Chris Ashton, MS, ATCUniversity of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN
1. List the challenges and benefits of off-the-self versus custom bracing options.
2. Identify bracing options for return to play based on injury location, severity and playing position.
3. Choose the appropriate bracing option for return to play based on injury location, severity and playing position.
Clinical Experience vs. Evidence-Based
Injury Severity
Playing Position
Timing of injury
Success of patient
Success of team
Always included aconsultation with the Team Physician!
PROS May stock in clinic
Clinician can fit
Billable as DME “School” Discount
Re-usable
CONS Sizing Issues
Comfort
Less support/protection
PROS Custom to patient
More support/protection
Comfort
CONS $$$ & often not
billable
Not re-usable
Need specialist for fabrication-ORTHOTIST
Plantar Plate Injury
Hyper Dorsiflextion
Collateral Ligament Injury
Traumatic Hallux Valgus
Sesamoid Injury
Bracing Options Taping Options Padding Options
Lis Franc Complex Mid-foot Sprain
Taping Options Bracing Options
Metatarsal Stress Fractures
2nd-3rd
5th
Arch Tape, Orthotics, Steel Shank & Carbon Fiber Insoles
Custom Bracing Options
Taping Options Bracing Options
Syndesmosis (External Rotation) Sprain
Deltoid (Eversion) Sprain
Taping augmented with Mole Skin and/or Elastic Tape
Bracing with Hinged Ankle Brace
Collateral Ligament Injuries
Hyperextension Injuries
Cruciate Ligament Injuries
ACL-Decision must be made with MD, patient & family input.
PCL Strap may need to be added
CUSTOM BRACES OFTEN BILLABLE TO INSURANCE
Patellar Instability
Condral Issues
Adjustable Unloader
Custom & OTS options
Both Anterior & Posterior Instabilities
Neoprene w/ Elastic StrapsPolyester-Lycraw/ strapsHarness:Attached to Pads
Protection AC Joint
Quad Contusion
Hip Pointers
Other Contusion
Stability Wrist
Hand
Thumb
Padding Open Cell
Closed Cell
Combo
Semi-Rigid Cast
Thermo-Moldable Plastic Splint Adhere with tape or
Ace wrap, or
Adhere with Cover-Roll
Protection
Grade 1-2
Stability
Grade 3-4
Combo…
Shoulder Pad Inserts
Channel Pads
AC Pads
Quad Contusion Hip Pointer
Wrist Wraps Semi-Rigid Cast
Thermo-moldable Plastic Splint Semi-rigid Cast
Find a good Orthotist!
Be creative!!!
Protection(Injury
Severity)
Function(Playing Position)
BALANCE
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