The collarbone can be damaged at the most unexpected moment, for example, in a fall or severe injury. This is a fairly common injury. Newborns can get it during passage through the birth canal, and adults most often encounter it during road accidents and falls.
Clavicle fractures pose a serious danger to human health and life. Significant blood vessels are located in this place. If they are damaged, there can be serious blood loss, which can be fatal. If the trunk or individual branches of the brachial plexus are involved in the pathological process, this can cause disturbances in sensitivity and motor activity. Sharp broken pieces of the collarbone are also dangerous. Shifting them back can lead to lung rupture.
If the bones of the shoulder girdle are damaged, reliable fixation is required. Plaster casts are not used for injuries in children and elderly patients. They can be replaced with soft devices such as Delbe rings. What it is?
Description
Delbe rings are a reliable and convenient product that is used for fixation in case of a clavicle fracture. It got its name from its inventor, a famous traumatologist. The design is used to treat children and adults. The use of the product is combined with other methods of conservative therapy.
Delbe rings are designed to be worn on the shoulder girdle. You can build it yourself at home. The main thing is to understand in what situations orthopedic devices are needed and how to apply them correctly.
Delbe rings for clavicle fractures can be imported, and they are also created by domestic manufacturers. They are made from a cotton-gauze base. They are worn over the shoulders and pulled tightly across the back.
Modern orthopedic reclinators are very comfortable and functional. They are made from highly durable hypoallergenic fabric that is breathable. The product can be worn under clothing.
REFERENCE! Modern models have an improved device and ergonomic design.
Delbe rings do not stretch. They securely fix the shoulder girdle without causing compression of soft tissues. The rigidity of the fixation can be easily adjusted using special fasteners.
In order for the device to fit accurately, you should measure the circumference of the protruding area of the chest. In the case of children, not only chest girth is taken into account, but also age.
The principle of operation of the reclinator includes three main points:
- Shoulder extension.
- Performing fixation.
- Unloading the ligamentous apparatus.
Depending on the degree of fixation, Delbe rings are divided into three groups:
- Weak fixation. Used to restore muscles and ligaments.
- Semi-rigid. Used in the treatment of arthritis, arthrosis, and also after operations.
- Tough. Necessary when the integrity of the clavicle is violated to completely immobilize the elements.
Where to buy and price of the product
Depending on who the manufacturer is, domestic companies or an imported supplier, the price of Delbe rings can vary significantly. A good quality reclinator from manufacturers engaged in the production of orthopedic equipment, with certificates confirming reliability and a warranty card, is recommended to be purchased at pharmacies or online stores.
The average estimated price for a product varies from 900 to 1200 rubles, but it can vary significantly due to the influence of various factors (delivery from another country, quality of material). It is worth emphasizing that children's and adult retainers are almost equivalent.
Indications for use
Delbe rings extend the spinal column back, straighten it, keep it in an upright position, and also move the shoulder joints back. This property allows the device to be used in the following cases:
Causes of back pain between the shoulder blades
- shoulder girdle injuries (clavicle fracture, ligament and muscle rupture);
- postoperative period;
- scoliosis, kyphosis;
- poor posture;
- rupture of the clavicular-scapular joint;
- laxity of the chest muscles;
- osteochondrosis;
- osteoporosis;
- muscular dystrophy;
- spondylosis;
- vertebral osteochondropathy;
- congenital deformity of the chest.
If we talk directly about a clavicle fracture, the use of rings allows us to eliminate the traction of the muscles, which, when contracting, cause displacement of the fragments. These devices stabilize the shoulder girdle. Their use is advisable both for providing first aid in case of injury and during the treatment period.
Delbe rings accelerate the healing process of damaged tissues and prevent the development of post-traumatic complications
The symptoms of a clavicle fracture are extremely painful. If they appear, you should immediately contact a specialist. The following symptoms indicate a displaced fracture:
- acute pain in the shoulder;
- edema;
- the skin turns blue or pale;
- bleeding;
- shoulder deformity;
- one arm visually appears longer;
- numbness of the upper limb.
Based on clinical symptoms, the doctor will tell you how long you will need to wear the braces. Homemade cotton-gauze rings will only help during first aid.
REMEMBER! The result of wearing a reclinator will only be if you wear it constantly, taking only a short break to sleep at night. The lock does not cause any inconvenience; it is compact and invisible to others.
Unlike plaster application, fixation with Delbe rings does not limit arm movements. Using a reclinator, you can achieve muscle relaxation without displacing bone fragments. The product provides immobility and also regulates the level of load on the shoulder girdle. Bandages are used for fractures by patients of different age groups, from childhood to old age; it is only important to choose the right size.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the advisability of using the product for postural disorders. Bandages will help only in the early stages of the development of the pathological process.
