WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is a clamshell brace? A clamshell brace is a device that wraps around your back, chest, and stomach area and holds your spine in place. It is made of plastic and fits the shape of your body. How does a clamshell brace work? A clamshell brace prevents you from bending forward or backward. It also keeps you from twisting side-to-side. Some clamshell braces extend to the upper thigh to provide more support to your lower spine. A clamshell brace can help ease pain, protect your spine from injury, and allow an injury to heal. Why might I need a clamshell brace? You may need a clamshell brace if you have a fracture in the bones of your spine. You also may need one if you have damage to your spinal cord. This is a cord of tissue within the bones of the spine. It contains nerves and helps control your ability to move. What do I need to know about my clamshell brace? Always wear the brace according to your healthcare provider's instructions. He will tell you how often and how long you need to wear the brace. Do not try to lift anything that weighs more than 10 pounds. Always have someone help you when you put on or take off your brace. How do I use a 2-piece clamshell brace? A 2-piece clamshell brace consists of a piece of plastic that covers your front and another piece that covers your back. These pieces are held together on the sides by fabric straps that stick together. - To put on a 2-piece clamshell brace:
- Lie flat on your bed and log roll onto your side. To log roll, turn your whole body in a straight line with your back straight.
- Have another person place the back half of the brace onto your back. Log roll back into the brace.
- Check to see that the indented spots on the right and left sides of the brace are placed between your lowest rib and your hip bone. The indented spots should line up with your belly button. If the brace is not centered correctly, roll to your other side and adjust the brace. You may also move the brace up or down to adjust it.
- Lie flat on the back half of the brace with your knees bent and your feet flat on the bed. Place the front half of the brace on top of your chest and abdomen. The sides of the top half should overlap the sides of the bottom half.
- Pull and fasten the fabric straps on the sides of the brace. Some healthcare providers draw a line on the straps to show how tight they should be pulled.
- Check to see that the brace is in place. When you sit, the front edge of the brace will touch the tops of your legs. The back edge will reach about an inch above the seat.
- To remove a 2-piece clamshell brace:
- Lie flat on the bed. Loosen the fabric straps on the sides of the brace. Lift off the front half of the brace.
- Log roll onto your side. Have your helper remove the back half of the brace.
How do I use a 1-piece clamshell brace? A 1-piece clamshell brace consists of a piece of plastic that covers your front and back. This piece is closed in the front using fabric straps that stick together. - To put on a 1-piece clamshell brace:
- Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the bed.
- Have another person slide the brace under your thighs. Raise your buttocks slightly so your helper can slide the open brace under your buttocks and your back.
- Check to see that the indented spots on the right and left sides of the brace are placed between your lowest rib and your pelvic bone. The indented spots should line up with your belly button. If they do not, move the brace up or down to adjust it.
- Pull and fasten the fabric straps on the front of the brace. Some healthcare providers draw a line on the straps to show how tight they should be pulled.
- Check the indented spots to see that the brace is in place. When you sit, the front edge of the brace will touch the tops of your legs. The back edge will reach about an inch above the seat.
- To remove a 1-piece clamshell brace:
- Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the bed.
- Loosen the fabric straps on the front of the brace. Open the brace.
- Raise your buttocks slightly so your helper can slide the brace out.
How do I care for my clamshell brace? Wash your clamshell brace with a wet, soapy sponge. Rinse the soap off. You can use rubbing alcohol to remove bacteria and dried soap from the inside of the brace. Bacteria and dried soap can irritate your skin. Always make sure the brace is completely dry before you put it back on. How do I care for my skin while I use a clamshell brace? - Always wear a clean, dry cotton shirt under your clamshell brace. The shirt will help absorb sweat and protect your skin. A small amount of powder may also help reduce the amount of moisture on the skin beneath the brace.
- Check all areas of your skin beneath the brace every day. If you find red or irritated areas, check the position of your brace to make sure it is not too tight or too loose. If you have a rash, try changing your T-shirt more often. This can help if the rash is caused by heat, sweat, or laundry products.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about showering. You may be able to take off the brace to shower. You also may be able to shower while you wear your brace. If you shower with the brace on, be sure to thoroughly dry the brace and the skin under the brace.
What are the risks of using a clamshell brace? - You may need to be measured for the brace. This may be painful. If your body changes in size or shape after you get the brace, the brace may no longer fit. This may occur if swelling from an injury goes down or if you gain or lose weight. You may have trouble with simple daily activities while you wear the brace. These include sitting, standing, and lifting. You may not be able to breathe as deeply.
- The brace may press on your skin and cause pain, irritation, sores, and ingrown hairs. You may get hot or sweat while you wear the brace. Sweat may lead to skin irritation. Muscles near your spine and abdomen may weaken because they are not being used. After an injury, it may take longer for you to return to your normal daily activities because of these weak muscles. If the brace is not applied correctly, your spine may not be held in place correctly.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - Your skin is sore, red, or irritated because your brace rubs against it.
- Your arms, hands, or legs are numb or tingling.
- Your body changes in size or shape, and your brace feels loose or tight.
- You have increasing pain even while you wear the brace.
- You have new or worsening weakness in your arms or legs.
- You have questions or concerns about your brace.
|