Abstract: An anatomically designed slip-on wrist supporting hand wrap is provided which is able to replace the long cloth hand wrap used in boxing and the martial arts. The hand wrap includes a resilient wrap body having thumb and finger apertures, wrist support straps oppositely extending from the wrap body and wrist support strap fasteners, and a hand fastener removably attachable to the wrap body for adjustment to a desired fit. The hand wrap may include a knuckle pad, finger sleeves and a hand grip for added comfort and support. The user's fingers and thumb are inserted through the thumb and finger apertures, and the wrist support straps are wrapped about the hand and wrist and the fasteners secured resulting in a convenient yet supportive and protective hand wrap which can be used in conjunction with boxing and bag gloves.

Abstract: A digit splint is defined by an arcuate angularly inclined base and an ovoid which extends upwardly and radially outward from the base. The base is positioned on the palmar side of a joint of a digit and the ovoid conforms to the dorsum of a digit when the digit is in an extended position without hyperextension. The ovoid has two substantially parallel sides which, when worn, conform to impinge on the sides of the joint of a digit at the axis to provide lateral stability at the joint of a digit and to prevent migration of the splint on a digit. The splint also prevents hyperextension of the joint of a digit. In an alternate configuration, the splint may be rotated 180 degrees about the horizontal axis on a joint of a finger. In this configuration, the splint provides lateral stability at a joint of a digit and corrects flexion at a joint of a digit.

Abstract: There is an adjustable splint for fractures or other injuries of the figure or toe. The splint comprises an anchor plate adapted to be secured against the wearer's palm or sole by a velcro strap or the like, and a channel member which is engagable with apertures in the anchor plate at any one of a range of positions to align with the finger or toe fracture to be set. The channel portion is shaped to cradle and immobilize the finger or toe fracture and is pivotal relative to the anchor plate by a hinge. There are also apertures in the channel member for ventilation and to enable the fitting of a rest member to impose a degree of flexion onto the fracture during healing. There are hinge lines and breaking lines on the channel member to facilitate fitting to the finger or toe fracture.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthesis for the prevention and/or treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, comprising a substantially rigid hand fixation brace having two ends, one of which is provided with a part to be fastened to the wrist and underarm while the other is provided with a finger coupling part. The finger coupling part which is formed as a finger supporting brace, preferably only engages the index and middle finger, while the top of the finger supporting brace is open to allow finger movement in the upward direction.

Abstract: An improved splint for post-operative treatment of a patient following flexible implant arthroplasty of the fingers. The splint is sizeable to a patient's hand, and features controls for the degree of flexion and extension of each finger, as well as for the alignment of the splint with the natural pivot axis of the finger joint(s) which have been repaired.

Abstract: A grip-aid gripping bandage adopted to be disposed over a finger or glove to protect the finger when using sports equipment or a hand tool and to provide enhanced control when using the sports equipment or hand tool. A first self-adhering strip is provided having a first predetermined length. A coat of adhesive material may be applied to a portion of a bottom surface of the first self-adhering strip. A second cushioning strip overlies a portion of and is bonded to an upper surface of the first self-adhering strip. The entire bandage, including the first self-adhering strip and the second cushioning strip, provides protection from abrasion)and pressure when the bandage is applied to a finger. In a further embodiment, an insert is disposed between the first self-adhering strip and the second cushioning strip for enhanced protection for the finger.

Abstract: A finger guard for protecting a finger being used as a guide along the edge of work pieces such as acoustical tile and sheets of plywood and dry wall is provided. The finger guard is worn on the non-working hand and covers the area of the finger being drawn flush against the work piece. The finger guard is an egg shaped protective fabric having an elastic band attached thereto to fit the fabric over the area of the finger requiring protection. The wider area of the egg shaped fabric provides a large area of protection near the base of the finger while the tapering end of the fabric ensures that the dexterity of the finger tip is not compromised by the interference of fabric. The outer edge of the fabric is reinforced with stitching that also serves to attach the elastic band to the protective fabric. The elastic band is attached near the middle of the fabric so that, when the finger guard is worn, the elastic band also does not hinder the dexterity of the finger tip.

