Post-operative dressing for below knee amputees
The present invention is directed toward a post-operative limb dressing and protection management system for below-the-knee amputees, preferably by providing a removable rigid dressing. The dressing of the present invention generally comprises a transparent thermo plastic liner that is covered by a removable rigid cast to provide relatively easy visual access to the limb.
1 . A removable post-operative limb dressing comprising:
a thermo plastic gel liner;
a protective covering over the liner;
a removable cast; and
a securing means for securing the removable cast onto the limb.
2 . The dressing of claim 1 , further comprising a distal pad, wherein the distal pad is placed at a distal end of the limb, over the thermo plastic gel liner and under the protective covering.
3 . The dressing of claim 1 , wherein the thermo plastic gel liner is tubular shaped and closed at one end and open at another end.
4 . The dressing of claim 1 , wherein the protective covering is a fabric.
5 . The dressing of claim 1 , wherein the protective covering is closed at one end and open at another end.
6 . The dressing of claim 1 , wherein the removable cast is cut along its periphery.
7 . The dressing of claim 5 , wherein the removable cast is cut into more than one portion.
8 . The dressing of claim 1 , wherein the removable cast is not completely cut and comprises a hinge keeping the removable cast as one piece.
9 . The dressing of claim 1 , wherein the one or more securing means comprise one or more straps.
10 . The dressing of claim 1 , wherein the cast comprises an opening proximate a joint.
11 . The dressing of claim 1 , wherein the dressing is suitable for a below-the-knee amputated leg.
12 . A method of dressing a post-operative limb comprising:
applying a thermo plastic gel liner on a post-operative limb;
placing a distal pad on a distal end of the post-operative limb above the thermo plastic gel liner;
covering the post-operative limb with a protective covering over the thermo plastic gel liner;
wrapping the post-operative limb over the protective covering with a wrapping means;
placing a spacer around the perimeter of the limb prior to applying the cast forming gauze;
cutting the cast proximate the spacer;
wrapping the post-operative limb with a cast forming gauze, wherein the cast forming gauze solidifies to form a cast;
shaping the residual muscle tissue before the gauze solidifies;
cutting the cast along its periphery sufficient to permit removal of the cast; and
securing the cast on the post-operative limb with one or more securing means.
13 . The method of claim 12 , further comprising placing a pad proximate a joint and cutting the cast proximate the pad prior to securing the cast on the post-operative limb.
14 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the spacer is removed prior to securing the cast on the post-operative limb.
15 . The method of claim 12 , wherein cutting the cast along its periphery is cutting the cast into two separate portions.
16 . A method of making a removable cast suitable for use with a post-operative limb comprising:
applying a thermo plastic gel liner on a post-operative limb;
covering the post-operative limb with a protective covering over the thermo plastic gel liner;
wrapping the post-operative limb over the protective covering with a wrapping means;
wrapping the post-operative limb with a cast forming gauze, wherein the cast forming gauze solidifies to form a cast; and
cutting the cast along its periphery sufficient to permit removal of the cast.
17 . The method of claim 16 , further comprising placing a pad proximate a joint and cutting the cast proximate the pad.
18 . The method of claim 16 , further comprising shaping the residual muscle tissue before the gauze solidifies.
19 . The method of claim 16 , further comprising placing a spacer around the perimeter of the limb prior to applying the cast forming gauze.
20 . The method of claim 19 , further comprising cutting the cast proximate the spacer.
21 . The method of claim 19 , wherein the spacer is removed prior to securing the cast on the post-operative limb.
22 . The method of claim 16 , wherein cutting the cast along its periphery is cutting the cast into two separate portions.