Jewett Hyperextension Orthosis

30 Oct Jewett Hyperextension Orthosis

Your physician has ordered a Hyperextion Orthosis (brace) for your back problem. We, at Marshall-Kloene Orthopedics, in an effort to lessen any confusion concerning your Orthosis (brace), are providing you with this step by step instruction sheet for your convenience. Please read it over carefully and after doing so, if you have any questions feel free to contact our office at (419) 893-0748.

BEFORE YOU PUT YOUR BRACE ON:

1. Put on a cotton t-shirt. This will keep skin irritation at a minimum. Because the vinyl on the Orthosis (brace) may stick to the skin wearing a t-shirt under the brace will be much more comfortable for you. Be very careful to make sure that there are no wrinkles in the shirt between you and your brace.

2. Do not let anyone remove the velcro closure straps on the lumbar pad on the back of your brace. These are adjustment straps and are to be used only by your physician or a qualified Orthotist.

3. Check with your physician before attempting any activity on your own.

PUTTING YOUR BRACE ON:

1. Initially, your brace will be put on while you are lying in bed.

2. Your Hyperextension Orthosis has three points of pressure, two located on the front of the brace and one lumbar pad located in the back of your brace. The Orthotist that fit you with your brace has adjusted it so that when properly applied, the narrower sternal pad will be at the top of your chest approximately 1”-2” below the sternal notch. This is the area at the very top of your breast bone.

3. Next, slide the lumbar pad under your low back area and snap it into position by fitting the snap over the post on the side of your brace. When you were initially fit with our brace the Orthotist adjusted this pad so that it will be in the center of your back (not necessarily where you hurt). Over the course of wearing this brace, you may notice that it feels looser than it did when you were originally fit. There are several reasons for this. The most common reason it that you are becoming more erect in your posture. This is a good sign, but the brace will need to be adjusted if this does occur.

4. Avoid sitting on soft chairs or on the side of the bed where you will sink down causing the brace to ride up on your body. Sit on a firm surface with your buttock all the way to the back. This will lessen the likelihood of slouching against the sternal pad and causing discomfort.

5. If your doctor orders the brace to be worn in the bed, make certain that you have not slid down in the bed before raising the head. Make sure your hips are at the same level of the bed where the bed bends when you raise the head. This will minimize the brace riding up while you are in bed.

If you have any other questions concerning your brace or its application, please feel free to call this office at (419) 893-0748 and our staff will be happy to assist you.

Thank you,

Marshall-Kloene Orthopedics