Abstract: With a medical splint (1) for securing and immobilizing movable body parts, in particular extremities of a human or an animal, along a splint axis (6), where said splint (1) comprises a sheet metal (2) that can be shaped plastically by hand and is covered on both sides with a cover layer (3, 4), a high shapability and stiffness at the same time are achieved by the fact that the sheet metal (2) is designed with corrugations in at least some areas, where the peaks and valleys of the corrugations (42) run essentially across the splint axis (6).

Abstract: A remedial hand wear article is for use by individuals who have suffered nerve damage which diminishes use of the hand. The article comprises (a) a glove for comfortably fitting onto a hand of an individual, (b) an enclosure permanently attached on the glove's top side and superimposed over at least one finger of the glove, and (c) a substantially rigid member positioned within the enclosure and contoured to follow the shape of a top of the individual's hand and to be operably associated with at least one finger of the individual to hold the at least one finger in a desired position and so that full finger flexure at proximal and distal knuckles is retained. The hand wear article is designed to remedy problems caused by different nerve damage in that one to five enclosure elongated sections are permanently attached over glove fingers depending on which finger(s) of the individual is affected by the damaged nerve.

Abstract: A needlework thimble comprising a shell to receive and encircle the finger of the user. The shell includes a pocket for receiving a supply of beeswax which lightly coats the thread during the sewing process to strengthen the thread and stabilize it against tangling and knotting. An elastic band is attached at an open end of the shell to secure the shell to the user's finger.

Abstract: A splint system includes a splint body for one or more digits of a hand with the splint member for any particular finger having an extension member with a depending tongue that is received in a receiving channel formed in the end of the splint body portion of the splint for a particular finger. The fingers may be splinted along a straight line or with one or more phalanges bent at an angle to the general normal axis of a finger.

Abstract: An orthopedic device, particularly suited for treating mallet deformities, which has a strip of material having a body portion and a first, second, and third strap that are preferably connected to the body portion; and a splint having a first and second end portion. The splint is secured to a top side of the body portion of the strip of material so that when the strip of material is wrapped around an injured appendage, or finger, the first strap engages the first end of the splint and the second strap engages the second end of the splint. The third strap is also wrapped around the injured appendage and provides additional support to the orthopedic device of the present invention. It is also preferred that the splint be bent between the first and second end portions so that the appendage will be held in a hyperextended position once attached to the appendage by the first and second straps.

Abstract: A hot/cold digit pack is provided having a molded unit with hollow chambers, dimensioned to accommodate a thumb and different sized fingers, and a heat transferring substance encased by the external walls of the molded unit. The unit has a body formed from a durable and resilient plastic material, capable of withstanding heat and cold, and is adapted to be collapsed upon application of slight hand pressure and a face where the openings to the chambers are located.

Abstract: This invention relates to a finger restraint device to be worn by sufferers of hand and wrist injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, arthritis, and wrist sprain. The device comprises a finger restraining system in the form of a finger, hand and wrist covering which will support the wearer's fingers in a curled position, or to provide a core around which the fingers would normally grasp and be restrained by the covering. This places flexor and extensor tendons in a state of isotonic tension, and promotes a natural position with alignment of the wrist and tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels in the hand and wrist.

Abstract: An adjustable finger support for the flexion or extension of stiffened interphalangeal joints of a finger of the human hand including an elongated, hinged support base adapted with means for securely, yet comfortably holding the phalanges of the finger in place throughout the course of treatment. The elongated base is divided at hinges into respective support sections for the proximal, middle and distal phalanges of the finger, depending upon which of the DIP and PIP joints of the finger are to be treated. Jacking mean, such as a screw jack in the form of an elongated set screw operates in conjunction with hinged attachments to the respective proximal, middle and distal phalangeal support sections to 1) maintain the set position of the angle of the respective base portions and 2) to provide firm, controllable articulation of the joint over a wide range by selective operation of the jacking means.

Abstract: The present invention provides a collapsible tactile joint support for therapeutic use or as a training aid for sports. The collapsible tactile joint support of the present invention provides corrective tension for the joint up to a predetermined threshold level that is reached by applying an internal or external force, at which point the joint support bends or collapses thereby releasing the corrective tension and freeing movement in the joint. A collapsible tactile wrist support for use as a golf training aid is also described.

