The Rehab III (Donjoy™) Knee Brace is a medical device designed to provide support and stability to the knee joint, preventing excessive bending or side-to-side movement. Its primary function is to help prevent further injury to the knee joint, particularly after surgery or injury, by immobilizing or restricting the range of motion of the knee. The brace is typically applied and adjusted by a medical professional, such as Dr. Herald, before the patient leaves the hospital, ensuring proper fit and initial settings.
Key Components and Features:
The knee brace consists of several distinct parts that work together to provide support and allow for adjustment:
- Thigh Liner: This padded component wraps around the thigh, providing cushioning and a secure fit for the upper part of the brace.
- Calf Liner: Similar to the thigh liner, this padded component wraps around the calf, securing the lower part of the brace.
- Velcro™ Tabs: These tabs are used to secure both the thigh and calf liners snugly around the leg. They allow for easy application and removal of the liners.
- Thigh Portion: This is the upper frame of the brace that attaches to the thigh liner.
- Calf Portion: This is the lower frame of the brace that attaches to the calf liner.
- Hinge Dials: These are crucial components located at the knee joint level. They are preset by Dr. Herald to control the range of motion of the knee. Patients are explicitly instructed not to adjust these dials without first checking with Dr. Herald.
- Buckles: These are used to secure the main straps of the brace, providing a firm hold.
- Straps with Velcro™ Tabs: These straps, attached to the brace frame, are buckled and then secured with Velcro™ tabs to hold the entire brace in place over the liners.
- Thumbscrews: These screws are used to adjust the length of the brace.
- Wings: These are adjustable segments of the brace frame that slide to accommodate different leg lengths.
Usage and Application:
The application of the Rehab III (Donjoy™) Knee Brace involves a step-by-step process to ensure proper fit and function:
- Liner Application: First, the thigh and calf liners are applied directly to the leg. The Velcro™ straps attached to the liners are secured snugly, but not too tightly, allowing a finger to slip underneath. This ensures comfort and prevents circulation issues.
- Brace Positioning: The main brace frame is then placed over the liners. The hinge dials of the brace must be carefully aligned with the knee joint.
- Length Adjustment (if instructed): If Dr. Herald instructs an adjustment to the brace's length, the thumbscrews are loosened, and the wings are slid to the desired length. The arrows on the brace indicate the direction of adjustment.
- Strap Securing: The straps of the brace are buckled and then tightened. Finally, the Velcro™ tabs on the straps are secured to ensure the brace is held firmly in place.
Important Usage Considerations:
- Hinge Dial Adjustment: The hinge dials are preset by Dr. Herald. Patients are strictly advised not to adjust these dials without prior consultation. If an adjustment is necessary, the peg indicator on the hinge dial must be pushed toward the center to unlock it, allowing the brace to extend. After adjustment, the peg indicator is pushed away from the center to lock it.
- Removal: The brace may need to be removed for specific activities such as bathing, cleaning the brace liners, or if the brace is positioned incorrectly.
- Reapplication: After removal, the brace should be reapplied as soon as possible following the detailed instructions.
Maintenance:
- Cleaning Liners: The knee brace liners should be hand-washed in cold water using a mild detergent when they become soiled.
- Drying Liners: It is crucial to air-dry the liners only. DO NOT use heat from a hair dryer or clothes dryer, as this could damage the material.
Patients are advised to contact Dr. Jonathan Herald (02 9233 3946) if they experience any of the following:
- Increased numbness, tingling, or swelling of the affected leg.
- Increased leg pain.
- Difficulty applying the knee brace.
- Any additional questions about the Rehab III (Donjoy™) knee brace or its instructions.
This comprehensive approach to the Rehab III (Donjoy™) Knee Brace ensures that patients understand its function, proper application, and maintenance, contributing to effective recovery and injury prevention.
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