Braces

Definition (Braces): Braces are aids that help hold limbs or other parts of the body in useful positions.

Or,

Braces are fitted to a body region to provide support, correct deformities and prevent specific joint and body movement.

Indications for use:

No	Types of braces	Indications
01	Foot brace	For deformities in the foot (not ankle)
02	Below-knee braces (ankle braces)	For weakness or deformities in the lower leg, ankle and foot.
03	Above knee brace (long leg brace)	For weakness in the upper leg and knee possibly also ankle and foot.
04	Above knee brace with a hip band	For sever weakness in hips and legs
05	Leg separating braces	For dislocated hips or damaged head of thigh bone.
06	Foot positioning night brace	For holding the feet, legs and hips at a set angle. When they tend to turn in.
07	Body brace or corset	For curve of the spine
08	Body brace with leg braces	For body and back weakness together with hip and leg weakness.

Design of braces for considering pressure areas:

1)      The most common problem with braces is that pres on bony bumps. To avoid this put small pads over bony bumps before casting foot or put the pads on the mold and add a little fresh plaster to the bony bumps before molding the plastic.

2)      When the patient wears the plastic brace and if it pressures too much on bony places or elsewhere, heat a small area over the spot where the bone presses, and with a smooth, round stick push the hollow deeper.

3)      Soft padding inside the brace can make it more comfortable. Places that may need to be padded are: edges, upper part, over bony places or points of pressure.

4)      The sole of the brace can end at the ends of the toes or slightly beyond to allow for growth. The side of the brace at the foot can extend to the toes if necessary for support.

5)      The sole also can end at the base of the toes.

6)      Avoid brace edges that stop at middle of toes. Avoid an edge that curves in (better to heat it and bend it out a little).

7)      Avoid brace edges that pass across the middle of bony bumps. The edge should be either behind or in front of the bump.

8)      A patient whose ankle or foot is floppy or deformed, or who needs stiff ankle brace to help push back a weak knee may need a brace with wide sides at the ankle and foot.