Abstract: A finger exercise device that includes a splint adapted to receive a hand and a portion of a forearm and a plurality of individual finger pulley arrangements adapted to be secured to a plurality of fingers of a patient. Each of the pulley arrangements includes a hook adapted to be glued to a fingernail of a patient's finger, a connector secured to the hook, an elastically extendable member secured to the connector, a pulley strap coacting with the elastically extendable member, the pulley strap adapted to be secured to the patient's finger, and a pin securing the elastically extendable member to the splint. The splint includes a plurality of segments for supporting the patient's forearm and hand.

Abstract: An orthotic device for a human forearm and hand is provided having first and second gripping members that are interposable between the thumb and fingers of a user's hand. An actuator moves one gripping member relative to the second gripping member in response to user input. The actuator of the orthotic device can include a gas piston driven by compressed gas. A valve controlling gas flow is actuated by an electric motor.

Abstract: A specialized immobilizing splint that is adapted for protection of an injured thumb, where the person who sustained the injury may continue activities with the diminished risk of re-injury. A skier with an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) may use this splint to immobilize the thumb without diminishing the strength of his grip. The glove is the basic element that retains the splinting device and maintains it in place. The plastic splint gives support to the thumb at the metacarpophalangeal articulation and the associated ulnar collateral ligament. The tensioning strap assists the thumb in its gripping motion because of the positioning of this strap in relation to its point of attachment. The thumb is also protected from hyperextension in the areas where it is supported.

Abstract: A lightweight, padded, washable multi-purpose hand protector comprising a fingerless half glove for baseball players, football players, boxers and martial artists to protect the hands and knuckles.

Abstract: A hand orthosis has a base member supporting the palm and fingers of a patient. The base member has a cover which extends at least over the finger support area. A plurality of spaced parallel forwardly extending finger separators extend outwardly from said cover to form a plurality of finger channels therebetween. A flexible strap is secured to the base member and extends laterally across the separators and the channels. The cover and the separators are composed of a washable perspiration absorbing material.

Abstract: A thimble for use in quilting, sewing or the like to manipulate a needle includes a flexible member and a shield member. The flexible member has four notches in spaced apart relation forming four tab portions positioned therebetween. The notches enable the tab portions to be bent about a finger of a person for conforming and fitting the thimble to the finger. One of the tab portions may be elongated to provide an elongated flap for fitting the thimble on a finger with a long fingernail. The flexible member is attached to or integrally formed with an adhesive material for securing the thimble to the finger of a person to prevent slippage of the thimble. The thimble further includes a shield member attached to the adhesive material of the flexible member for protecting the finger from contact with the needle. The shield member includes a dimple for seating the needle during use of the thimble and a curved surface for conforming to the finger of a person.

Abstract: Orthopedic casts which comprise an elastically deformed support which is held in its elastically deformed state by a solid casting composition. After the cast has been placed around a patient's limb, it is heated to soften the casting composition, thus permitting recovery of the cast into conforming contact with the limb. The support can for example be a fabric knitted from elastomeric fibers and glass fiber yarns. The casting composition can for example comprise polycaprolactone and/or a side chain crystallizable polymer, which melts at 45.degree.-60.degree. C. A padded liner can be placed between the cast and the limb. Recovery of the cast is preferably carried out by means of a hot air gun.

Abstract: A wrist and two digit restraining device for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome wherein the device comprises a palmar brace having a wrist support conformably receiving the wrist of a patient, a forward portion of the support supporting the heel and palm of the patient's hand and terminating at the base of the second, third and forth fingers of the hand, a thumb support extending at an angle from the forward portion of the support, a fifth finger support extending at an angle in the generally opposite direction from the thumb support, and attachment straps for the wrist support, the thumb support and the fifth finger support securing the device to the wrist, thumb and fifth finger over an extended period of time to create a fully abducted position of the thumb and fifth finger relative to the remainder of the hand with unrestricted motion of the second, third and fourth digits to relieve pressure on the median nerve in the wrist.

Abstract: There is disclosed a splint prosthesis for body limbs, such as fingers, toes, arms and legs. The splint prosthesis includes a sheath, having a size and thickness which can be varied as to application, e.g., from 1 to about 3 millimeters in thickness for toe and finger splints up to several centimeters for larger body limbs such as legs and arms. The splint prosthesis has at least two longitudinal retractable stiffeners embedded within said sheath and oriented so that the stiffeners have a stable coiled configuration and a stable extended configuration. The stiffeners are formed of thin, elastic sheet material which can be rolled into a coil, and which readily unrolls. At least two stiffeners are provided, extending longitudinally along the extended sheath configuration and these are spaced apart by an angular increment which is sufficient to maintain the sheath in its extended configuration.

