CN120837259A - Photo-curing orthopaedics support - Google Patents

Abstract

A light-cured orthopedic brace, an orthopedic brace member, the orthopedic brace member comprising a single layer cavity sheet structure, the single layer cavity sheet being comprised of small inflatable hollow tubes interconnected and in fluid communication to form a mesh structure, wherein the hollow tubes are adapted to be in direct contact with the skin of a selected limb of a user during use of the orthopedic brace, and the orthopedic brace is free of fabric or cushioning material interposed between the hollow tube and the selected limb skin during use, the orthopedic brace member being adapted to inject at least one infusion material into the hollow tubes, wherein the hollow tube is in direct contact with the selected limb skin during use. The weight of the material adopted by the brace is lighter, the burden of a patient is reduced, the brace has good air permeability, skin breathing is facilitated, sweat retention is reduced, the risk of skin problems is reduced, the brace can be customized according to personal requirements, the fit degree is higher, the comfort is stronger, and the specific requirements of different patients can be met.

Description

Photo-curing orthopaedics support

Technical Field

The invention belongs to the technical field of orthopedic braces, and particularly relates to a photo-curing orthopedic brace.

Background

In general, most fractures of the extremities, such as the arms and legs, and minor skeletal injuries, such as sprains and joint dislocation, are immobilized with plaster during the healing process to provide support. The plaster fixes the limb, so that the fracture can be repaired at a proper position. The most commonly used plasters include multi-layer fabrics and cotton-filled tapes wrapped around the limb.

Traditional orthopedic braces are heavy, uncomfortable and easy to erode and degrade by water and sweat. This often makes bathing, swimming, and other activities difficult or impossible for the wearer. Further difficulties may be encountered in adjusting the orthopedic brace to accommodate the swelling. The skin underneath the plaster is also affected by irritation, skin rupture and pressure points, which all lead to infections and threatens the limb. The techniques used in orthopedic brace procedures have not changed much over the last 100 years.

Paris gypsum has been widely used until the advent of the 20 th century 80 s fiberglass material. Gypsum orthopedic braces have a number of problems because gypsum orthopedic braces are typically provided in the form of a cast brace belt made of a fibrous belt impregnated with paris powder or any other hardened material (i.e., resin). The plaster is wetted and bonded together to form a rigid supporting orthopedic brace. Once bonded, the gypsum is bonded together and a strong gypsum orthopedic brace is made from the fabric and cotton pad. Gypsum made in this way reduces its green strength when wet. Therefore, care must be taken to prevent the orthopaedic brace from getting wet. In addition, any moisture beneath the gypsum wets the fabric and cotton filled tape within the gypsum. Fabrics and cotton padded belts may become wet from washing, bathing, swimming, rain, perspiration, and other causes. Wet fabrics and cotton filled belts can cause skin irritation and maceration after a short period of time. Mold and bacteria grow in such environments and produce unpleasant odors. Because gypsum is not wettable, it is very difficult to wash and clean, and skin irritants and dirt cannot be washed away.

Gypsum is also heavy and stiff and does not allow the limb to swell and shrink. In most cases, a cast cannot be made until the swelling of the limbs subsides. If placed before the swelling is reduced, the plaster may become too loose to immobilize the limb. If the plaster is placed prematurely, while the limb is still swelling, the plaster may become too tight and create pressure.

When the orthopedic brace emerges or continues to expand after placement, the orthopedic brace must often be separated to relieve pressure. Accordingly, there is a need for an orthopedic brace system that can continuously monitor the covered portion of an injured limb.

Glass fiber orthopedic braces also in use today have some advantages over gypsum orthopedic braces, but in addition to some of the same problems encountered with gypsum orthopedic braces, they have some problems themselves. The fiberglass orthopedic brace itself is lighter, breathable (to some extent), waterproof and more durable than gypsum orthopedic braces. However, the fabric and cotton pad against the skin may become moist, as in gypsum orthopedic braces. If this happens, the glass fiber must be removed like gypsum, to eliminate odors, mold and skin irritation. Once the underlayment is wet, there are few methods (e.g., blowers, etc.) to dry, but this method is cumbersome and is based on a non-scientific method and therefore may not be an effective and reliable option. The fiberglass orthopedic brace is also as stiff as a gypsum orthopedic brace. It does not adjust to swelling and physical conditions to provide a better, more comfortable fit. Accordingly, there is a perceived need for an orthopedic brace system that can eliminate the need for a filler therein.

