents the patient's leg from hyperextending.

00 Also as explained earlier, a preferred prosthesis further comprises at least one fitting strap for securing the prosthesis to the patient's leg. There are at least two advantages associated with securing the prosthesis to the patient's leg. First, the prosthesis is unlikely to be dislodged from its appropriate position if the patient moves. Second, the patient is free to ambulate without having to remove the prosthesis. Indeed, when the prosthesis is placed on the patient's leg as discussed above, no part of the prosthesis would interfere 00 with the patient's ability to walk whilst wearing it.

00 Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, Obut not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed in Australia before the priority date of each claim of this application.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the present invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Brief Description of the Drawings A preferred form of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the pressure ulcer prosthesis of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the pressure ulcer prosthesis of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a preferred embodiment of the pressure ulcer prosthesis of the present invention being worn by a patient in the appropriate position.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the lower leg of the patient.

00 Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a patient lying on a bed wearing a ;pressure ulcer prosthesis of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments The pressure ulcer prosthesis 10 of the preferred embodiment of the present 00 5 invention comprises an elongate body 11 to support a patient's limb, said body 11 having: OO V a longitudinal axis 90 and a longitudinally extending support surface 13 for the limb, said 00 support surface 13 in transverse cross-section being arcuate and concave; and a distal (Ni end 12 with a further surface 80 extending from the support surface 13 so as to diverge from the longitudinal axis 90 such that a portion of the limb adjacent the further surface (N 10 is relieved from pressure.

In preferred embodiments, the body 11 in transverse cross-section is arcuate and concave.

The preferred prosthesis 10 further comprises a liner 20 for lining the support surface 13 of the prosthesis body 11. The liner 20 is preferably formed from a high density foam. Preferably, the liner 20 has substantially the same shape as the support surface 13 of the prosthesis body 11. Of course, where appropriate, a liner surface 21 which remains in contact with the patient's body may have the same contour of the patient's body on which it will be worn.

The preferred prosthesis 10 further comprises at least one reinforcement structure 30 on an outer surface 14 of the prosthesis body 11 for reinforcing the prosthesis's rigidity. As shown in figure 1, the reinforcement structure 30 of preferred embodiments extends around a perimeter of the outer surface 14 of the prosthesis body 11 just inwardly from an edge of the perimeter.

In such embodiments, the reinforcement structure 30 has a width and forms a frame-like structure on the outer surface 14 of the prosthesis body 11.

As is illustrated in figures 1-3 and 5, the preferred prosthesis 10 further comprises two fitting straps 40 for securing the prosthesis 10 to the patient's body. The preferred fitting straps 40 are formed of velcro. Typically, the fitting straps 40 are each located proximal a respective end of the prosthesis The prosthesis 10 of preferred embodiments further comprises at least one antihyperextension means 50 on the outer surface 14 of the prosthesis body 11 proximal a proximal end of the prosthesis As shown in figure 1, preferred anti-hyperextension means 50 has a rectangular prism-type shape but follows a contour of the outer surface 14 of the prosthesis body 11.

As discussed above, the preferred anti-hyperextension means 50 preferably prevents the patient's limb from hyperextending when the prosthesis 10 is being worn by the patient while the patient is supine on a substantially horizontal surface 70, such as a bed. This particular function of the anti-hyperextension means 50 is discussed in more detail below.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention also provide a method of treating and/or preventing pressure ulcers on a patient's foot 60. The preferred method comprises placing a prosthesis 10 on the posterior 63 of the patient's lower leg 68 below the popliteal fossa 64.

Once the prosthesis 10 is so placed, the lower leg 68 is preferably supported such that the patient's foot 60 is suspended when the patient is supine on a substantially horizontal surface 70, as shown in figures 3 and 5. The suspension is such that the patient's lateral malleolus 62 and calcaneus 61 are prevented from coming into contact with the substantially horizontal surface 70 on which the patient is supine, or the prosthesis ADAYLIB\ibd]O2833.doc:hxa As can be seen in figures 3 and 5, when the patient is supine on a substantially horizontal surface 70, there is the possibility that because an edge of the distal end 12 of the prosthesis body 11 effectively elevates the distal end of the patient's lower leg 68, the patient's leg will be caused to hyperextend. As discussed earlier, hyperextension is caused when the patient's leg comes under a further extension pressure above and beyond that which the patient feels when the patient's leg is naturally fully extended.