Possible complications
In case of incorrect treatment or neglect of the rehabilitation course, the risks of complications increase:
- Post-traumatic arthritis. In case of damage to the articular surfaces, chronic inflammation of the damaged articulations of the clavicle with other skeletal bones may develop.
- Torticollis in newborns. Leads to a forced tilted position of the head. Treatment of this complication is successful in 90% of cases.
- Bone callus growth. The formation of callus occurs at the fracture site. In the future, it should resolve. However, there are cases when the callus at the site of injury remains in the form of a “bump.” This is fraught with the development of brachial neuralgia, which is accompanied by severe chronic pain.
- Fracture nonunion and bone deformation.
- "Keys" symptom. After dislocation of the joint in the acromioclavicular joint, the contact of the articular surfaces of the bones is disrupted. If you press on the bone during such a complication, it will not go back into place, but as soon as the pressure disappears, the bone will shift again.
For children
Only a specialist in a specialized medical institution has the right to apply Delbe rings for children. Local anesthesia is mandatory. This is due to the fact that children are very active and are afraid of medical procedures.
It is better for infants to apply a Deso bandage. Displacements in young children are rare. The periosteum in babies is elastic. Therefore, there is no need to use Delbo rings. In addition, their use creates great discomfort for an active baby.
Children's reclinators are most often used as a corset-orthosis. It supports the spinal column during various diseases and deformities. The retainer is removed at night and put on again in the morning.
First aid
Initially, the victim should be placed in a position in which the bone fragments will not move. Next, relatives should call a doctor. Then they need:
- Place a small piece of cloth or bandage rolled up under your armpit.
- Place the injured limb of the victim in an optimal position. Usually it needs to be bent to 90 degrees.
- Completely bandage the limb to the body.
- Make a bandage around your neck and put your hand in it. You can also use a loose splint.
Remember: the patient can be transported in a sitting or semi-sitting position. He should not lean on the side with the injured limb. You can give the victim painkillers at home. You can also apply a cold compress or ice to the limb. Remember: you cannot set a bone or joint, put pressure on it, or straighten the joint. It is also prohibited to transport it lying down or standing
Terms of use
The method of using a bandage for a clavicle fracture is quite simple. Still, you should adhere to some recommendations:
- it is necessary to lay a ring of hard material between the shoulder blades;
- Wrap two belts or tourniquets around your shoulders, pass them through the ring and secure them in the position required for therapy.
In order for Delbe rings to last a long time, you need to be able to properly care for them. Delbe rings can be washed in a washing machine at low temperatures. It is prohibited to iron the product, bleach it, wring it out or dry it on a radiator. A mild detergent may be used for cleaning.
Delbe rings should be washed separately from other clothes.
The rings are applied in a special way so that they are in maximum contact with the body. Otherwise, the product will move and rub the skin. The degree of back arching is determined by a specialist.
It is recommended to wear an orthopedic bandage while standing or sitting on a flat surface. The orthosis should be worn over a T-shirt or thin cotton T-shirt. If you are allergic to synthetics, be sure to consult a specialist regarding the advisability of using a medical device.
The product must be stored flat. The bandage is worn for a long time, until complete recovery.
You can sew an orthopedic device yourself from scrap materials. To do this, you need to take cotton wool and gauze and make ropes of them three centimeters wide. Apply homemade
Reviews
The effectiveness of the Delbe orthopedic fixator for problems with posture or collarbone fractures can be judged by consumer reviews.
Vyacheslav: “In winter I slipped on the ice and fell on my shoulder.
The result is damage to the collarbone (screw fracture). They connected it from two halves and put Delbe rings on me until the bones fused completely (about three weeks). When everything grew together, I took it off and was surprised to find that my back was almost straight. So I killed two birds with one stone! The question of price is 1200 rubles. for “Comf-Ort”, which is now always with me! It is also suitable for preventing the recurrence of posture problems.” Elena: “My son began to slouch, but the more he tried to straighten his back, the more his spine bent in the lumbar region. It became clear that the situation could not be changed for the better on our own. As prescribed by the doctor, I bought Delbe T-1730 rings for children. The cost of the product is 850 rubles. At first I was skeptical: how can you bend the “hump” in the opposite direction using these straps? And now both the doctor and I are happy. So I recommend it to anyone who has problems with posture!”
Contraindications
Reclinators are made from hypoallergenic materials and are therefore suitable for most patients. However, there are certain restrictions on their use. These include:
- skin damage;
- dermatitis;
- scratches;
- rash;
- compression fracture;
- furunculosis.
On a note! Unlike other fixing structures, Delbe rings are safe and ideal for children. They can be worn even in cases where rigid orthoses and plaster casts are undesirable.
For a displaced broken collarbone, it is recommended to replace the Delbe rings with a Deso bandage. The reclinator cannot be used if you are hypersensitive to the materials.
