Instructions For Use
Indications:
•
Mild to moderate unicompartmental
osteoarthritis
•
Home activities of daily living
•
Proportional height/weight, proportional thigh
to calf girth
•
Mild cognitive and/or manual dexterity
deficiencies
Caution:
For patients with peripheral vascular disease,
neuropathy, and sensitive skin, close supervision
of the practioner is recommended
1. To Start
Slacken but do not remove straps from strap rings.
Brace is designed to be worn next to the skin.
Remove shoe before attempting application.
Sit, with leg in extension, on the edge of a chair.
2. Positioning
Pull brace up so that the kneecap appears through
the opening. If necessary, reposition the brace.
Hinge center should be slightly above mid-point of
the patella.(see picture 1)
3. Mid, Thigh And Calf Strap Positioning
Once the brace is correctly positioned, grasp the
hinge with one hand (to prevent movement) and
with other hand, tighten the Mid-Strap. Now,
tighten Thigh and Calf Straps to fit snugly and
comfortably.(Pictures 1,2,3, and 4)
Caution: Do NOT Over Tighten Mid, Thigh or Calf
Straps, as excessive tension can cause muscles to
cramp.
4. Dynamic Force Strap™
Bend knee to 80 degrees. Holding back on the
hinge arm to keep it from moving, tighten the
diagonal Dynamic Force Strap (DFS). As leg
straightens, an increase in DFS force should be
felt. If strap fails to provide force, repeat this step.
(Picture 5)
Adjustments:
1. The Unloader Express™ is contoured at the
factory to accommodate either a medial or lateral
compartment patient. If the brace needs corrective
force/adjustment, we recommend that you increase
on an incremental basis (i.e. 1 degree proximal and
1 degree distal).
NOTE: Over adjustment may result in excessive
pressure at the edges of the thigh or calf.
Procedure for Adjusting Both the Proximal
and Distal Hinge
A. Remove the tamper proof screws with the Larger
Allen Key provided. Lift off the hinge covers.
(Picture A)
B. Loosen the locking screw of the proximal
hinge by turning it counter clockwise 1 or 2 turns.
DO NOT COMPLETELY REMOVE SCREWS.
(Picture B)
C. Increase the hinge angle by turning the adjusting
screw clockwise or decrease angle by turning
counter clockwise (1/4 TURN EQUALS 1 DEGREE
OF HINGE ANGLE). NOTE: The amount of angle
added (or removed) at each adjustment session
should be recorded for future. (Picture C)
D. Retighten the locking screw (Picture D) and
repeat steps 2, 3 & 4 for distal hinge. Now, return
the hinge covers to their closed position, securing
with the tamper proof screws. Do not over tighten.
Adjustment procedure is now complete.
Put small allen key: Is for the removal of extension
stop if necessary.
Care & Maintenance
The sleeve of the brace may be removed. Wash with
luke-warm water and a mild detergent. Take care
to rinse away all soap, as the residue may irritate
your skin. Do NOT machine wash or machine dry
the brace. Allow the brace to air-dry. Using heat will
shrink the sleeve.
Hinge:
For safety reasons, the hinge should only be
disassembled by a health care professional.
Check regularly for foreign materials (ie. dirt or
grass). Clean dirt from hinge using tap water or
compressed air.
Brace Accessories
Ossur GII offers the following accessories that meet
the specific needs of the Unloader brace. These
accessories can be purchased through the brace
provider or Ossur Customer Service Departments.
•
Extra sleeve
•
All Purpose carry bag
ENGLISH
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