Another major drawback of existing systems is the need to immerse the materials (gypsum, fiberglass, delta orthopedic braces) in water to perform an exothermic reaction-gypsum or fiberglass splint or orthopedic brace applications that will activate the hardening or curing process-need to be systematically provided with the proper supply and adequate preparation. This can be messy and inconvenient, often resulting in the orthopedic brace liner being wetted with water and then having to dry over time. The temperature of the water affects the length of time required for the orthopedic brace material to cure or harden. Colder water may slow this process and require longer pressure to be applied to the patient's limb or to shape the orthopedic brace, while warmer water may cause the material to solidify more quickly, generating more heat to the skin, which may lead to premature hardening before the orthopedic brace material layer is fully applied or shaped if the practitioner is not good at the orthopedic brace. This is both a messy, time consuming procedure for the patient and is often uncomfortable. It is envisioned that if a person suffers from a long bone fracture, such as a tibia, radius, or ulna fracture, then no unnecessary or prolonged limb manipulation is appreciated by the patient. Thus, an orthopedic brace system that does not require water for the hardening or curing process would be highly appreciated. In addition, it is difficult to cut and remove paris gypsum and fiberglass gypsum after healing or in the case of replacement of gypsum. In addition, gypsum dust and fiber dust cause problems when cutting.

W002004100829 discloses an orthopedic brace article comprising a polymeric foam tape comprising one or more curable resins. The polymeric foam tape may be a foam having a substantially open cell structure, a substantially closed cell structure, or a substantially reticulated cell structure. The curable resin may be a water curable resin. The orthopedic brace article may be multi-layered to obtain an article suitable for splinting applications.

US2011264022 (Al) discloses an orthopedic brace system having an orthopedic brace belt with moisture responsive resin therein and a tubular core. Prior to use in forming an orthopedic brace, an orthopedic brace strap is wrapped around a tubular core for transportation and storage. The tubular core is formed of a flexible polymeric material and includes a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface. The core wall has a plurality of relatively shallow protrusions and recesses extending from the core wire. When the brace belt is wrapped around the core, the recess provides a series of longitudinal grooves along which water flows near the inner cladding of the brace belt. However, the orthopedic braces involved in the above applications have problems of air circulation and cleanability.

Furthermore, WO2004100829 and US2011264022 describe resin impregnated bandage rolls for orthopedic brace applications. It only improves the application process of gypsum and provides a simple application of moisture-preserving bandages. The techniques involved in the patent application do not improve the end result of the orthopedic brace, i.e. washing ability, formability, breathability.

WO2007038547 discloses an orthopedic brace system comprising a hydrophilic inner layer, a hydrophobic outer layer having opposing surfaces adjacent to the hydrophilic inner layer. The hydrophobic layer has an apparent surface energy of less than about 60 dynes/cm and the curable orthopedic brace material is disposed on one of the opposing surfaces. However, the process is not limited to the above-described process,

W002007038547 describes novel materials for filling. The inventors of WO'547 have described a fabric which is waterproof so that the patient can bathe or clean the orthopaedic brace. In contrast, the present invention provides an orthopedic brace material that does not involve any filler material.

W002014071265 discloses a multi-layered orthopedic brace for securing a body member of a patient. The orthopedic brace of WO 265 includes a hydrophobic sleeve shaped to be applied over and substantially conform to the shape of a body member and a moldable layer configured to be positioned around the sleeve and hardened to conform to the shape of the body member adjacent the sleeve. The moldable layer includes a network of pores extending through the moldable layer, wherein the pores are configured to contact the hydrophobic sleeve to facilitate the outward flow of moisture from the hydrophobic sleeve through the moldable layer.

