Control of flexion/extension:
During the fabrication of the knee brace, the hinges are
set at 0° extension and maximum flexion. To adjust and/
or reduce the range of motion of the hinges, follow these
instructions and make the adjustments to BOTH hinges.
The extension and flexion stops are supplied on a plastic
tree in the box (figure 4A, 5A).
Extension stops available: 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 30°.
Flexion stops available: 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 110º.
Instructions For Adjusting The Extension Stops
At the time of fabrication, zero degree extension stops have
been installed in each TM5+ Hinge. To install a different pair
of extension stops, follow these instructions :
1. Detach the pair of stops required from the plastic
support with all the stops available. You must install
identical extension stops in both hinges.
2. Remove the screw located on the side of each hinge ❹.
3. After removing the screws, flex the brace and remove
the zero degree stop from each hinge. Note the
direction each stop is facing.
4. Insert the desired stops, hole end first, with the hook
end at the top and facing forward. Straighten the brace
to full extension to push the stops down into position.
The small hole in each stop must be aligned and visible
through the screw hole so the screw will thread into the
stop.
5. Reinsert and tighten the screw. Flex and extend the
brace several times to ensure the stop is locked into
position and functioning properly.
Instructions For Adjusting The Flexion Stops (Optional)
1. To limit flexion, detach the stops required from the two
metal uprights with all the stops available. Each stop has
the degree etched into the surface. You must install the
same degree stop in both hinges.
2. If you are installing the 110º flexion stops, remove the two
screws from the posterior aspect of each hinge cover ❺
and take out the spacer that was installed at the factory.
There is only one hole in the 110º stop. Insert the stop,
with the flat end facing up, and position it so the hole
in the stop is visible through the lower screw hole in the
cap. The screw must thread through the cap and stop to
secure the stop in the proper position. The second (top)
screw can be reinserted back into the hinge cap to fill the
empty hole.
3. If you are installing the 0º, 30º, 45º, 60º, 75º or 90º
flexion stops, remove both screws from the posterior
aspect of each hinge cap and take out the spacer that
was installed at the factory. Insert the stop with the
flat end facing up and position it so that both holes in
the stop are visible through the screw holes in the cap.
Thread and tighten the screws through the cap and into
both holes in the stop.
4. Flex the brace until the upright contacts the stops to
ensure they are functioning properly.
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.
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 ❷.
Step 3: The suspension strap ❶ A 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.
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 fitthe brace. The manufacturer cannot be
held responsible for problems or injuries resulting from any
unsupervised adjustments.
Precautions:
• Follow
the
recommendations
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.
Washing instructions:
• Do not use detergents, fabric softeners or aggressive
products (products containing chlorine).
• Squeeze out excess water.
• Dry away from heat sources.
Composition:
Aluminum, stainless steel, nylon, polyurethane, vinyl
Disposal:
Dispose of in accordance with local regulations.
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 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 knee brace.
of
the
healthcare
Keep this instruction leaflet.