LTTP Wrist Brace – A Guide for Patients
INTRODUCTION |
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| Thank you for choosing oapl to produce and fit your custom-made Low Temperature Thermoplastic (LTTP) wrist brace. LTTP braces are commonly fitted after fracturing a bone in the wrist, hand or fingers. They are made to be total contact and immobilise the joints so the bones can heal. We still use fibreglass or plaster casts, but whenever it is appropriate, we use thermoplastic for these reasons below: |  |
LIGHTER
Plaster casts are thick and heavy, weighing down the whole arm and putting a strain on the neck and shoulder. A thermoplastic splint is extremely light, while still being strong and durable.
WATER PROOF
Thermoplastic splints are waterproof. Your clinician has provided you with two sets of straps. We advise one set of straps is kept dry and the other is used to get wet if you would like to swim or shower. If your brace becomes wet, wipe it down thoroughly and ensure the arm is dry too.
REMOVABLE
If advised by your practitioner, your thermoplastic splint can be carefully removed to enable you to wash, dry and moisturise your injured arm.
WASHABLE
If your thermoplastic splint gets dirty, it can be removed and washed in luke-warm, soapy water, then dried and replaced on your arm.
ADJUSTABLE
Your thermoplastic splint can be remoulded and adjusted to allow for changes in swelling and dressings, or just for comfort.
* Please do not try to adjust the brace yourself, see a practitioner for adjustments. See below some reasons why you may need an adjustment.
WEARING YOUR BRACE |
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When you are wearing your brace, ensure it fits well and the straps are tensioned firmly. You may choose to wear a thin fabric sleeve under the brace. This can be washed if necessary and can be provided by your clinician or purchased from a pharmacy. The Styloid bone is a common area where people experience rubbing and pressure. Please contact oapl if this occurs. If your brace is ill fitting, loose, or causing pressure over a certain area you may need to have it adjusted by your clinician. If you are experiencing discomfort, please call 1300 866 275 to speak to your clinician or book a review. |
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* Please remember the melting point of your Thermoplastic brace is around 60deg. If you leave it in a hot car or near a heater it will melt. Your clinician may not be able to fix it and you will need to purchase a new brace, so be careful and look after your LTTP wrist brace |
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