Reduced pressure, compression systems and apparatuses for use on joints

1. A system for providing reduced-pressure treatment to a moveable tissue site, the system comprising:

a flexible dressing bolster having a first side and a second, inward-facing side;

a plurality of flexion joints formed on the dressing bolster;

a sealing subsystem for providing a fluid seal over the flexible dressing bolster;

a reduced-pressure subsystem for delivering a reduced pressure to the sealing subsystem;

wherein the sealing subsystem and reduced-pressure subsystem are operable to deliver a reduced pressure to the moveable tissue site; and

wherein the flexible dressing bolster is operable to allow movement of the moveable tissue site.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of flexion joints comprises a first plurality of spaced bolster modules formed on the first side of the flexible dressing bolster.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of flexion joints comprises a first plurality of spaced bolster modules formed on the first side of the flexible dressing bolster and a second plurality of bolster modules formed on the second side of the flexible dressing bolster.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of flexion joints comprises a first plurality of spaced bolster modules formed on the first side of the flexible dressing bolster and wherein the first plurality of spaced bolster modules form a first plurality of bolster recesses.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of flexion joints comprises a first plurality of spaced bolster modules formed on the first side of the flexible dressing bolster and a second plurality of spaced bolster modules formed on the second side of the flexible dressing bolster, wherein the first plurality of spaced bolster modules on the first side form a first plurality of bolster recesses and wherein the second plurality of bolster modules forms a second plurality of bolster recesses.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of flexion joints comprises a first plurality of spaced bolster modules formed on the first side of the flexible dressing bolster and a second plurality of bolster modules formed on the second side of the flexible dressing bolster; and further comprising a first side recess formed on a first side of the flexible dressing bolster and a second side recess formed on a second side.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of flexion joints comprises:

a first plurality of spaced bolster modules formed on the first side of the flexible dressing bolster;

a second plurality of spaced bolster modules formed on the second side of the flexible dressing bolster;

wherein the first plurality of spaced bolster modules on the first side form a first plurality of bolster recesses;

wherein the second plurality of bolster modules forms a second plurality of bolster recesses;

a first side recess formed on a first lateral side of the flexible dressing bolster; and

a second side recess formed on a second lateral side.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the sealing subsystem comprises:

a drape that extends over the flexible dressing bolster; and

a sealing apparatus for providing a fluid seal between a patient's epidermis and the drape.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the sealing subsystem comprises:

a drape that extends over the flexible dressing bolster;

a sealing apparatus for providing a fluid seal between a patient's epidermis and the drape; and

wherein the drape comprises a flexible elastomer that is operable to stretch at least 80% of its original lateral length.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein the reduced-pressure subsystem comprises:

a reduced-pressure source for providing a reduced pressure;

a reduced-pressure interface coupled to the sealing subsystem;

a reduced-pressure conduit for providing reduced pressure from the reduced-pressure source to the reduced-pressure interface.

11. The system of claim 1 ,

wherein the plurality of flexion joints comprises:

a first plurality of spaced bolster modules formed on the first side of the flexible dressing bolster,

a second plurality of spaced bolster modules formed on the second side of the flexible dressing bolster,

wherein the first plurality of spaced bolster modules on the first side form a first plurality of bolster recesses, and

wherein the second plurality of bolster modules forms a second plurality of bolster recesses;

wherein the sealing subsystem comprises:

a drape formed from a flexible elastomer that is operable to stretch at least 100 percent of its original lateral length, and

a sealing apparatus for providing a fluid seal between a patient's epidermis and the drape; and

wherein the reduced-pressure subsystem comprises:

a reduced-pressure source for providing a reduced pressure;

a reduced-pressure interface coupled to the sealing subsystem;

a reduced-pressure conduit for providing reduced pressure from the reduced-pressure source to the reduced-pressure interface.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein the drape is coupled to the first plurality of bolster modules.

13. The system of claim 1 , wherein the flexible dressing bolster comprises:

a bolster body comprising:

a top wall,

a bottom wall, the top wall and bottom wall are coupled in a spaced relationship, the bottom wall having a first lateral portion on one side of the center portion, and a second lateral portion on another side of the center portion,

a first closing member formed on the first lateral portion, and

a second closing member formed on the second lateral portion; and

wherein the first closing member and second closing member are operable to develop a directed force when the closing dressing bolster is placed under reduced pressured; and

wherein the plurality of flexion joints are formed as lateral slots on the bolster body.

14. The system of claim 1 , wherein the flexible dressing bolster comprises a bolster body comprising a foam having a first side and a second, inward-facing side and wherein the flexion joints comprises a plurality of flexibility notches formed on the first side.