Knee Immobilzer
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While knee braces use a hinge system to allow for bending, the knee immobilizer’s job is to keep the knee from bending by supporting it. Knee immobilizers are used to treat ligament injuries, strains, sprains and inflammation. They are also indispensable for post knee operation recovery or rehab.
While most models of knee immobilizers are simple to use, you need to know the proper way to put on the series of straps and bands that will give you the best results :
First, stretch out your leg in a horizontal position. Then place the immobilizer onto the leg, with the patella opening centered on your knee. Start at the bottom and, work upwards like you do when you put on your long socks or stockings. Now fasten the closure straps. Don’t put on the straps too tightly to avoid cutting off the circulation to your leg.
Attach the patella cover over your knee. Now wear the knee immobilizer for a few minutes. Get the feel of it first. Practice going around your hospital room or even on the hallway.Wear the immobilizer using crutches, sitting on a wheelchair, or whatever other means your doctor has recommended. While doing this, adjust strap as needed. Try to feel what gives you the best fit and comfort.
As mentioned earlier, the knee immobilizer is most recommended for post knee (meniscus repair) surgery. As patient wakes up in the recovery room, a knee immobilizer or a hinged knee brace is immediately strapped on him or her. The immobilizer holds the knee fully extended. (We see a lot of this in hospital scenes where the patient has the immobilizers on don’t we?.) Patients are then instructed to walk with them using crutches. They are allowed to place weight on the operated leg as long as the knee is held fully straight with the aid of either a knee immobilizer or a hinged knee brace locked in extension. Patients are also allowed to remove the knee immobilizer when not walking. This allows bending the knee up to about 60 degrees. Patients are strongly advised to continue using a brace or immobilizer whenever they walk. They will be asked to only place weight on the leg if the knee is held fully straight as held by the brace or immobilizer.
After a month or so, patient is allowed more motion. They can also walk with the knee in a brace, but no longer locked in extension. Strenuous activities are still restricted while the repaired meniscus continues to heal. After 3 or 4 months of healing, the patient is allowed to return to full activities including their favorite sport. Protecting the knee is no longer needed. They no longer have restrictions on motion and do not require the use of a knee immobilizer or brace. After all, the goal of the knee immobilizer is for you to end its use, right?
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