Kerchief bandage for transport immobilization
Bandage for clavicle fracture
In order to transport the patient without additional injuries in the area of the damaged bone, a bandage in the form of a scarf is applied in case of a fracture of the collarbone. To do this, you will need a scarf with a length of 40 cm or more. There are two ways to apply a bandage:
- First, a layer of anesthetic ointment is applied to the damaged area. This will eliminate pain from touching the tightly rolled fabric to the skin. Then a bandage is applied. The movements are performed accurately and carefully to avoid discomfort for the patient and securely fix the damaged area. A thick layer of bandage will prevent infection of the wound and partially relieve pain from the injury.
- The so-called binding method - the bandage is formed from two pieces of fabric, tightly covering the damaged area.
Clavicle fixation bandage
The collarbone bandage “kerchief” is considered the easiest to apply and does not require any special skills from an assistant. With its help, you can slightly lift the damaged part of the body, fix the bones and reduce pain. If you don’t have a scarf of the desired shape on hand, you can use any clean piece of fabric of sufficient length and width, which is first folded into a triangle. The long ends are tied around the neck, placing the wide part under the wrist. Thanks to the bandage, you can immobilize the arm and transport the patient to the nearest medical facility for assistance.
Considering the diverse nature of typical clavicular injuries, experts have developed several methods of transport immobilization of patients with clavicular bone fractures. A suitable bandage for a clavicle fracture is selected taking into account the patient’s condition and the characteristics of the injury. Distinctive features of the bandages are the degree of rigidity of the fixation area. A plaster cast is considered the most dense and reliable. But its use has serious limitations depending on the age of the patient. For persons over 60 years of age, this method is not recommended due to the occurrence of arthrosis and increased pain. For this category of patients, a softer clavicle fixator is selected, which eliminates any side effects.
Treatment of a clavicle fracture
Providing competent and timely medical care plays an important role. As they say, the main thing is to do no harm. If you do not know the basic rules of first aid, then you should not conduct experiments on the victim.
Conservative therapy includes the application of a fixing bandage and splint, which immobilize (immobilize) the arm and stretch the shoulder. For a displaced fracture, a cast is applied and local anesthesia is prescribed. However, conservative therapy is not possible in all cases. Then surgery is scheduled. Surgeons straighten and fix the bone.
Tire
It is extremely important to securely fix the arm and immobilize the shoulder girdle. The shoulder is pressed as close to the body as possible. To do this, place a cotton swab in the armpit.
On a note! A splint for the treatment of clavicle fractures is applied using a dressing or elastic bandage.
If the clavicle is fractured, it is impossible to apply a splint directly to it, so the arm is fixed so that the shoulder girdle is immobilized. A roll of tightly rolled cotton wool is placed under the arm and the shoulder is pressed against the body. The arm is bandaged to the body, and the forearm is suspended on a scarf.
For a clavicle fracture, splints are applied
Corset
A brace is another product used for collarbone injuries. It is a good alternative to uncomfortable support devices. The corset is lightweight and easy to use, while reliably fixing the bone elements.
A corset for a clavicle fracture is used throughout the entire treatment period. It not only supports the injured collarbone, but also keeps the spinal column in the correct position, and also corrects posture. If the collarbone is fractured, the corset must be worn throughout the entire rehabilitation period.
Let us highlight the main features of using a corset for a fracture:
- good fixation, which is achieved using fasteners;
- universal size;
- posture correction;
- convenience and ease of use.
Gypsum
Plaster application avoids damage to nerve trunks, muscles and blood vessels, which can cause improper bone fusion.
Bandages
Bandages are used as first aid. And their use is also advisable at the stage of health therapy. The bandage is applied directly to the affected area. This helps prevent displacement of bone fragments and the development of unpleasant complications.
Eight-shaped
An 8-shaped bandage is used for a clavicle fracture that is not accompanied by displacement of bone fragments. This type of dressing is used after the victim has been taken to a medical facility and the doctor has adjusted the displaced fragments.
The specialist uses a wide bandage that is placed between the shoulder blades. One end is placed on the shoulder girdle, then under the arm, and returned to the shoulder blades. The same actions are performed in the other direction. The edges of the bandage are tightly connected.
Seira's Headband
To attach it, use three strips of adhesive about one meter long. The forearm should be bent at the elbow at a right angle. The Sayre bandage is used to prevent subsequent displacement of bone fragments.
Deso bandage
Elastic or regular bandages are used for this. The orthosis allows you to support and press the limbs to the body, as well as reduce mobility.
The clavicle fracture bandage has some significant disadvantages. It does not separate the shoulder girdles and this does not facilitate the comparison of fragments. And it is also difficult to perform without the help of strangers and for an unprepared person.
Kosynochnaya
This is another simple and convenient device. The essence of the dressing is to slightly raise the arm and support it from sagging.