However, the technique disclosed in WO'265 employs 3 different layers to provide the required functionality, which makes the overall orthopedic brace more difficult and complex to wear and cast. Furthermore, WO'265 employs a hydrophobic layer to keep moisture away from the skin, but this technique is not completely waterproof. Water may enter the outer layer of the orthopedic brace and then dry by evaporation alone. In contrast, the orthopedic brace material of the invention is very simple to use when worn or cast.

US2013102940 discloses a modular orthopedic brace system for securing and supporting a body part. The modular orthopedic brace system includes a first inner layer for filling and dissipating heat from the skin of a patient. The second layer is formed of a thermoformable structural material, such as perforated plastic. A protective third outer layer is provided to provide insulation to the second layer. These three layers are formed together to form an integral orthopedic brace system that is easy to form and apply to a patient.

However, the thermoformed plastic used in US'940 will soften at temperatures of 40 to 50 degrees celsius and will flow when the temperature is above 60 degrees celsius. Such materials can of course be shaped on body parts, but their strength is questionable in hot climates, hot water baths or workers (smelters) exposed to high temperatures. In addition, such a casting system is not waterproof, since the thermoformable layer is sandwiched between a heat-dissipating layer and an insulating layer, which are of course some kind of fabric or porous material that can absorb water.

Accordingly, there is a need for a cost-effective flexible orthopedic brace system for moving patient body members that is lighter in weight, breathable and washable, while having the advantage of being customizable to the needs of the individual patient, capable of maintaining uniform pressure throughout the covered area, and allowing for the visualization of swelling of the covered skin through the skin.

Disclosure of Invention

Aiming at the situation, the invention provides a light-cured orthopedic brace for overcoming the defects in the prior art so as to at least partially solve the technical problems.

The technical scheme adopted by the invention is as follows:

The present invention proposes a photocurable orthopedic brace comprising an orthopedic brace member composed of a single layer cavity sheet structure composed of small inflated hollow tubes interconnected and in fluid communication to form a mesh structure, wherein the hollow tubes are adapted to be in direct contact with the skin of a selected limb of a user during use of the orthopedic brace, and the orthopedic brace is free of fabric or cushioning material interposed between the hollow tube and the selected limb skin during use, the orthopedic brace member being adapted to inject at least one infusion material in the hollow tubes, wherein the at least one infusion material is configured to harden in the hollow tubes when the hollow tube is in direct contact with the selected limb skin, the at least one infusion material being selected from the group of polyepoxy materials comprising epoxy, acrylate filler and activator, polymer, or any combination thereof, cured or cured by application of external ultraviolet or natural light for at least 10 minutes.

In one embodiment of the invention, the orthopedic brace member is formed of a flexible material composed of silicone rubber, latex rubber, synthetic rubber, or any combination thereof, configured in a rolled configuration and then deployed onto a selected limb during use.

In one embodiment of the invention, the orthopedic brace member has a flat deployment geometry wherein the mesh structure is preformed and configured to conform to a selected portion of a limb.

In one embodiment of the invention, the orthopedic brace further comprises at least one locking member disposed on at least one peripheral surface of the orthopedic brace member to provide a means for attaching and removing the orthopedic brace component.

In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking member is a hook-and-loop or snap-fit attachment member adapted to secure the at least one peripheral surface to a second end when the orthopedic brace member is applied to the selected limb and to provide adjustment in the orthopedic brace member to conform to the selected limb.

In one embodiment of the invention, the orthopedic brace member has a shape configured to respond to the contours of the portion of the selected limb, and wherein the device is a glove worn over the selected limb portion 20.

In one embodiment of the invention, the elasticity 25 and flexibility of the silicone rubber of the orthopedic brace member and the non-rigid locking provided by the hook-and-loop or snap-fit attachment member serving as the at least one locking member of the orthopedic brace element, the orthopedic brace component is configured to adjust according to the profile of the selected limb of the user during hardening or curing of the orthopedic brace.

In one embodiment of the invention, the respiratory orthopedic gypsum device includes a customized orthopedic brace member having a plurality of hollow tubes interconnected with one another to form a mesh structure and capable of receiving at least one infusion material, the mesh structure configured to provide breathability to the fractured limb, and the customized orthopedic brace member is made of a flexible material.

