Many have had to deal with injuries or pathologies of the development of the musculoskeletal system. Earlier in the arsenal of doctors there were plaster bandages or elastic and gauze bandages, but today there are more convenient means of fixation. In some cases, there is a need to use a splint on the knee joints. But, in order to correctly fix the knee, it is necessary to understand what a splint is and why it was assigned to the patient.
What are you talking about?
The splint is a special rigid orthopedic design designed to be fixed in the required position of the joint. Often patients confuse tutors and orthoses, mistakenly replacing names. The difference between the splint on the knee joints and the orthosis is that in the design there are no hinged nodes and joints. Most often, the foot fixing material is hard. The construction of orthoses is always more complicated. Moving joints allow you to bend a limb at a certain angle. But if simple fixation is necessary, then the patient is not prescribed a complex orthosis. A knee splint copes with this task with dignity.
How is the splint arranged?
The splint consists of a rigid sleeve and a system of fixing fixtures. Mounts can be in the form of lacing or wide straps. Depending on the necessary stiffness, the splint can be made of plastic, metal alloys, polymer fabrics or leather.
For fabric and leather products, the use of metal tires or a reinforcing carcass with half rings is characteristic.
Why is a splint prescribed?
If fixation of the knee joint is necessary , a splint can be prescribed regardless of age. Similar designs are successfully used in the treatment of both adults and children. Depending on the chosen modification, the splint performs the following functions:
- It does not allow the joint to bend during treatment or post-traumatic rehabilitation. Immobilizes the knee after surgery.
- Reduces pain after injuries.
- Reduces the risk of joint injury in osteoporosis.
- Keeps the joint at rest.
- Helps correct limb deformities.
- Used as a preventive measure for relapse or complications.
- Performs the function of a plaster cast or tire.
Traumatologists practice the appointment of a splint to the knee joints during the rehabilitation period after injuries in order to reduce swelling and restore normal blood supply. This speeds up the repair of damaged tissue.
Tutors Orlett
Traumatologists and orthopedists often prefer designs of the Orlett brand. This is a well-known manufacturer of rehabilitation facilities from Germany. Products of this company are distinguished by reliable designs and are made of high quality materials. The most common option is a knee splint KS 601.
This design copes well with the treatment and rehabilitation of patients suffering from pathological changes in the knee joints, including:
- various injuries (meniscus, patella , bones);
- unstable joints;
- surgical intervention (KS 601 is used before and after operations);
- irregularities, including lateral curvature.
Key Benefits of KS 601
The design consists of a fabric base with pockets for 5 tires (metal), fixed with wide Velcro straps. The main advantages of this tutorial include:
- The use of a soft, porous material that allows the skin to “breathe”. This allows you to wear the structure for a long time without feeling discomfort.
- Tutor tires are removable. Velcro with good fixation. The splint allows you to completely immobilize the knee without injuring the skin and muscles.
- The design does not cause difficulties when donning. Patients cope with this task on their own.
- Five sizes of KS 601 splint are produced, which allows you to choose a remedy for rehabilitation for a patient with any complexion.
Correct sizing
The success of patient rehabilitation depends on the proper selection of the splint size on the knee joint. Sizing begins with a tailor centimeter measuring the circumference of the mid-thigh. The measuring tape is wrapped tightly, but without tightening the leg. Depending on the result, the length and size are determined:
- With a circumference of the middle part of the thigh less than 43 cm, the patient requires size S, the length of which is 42 cm.
- If the middle of the thigh is within 43-50 cm, then the patient needs a size M splint, with a length of 50 cm.
- When the result of measuring the circumference is from 50-56 cm, the size of the knee splint is L, and its length is 58 cm.
- With values from 56 to 62, the size is XL, and the length of the structure is 63 cm.
- If the circumference of the circle is greater than 62 cm, then the patient needs XXL size, the length of the splint in this case is 70 cm.
Another option for design selection from Orlett is to measure the circumference of the central part of the knee joint.
The domestic manufacturer uses the following parameters to select a structure: hip circumference, lower leg circumference, and height of the structure. Models with a hip circumference of 32 to 47 cm are considered childish. Models with a circle from 33 cm to 51 cm are considered adults.
In the rehabilitation of children, especially with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, it is preferable to make tutors according to individual casts.
The main principle of selection is that a splint is bought only after consultation with a treating specialist. Self-medication in this matter is unacceptable. You can buy a splint on your own only if the old design is damaged and needs to be replaced.
How to care for the product
The Orlett splint on the knee requires some care. The latch can be washed, because the metal tires in the design are removable. It is washed manually, the water temperature should not exceed 40 ° C. Chlorinated detergents and bleaches should not be used for washing, so as not to damage the fabric of the splint.
It is impossible to squeeze and twist an orthopedic product. Dry the splint in a shaded, cool place. The fabric part of the structure after washing is not ironed. Before further use, metal tires should be replaced.
Are there any contraindications?
A splint on the knee joints has a small list of undesirable factors:
- For skin lesions such as abrasions, deep scratches or cuts, additional medical advice is required. This is necessary to understand whether the construction can be used.
- If ulcers, boils or ulcers appear, make sure that the splint is correctly selected, since a size error can damage the skin.
- If there is a violation of blood circulation in the legs, then the splint cannot be worn.
- If the patient experiences muscle cramps or has hyperkinesis, then the splint is also contraindicated for use.
- A patient should not wear a splint if he has an allergic reaction to the material from which he is made.