How TLSO Braces Work. The TLSO will often combine rigid panels and a sternal shield to provide support and stability. The panels and the shield are padded for the patient’s comfort. The brace provides support to the trunk and upper thoracic regions and pressure to the abdomen to reduce load on intravertebral disks.
What is a TLSO and what is it used for?
What is a TLSO and what is it used for? The acronym TLSO is used to refer to thoraco-lumbo-sacral orthosis, which is a brace that provides support from mid to the lower portion of the spine. This brace is most commonly used to provide support and stabilization of the spine after a back injury and/or surgery.
How to put on TLSO?
Put your TLSO on while lying down. Move to one side of the bed. Using your arms and legs, move your hips over or have a caregiver pull the sheet under you over to one side. Roll to the opposite side of the bed almost onto your stomach. Bend both legs by sliding your heels toward your buttocks. Lower your knees and turn your hips and shoulders.
What is a kyphosis brace?
The Kyphologic brace is designed to reduce anterior vertebral loading during adolescence, thereby allowing the spine to move towards a more normal position in the sagittal plane. For adults, the Kyphologic brace may help provide pain relief and spinal support during part-time wear.
What is the best brace for scoliosis?
Types of Scoliosis Braces
- Full-Time Braces. The most-commonly prescribed brace for scoliosis today is the Boston brace. Many people know the Boston brace as a type of thoracic-lumbar-sacral orthosis (TLSO).
- Nighttime Braces. The most commonly-prescribed nighttime brace is the Charleston bending brace. ...
- Choosing Full-Time vs. Nighttime Bracing. ...
How long do you have to wear a TLSO brace?
This orthosis (brace) is used to restrict movement of the mid and lower spine while it heals. Your surgeon will decide how long you are required to wear the TLSO, usually 10 to 12 weeks. Wear your TLSO on top of a snug t-shirt or undershirt.
Do you sleep in a TLSO brace?
The TLSO is worn to support your back when sitting and walking. The TLSO is generally not worn when lying flat in bed. If you have to shower with your TLSO, shower at night and then get back into bed and take off the brace as shown in this booklet. Wipe all water from the brace and let it dry overnight.
How tight should a TLSO brace be?
The TLSO should fit as tight as possible. There should be no gaps between the TLSO and your body. If the brace is too loose, it won't give adequate support and the grooves will not anchor the TLSO to the hip, causing it to "ride up." If this happens, lower the TLSO into its proper position and tighten.
When is a TLSO brace indicated?
A rigid, total contact TLSO is particularly indicated for unstable fractures of the spine when surgical stabilization is not indicated or when the adequacy of the surgical stabilization is in question. Because of the total contact, this orthosis tends to be warm and somewhat uncomfortable.
How do you go to the bathroom in a back brace?
Bras without underwire may be more comfortable. To make using the bathroom easier while wearing the brace, wear your underwear over the brace....Each brace includes a dime-sized sensor that is placed inside.The sensor monitors temperature, so when the brace is being worn, the sensor is at body temperature.More items...•
How do you wean off a TLSO brace?
It is best that you gradually wean yourself off using the brace at the end of treatment by spending one to two hours without it in the morning and afternoon. Some days you may need to use it all day. Most people take around two weeks to feel comfortable without the brace completely.
How many hours a day should you wear a back brace?
For it to be effective, the brace may need to be worn as much as 23 hours every day until the child stops growing. As the child grows, they will spend less time wearing the brace and will no longer need the brace once they are mature. Other conditions that may benefit from wearing a back brace include: Lower back pain.
How do you sit in a TLSO brace?
0:042:10APPLYING THE ASPEN TLSO SITTING - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe rough portion of the velcro on the right side is going to overlap on the soft portion of theMoreThe rough portion of the velcro on the right side is going to overlap on the soft portion of the buffer on the left side get it as snug as you can but doesn't need to be too tight.
Should you sleep with a back brace on?
It's possible for you to wear a back brace 24/7 if advised by your doctor. If you have pain and discomfort when lying down, try wearing your back brace. If you're uncomfortable lying down with your brace on, sleep without it. Comfortably sleep in this support thanks to its stretchy and gentle material!
Can you shower with TLSO brace?
Your TLSO brace is waterproof: Shower with your brace on. Remove brace after showering, dry and then reapply. It is best to shower just before going to bed to allow the brace to dry overnight.
How long should you wear a back brace with a compression fracture?
Your doctor may recommend a back brace to support and stabilize the spine while a compression fracture heals. He or she may recommend that you wear the brace every day until the fracture heals.
Do thoracic compression fractures heal?
The fractures usually heal on their own and the pain goes away. However, sometimes the pain can persist if the crushed bone fails to heal adequately. In severe cases of osteoporosis, actions as simple as bending forward can be enough to cause a "crush fracture", or spinal compression fracture.
How do you sit in a TLSO brace?
0:042:10APPLYING THE ASPEN TLSO SITTING - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe rough portion of the velcro on the right side is going to overlap on the soft portion of theMoreThe rough portion of the velcro on the right side is going to overlap on the soft portion of the buffer on the left side get it as snug as you can but doesn't need to be too tight.
Can you shower with TLSO brace?
Your TLSO brace is waterproof: Shower with your brace on. Remove brace after showering, dry and then reapply. It is best to shower just before going to bed to allow the brace to dry overnight.
Can you drive with a TLSO brace?
In most cases, the lumbar brace does not need to be worn while sleeping, sitting or driving. If you do not have a fracture, then you can wear the brace, as needed, to provide you with more comfort.
How do you wear TLSO?
0:272:52DonJoy Back Brace II - TLSO - Clinician In-Service Instruction VideoYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPrior to applying open both of the side velcro panels. Keep the shoulder straps attached. And extendMorePrior to applying open both of the side velcro panels. Keep the shoulder straps attached. And extend to maximum length. With patient standing lift the tlso. Over the patient's head and lower the tlso.