In one embodiment of the invention, the orthopedic brace has a custom orthopedic brace member having a shape corresponding to the contour of a patient's body member, at least one infusion material is pre-injected/infused into the custom orthopedic brace member by an external device, and the custom orthopedic brace member is wrapped around a fractured limb.

In one embodiment of the invention, the custom orthopedic brace member is worn or secured around the fractured limb by a locking member, and the custom orthopedic brace member is cured by expanding the polyethylene layer or allowing the injected injection material to harden.

The technical scheme of the invention has the beneficial effects that:

the weight of the material adopted by the support is lighter, the burden of a patient is reduced, and the support has good air permeability, is beneficial to skin respiration, reduces sweat retention and reduces the risk of skin problems.

The invention can be customized according to personal requirements, ensures higher fitting degree and higher comfort, and can meet the specific requirements of different patients. Meanwhile, the use of the liner is eliminated in the brace, the assembly process is simplified, and water is not needed in the hardening or curing process, so that the operation is convenient, and discomfort or complications possibly caused by residual water are reduced.

The uniform pressure distribution of the whole coverage area of the invention is beneficial to the normal healing of bones and avoids skin compression injury or other complications caused by overlarge local stress. The support is provided with the observation window, so that the skin condition can be visually checked, the swelling and other problems can be timely found and treated, and poor blood circulation caused by overtightening can be avoided.

Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

Drawings

The foregoing and/or additional aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent and readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 illustrates a three-dimensional view of a flexible orthopedic brace member prior to application to a fractured limb in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 2 illustrates a flexible orthopedic brace member having a cavity for receiving an infusion material according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 3 illustrates a flexible orthopedic brace member having a locking member disposed on one peripheral surface of the flexible orthopedic brace member according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 4 illustrates a flexible orthopedic brace member that may be wrapped around a fracture site according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 5 illustrates a flexible orthopedic brace member after application to an individual's limb, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 6 illustrates the application of a perfusion material to a prosthetic orthopedic brace member according to another embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 7 illustrates an orthopedic brace tool for cutting a flexible orthopedic brace member according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like or similar reference numerals refer to like or similar elements or elements having like or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below by referring to the drawings are illustrative and intended to explain the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

A photocurable orthopedic brace according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 1, the three-dimensional view shows the flexible orthopedic brace member (l) prior to application to a patient's injured body member, which may be a fractured limb. The flexible orthopaedic support member comprises a customizable orthopaedic support member (1) having a plurality of hollow tubes (4) injected with infusion material, the hollow tubes being interconnected with each other to form a mesh structure (3) to provide breathability to assist the fractured limb.

As shown in fig. 2, the injection material may be injected into a cavity or inlet (5) provided on the surface of the orthopedic brace member (1), as shown in fig. 2.

In one embodiment, the flexible orthopaedic brace (1) further comprises at least one locking member (6), which may be provided on the peripheral surface of the customizable orthopaedic brace member (1), as shown in fig. 3. The locking member (6) is adapted to secure the peripheral surface to the other end when the customizable bone brace member may be wrapped around an injured body member. The locking member may be selected from, but is not limited to, a snap fit, velcro (TM), or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the flexible orthopaedic brace member (1) may be a flat deployment geometry that may be wrapped around a fractured limb and the flexible orthopaedic brace may be secured with a locking device. This construction of the breathable orthopedic brace has greater feasibility during application, less pain for the patient, and faster application. The flat deployment design of the flexible orthopedic brace member reduces the requirement for dimensional changes.

In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 2, the flexible orthopedic brace member (1) has a cavity or inlet (5) to receive infusion material using external techniques. The flexible orthopaedic support member (l) comprises a hollow tube (small and inflated) and is injected with infusion material.

In one embodiment, the perfusion material may be pre-injected into the cavity of the hollow tube of the flexible orthopaedic support member (1) prior to application to the fractured limb. This may eliminate the need for a perfusion assembly in an orthopedic brace member, as shown in fig. 6. The administration process and the expected administration time have been reduced from 20 minutes to 10 minutes due to the removal of the infusion assembly from the device. The infusion material may be cured from the outside using specific techniques. This may reduce the total application time of the breathable orthopedic plaster device around a fractured limb from 20 minutes to 10 minutes. The pre-injected material may be a visible light curable epoxy that can cure upon exposure to natural sunlight.

