Injuries and injuries of the shoulder girdle are quite common. Doctors attribute this to the fact that the shoulder joint is very mobile and can suffer in the process of performing work tasks, at home, during sports. In addition, the muscles and ligaments of the shoulder girdle are seriously affected when lifting weights. To reliably fix the shoulder joint and accelerate its recovery, traumatologists recommend using a shoulder brace. But if the doctor did not indicate a specific model, then sorting it out yourself is not at all easy.
Medical indications
Using a brace allows you to hold the shoulder joint in the correct position. Patients are recommended this fixing device in a number of cases:
- in the process of postoperative rehabilitation ;
- in the process of rehabilitation after fractures, bruises, dislocations or sprains;
- as a supporting device for acute and chronic joint diseases (arthritis, arthrosis, osteoarthritis, periarthritis, myositis);
- in the diagnosis of paresis or paralysis of the hand;
- after installing dentures;
- with hypermobility (extreme mobility) of the shoulder joints;
- in the process of reconstruction of hand muscle ruptures;
- with neurological disorders;
- for the prevention of pain and swelling after exertion.
The brace fixing on the shoulder joint in some cases is used as an independent tool, but sometimes it is supplemented with other types of orthoses. Classic pair - plaster cast plus support bandage.
Types of bandages
The appointment of brachial orthoses can pursue several goals. In this regard, several large groups of different designs have been developed, united by one name - “shoulder brace”. Groups are called:
- fixing bandages;
- supporting bandages;
- restrictive bandages;
- clavicular bandages.
Each group performs a specific set of functions and is assigned in the corresponding situation.
Retaining brace
This group includes semi-rigid immobilizing products on the shoulder and forearm. In this case, the shoulder brace fixes the damaged joint after injuries or operations. The patient loses the ability to move his shoulder, raise his hand and take it to the side.
If for immobilization not a semi-rigid orthosis is used, but an elastic brace, then an additional splint or hinge is applied, which makes it possible to fix the desired angle between the shoulder joint and arm.
Support bandage
This is a soft construction used to prevent injuries. The shoulder brace is often simply referred to as a “scarf”. These devices do not have a division into the left or right hand. They are made of durable materials, and retain negligible mobility in the damaged joint, significantly reducing the load on it. Shoulder brace kerchief, you can adjust the special straps to achieve the most comfortable condition.
The main part of the supporting bandages are based on the development of the French surgeon Pierre Desot. In the 18th century, he managed to figure out how to fix the shoulder together with the forearm to the torso. The doctor used gauze bandages for this, and the modern bandage of the shoulder scarf is made of combined materials of different elasticities.
Bounding bandage
This is a more complex design in the form of a short sleeve half-vest. It is put on a problem shoulder and fixed with a belt system. Thus, the amplitude of hand movements is regulated. Restrictive bandages are used in the conservative treatment of dislocations of the shoulder joint, with shoulder-shoulder periarthritis, with fractures of the head of the humerus, with fracture of the scapula, with damage to the clavicular joints, after prosthetics of the shoulder joint. This is not a complete list of indications, surgeons, traumatologists and orthopedists could significantly expand it.
It is most convenient for the patient to choose restrictive bandages of those designs that can be worn independently. It is important to place the shoulder strap so that it does not rub the neck.
Clavicle bandage
Bandages for the clavicle in the common people are called eight-shaped. The medical name is "Delbe rings." Using a simple design, the shoulder girdle is fixed. Such a brace is indispensable for rehabilitation after ruptures of the acromioclavicular joint. The belt structure takes the shoulders back and fixes them in this position. This eliminates pathology in the fusion of the joint. It is advisable to select the design so that it does not rub the skin in the axillary region.
Children's shoulder brace
Children often find themselves in the office of a traumatologist with various bruises, sprains, dislocations and fractures. This category of patients requires special attention, since improper treatment can prevent the proper development of the musculoskeletal system. Since the skin of children is more sensitive, the children's shoulder brace should be made of natural fabrics. Synthetic elements can only be located in the inner layer. In addition, it is recommended that children's bandages be made of bright materials so that they are clearly visible. Otherwise, children during the games can forget about the injury and grab or pull the patient by the damaged area.
Degree of fixation
According to the degree of fixation, designs are divided into several categories:
- weak fixation bandages for early rehabilitation of the musculo-ligamentous apparatus and for the prevention of injuries after overload;
- semi-rigid bandages for postoperative rehabilitation and treatment of arthritis, arthrosis and periarthritis;
- rigid fixation bandages for immobilization during fractures or after operations.
The degree of compression and the rigidity of fixing the bandage is determined by the doctor.
How to care for a shoulder brace
Since the bandages are designed for continuous or prolonged wear, they must be kept clean. For washing, mild detergents are selected. Water temperature should be moderate (not higher than 35 ° C). Drying the bandage is permissible only in the shade, it is impossible to twist and iron the product.
Things to remember
Any bandage must be properly sized. If an inflammatory skin disease is found in the area of application, then a bandage should not be worn. If the patient is diagnosed with allergies, it is necessary to carefully consider the choice of material of the shoulder brace. You can change the mode and time of wearing bandages only on the recommendation of a doctor. On bandages of any designs the shelf life is indicated. After this period, the manufacturer cannot guarantee the preservation of the elasticity and quality of the product.