Parts And Service - Thuasne Genucontrol Manual Del Usuario

1. To put on your brace : the Genucontrol
applied sitting down with your leg slightly bent at approxima-
tely 45 degrees of flexion. Before you tighten any straps, it is
always important for you to properly position the brace on the
leg. Because Townsend's patented hinges mirror the anatomi-
cal motion of the knee, the brace will function best when the
hinges are properly aligned at knee center. Make sure each of
the four straps that go across the back of your leg are open.
Slide the frame of the brace onto your leg. The condyle pads at-
tached to the inside of the hinges should press against the sides
of your knee. If you have positioned the brace and hinges at the
correct height on your leg, the middle of the condyle pads
should line up with the upper third of your knee cap. If the medi-
cal professional who fit your brace did not adjust the length of
straps and strap pads, you will need a pair of scissors so you can
cut the straps and strap pads to the appropriate length. NOTE:
It is always better to put your brace on a little too high than too
low.
2. Tighten the upper calf strap (Townsend's patented synergistic
suspension strap) that is closest to the back of your knee. The sy-
nergistic suspension strap, which is the strap that is passed above
your calf, is attached to the outside of the frame and is designed
to fit between the lower structure of the knee brace and your
leg. It is also angled to match the natural contour of the top
of your calf muscle. This strap should be tightened in the flexion
fold in the back of your knee. This is the most important strap for
keeping the brace secure on your leg and preventing it from
slipping down.
3. Tighten the distal (bottom) calf strap to secure the lower tibial
band to your leg. You will see that the medial (inner) side of the
lower band of the brace is contoured to fit the flat portion of
your shin for maximum rotary control.
4. Next, tighten the two upper straps to secure the thigh section
of the brace to your leg. The chafes that you feed the strap
through can be angled to ensure the straps fit flat against the
back side of your leg.
5. As a final step, push down on the brace to make sure it is
strapped securely and stays in place. We also recommend that
you straighten your leg and retighten the lower thigh strap to
achieve maximum control.
Shortening straps:
The straps on your brace can be cut to any
length. Simply remove the alligator closure
from the end of the strap, cut the strap
to the desired length, and reposition the
closure onto the end of the strap. Be very
careful not to cut any strap too short.
Additionally, any comfort pad that is atta-
ched to the inside of a strap (see illustration)
must be removed and cut shorter if the pad
interferes with your ability to completely
tighten the strap. You can cut the pad and
re-center it on the strap.
KNEE BRACE CARE
Hinges: The hinges on your brace are pre-lubricated. If sand, dirt
or water get inside the hinges, they may require periodic lubri-
cation. If you notice the hinges not gliding smoothly, a few drops
of a synthetic lubricant can be applied. You can purchase this
type of lubricant at a hardware store.
Straps: The straps on your brace are nonelastic for maximum
control. After considerable use, if the fibers on your strap do not
adhere as well to the Velcro "hook" tab, if possible, cut the strap
shorter so the Velcro hook tab adheres to a section of the strap
that has fresher fibers. Otherwise the straps may need to be re-
placed.
Pads : Your brace is lined with padding that provides a comfor-
table interface between your leg and the shells. Certain straps
may also have pads. Do not remove the 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-bacteria soap and rinse them off with fresh water. Do not
wash pads in a machine or dry them with a blow dryer.
braces should be
l®

PARTS AND SERVICE

Comfort pads, condylar pads, hinge covers, straps and other
parts on your brace may need to be repaired or replaced due
to normal wear and tear. If your brace requires repairs or repla-
cement parts, 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).
Undersleeves & protective covers
This brace has a soft liner and is designed to be worn directly
against the skin. Neoprene or cotton undersleeves may be orde-
red if you prefer to wear a sleeve under your brace. Wearing an
undersleeve may enhance comfort, however, a sleeve can po-
tentially cause the brace to slip down your leg. If you intend to
wear your brace for high intensity sports (football, soccer, base-
ball, etc.) or activities that may expose the brace to objects
that could damage the painted shells, we strongly recommend
that you speak with the medical professional who fit your brace
about ordering a protective cover. A cover is also often required
for team sports.
WARRANTY
Under normal use and conditions, the shells and hinges on your
brace are covered by a one year warranty against defects or
breaking. Straps, hinge covers, and other replaceable parts are
covered for six months. Free remolding service (to make fitting
adjustments) is provided for six months from the date of manu-
facturing. If you experience a problem with the fit or function of
the brace, please call the medical provider who ordered your
brace.
PRODUCT DISCLAIMER
This brace is a prescription product that should be used in
accordance with the directives of your physician as part of a
treatment plan for managing your total health. While this type
of brace has proven beneficial to many patients, outcomes will
vary based on factors including patient age, general health,
and/or lack of compliance with instructions for how to put on
and use the product. Because of variations in the health and
condition of each patient, Townsend Design also does not make
any specific recommendations regarding appropriate activities
for the user of this brace. While a Townsend custom functional
knee brace may aid in decreasing the risk or degree of injury to
the leg for which it is fabricated, Townsend Design cannot and
does not guarantee that the brace will restrict all instabilities or
prevent injuries.
Precautions
- Follow the advice of the professional who prescribed or
supplied the product. Consult your professional if discomfort
occurs.
- Store at room temperature, preferably in its original packa-
ging.
- For hygiene and performance reasons, do not re-use the
product for another patient.
Washing instructions
- Fasten Velcro tabs before washing.
- Do not use detergents, fabric softeners or aggressive
products (products containing chlorine).
- Squeeze out excess water.
- Dry away from heat sources.
Keep this instruction leaflet.