In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 4, the flexible orthopedic brace member can be wrapped around the manufacturing site in a particular direction (7) and securely locked by engaging the locking member (6), as shown in fig. 3. In another embodiment, as shown in fig. 5, the flexible orthopedic brace member (2) is shown after application to an individual's limb, wherein the flexible orthopedic brace member may be used like a flexible glove. The flexible glove-like structure of the brace (2) may be rolled down first and then rolled up onto a selected limb when worn on the limb. The glove-like structure is the same as a rubber glove, which is a network of hollow tubules (4) that are connected to each other, which can be worn on a fractured limb, and infusion materials can be post-injected during application to harden the orthopedic brace to secure the limb. As shown in fig. 6, after the flexible orthopedic brace is worn, the material needs to be injected. The flexible glove-like structure is initially rolled down and then rolled onto a selected limb when worn on the limb. The cavity/hole provided in the flexible orthopaedic support member facilitates the infusion of an infusion material into the interior of the orthopaedic support member after application to the fractured limb.

The flexible glove-like structure can be easily cut by a cutting tool as shown in fig. 7. The cutting tool may be a manual device that can be operated without power. The tool has a hinge and an inwardly facing blunt blade for safe cutting. The cutter may also be mechanically driven, as it does not require an external power source, and is safe even in unskilled human hands.

In all embodiments, the dimensions of the flexible orthopaedic brace members (1 and 2) may be tailored to the limb dimensions of the patient. The orthopedic brace member may be made of a material selected from the group of flexible/elastic materials that may include, but are not limited to, silicone rubber, latex rubber, synthetic rubber, or any combination thereof to provide sufficient elasticity and flexibility required of the orthopedic brace member. These materials are stretchable and provide the ability to adapt to the external characteristics of the patient's limb. The mesh structure (3) of the flexible orthopedic brace members (1 and 2) enables a doctor or technician to monitor normal circulation or swelling around a fracture site, and in all embodiments, the injection material may be selected from a group of low viscosity epoxy materials including epoxy, polymers, acrylate fillers and activators, polyurethane, or any combination thereof.

In all embodiments, curing of the potting material is performed using a curing technique, which may be selected from any composite curing technique, which may include, but is not limited to, thermal curing, ultraviolet curing, visible light curing, electromagnetic or electronic curing, and the like. In an embodiment of the present invention, a photo-curable composite epoxy resin may be used as the potting material. Thus, the nature of the photo-curing technique allows the material to be free cured by exposure to light, and common epoxy resins are mixed with fillers such as nanofibers to increase the strength of the cured material. If used in bone surgery, treatment must be performed under strict medical supervision.

In all embodiments, the breathable orthopedic brace for fixation and stabilization includes the following components:

1. customizable orthopedic brace (1 or 2)

2. Hardening or pouring the material.

The method can be used for the customized manufacture:

In one embodiment, the customizable orthopedic brace member (1) may be a flat deployment geometry that may be wrapped around a fractured limb and may be secured with a specially designed lock. The customizable orthopedic brace member may be made of a material selected from the group of flexible materials consisting of silicone rubber, latex rubber, synthetic rubber, or any combination thereof. Based on human measurement data, customizable actors may be customized to 4-5 sizes. Cast has a different small geometry, the inspiration comes from nature, giving it its strongest structure. The shape of the orthopedic brace may vary depending on the fracture site and application purpose, including but not limited to short-arm orthopedic braces, full-arm orthopedic braces, dual limb cylindrical orthopedic braces, spica orthopedic braces, cervical bone braces. After the appropriate size is selected, the plaster will be shaped to the contours of the patient's limb. The orthopaedic support member (1) may be provided with a locking member (6) to secure the orthopaedic support member when the orthopaedic support member is wrapped around a fractured limb.

