are possible with this product:
– Over-The-Shoulder Strap configuration (Fig. 4): Remove the axillary straps from their keyholes on the
shoulder portion of the PTE and discard.
– PTE only brace configuration (Fig. 5): This product includes the PTE and axillary straps only (does not
include the shoulder straps or ATE). note: For application of this brace configuration, follow instructions
below disregarding any steps pertaining to the ATE.
BRACE APPLICATION – SUPINE
NOTE: Össur recommends applying this product while the patient is in a supine position.
1. Logroll the patient on to their side.
2. Position the back panel centered over the spine with the bottom of the rigid posterior panel at approximately
the sacrococcygeal junction (Fig. 6).
3. To size the PTE, position it so that the shoulder extensions rest on top of the upper trapezius. Note the number
corresponding to the keyhole which lines up with the black posts in the posterior panel (Fig. 7a). Remove the
brace from the patient and assemble the PTE by aligning the black posts with the keyholes in the PTE that
correspond with the correct number and slide the PTE sideways to lock in place (Fig. 7b). Place the PTE plugs
into the hole next to the PTE post in order to prevent unintended dislodging (Fig. 7c)
NOTE: for shorter patients, the PTE can be slid behind the yellow attachment strap on the lumbar belt.
4. While the patient is on their side, take the long end of the axillary strap on the upper shoulder and wrap it
through the patient's axilla, adjusting the padding as necessary. Bring it across the back and tuck the end under
the patient at the level of the waist. The strap should affix to the belt at this location (Fig. 8). Log roll the patient
back into the supine position.
5. Wrap the belt around the patient's waist and temporarily secure the belt with the overlap closures (Fig. 9).
6. Log roll the patient to the opposite side and repeat step 4 with the other axillary strap. Do not tighten the straps
at this time.
(NOTE: Disregard if not using axillary straps.)
Log roll the patient back into the supine position.
7. Loosen the overlap closure and attach the ATE to the belt by threading the blue attachment strap through the
"H" shaped slot on the anterior panel. It may be necessary to slide the ATE up to expose the anterior panel slot
(Fig. 10). For different panel-belt attachment types and methods, please refer to QRC 0038, supplied as an
insert along with this manual.
8. Re-secure the overlap closures, adjusting the posterior and/or anterior panels as needed to achieve the correct
fit and positioning (Fig. 9). The posterior panel should be centered on the spine with the bottom of the
posterior panel at approximately the sacrococcygeal junction. The anterior panel should be centered on the
abdomen with the bottom edge just above the symphysis pubis while still allowing the patient to sit
comfortably.
9. Adjust the height of the ATE by pushing on the button in the anterior panel and sliding the strut to the
appropriate length (Fig. 11). The superior edge of the pectoral pads should be located approximately one inch
below the sternal notch.
10. Using the provided black allen wrench, adjust the angles on the two hinged adjustment mechanisms to
accommodate sternal contours (Fig. 12).
NOTE: Make sure the hinged adjustment mechanisms are tightened sufficiently to lock them into position.
11. Re-adjust the overlapping closure if necessary. To tighten the compression system, slide thumbs through the
holes in the two compression system handles and pull to the appropriate tightness (Fig. 13).
12. Connect both quick-release buckles and tighten the shoulder straps (Fig. 14).
13. Apply the axillary strap guides to both sides of the belt to serve as guides for the axillary straps during
re-application (Fig. 15). Place the distal edge of the guides under the hook and loop connection of the belt arm
to back panel (Fig 15a). The guides may be angled and/or trimmed to ensure straight positioning of the axillary
straps. Figures 15b and 15c depict the right and wrong way of attaching the guides, respectively.
14. Tighten the axillary straps by pulling forward and attaching to the front of the brace (Fig. 16). If necessary, adjust
the axillary strap padding for patient comfort and/or trim strap length.
15. Upon sitting, standing or ambulation, the brace may require fine-tuning for comfort, fit and stabilization. This
may include adjusting or tightening straps, compression system, rigid panels, and/or
ATE/PTE.
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