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Abstract

A splint, for setting a Colles' fracture, formed from a pair of relatively shiftable elements, one of which is an elongated support element having a traveling block shiftable along the length thereof, the second element being pivotally mounted on the first element. The pivotal axis of the two relatively movable elements is aligned with the rotational axis of the fracture site itself, specifically the distal radial-ulnar joint, the joint between the radius and ulna at the level of the wrist. The travelling block is adjusted by a first worm and rack, and the angular adjustment between the pivoted elements is achieved with a second worm and a worm gear, the traveling block and the second element each having holes for receiving bone pins which extend into the radius proximal to the fracture and the metacarpal bones distal to the fracture. The first element is preferably made of plastic and transparent to x-rays. With the traveling block shiftable along the first element, distraction of the radius restores length to the same; a second selective adjustment rotates the first element relative to the second element and, in so doing, carries the hand, wrist and distal fragment through the same axis about which the fracture originally evolved and thereby improves both rotational and appositional alignment at the fracture site. A modified traveling block permits moving the hand and thereby the wrist and distal fragment in a radial and ulnar direction by rotating a screw having a wing nut thereon. The modified traveling block also allows selective extension and flexion of the wrist.

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First Claim