In another embodiment of the invention, the flexible orthopaedic brace (2) may be identical to a rubber glove comprising an interconnected network of hollow tubules (4) wearable on a fractured limb. The flexible orthopaedic brace (2) may be cut during the removal process using a cutting tool as shown in figure 7.

In both embodiments, the orthopaedic brace member may be in the form of a mesh (3) made of hollow tubes (small and expanded) interconnected with each other to form a mesh of customizable orthopaedic braces. The hollow tube (4) of the orthopedic brace can be pre-poured or post-poured with a pouring material. The orthopedic brace includes an opening/hole through which an injection material is injected into the orthopedic brace.

Infusion/hardening material:

In one embodiment, the injection material may be a monolithic material selected to impart sufficient reinforcement for fixation. The material will be provided in two premixed forms that will be mixed by the infusion system and infused into the flexible orthopedic brace. The polymerization may start within 5 to 10 minutes and may give a substantial hardening strength within 15 minutes. Upon complete polymerization, the injected material may strengthen the orthopedic brace member to impart strength. Infusion material may be pre-infused or post-infused from the infusion port into the channel of the glove. The infusion material is a fast curing low viscosity epoxy material that will be provided in the form of two cartridges or a pre-mixed cartridge with flexible orthopaedic brace filler. Infusion may be performed by an infusion set as shown in fig. 6, which operates on a principle similar to a syringe pump, driven mechanically or electrically, and having a tubing connected to an infusion port. Infusion may be performed at the site of fracture reduction and maintained for 10-15 minutes after infusion. Thereafter, the flexible orthopedic brace can achieve sufficient strength to stabilize the bone or damaged tendons. The mesh structure of the orthopedic brace provides breathability and visibility to the skin below the orthopedic brace. The pad is not used in the orthopaedics support, so the flexible orthopaedics support can be cleaned at any time.

The infusion material used in the present invention may be any material that has a relatively low viscosity, is skin friendly, does not adhere even if accidentally contacted to the skin, and is capable of being converted to a hard material within 10 minutes after infusion.

In one embodiment, the breathable orthopedic brace can be provided to a hospital as a structure (1) with specially designed flatness, elasticity, and high flexibility, with holes for fingers or any specific anatomical bone markers, other holes for breathability, and locks on the surface. The entire device may be covered with a dark opaque polyethylene layer which may be removed after use. The purpose of the polyethylene layer is to block sunlight from shining on the epoxy material, which may cure if exposed to sunlight for a long period of time. In practice, any material that blocks sunlight and can be removed when needed is suitable for this purpose. According to another embodiment of the invention, the flexible orthopaedic brace (2) is made like a glove-shaped rubber bag with a plurality of holes. Orthopedic braces made of rubber can accommodate the shape and size of the limb and keep the hardened material from being exposed to the skin. The hardening material is filled in the cavity.

In the present invention, the breathable brace (1) may be applied by wrapping around a broken body part and securing the lock after maintaining the proper tension on the device. The breathable flexible orthopedic brace (2) device can also be worn like a glove. The fractured bones can be aligned to the normal anatomical position and treatment initiated by opening the dark polyethylene layer. The photo-curable material may be pre-injected or post-injected into the hollow tube (4) and cured within 5 minutes after the polyethylene layer is unwound. In some cases, artificial light may be required when the natural light is insufficient in time (i.e., night) or in place (i.e., the closed room to which it is applied).

The curing time can be reduced from 10 minutes to 5-7 minutes. To remove the device, the locking means may be released, or the breathable brace (2) may be cut by a cutting tool

The present invention provides a cost effective and efficient orthopedic brace system/assembly.

The invention has the following advantages and technical characteristics:

Lighter weight and breathability due to the mesh/net structure. The device facilitates air passage through the skin and prevents perspiration, is washable, can be customized to the needs of an individual patient, can maintain uniform pressure throughout the process and allow a user to view the skin to see swelling of the covered skin, the complete orthopedic brace system/assembly works in a low resource setting, supports dry curing, i.e., the orthopedic brace member does not require water for maintenance, supports a programmable operating time, i.e., controls the excessive curing process, and the application of the breathable orthopedic plaster device can be extended to muscle or tendon sprains, joint injuries, scoliosis, or other situations requiring short or long term fixation. No filler material or filler layer is required because the flexible portion of the orthopedic brace is made of a skin safe material. There will be a uniform pressure because the flexible part of the orthopedic brace adapts to the shape and size of the limb. Elastic materials, i.e., silicone rubber, have cushioning properties by themselves due to their compressibility while embodiments of breathable and custom orthopedic braces for securing fractured limbs have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it should be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as examples of embodiments of breathable and customized orthopedic braces for securing fractured limbs.

