Pneumatic Splinting. An Alternative Splinting Solution.
———————————————————————–
Post operation treatment of distal radial wrist fracture involves immobilization of the fractured area with a splint and a compression garment, however removal of the setup is required numerous times a day makes it a challenging and tedious task for the user reapply the setup.
The Self-wrapping Pneumatic Splint provides a simpler splinting alternative to post operation treatment of wrist fractures. Wrapping, compression and immobilization of the fractured area through the simple act of inflation, the result is a piece that embodies the functionality and versatility of Air.
In collaboration with National University Hospital, Department of Orthopedic.
The Context. Post Wrist Surgery Splinting.
The wrist splint or wrist brace, together with a compression glove, will be worn for up to as long as 6 weeks under the doctor’s orders. Icing of the fractured area is done 3-5 times a day and the setup have to be removed every 2-3 hours to check for possible complications that may arise in the form of skin discoloration, increased swelling or reduced blood circulation. Furthermore, wrist exercises are prescribed by the therapist for a recommendation of up to 3 times a day. This would mean removing and re-applying of the setup for numerous times over the course of a day, which can be tedious and challenging for the patient.
Design Exploration.
Inspired by the natural phenomenal of Pine Cones closing when exposed to high levels of moisture and opening when dry, a series of in-depth studies were conducted to extract the theory behind and incorporating it into the design of a Self-Wrapping Splint that is able to aid the patients in the process of putting it on.