Accordingly, preferred embodiments of the invention disclose that when the prosthesis 10 is properly placed on the patient's lower leg 68, the anti-hyperextension means 50 rests on the substantially horizontal surface 70 in such a way as to ensure that 1o the patient's knee 65 is at the same relative height as the patient's foot 60, or is relatively higher than the patient's foot 60, with respect to the substantially horizontal surface 70. In that way, the anti-hyperextension means 50 preferably prevents the patient's leg from hyperextending.

As explained earlier, the fitting straps 40 secure the prosthesis 10 to the patient's Is leg. Having such straps provides the advantage that the prosthesis 10 is unlikely to be dislodged from its appropriate position if the patient moves around whilst lying on a substantially horizontal surface 70, such as a bed. The further advantage is that when the prosthesis 10 is placed on the patient's leg as discussed above, no part of the prosthesis would interfere with the patient's ability to walk whilst wearing it.

[I:\DAYLIB\libd]02833.doc:hxa

Claims

2. The prosthesis of claim 1, wherein the anti-hyperextension means are of any shape that allows the anti-hyperextension means to substantially prevent the patent's limb from hyper-extending when the prosthesis is being worn by the patient while the patient is supine on a surface.
3. The prosthesis of claim 1 or 2, wherein the anti-hyperextension means have a rectangular prism-type shape.
4. The prosthesis of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the anti-hyperextension means follows a contour of the outer surface of the prosthesis body. The prosthesis of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the prosthesis body as a transverse cross-section being arcuate and concave.
6. The prosthesis of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the prosthesis body is a shape suitable accommodating the support surface for the lower limb and simultaneously providing an appropriate shape capable of enabling a patient wearing the prosthesis to comfortably lie supine on a substantially horizontal surface.
7. The prosthesis of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the prosthesis further comprises a liner for lining the support surface.
8. The prosthesis of claim 7, wherein the liner is formed from a high density foam or a low density foam. 00
9. The prosthesis of claims 7 or 8, wherein the liner is substantially the same (Ni bj3 shape as the support surface of the prosthesis body. The prosthesis of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the prosthesis body further comprises at least one reinforcement structure on an outer surface of the prosthesis for reinforcing the rigidity of the prosthesis. 00 11. The prosthesis of claim 10, wherein the reinforcement structure is integral with, V) 00 connected to or secured by a securing means to the prosthesis body. S12. The prosthesis of claim 10 or 11, wherein the reinforcement structure extends (Ni around a perimeter of the outer surface of the prosthesis just inwardly from an 10 edge of the perimeter. (Ni
13. The prosthesis of claim 12, wherein the reinforcement structure has a width and forms a frame-like structure on an outer surface of the prosthesis body.
14. The prosthesis of any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising at least one fitting strap for securing the prosthesis to patient's lower limb.
15. The prosthesis of any one of claims 1 to 14, further including at least one whole for providing ventilation to the area of the lower limb on watch the prosthesis is placed.
16. The prosthesis of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein there is a plurality of wholes through the prosthesis body.
17. A pressure ulcer prosthesis substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of figures 1, 2, 3 and
18. A method of treating and/or preventing pressure ulcers on a patient's foot, the method comprising a placing a prosthesis of any one of claims 1 to 17 on the patient's lower limb, such that when the patient is supine on a substantially horizontal surface, the prosthesis prevents the calcaneus and lateral malleolus of the patient's foot from contacting the substantially horizontal surface or the prosthesis.
19. A method of treating and/or preventing pressure ulcers on a patient's foot substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of figures 3 and