Why has the CTO been fitted?

Your Cervical Thoracic Orthosis (CTO) has been determined as the best treatment for your injury. This brace will provide maximum stability after a cervical spine (neck) and/or high thoracic spine (upper back) injury.

It is commonly fitted for:

• Fractures (bone breaks)
• Dislocations (spine segments moving out of place)
• Severe soft tissue injuries (sprains & strains of ligaments or muscles supporting the spine)
• Extra support after cervical / high thoracic spine surgery

The CTO is usually worn for a 12 week period; however, this is only an approximate time frame. You will generally be reviewed on several occasions by either a Neurosurgeon or Orthopaedic Surgeon, which may include having X-rays or other imaging taken. This will determine how long you need to wear the brace for. The CTO must be worn 24 hours per day including when in bed unless otherwise advised by your orthotist or doctor. The brace should be worn directly against your skin and should not be removed at home unless otherwise advised. Your brace must be kept dry at all times.

Skin Care

The CTO is designed to be rigid and sit firmly against the skin in order to hold your injury still. It is therefore important that you check your skin for any signs of pressure injury. You should never attempt to adjust the CTO yourself. If you have any concerns or questions please contact OAPL on 1300 866 275.

Bathing

Liners are usually changed fortnightly by your Orthotist. More frequent liner changes are discouraged in order to minimize the risk of slight movement of the fracture segments. Showering may not be possible for all patients – your orthotist will advise at the time of fitting if you can shower and where this will take place.

Washing The Liners

Clean liners will be fitted at your first appointment. The old set of liners will need to be washed using a mild detergent. Your dry spare liners must be brought to every Orthotics appointment.

Sleeping

Any lying position (i.e. back, side or stomach) is fine as long as you are comfortable and no pain is being experienced. Use of a pillow is discouraged as this raises the head and could change the alignment of the spine. However, if lying without a pillow hurts or feels strange, a very soft, thin pillow or folded towel can be placed under your head. Please ensure that the pillow does not push into the back of your neck.

CTO Removal

The CTO will be removed when your Neurosurgeon or Orthopaedic Surgeon determines that adequate healing has occurred. X-rays are usually taken before removal of the CTO to ensure the fracture or injury is stable. At the time of removal, your Doctor may recommend gradual weaning out of the CTO or immediate removal. Sometimes a neck collar will be required for several weeks after your CTO has been removed. This decision will be made by your Doctor at the time of CTO removal.

Distributed by OPC Health | 26-32 Clayton Road, Clayton VIC 3168
P: 1300 672 937 E: sales@opchealth.com.au

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