Adherent orthotic pad

Abstract

An orthotic pad is disclosed for reducing pressure and shear stresses on dermal and muscle tissue in treatment areas extending over bony prominences. This pad includes a hydrocolloid-containing adhesive body having oppositely-facing non-parallel first, and second major surfaces. The pad is formed of a soft, deformable and shape-recoverable adhesive material in which particles of at least one moisture-absorbing and moisture-swellable hydrocolloid material are dispersed. The first surface of the pad is contoured to match that of the treatment area for adhesively engaging and covering such area, and the second surface has a developed shape for corrective redistribution of external forces exertable against the treatment area to prevent further damage from pressure or shear forces, promote the healing process and, in appropriate cases, provide orthopedic correction.

1 . An orthotic pad for reducing pressure and shear stresses on dermal and muscle tissue in a selected treatment area extending over a bony prominence, comprising a hydrocolloid-containing adhesive body having oppositely-facing non-parallel first and second major surfaces and comprising a soft, deformable and shape-recoverable adhesive material in which particles of at least one moisture-absorbing and moisture-swellable hydrocolloid material are dispersed; 
 said first surface being contoured to match the contour of said treatment area for adhesively engaging and covering said area;    said second surface having a selected shape different than said contour of said first surface;    and a protective layer covering said second surface.    
     
     
         2 . The orthotic pad of  claim 1  in which said protective layer is of substantially uniform thickness and conforms with said surface shape of said second surface.  
     
     
         3 . The orthotic pad of claims  1  or  2  in which said protective layer is flexible.  
     
     
         4 . The orthotic pad of claims  1  or  2  in which said protective layer is rigid.  
     
     
         5 . The orthotic pad of claims  1  or  2  in which said second surface is generally planar.  
     
     
         6 . The orthotic pad of claims  1  or  2  in which said second surface is non-planar and of a developed shape for corrective redistribution of external forces exertable against said treatment area.  
     
     
         7 . A foot orthotic for reducing pressure and shear stresses on dermal and muscle tissue in and about a wound area of treatment, comprising a hydrocolloid-containing adhesive body having oppositely facing non-parallel first and second major surfaces and comprising a soft, deformable and shape-recoverable adhesive material in which particles of at least one moisture-absorbing and moisture-swellable hydrocolloid material are dispersed; 
 said first surface being contoured to match the contour of said treatment area for adhesively engaging covering said area;    said second surface having a selected shape different than said contour of said first surface;    and a protective layer covering said second surface.    
     
     
         8 . The foot orthotic of  claim 7  in which said protective layer is of said substantially uniform thickness and conforms with said surface shape of said second surface.  
     
     
         9 . The foot orthotic of claims  7  or  8  in which said second surface is generally planar.  
     
     
         10 . The foot orthotic of claims  7  or  8  in which said second surface is non-planar and of a developed shape for corrective redistribution of external forces exertable against said treatment area.