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CUSTOM HIP ABDUCTION ORTHOSIS

A hip abduction orthosis is used to limit motion of the hip joint after dislocation or post-surgery. The hip brace limits you from bending the leg of the affected hip joint forward, backward, or across your body. It is designed to keep your leg out to the side of your body while the thigh bone is held in the hip socket during the healing process. Therefore, if you feel the brace is restricting a particular motion, don’t do it!

 

The brace is a reminder of the following motions you are restricted from doing

  1.   Do not cross legs while sitting or lying

  2.   Do not lean too far forward or sit on very low, soft seats

  3.   Do not rotate your body by reaching across the body or leaning toward the unaffected side

 

Putting on the brace

  1. While lying on your back, arch your lower back and slip the pelvic band underneath body. If it is difficult to arch you can log roll to your side and slide the pelvic band under the back and the caregiver or family member can pull pelvic band into position. Once the pelvic band is centered lower your back into the band and relax.

  2. Slightly bend the knee of the affected side and slip the thigh cuff under and around the thigh. Straighten your leg and relax.

  3. Close the pelvic band and thigh cuff straps.

 

Taking off brace

  1. While lying on your back, undo all straps and buckles.

  2. Slightly bend the knee of the affected side and slip the thigh cuff off and to the side.

  3. Arch your lower back and slip the pelvic band out.

 

Cleaning your Brace

Clean pads in water with a mild soap. When changing pads remove one pad at a time and immediately replace it with its match to prevent confusion. AIR dry pads ONLY. Do not put them in the dryer.  For the plastic parts of the brace, use a damp cloth with antibacterial soap and rinse.  Next, apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol with a dry cloth to disinfect the brace.

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Brace maintenance

The Allen wrench included with brace should be used periodically to tighten all the allen screws.

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Clothing

A snug t-shirt should be worn under the brace to help to prevent skin chafing. Undergarments can be pulled over the brace to increase independence and decrease clothing management during toileting.

 

Wearing Schedule

Your doctor will discuss with you how long you will be required to wear the brace, and how many hours a day.  Typically, your doctor will prescribe the hip brace to be worn at all times. The brace may be removed for dressing and hygiene. The skin should be inspected daily when the brace is removed. A family member or caregiver may be needed for assistance.

 

Skin Inspection

If the brace is rubbing against your skin and causing redness which does not go away within 15 – 30 minutes, call our office and make an appointment for an adjustment.  If a significant amount of weight is lost or gained an adjustment might be necessary.

 

Sitting and walking with the brace

This brace will not allow you to walk or sit the way you are accustomed to. Knees must be kept apart when sitting.  Sitting in an upright position or 90-degree angle will be difficult because the brace is designed to prevent this position (figure A). Sitting in a more upright fashion may cause the pelvic band to ride up on your torso. To prevent this from happening, sit in a recliner chair or use pillows behind your back so you can recline in a comfortable chair. When you walk, the braced leg should be kept to the side not underneath your body (figure B). 

Avoid low chairs, sofas, and toilets.  They will be difficult to get up from and might cause you to break hip precautions.  You might find it easier to use a raised toilet seat with the brace. 

 

Getting up from furniture

When getting up from a sitting, slowly lean toward the unaffected side and use your arms to push up on the arm rests. 

When getting in or out of bed start with the affected hip (brace side).

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The following precautions will help prevent you from dislocating your affected hip while it is healing.

Do not bend your trunk forward more than 90 degrees.

Do not lift your knee on the affected side higher than your hip:

  • Do not attempt to sit down in the bath. Instead use a shower chair.

  • Do not lean forward past your knees to put on clothing, wash your feet, pick up something from the floor or reach for your walker. Instead use long-handled adaptive equipment.

  • Be mindful of your precautions when getting up and down from sitting.

  • Avoid sitting in low chairs/sofas and chairs without armrests.

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Do not bring your affected leg past the midline of your body

  • Do not cross your legs or ankles.

  • Always keep your knees apart.

  • Keep your legs apart and pivot your whole body when getting out and in bed.

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Do not rotate or twist your affected leg inward.

  • When sitting, do not twist to the side to reach for objects.

  • When standing, do not pivot on your affected leg when turning or reaching, take small steps instead.

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