Thuasne RebelReliever Manual De Instrucciones página 6

Adjustment of the flexion stop (do this for BOTH hinges):
1. Select the desired flexion stop from the plastic tree (figure 7A).
2. Open the hinge cap using the catch at the rear: push the catch
towards the interior and raise the cap.
3. Straighten the hinge to full extension and insert the desired flexion
stop (the flexion stops should be placed behind the hinge). Ensure
the hole in the flexion stop is aligned with the hole in the hinge
(metal part).
4. Close the cap and flex and extend the brace several times to ensure
the stop is locked at the desired angle.
Definitive locking of the hinge cap (to lock the hinge cover and
prevent it from being opened by the patient):
1. Remove from its support, the plastic piece which locks the cap
(figure 7A).
2. When the cap is closed, position the locking piece so that it fits into
the cap notch. Then push in this piece until it is stopped.
Warning:
The adjustment of the flexion/extension must be decided and performed
by the healthcare professional, not by the patient. Both hinges MUST be
adjusted to the same angle. There can be damage to the hinges, and
compromises (including injury) to the patient, if the settings are not the
same on both hinges.
Patient Instruction Guide:
The medical professional who performed the initial fitting of your brace
should have made all the necessary modifications to the corrective force
applied by the knee brace, selected the appropriate hinge pads, and
adjusted the length of the straps. The fitter should have also explained
how to put on your brace. While the process is relatively simple, you are
encouraged to refer to the instructions below to ensure you are putting
the brace on correctly.
How the RebelReliever works:
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The RebelReliever knee brace is primarily designed to apply corrective
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forces and alignment support to your leg by means of a three-point
pressure offloading system. These corrective forces help distribute
excessive load away from the damaged knee compartment. By helping
to keep your leg in a normal alignment, and by redistributing weight
throughout your knee joint, the brace will routinely help reduce
compression, pain and inflammation. Although the RebelReliever
cannot definitively cure osteoarthritis, by reducing the pain and
symptoms, the brace can enable you to resume your physical activities
and mobility. The brace may also slow down the progression and
increasing severity of your knee OA.
Fitting instructions:
Step 1: Sit on the edge of a chair and slightly bend your leg (30° to 60°).
Step 2: Place the knee brace on your leg so that the oval shaped pads
attached to the inside of the hinges press against both sides of the
knee. The middle of the pads should line up between the middle and
the upper third of your knee cap and should also be centred on the side
of your leg (figure 2).
Step 3: The suspension strap A (figure 1) should be position above the
natural contour of the upper calf. This strap should be tightened in the
flexion fold behind the knee. It is the most important strap for preventing
the brace from slipping down your leg. By tightening the suspension
strap A above the calf muscle in the flexion fold behind the knee you will
ensure that the hinges are at the correct level on the leg.
Step 4: Next fasten and tighten the lower strap C, then the two straps
behind the thigh D and E. It should not normally be necessary to
readjust the front straps B and F.
Carefully follow your physician's instructions regarding physical
activities and the specific use of this product. It may take several weeks
to feel comfortable with the brace on your leg. We recommend that you
initially wear the brace for only a few hours a day. Some patients feel
immediate pain relief. For others, it can take several weeks to notice
measurable benefits.
Adjusting the correction:
During your initial fitting, the healthcare professional should have made
any necessary adjustments to obtain a base level of corrective force. If
you feel the need for additional correction in the future, or if you are
feeling any discomfort, or are experiencing any other issue with the fit,
function or suspension of the brace, stop wearing your brace until you
can see your physician or the medical professional who fit the brace.
The manufacturer cannot be held responsible for problems or injuries
resulting from any unsupervised adjustments.
Warning: The adjustment of the correction must be decided and
performed by the healthcare professional, not by the patient.
Notice Rebel Reliever International.indd 6
Precautions:
• Follow the recommendations of the healthcare professional who
prescribed or supplied the product. In case of discomfort or hindrance,
or any unusual reaction during the use of the product, remove the
knee brace and consult this healthcare professional.
• Restrict yourself to physical activities authorised by the doctor who
is responsible for evaluation your physical condition prior to defining
the activities that are safe and appropriate for you to do while wearing
the brace.
• The use of rigid orthotics is not recommended during sports or other
activities giving rise to shocks.
• Store the brace at normal room temperature, and don't expose the
brace to extreme temperatures, especially very hot temperature. To
protect the paint finish, when not in use, keep the brace in the original
packaging or a small bag. For reasons of hygiene, performance and
safety, this brace should only be used by the original users, and should
not be worn by any other person.
Care and warranty:
Care of the knee brace
• Hinges: The hinges on the brace are pre-lubricated in the factory. If
sand, dirt or water gets inside the hinges, they may require lubricating
again. If you notice the hinges not gliding smoothly, a few drops of
a synthetic lubricant can be applied. Wipe off any excess lubricant
before wearing the brace to prevent stains on clothing.
• Straps: After prolonged use, if the fibres on your strap do not adhere
as well to the Velcro tab, cut the strap shorter so the Velcro tab
adheres to a section of the strap that has fresher fibres. If this is not
possible, you should contact the medical provider who fit your brace.
• Pads: The brace is lined with padding that provides a comfortable
interface between the leg and the shells. The straps also have pads.
Do not remove these pads from the brace or straps. Wipe the pads
after each use to remove any moisture and let the pads air dry. You
can also clean the pads with a mild anti-bacterial soap and rinse them
off with fresh water. Do not wash the pads in a machine and do not
dry in a tumble dryer.
Parts and after sales service:
Comfort pads, condylar pads, hinge caps, straps and other parts of
the knee brace may need to be repaired or replaced due to normal
wear or damage. If this is the case, you should contact the professional
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who assisted you in ordering and fitting your brace. Certain parts are
covered by a limited warranty (see information below).
Warranty:
Under normal use and conditions, the shells and hinges of the brace
are covered by a one year warranty against defects or breaking. Straps,
hinge caps, and other replaceable parts are covered for six months. If
you experience a problem with the fit or function of the brace, please
call the medical provider who fit your brace.
Product disclaimer:
This knee brace is a product prescribed by a physician and should be
used in accordance with his or her instructions, as part of a treatment
plan for global health. Due to variations in age, health and physical
condition, Thuasne does not make any specific recommendations
regarding appropriate activities for the user of this knee brace. As the
manufacturer has no role in patient selection, or fitting and adjusting
the knee brace, or any role in instructing the patient and/or monitoring
the use of the knee brace, Thuasne cannot be held responsible for the
results arising from the use of the RebelReliever knee brace.
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Keep this instruction leaflet.
23/01/2018 14:05