Abstract: An orthopaedic brace for supporting a selected portion of the anatomy including a unitarily molded support having substantially flexible areas, substantially rigid portions for providing splinting action and a support coupling unitarily molded with the support for holding the opposed edges toward one another and for adjustably and removably securing the support onto the selected portion of the anatomy.

Abstract: An adjustable finger support for the proximal interphalangeal joint of a finger of the human hand including an elongated, hinged support base adapted with means for securely, yet comfortably holding the finger in place throughout the course of treatment. The elongated base is divided at the hinge into respective support sections for the proximal phalangeal portion of the finger and the middle phalangeal portion of the finger. Jacking mean, such as a screw jack in the form of an elongated set screw operates in conjunction with hinged attachments to the respective undersides of the proximal and middle interphalangeal support sections to 1) maintain the set position of the angle of the respective base portions and 2) to provide firm, controllable extension of the joint over a wide range by selective operation of the jacking means.

Abstract: A patient restraint includes a plurality, preferably three, of finger traps stitched to the end of a long strap. The patient's fingers are inserted into the finger traps so the finger traps constrict in diameter when the ends are pulled. The finger traps are preferably transparent so a nurse can inspect the patient's fingers for signs of poor blood circulation. The strap preferably includes two lengths of fabric material so a bow knot can be tied to a support, such as a bed rail or frame, so the patient's hand cannot reach the throat or the patient's other hand.

Abstract: An arcuate dynamic traction device for treating a finger having an injured joint, the device being used to apply a distraction force to the injured joint and including a yoke slidably supported on an arcuate track having spaced parallel sides and formed into an arch having a selected radius of curvature. The magnitude of the distraction force applied to the injured joint may be controlled using a tension adjuster that traverses the yoke and which is connected to the injured finger, an adjustable stop engaging the yoke when the desired distraction force is applied. The track is mounted to a forearm splint and can be positioned so that its relative longitudinal position to the forearm and its relative radial position will place the center of the arch on the joint and the finger will move in its normal anatomical plane, in an arcuate path concentric with the arch.

Abstract: There is provided according to the invention a digital retractor to protect ndex finger, palm and thumb of the non-dominant hand of the surgeon during surgery, where the non-dominant hand is used to retract or position tissue. The retractor comprises a curved base plate which fits against the palmar surface of the index finger and extends toward the thumb, and includes one or two rings attached to the base plate through which the surgeon's index finger, and optionally also the long finger, are poised and positioned.

Abstract: A longitudinal, substantially cylindrical shaped inflatable bladder for inserting within the palmar region of a constricted hand to extend the fingers outwardly and to promote exercise of the constricted hand. The bladder has a channel for receiving an end portion of a static hand orthosis permitting the inflatable bladder to be attached to a static hand orthosis. The bladder is further provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending partitions forming a network of connected fluid retaining pockets. The fluid retaining pockets permitting the bladder to inflate such that pressure is applied to the palmar region of the constricted hand between three natural arches of the hand promoting restoration of the concave depression of the palm and a functional position of the hand.

Abstract: A disk-shaped plastic shield adapted to rest against the palm of the hand of the hair cutter adjacent to a knuckle to prevent scissor cuts when trimming hair, and a finger guard.

Abstract: A remedial hand wear article is for use by individuals who have suffered nerve damage which diminishes use of the hand. The article comprises (a) a glove for comfortably fitting onto a hand of an individual, (b) an enclosure permanently attached on the glove's top side and superimposed over at least one finger of the glove, and (c) a restraining member positioned within the enclosure so as to be operably associated with a finger of the individual to hold that finger in a desired position. The hand wear article is designed to remedy problems caused by different nerve damage in that one to five enclosure elongated sections are permanently attached over glove fingers depending on which finger(s) of the individual is affected by the damaged nerve. The glove portion of the hand wear article provides comfort to the user while also serving to lessen the noticeability of any hand or finger grotesqueness.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a portable hand mounted device for tractioning a finger having a fractured bone and at the same time continuously flexing and extending the joint to which the fractured bone is proximally attached in order to prevent joint deterioration. More particularly, the device may be made in an inexpensive manner by medical personnel and is a light, less cumbersome device than that in the prior art. A drive motor is carried by a cast-like support which is attachable to the forearm and hand for substantially immobilizing the wrist joint and joints of the hand proximal to the joint which is immediately proximally connected to the broken bone. The support carries a frame or hoop defining a substantially arcuate path of motion for carriage travel while flexing and extending the joint of the fractured finger. The carriage rides on the hoop first in one direction and then in the other direction along the arcuate path.