It is noted that relational terms such as first and second, and the like are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. Moreover, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

The invention and its embodiments have been described above with no limitation, and the actual construction is not limited to the embodiments of the invention as shown in the drawings. In summary, if one of ordinary skill in the art is informed by this disclosure, a structural manner and an embodiment similar to the technical solution should not be creatively devised without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Claims (10)

1. A light-cured orthopedic brace comprising an orthopedic brace member comprised of a single layer cavity sheet structure comprised of small inflated hollow tubes interconnected and in fluid communication to form a mesh structure, wherein the hollow tubes are adapted to be in direct contact with the skin of a selected limb of a user during use of the orthopedic brace and the orthopedic brace is free of fabric or cushioning material interposed between the hollow tube and the selected limb skin during use, the orthopedic brace member being adapted to inject at least one infusion material into the hollow tubes, wherein the at least one infusion material is configured to harden in the hollow tubes when the hollow tube is in direct contact with the selected limb skin, the at least one infusion material being selected from polyepoxide materials including epoxy, acrylate filler and activator, polymer, or any combination thereof, cured or cured by application of external ultraviolet or natural light for at least 10 minutes.

2. The light-curable orthopaedic brace of claim 1, wherein the orthopaedic brace member is formed of a flexible material composed of silicone rubber, latex rubber, synthetic rubber, or any combination thereof, the orthopaedic brace member configured to be in a rolled configuration and then deployed onto a selected limb during use.

3. The light-curable orthopedic brace of claim 1, wherein the orthopedic brace member has a flat expanded geometry wherein the mesh structure is preformed and configured to conform to a portion of a selected limb.

4. The light-curable orthopedic brace of claim 1, further comprising at least one locking member disposed on at least one peripheral surface of the orthopedic brace member to provide a means for attaching and removing the orthopedic brace component.

5. The light-curable orthopaedic brace of claim 1, wherein the at least one locking member is a hook-and-loop or snap-fit attachment member adapted to secure the at least one face peripheral surface to a second end when the orthopaedic brace member is applied to the selected limb and provide adjustment in the orthopaedic brace member to conform to the selected limb.

6. The light-curable orthopaedic brace of claim 1, wherein the orthopaedic brace member has a shape configured to respond to the contour of the portion of the selected limb, and wherein the device is a glove worn on the selected limb portion 20.

7. The light-curable orthopaedic brace of claim 1, wherein the elasticity 25 and flexibility of the silicone rubber of the orthopaedic brace member and the non-rigid locking provided by the hook-and-loop or snap-fit attachment member serving as the at least one locking member of the orthopaedic brace element are configured to adjust according to the profile of a user's selected limb during hardening or curing of the orthopaedic brace.

8. The light-cured orthopedic brace of claim 1 wherein the respiratory orthopedic gypsum device comprises a custom orthopedic brace member having a plurality of hollow tubes interconnected with one another to form a mesh structure and configured to receive at least one infusion material, the mesh structure configured to provide breathability to the fractured limb and the custom orthopedic brace member is made of a flexible material.

9. The light curable orthopedic brace of claim 1, wherein the orthopedic brace has a custom orthopedic brace member having a shape corresponding to the contour of a patient's body member, pre-injecting/infusing at least one infusion material into the custom orthopedic brace member by an external device, and wrapping the custom orthopedic brace member around a fractured limb.

10. The light-curable orthopaedic brace of claim 1, wherein the custom orthopaedic brace member is worn or secured around the fractured limb by a locking member, the custom orthopaedic brace member being cured by expanding the polyethylene layer or allowing injected injection material to harden.