Movement is a daily necessary condition for the normal functioning of the body. The main mechanism that this provides is the musculoskeletal system. It is the joints that give mobility and serve to connect parts of the body. The largest of all is the hip joint (HJ), which carries a huge load. Therefore, it wears out and is injured faster than others. Any injury to him (considered complex and dangerous) leads to surgery. Treatment is long and difficult.
To speed up treatment and recovery at such moments, an orthosis is prescribed for the hip joint, or a fixator. It is kind of an alternative to a cast as it also keeps the joint in a physiologically correct position.
Why is treatment difficult?
Difficulties in treatment are as follows:
- HJ cartilage does not heal well;
- joint is anatomically complex;
- the chance of re-injury is always high;
- most of the joint is damaged.
All this points to the need to use bandages. Their main function is to unload the joint and prevent complications from developing.
What the retainer does
It is necessary to use a bandage and an orthosis on the hip joints:
- After injury and surgical procedures, the orthosis fixes the joint. Muscles and ligaments get the opportunity to adapt to the previous activity.
- To reduce the risk of complications and re-injury.
- For minor injuries, the bandage provides support and warms the joint, reducing pain.
- In case of congenital pathologies of hip joint, they must be corrected immediately.
- In the early stages of arthrosis and arthritis to reduce the progression of the process.
In this case, the orthosis for the hip joint provides stabilization, has an analgesic effect.
Retainers in general
Retainers are different, they are classified as follows:
- Bandage for TBS - fastened to the hip and waist with elastic, breathable Velcro.
- Orthoses are rigid structures that provide strong protection and include metal and plastic components. The orthosis for the hip joints is fixed on the joint with straps and lacing.
- The splints are very similar to orthoses, but additionally equipped with hinges.
When is it allowed and when is it forbidden?
Orthoses and splints are used:
- inrecovery period after any serious injury to the femoral neck, greater trochanter and hip joint;
- after arthroplasty;
- after secondary denture replacement surgeries;
- during rehabilitation after correcting bone deformities;
- for arthropathy, arthrosis and arthritis;
- after complete removal of the femoral head and neck to create a new joint;
- for the treatment of tendon ruptures;
- children's hip dysplasia (congenital).
The brace is undesirable for:
- skin diseases;
- bleeding wounds;
- complications after surgery.
What varieties are there?
The level of hardness is distinguished:
- Soft - Made from soft stretch fabric. They are more of a preventive value.
- Semi-rigid - have additional plates inside, medium fixation. The outer part of the device is made of cloth.
- Rigid orthoses for the hip joints (splints) are metal-plastic. The joint is completely immobilized. Orthosis - is bilateral and unilateral. With straps and Velcro, the orthosis is adjustable in size.
There are also fixing bandages:
- articulated;
- hinged.
Articulating devices - the presence of special fasteners, they help support the joint when walking.
Hingeless devices are a one-piece design, used more for hip fractures.
More about Unilateral Orthosis
Single-sided rigid orthosis for the hip joint consists of 2 parts - one has fastenings on the waist, the other - on the femoral part. Special hinges are made between them, allowing you to adjust the device for yourself, that is, the orthosis is adjustable. Any movement of the leg is possible: abduction to the side, up, down.
Bilateral rigid orthoses ensure the immobility of the hip joint in a certain position. Then the pain decreases.
How to choose an orthosis for hip joint
Of course, it is better if the doctor makes the choice, taking into account the individual anatomical features of the patient, as well as the degree of injury to the joint.
It is difficult for an unknowing person to choose a suitable orthosis on their own. This is also important because an improperly selected joint worsens the patient's condition and there will be no healing. When choosing, not only the size of the product should be taken into account, but also its strength, convenience, fastening strength and purpose.
An important point is also for which leg the product will be used - an orthosis for the right hip joint or the left one.
But the brand and manufacturer of the product - this is already at the request of the patient. Shopping is best done in specialized stores: here you can accurately choose the size, degree of fixation. In addition, in case of problems with the orthosis, you can return it and replace it with another one.
Top 5 best products according to doctors and consumers
The best products are:
- Splint with Fosta hinge – gives maximum fixation of the hip and hip. Relieves swelling, severity of inflammation and pain. Durable and holds well.
- Children's hip abduction orthosis - OttoBock bandage - is used to treat dysplasia (congenital dislocation of the hip) in children under 1 year old. The existing spacer allows you to adjust the breeding of the hips, while the skin is not injured. There is no chafing.
- Medi Hip Orthosis Adjustable Hip Orthosis – 2 pieces can be purchased separately to allow precise sizing. Used during the recovery period after injuries and operations.
- Orthosis "Orlette" for the hip joint is strong, light, strongly fixes the joint. Outside there is a soft, breathable elastic, at the same time, it fits snugly to the joint. Indicated for fractures for complete immobility of the leg.
- Bandage "Crate" - soft, elastic and breathable material. It is used for prevention after injury.
User Rules
Basic usage rules:
- It is better to put on the orthosis in the prone position, when the hip muscles are relaxed and the orthosis can be fixed tightly.
- Thin cotton stockings must be worn under the orthosis to absorb sweat;
- At night, the orthosis is removed for ventilation;
- If problems occur during the operation of the orthosis, stop using it;
- It is forbidden to disassemble and repair instructions yourself.
Caring for orthoses
Caring for orthoses is very simple - it is recommended to wash it in soapy water without squeezing it as it gets dirty. Dry in disassembled form until dry. You can not hang on a rope, it stretches. Hand wash only, non-hot water, no powders.
The best option is to use regular baby soap or household soap.
Dry the device without using a hair dryer or batteries, not in the sun, in the shade, that is, in a natural way.
This is especially important for hinges and metal parts. Wipe the plastic parts with a disinfectant, carefully remove the remnants of it so that there is no skin irritation.
Lubricate the iron hinges with oil to make them slide smoothly.
Results of application
The effect of the orthoses does not appear immediately, but it is stable. This is a huge help to the damaged joint, which after injuries always becomes the main condition for rest and lack of displacement.
The position of the joint is anatomically correct. Light compression improves blood and lymph flow, which reduces pain and swelling.
Practical experience and customer reviews
Reviews about the orthosis on the hip joint say that it really helps to relieve pain, heaviness. Good quality and reliable help is noted. Today in Russia the most popular model is the well-known brand of orthopedic products Orlett. These medical devices are made professionally, taking into account all the necessary requirements. A German company has been producing them for a long time.years.
The best review has a soft Orlett MAN-10 bandage, which is not only made of innovative material, it also creates a light compression effect, which helps to dissolve swelling and reduce pain. From the above, we can conclude that the orthosis can become an indispensable tool for the prevention and rehabilitation after serious injuries.
