Inventors:
James A. Dray - Lawrence KS
International Classification:
A61F 1300, A41D 1900
Abstract:
An orthosis for external application to the wrist for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, which applies simultaneous yet independent bilateral parallel midline compression along with simultaneous yet independent anterior midline torsion to the distal ends of the radius and ulna and the lateral and medial wall of the carpal bones. The orthoses relaxes the flexor retinaculum (transverse and volar carpal ligaments), reverses anterior to posterior prolapse of the carpal tunnel, and reduces stress on the median nerve, ligaments and bursa traversing the wrist. The device is constructed to allow full and unrestricted movement of the wrist, hand and fingers. The device utilizes a flexible substrate to which are attached releasable compression elements for positioning at the distal end of the radius and ulna at the lateral walls of the carpal tunnel. A cinching loop and a releasable closure element are integrally constructed into the substrate material for securing the device to the wrist such that the compression and torsion act on the elements which are transferred to the radius and ulna ends. The device is constructed so as to be worn on either the right or left wrist and accommodates either large or small wrist circumferences.