Leah Lendel is the 9 year old recently almost lost her hand to a shark attack. She is wearing a large yellow box shaped like a cheese wedge. It seems too large to be just for protection as a smaller box would do the same thing. Why such a box? Why so large? and is there any point to the shape and color other then whimsy?
This is the box referred to:
I heard something on the news about it being some sort of device that helps reduce swelling and thus hasten healing. No idea why yellow; the color is probably just ornamental.
From what I can tell, it appears to be designed to keep her hand/arm in a specific position. It’s hard to tell in the above picture, but that sponge (and it does appear to be a sponge like material) is up to her elbow and her hand is pointed up towards the ceiling. If that’s how doctors need her to stay (or how she’s comfortable), that seems easier that trying mount it to brace on her body. Plus, this gives her the ability to move around and still keep it upright.
And if Solost is correct that it’s to reduce swelling, I think it makes sense that it’s to keep it elevated. I’m guessing it’s so big, mainly, because it’s just a sponge and not very strong, but also so that she can rest it on her lap.
I wonder if this is something new or something that’s been around for a while but not very common.
Come to think of it. It’s probably also for protection. I’m sure she’d much rather have something/someone bump into that than something rigid.