Method of forming an orthopedic cast

US5807291A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Andrew W. Larson · Livermore, US
• Steven Bitler · Menlo Park, US
• Lawrence C. Greene · Ramona, US
• David Taft · Atherton, US
• Ray F. Stewart · Redwood City, US
• Valentine Y. Yoon · Lompoc, US
• Thomas W. Ross · Los Gatos, US
• David A. Kamp · Sunnyvale, US
• Edward E. Schmitt · Norwalk, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 25, 1995
• Grant date: Sep 15, 1998
• Expiry date: May 25, 2015

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T442/2811
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Orthopedic casts which comprise an elastically deformed support which is held in its elastically deformed state by a solid casting composition. After the cast has been placed around a patient's limb, it is heated to soften the casting composition, thus permitting recovery of the cast into conforming contact with the limb. The support can for example be a fabric knitted from elastomeric fibers and glass fiber yarns. The casting composition can for example comprise polycaprolactone and/or a side chain crystallizable polymer, which melts at 45.degree.-60.degree. C. A padded liner can be placed between the cast and the limb. Recovery of the cast is preferably carried out by means of a hot air gun.