Abstract: A traction mechanism utilizing a tube of flexible material possessing an inner chamber which includes a dimension that is reducible in size upon the application of tension to the tube. Likewise, the tube chamber dimension is expandable in size upon the application of compression on the tube. The first end portion of the tube extends from a closure and terminates in a second open end portion. A tube may be formed of flexible material and possess a dual wall construction. A line extends from the first end portion of the tube to the second end portion thereof for attachment at that point. Pulling the line compresses the tube and thus increases the dimension of the same, releasing items held thereby in traction.

Abstract: A wrist splint (10) is disclosed, comprising a splint platform (20), at least one bladder receptacle member (16, 18) slidingly engaged with the splint platform (20) and at least one air bladder (12, 14), each air bladder (12, 14) coupled to one of the bladder receptacle members (16, 18). Other devices, systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A dynamic joint support having proximal and distal support sections and means for rigidly connecting each support section to bone and a pair of hinges connecting each support section to each other and pivoting at the joint to cause movement of the support section and its corresponding attached bone through the movements of flexion and extension. The hinge may be driven in its movement by a gear mechanism which may be disengaged by means of a clutch. The dynamic joint support may also include a distraction mechanism for movement of the bones out of contact in the joint, while allowing for an active range of motion at the joint.

Abstract: A thumb support is provided which both guides and limits thumb movement from the back of the hand while leaving the palm surfaces unobstructed for use. The support contains a moldable support member which can be shaped to conform to the back and sides of the thumb of the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wrap-on finger hook for use with hand splinting devices used in finger rehabilitation programs. The wrap-on finger hook has a finger hook portion that is formed from an ultra thin strapping material, having an exterior grappling surface and an interior non-slip surface. A hook is secured to the exterior surface of wrap-on finger hook for use in selectively attaching tensioning devices to the finger of a human hand. A fastening strap with a loop gender surface is attached to the finger hook portion for releasably fastening the finger hook portion around the finger of a human hand.

Abstract: An adjustable tension and adjustable compression splint for one or more joints on a finger or a toe formed of a strip of elastic, stretchy material which is cooperatively joined with a narrow pocket containing a dynamic extension strut or stay or a static malleable position strut or stay.

Abstract: A remedial device for hand insufficiency includes a glove trank having a foundation and allowing the palm of a hand to be applied thereto, the thumb and fingers of the hand to be fixed to the foundation with finger stoppers, and the wrist and forearm to be fixed to the foundation with an arm stopper; a plurality of first bag bodies accommodating finger-spreading air sacks and disposed on the front side of the foundation; a pair of second bag bodies accommodating joint-extending air sacks and disposed on the back side of the foundation; and a compressed air feed and discharge device for inflating and deflating the air sacks in the first and second bag bodies to effect a spreading of the fingers and an extension and dorsiflexion of hand joints. Each of the second bag bodies includes two bag pieces which are each formed of cloth cut into a foundation.

Abstract: An apparatus treats a stiffened joint of at least one finger of the hand and includes a first member for engaging the metacarpal phalangeal joint of the finger and a second member movable with respect to the first member for engaging a surface of the finger on the side of the stiffened joint opposite the metacarpal phalangeal joint. The apparatus further includes at least one threaded member for exerting pressure against the second member for bending the stiffened joint and retaining the apparatus on the hand.

Abstract: A splint for flexing or straightening a joint of a hand or foot. The splint includes a support plate including a planar portion to be mounted on the hand or foot in a stationary position relative to one of the distal bone and proximal bone of the joint. A rod is mounted above the support plate and serves as a pivot axis for one or more elongated bent bars. A finely threaded, adjustable screw is mounted at one end of each bar and has a tip which bears against the support plate. A support pad is adjustably mounted at the other end of each bar and engages the hand or foot along the other of the proximal bone and distal bone of the joint. The pivotal angle of the bar relative to the support plate is vernierly adjusted by turning the adjustment screw. As a result of adjustment of this pivotal angle, the joint can be gradually flexed or straightened. The splint is particularly well-suited for flexing a metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint of hand.

