Many have experienced injuries or pathologies in the development of the musculoskeletal system. Previously, doctors had plaster bandages or elastic and gauze bandages in their arsenal, 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 properly fix the knee, you need to understand what a splint is and why it was prescribed to the patient.
What is it about?
A splint is a special rigid orthopedic structure designed to fix the joint in the required position. Often patients confuse splints and orthoses, mistakenly replacing the names. The difference between a splint for knee joints and an orthosis is that there are no hinge nodes and joints in the design. Most often, the material that fixes the leg is hard. The design of orthoses is always more complex. Moving hinges allow you to bend the limb at a certain angle. But if a simple fixation is necessary, then the patient is not prescribed a complex orthosis. Tutor on the knee jointcopes with this task quite adequately.
How the Tutor works
The splint consists of a rigid sleeve and a system of fixing fasteners. Fastenings can be in the form of lacing or wide belts. Depending on the required rigidity, the splint can be made of plastic, metal alloys, polymer fabrics or leather.
The use of metal tires or a reinforcing frame with half rings is typical for fabric and leather products.
Why appoint a splint
If fixation of the knee joint is required, a splint can be prescribed regardless of age. Similar designs are successfully used in the treatment of both adults and children. Depending on the selected modification, the tutor performs the following functions:
- Does not allow the joint to bend during treatment or post-traumatic rehabilitation. Immobilizes the knee after operations.
- Reduces pain after injury.
- Reduces the risk of joint injury from osteoporosis.
- Keeps the joint at rest.
- Helps correct limb deformities.
- Used to prevent recurrence or complications.
- Performs the function of a plaster splint or splint.
Traumatologists practice the appointment of a splint on 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.
Orlett Splints
Traumatologists and orthopedists often prefer Orlett designs. This is a well-known manufacturer of rehabilitation products from Germany. The 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;
- surgery (KS 601 is used before and after operations);
- malformations, 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 tutor include:
- Using a soft, porous material that allows the skin to "breathe". This allows you to wear the design for a long time without feeling discomfort.
- The splints of the splint are removable. Velcro with good fixation. The splint allows you to completely immobilize the knee without injuring the skin and muscles.
- The design is easy to put on. Patients manage this task on their own.
- The KS 601 Splint is available in 5 sizes, which allows you to choose a rehabilitation tool for a patient with any build.
Correct sizing
From the right sizesplint on the knee joint depends on the success of the patient's rehabilitation. Sizing begins with measuring the mid-thigh circumference with a tailor's centimeter. The measuring tape is clasped tightly, but without tightening the leg. Depending on the result, the length and size are determined:
- For a mid-thigh circumference of less than 43 cm, the patient requires size S, which is 42 cm long.
- If the middle of the thigh is between 43-50 cm, then the patient needs an M size splint, with a length of 50 cm.
- When the circumference is between 50-56 cm, the size of the knee splint is L and its length is 58 cm.
- For values from 56 to 62 - size XL, and the length of the design is 63 cm.
- If the girth of the circumference is greater than 62 cm, then the patient needs size XXL, the length of the splint in this case is 70 cm.
Another option for selecting a design from the manufacturer Orlett is to measure the circumference of the central part of the knee joint.
The domestic manufacturer uses the following parameters to select the design: thigh circumference, shin circumference and height of the structure. Models with a thigh circumference of 32 to 47 cm are considered children's. Models with a circumference between 33 cm and 51 cm are considered adults.
When rehabilitating children, especially those diagnosed with cerebral palsy, it is preferable to make splints according to individual casts.
The main principle of selection is that the splint is bought only after consultation with the treating specialist. Self-medication in this matter is unacceptable. You can buy a splint on your own only if the old structure is damaged and needs to bereplace.
How to care for the product
The Orlett Knee Splint requires some care. The retainer is washable because the metal rails in the design are removable. Washing by hand, 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 unscrew the orthopedic product. The splint should be dried in a shaded, cool place. The fabric part of the design after washing is not subjected to ironing. Metal tires should be replaced before further use.
Are there any contraindications?
The splint on the knee joints has a small list of undesirable factors:
- Skin damage such as abrasions, deep scratches or cuts requires additional medical advice. This is necessary to understand whether the construction can be used.
- When pustules, boils or ulcers appear, make sure that the splint is properly fitted, as a mistake in size 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 spasms or has hyperkinesis, then the splint is also contraindicated.
- A patient should not wear a splint if he has an allergic reaction to the material from which it is made.
