Elevate Lower Limb Support

A support for lower limbs which reduces swelling and thus complications in situations such as recovering fractures, obesity and lower leg surgery.

Injuries to the lower limbs, resulting from trauma or surgery, can result in life-threatening complications if the limb is not supported and elevated at an appropriate level. Current equipment to achieve this effectively has, to date, been confined to a frame (known as a braun frame), with fabric stretched over the cradle, or pillows.

To meet the need for a simple but effective way to elevate lower limbs both in acute and community settings, a special orthopaedic support - called 'Elevate Lower Limb' has been invented and developed through a collaboration between a Consultant Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgeon at The Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust and a bean bag manufacturing and distributing company named Precision Stitching

The Innovation

Elevate Lower Limb can be used therapeutically for a range of conditions such as lower limb trauma e.g. knee ligament injuries or ankle fractures, lower limb surgery including total knee replacement, lymphoedema, deep vein thrombosis, chronic venous insufficiency and peripheral oedema secondary to heart failure.

The support includes a slightly pliant body allowing elevation of injured lower limbs to a level approximately 12 inches above the heart in order to reduce, minimise or stem the swelling of the injured lower limb. The covering fabric of the support is fluid-proof, latex free and easy to clean in situ with antiseptic, non-alcohol based, wipes or solutions.

The Construction

Elevate Lower Limb capitalises on the developments in medical technical textiles, the outer material being a fire retardant, two-way stretch, anti-microbial, moisture vapour transferring ('breathable'), polyurethane membrane laminated to a polyester knit. This allows moisture vapour to migrate away from the body heat and pressure source therefore enhancing patient comfort.

Developed for the beanbags collection in collaboration with the Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust and Health Enterprise East Limited.