ISSN:
0021-9304
Keywords:
Chemistry
;
Polymer and Materials Science
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Medicine
,
Technology
Notes:
Ideally, materials from which splints, braces, casts, and other orthopedic appliances are to be made should be capable of being shaped directly against the patient. They should be simple and quick to use, and require the minimum of special equipment. Appliances made from them should be dimensionally stable in service and acceptable to the patient in terms of comfort, weight, durability, and appearance.Synthetic trans-1,4 polyisoprene, prepared with a Ziegler catalyst system, is such a material. It crystallizes at temperatures below 130°F; it is a hard semi-rigid rubber at room temperature; and its compounds can be molded directly against the skin without discomfort. Laboratory tests show that molded shape and strength can be maintained even under stress at temperatures up to about 120°F, and service performance fully supports the results of laboratory testing.This paper describes the properties of trans-1,4 polyisoprene that make the polymer suitable for many orthopedic appliances, and includes examples of its uses in hospitals and rehabilitation institutions. Special attention is given to describing a recently developed technique for the making of artificial limb sockets using trans-1,4 Polyisoprene.
Additional Material:
10 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jbm.820050205
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