Abstract: The finger splint an elastic sleeve for enclosing a finger with an injured joint includes. The sleeve is tapered slightly to conform to the shape of the finger. A gel pack is incorporated into the sleeve to either heat or cool the injured joint. A strap is attached at each end of the sleeve, to be wrapped around the adjacent uninjured finger to hold the injured finger to the adjacent finger, while permitting normal active motion of the fingers. Velcro (.TM.) patches are provided to secure the straps to hold the two fingers together.

Abstract: An extension block finger splint for treating proximal interphalangeal joint injuries is disclosed. The finger splint comprises a body including a first portion located distally of the proximal interphalangeal joint, the first portion comprising a curved member dorsally orientable about the distal interphalangeal joint. The body further includes a second portion hingedly and resiliently connected to the first portion at a predetermined an91e, the second portion located proximally of the proximal interphalangeal joint and comprising a curved member dorsally orientable about the finger adjacent the proximal interphalangeal joint. A mechanism, removably disposed on the body, is provided for increasing the predetermined angle by a predetermined increment. Further, a mechanism is provided for releasably securing the splint to the finger.

Abstract: A finger splint is provided for immobilizing a fracture of a finger's middle or proximal phalanx. A hinged splint body cradles a finger with a fractured phalanx. A hinging portion of the splint body is positioned beneath an interphalangeal joint located immediately adjacent and distal to the fractured phalanx. A fulcrum is placed between the splint body and the finger and is positioned directly beneath the fractured phalanx's line of fracture. Means are provided for securing the splint body and fulcrum in place such that the splint body is free to move about the hinged portion thereof in correspondence with a portion of the finger located distally with respect to the fractured phalanx. In this way, the fulcrum exerts an upward reduction force on the fractured phalanx at the fracture line. Furthermore, the finger splint simultaneously allows motion by adjacent joints both distal and proximal to the fracture to encourage a dynamic reduction of the fracture.

Abstract: Finger splint for fixing the distal finger joint in an oblique position, consisting of a shell (1) supporting the distal finger joint and the distal phalanx of the finger on the underside, which are connected to one another near the distal finger joint by means of an annular part (3). In order to be able to permit an adaptation to different swellings of the finger, while at the same time retaining the splint shape adapted anatomically to the finger, the upper-side shell (2) is made divided (longitudinal slot 5) and the splint consists of elastically or plastically flexible material.

Abstract: An axial digital traction system is disclosed in a hand application. A traction plate is anchored close to the base of the fingers or metacarpophalangeal joints by a hook and loop type fabric fastener, such as that sold under the trademark "VELCRO" connecting the traction plate to a fingerless glove-like anchoring member worn by the patient. Tension elements fastened to the traction plate are trained over rollers at the end of the plate and connected to finger traps which grip the patient's fingers. An alternative traction plate arrangement facilitates treatment of individual digits and provides for greater range of independent articulation of an mcp joint while under treatment.

Abstract: A support and straightener for finger joint contractures comprising a thin narrow rectangular pliable sheet metal base angularly displaced at one end and having a rigid support aligned with and secured to its bottom surface. The rigid support is angularly displaced from the one end of the base with a threaded aperture extending therethrough. An adjustable screw is threaded through the aperture for engaging with the one end of the base for applying a vernierly adjustable force to the finger joint. A non stretchable strap is mounted around the joint of the finger to be straightened and the support for applying a fixed perpendicular force to the finger at the area effected by the contracture.

Abstract: An orthopedic rigid splint-plate orthosis comprises a splint-plate which is provided in one of a combination of different shapes and sizes corresponding to different body members which may have to be treated. The splint-plate has at one of its edges a non-stretchable linking ribbon which at the end thereof opposite to the end joined to the plate includes locking means which are complementary with corresponding locking means provided in the edge of the plate opposite to that edge joined with the ribbon. The plate is provided presterilized and isolated inside an impervious bag which may be filled with boiling water to make the rigid splint-plate soft, whereafter the water is drained and the softened plate applied and moulded to the body member and then left to harden back to its rigid state. For use in an operating theatre, the bag with the plate may be closed inside a second bag and sterilized with gas or radiation; thereafter, the plate may be softened by submerging the sealed outside bag in hot water.