It is best to use strong, but not rough material. The hand is placed on the long side from the side of the injured collarbone, and the ends are secured to the back of the neck. The bandage fabric should be distributed along the entire length of the forearm.
Types of fasteners
Deso orthopedic bandage for a shoulder fracture
Delbe rings are a special bandage that fixes the shoulders in one position. It has rings on both sides. It is in them that the patient first threads his arms so that later they hold the shoulder joints in a normal position. Delbe rings are selected individually based on the size of the chest circumference. The retainer itself is located between the shoulder blades, the bandage is durable and allows the skin to breathe. Delbe rings are necessary to separate the shoulder joints and establish the correct position of the spine. At the same time, the collarbone will be fixed in the correct position, and the clamp will hold it for a long time. Delbe rings are used throughout the treatment period, including during rehabilitation. It is also recommended for some patients to wear it after surgery.
Splinting
If the shoulder is fixed by a splint, then when applying it, be sure to ensure that its surface, which rests on the hollow of the armpit, has a backward slope. This way, the shoulder joint will also be pulled back and take the correct position. Usually the tire is made of wire - this is the base, which is subsequently lined with special pads. Afterwards it will be bandaged to the chest. The treatment method is very successful, since the fragments in this position are well compared. The splint can be applied for clavicle fractures with or without displacement. In the first case, you will have to wear it for up to 4 weeks, in the latter it is much less - 2-3 weeks. The period required to restore working capacity is up to 6 weeks. In childhood, the bone grows together quickly; this process usually takes no more than 20 days. Treatment has the fastest effect in newborns - after birth trauma, their bone tissue is restored in 5-7 days. If the displacement is large, then the splint should not only be diverted, but also have adhesive traction. It is fixed relative to the frontal plane, tilted back 10 degrees.
Bandages as a method of immobilization
The Deso bandage is one of the ways to immobilize a limb using a bandage, but plaster is sometimes used when applying it. It is intended for uncomplicated fractures and is widely used not only as a treatment method, but also as an emergency measure. The Deso bandage is applied as follows:
- The limb is bent at the elbow and pressed to the chest approximately parallel to the floor.
- A bandage is wrapped several times around the sternum at the level of the lower armpit, tying the forearm of the affected arm to the body.
- After several rounds, the bandage from the healthy armpit should go up to the sore shoulder. Then repeat the action several times.
- From the armpit, the bandage is directed to the sore elbow, repeating the manipulations.
- The Deso bandage at the last stage should follow from the elbow up to the sore shoulder. Next, each action is repeated several times, applying one layer of bandage at a time.
The advantage of this method of immobilization is the good fixation of the arm to the body and its complete immobilization. However, the Deso bandage does not separate the forearms, so it does not contribute to the permanent reduction of fragments.
The Velpeau bandage is another method of immobilization. Both this and the above-described methods of fixing the hand can be performed either with simple bandages or with elastic ones. The main feature of the method is placing the hand of the diseased limb on the healthy shoulder girdle. The hand is at about 45 degrees to the shoulder itself. The Velpeau bandage is applied as follows:
- Bandaging begins from the middle third of the shoulder joint.
- Halfway through, the bandage goes to the opposite side, and then behind the back.
- Repeat the manipulations several times.
- Next, the bandage from the back should go to the injured forearm on the chest, elbow, then back, pass along the healthy side and again go out to the sternum.
Reliable fixation, necessary for complete restoration of the integrity of the fragments, can be achieved in 3 cycles of bandaging. As in the previous case, the method does not help to abduct the shoulder, and it is also quite difficult to do on your own.
Summarizing
Delbe rings are prescribed by a doctor for a fractured collarbone. Their correct use will prevent displacement of bone fragments and speed up the healing process. It is recommended to purchase the product at a pharmacy or specialized medical center. Modern reclinators are made from breathable materials that do not cause allergies. If you need to provide first aid for a broken collarbone, and there is little time, you can quickly make Delbe rings with your own hands. To do this you will need cotton wool and a piece of gauze. The product is put on the shoulders and pulled tightly at the back. It is important not only to make the reclinator correctly, but also to apply it correctly. Otherwise, it will do more harm than good.
DIY Delbe rings
There are situations in life when urgent fixation for an injury is necessary, and it is not possible to purchase professional Delbe rings. It is not at all difficult to make cotton-gauze rings at home, having gauze or cotton fabric, cotton wool. Long strands 3-5 cm wide are twisted from wide gauze or fabric, they are passed from front to back through the armpits and fixed on the back.
You can pull them together by tying them into a knot, or you can make 2 closed rings and tie them on your back with a cord or belt. In the area of joints and large nodes, cotton wool is placed between the tourniquets and the skin.
More often, such a device is used to provide first aid for a collarbone injury, and professional products are used for treatment.