What is a TLSO brace?
A TLSO is a brace that limits movement in your spine from the thoracic area (mid back) to your sacrum (low back). It does allow your neck to move freely.
How many fingers can you put under a TLSO brace?
A good rule of thumb to follow: When wearing your TLSO brace, you should be able to slide two fingers beneath the plastic chest and back piece, and beneath the straps. If you cannot fit two fingers beneath your brace, it is too tight.
How Long to Use the TLSO?
The device may be worn for several hours a day for two to three years to maintain spinal alignment in a developing teenager with idiopathic scoliosis. 1
What happens if a thoracic lumbar sacral orthosis is too tight?
If the TLSO is too tight, you may find that lung function is impaired; wearing your brace properly and as prescribed is important.
What is a back brace called?
A special back brace called a thoracic lumbar sacral orthosis (TLSO) may be prescribed for this.
How to treat scoliosis?
The treatment for scoliosis involves maintaining spinal alignment to prevent worsening of the lateral curvature. Often, a TLSO will be prescribed to maintain spinal alignment as the child is growing into full adulthood. 1
What is the goal of TLSO?
The goal of the TLSO is to hold your spine in appropriate alignment as you heal from injury.
What is TLSO brace?
The full-back orthosis or the TLSO brace is an orthotic treatment for a variety of spinal issues.
What is the most commonly used TLSO brace for scoliosis?
The Boston brace is the most widely used TLSO brace for scoliosis patients today. It’s prefabricated and comes in many different sizes. The Orthotist matches the brace according to each patient’s abnormal curvatures.
What is Wilmington brace?
The Wilmington brace is a customized scoliosis brace. Its pressure points are designed according to the specific patient and it doesn’t have open slots or relief areas as seen in the Boston brace.
What is a TLSO brace?
TLSO Braces (thoracolumbosacral orthosis) The thoracolumbosacral orthosis provides stability to the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine to prevent unwanted extension, flexion, and rotation. A TLSO brace can be beneficial to those with back pain, postural alignment issues, surgical procedures, and vertebral fractures.
Why do people wear TLSO braces?
This allows them to perform activities that were previously impossible. Activities of daily living and physical therapy become much more tolerable for the patient. This is due to pain relief and a reduced risk of further injury.
How does a TLSO work?
The brace provides support to the trunk and upper thoracic regions and pressure to the abdomen to reduce load on intravertebral disks. This is done by tightening the brace and increasing stabilization around the spine as a result of the rigid panels. The sternal shield is height adjustable and should be set to a position just below the sternum. The adjustable nature of the shield allows the brace to provide support and stabilization to multiple levels of the thoracic spine. This shield helps to prevent unwanted motion and places the user in an ideal postural alignment to reduce pain or promote healing.
What is a TLSO brace?
A TLSO (thoracic-lumbar-sacral orthosis) is a two-piece plastic spinal brace. It works like a body cast that can be removed. TLSO controls your spinal posture, helps reduce pain, prevents further injury and promotes healing.
How to put a TLSO on?
Put your TLSO on while lying down. Move to one side of the bed. Using your arms and legs, move your hips over or have a caregiver pull the sheet under you over to one side.
How long do I need to wear the TLSO?
Your doctor will decide how long you need to wear your TLSO. You must be sure to follow your doctor’s advice even if you feel better and would like to stop wearing it sooner. Your doctor will be checking your progress and will decide what is in your best long-term interest.
How to clean a TLSO strap?
Wipe off the outside with a damp or soapy cloth, and then dry it. The straps may be scrubbed with a brush on the smooth Dacron side. They can air dry while the TLSO is being worn. The hook fastener area will hold best if all the lint is removed.
How to avoid bending over with a TLSO?
Your TLSO will make it hard to bend over and make you more top-heavy than usual. Avoid bending over to reach your feet or the floor. Bend at the knees and hips, not the waist. You may need help or special tools to dress, pick things up from the floor, or wipe after going to the bathroom. An occupational therapist can provide tools and teach you new ways to do things while wearing your brace. Be careful on stairs and use handrails. Avoid lifting anything greater than 10 pounds.
Where to adjust TLSO?
If your TLSO need adjusting call the Orthotics Clinic to schedule an appointment.
Where should the posterior section of a brace be placed?
The posterior section should be placed at the tailbone.
How long have braces been used for scoliosis?
Braces have been used to treat scoliosis for over 450 years, but there are still questions about their effectiveness.
Why won't braces work?
A brace won’t work if it isn’t worn correctly or for the recommended amount of time. For maximum effectiveness:
What is a brace that goes from your armpits to your hips called?
A brace that goes from your thoracic spine (upper back) to your sacral spine (buttocks) is called a thoracic-lumbar-sacral orthosis (TLSO). It covers your body from your armpits to your hips. It’s the most common style of brace.
How is scoliosis managed?
How your scoliosis is managed depends on: How mature your bones are. A brace is more likely to be recommended if your bones are still growing. Where the spine is curved. Curves in your upper back tend to get worse more often than in other area. How severe the curve is.
How long do you wear braces?
Braces are worn until your bones stop growing. In an adolescent, this is usually 3 or 4 years. When scoliosis is diagnosed in childhood, a brace may need to be worn for an extended period of time, usually years.
What is a Milwaukee brace?
Milwaukee brace. This was the original scoliosis brace. It’s a CTLSO. It has a metal superstructure that’s very rigid and quite noticeable because it’s worn outside of your clothing. Because of its size, bulk, and appearance, it’s not used much anymore.
Which side of the spine does scoliosis curve?
Scoliosis is a condition that causes your spine to curve too much to the left or right side of your body.
