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Shoulder abduction braces are manufactured in different types. Each of these types serves a different purpose based on the condition or stage of recovery of the patient. Here are some of the most common types of shoulder abduction braces:
This type of brace is used to maintain a fixed position of the arm. It is useful to patients who need support without movement, for instance, in post-surgical recovery.
The static design ensures that the shoulder stays in the abduction position. This helps with healing by limiting any motion that could disrupt surgical repairs, like rotator cuff or labrum repairs.
Patients with severe injuries also use static abduction braces. This is because they need a rigid support system while their injuries heal completely.
A dynamic abduction brace is designed with movable components. These components allow for controlled movement of the shoulder over time gradually. This property makes the dynamic abduction brace different from static braces.
Therefore, dynamic braces are often applied in later stages of rehabilitation. These braces are beneficial as they help maintain the required abduction angle while allowing some degrees of gradual flexibility.
Multi-purpose abduction braces combine features from both static and dynamic designs. These are often used in rehabilitation programs that require multiple phases of treatment. The flexibility of this type of shoulder brace allows for various adjustments.
This feature allows the arm to be held in different positions as per the changing rehabilitation needs. These versatile braces can be more cost-effective in the long run.
This brace is a simpler support system. It uses a foam or inflatable pillow to maintain the required abduction angle of 30 to 40 degrees. Shoulder abduction pillows are common in post-surgical patients, especially after surgeries involving the shoulder joint.
Their design is lightweight and often more comfortable, which is important for long-term wear during recovery. These pillows are mostly used in settings of low resource availability.
Medical devices like the shoulder abduction brace have particular requirements regarding the material of their construction. The materials used to manufacture these braces are:
This is a mixture of rubber-like polymers with plastic. It is a very flexible material. It offers durability and flexibility at the same time.
This property makes TPEs ideal for the adjustable straps and padding on the abduction braces. The material also has heat resistance and can be used for many cycles without deterioration. Its comfort level also makes it easy to wear braces for extended periods.
Many abduction braces have rigid components. These components are either supportive or structuring. Most of these components are made from aluminum alloys.
These alloys offer a high strength-to-weight ratio. This property provides the required stability without making the brace unnecessarily heavy for the user. The use of aluminum alloys also improves the user's ability to easily adjust the components of the brace.
Nylon and polyester fabrics are mainly used in the construction of shoulder abduction braces. These materials are used for their exceptional tensile strength. They ensure that the brace can withstand the stresses caused by movements and tensions.
They are lightweight and very difficult to pull apart. Thus, they are ideally suited for the straps and fastening systems of the brace. Aside from being extremely durable, nylon, and polyester fabrics are also useful because they are water-resistant.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a thermoplastic made from petroleum. It is often used to manufacture the shells of shoulder braces. These shells provide the necessary support to maintain the abduction angle.
HDPE is also well known for its impact resistance. This means even after prolonged wear, the material does not cause any harm.
Medical devices are generally used in hospitals. But, sometimes, they can also be found in businesses outside the health centre. Here are some of the most common commercial uses of shoulder abduction braces:
Abduction braces are very popular in rehabilitation centres. They help patients recover from shoulder surgeries or injuries here. These braces help maintain the right position during physical therapy.
Rehabilitation centres also use abduction braces in bulk. These braces are usually provided to patients as part of their comprehensive rehabilitation plan.
Patients with chronic conditions, like arthritis, may need long-term support for their shoulders. Such patients commonly purchase shoulder abduction braces to use at home. It provides them with the support they need for daily activities.
These patients also prefer the convenience of home healthcare. They do not want to make frequent trips to a rehabilitation centre.
Sports injuries like dislocations or shoulder strains are common. Clinics deal with such injuries mostly. These injuries are usually sustained while playing sports.
These clinics often stock shoulder abduction braces. They help the patients return to their normal activities safely.
Medical supply companies also play a very important role in distributing abduction braces. They retail them either directly to medical institutions or provide them to individual customers.
These retailers sell the braces online. Thus, it is easier for the end users to find and buy a specific product.
To get the most out of a product, one has to know about its durability. Different factors affect the durability of medical devices like shoulder abduction braces. Some of the most common ones are:
Many modern shoulder abduction braces have adjustable components. These features allow for personalization of fit and support. While useful, these features can sometimes compromise durability.
It especially happens if they are frequently adjusted in a wrong manner. Frequent adjustments can lead to wear and tear since they are constantly being manipulated. This factor makes their durability directly proportional to the correct adjustments.
The added comfort of padded braces is undeniable. But, the extended wear also leads to increased wear and tear. The padded braces increase the rate of wear and tear through sweating and general usage.
This excess moisture contributes to the breakdown of materials over time. Thus, shoulder abduction braces with high-quality, breathable padding have better durability.
The frequency of use will affect its lifespan if a shoulder abduction brace is used continuously. Constant pressure and stress on the materials will eventually lead to wear and tear.
It especially happens if the user is engaging in physical therapy or rehabilitation, requiring constant wear. Consistent use will also stretch the materials beyond their intended design. This factor is especially true if the user does not properly adjust the brace.
It is no secret that many medical devices are exposed to different types of fluids. Fluids may include sweat, water, or even cleaning agents in some instances. These fluids can not only cause stains on the device.
But they also lead to material degradation. Take an example of moisture. Excess moisture can weaken the fabric and adhesives holding the brace together. This effect can also lead to the development of mold or mildew on the brace.
A.1 The average lifespan of these braces is around 6 to 12 months. Some go as far as 2 years, depending on the materials used and the level of care provided.
This variation is mostly dependent on the severity of the injury and the patient's overall health. Some patients need to replace their braces frequently due to their injuries needing long-term support. The same thing applies to patients with chronic injuries.
Other patients only need these braces to last a few months. Proper maintenance of these braces can also increase their life span. One should avoid exposing these braces to excess moisture and always keep them clean.
A.2 There are shoulder abduction braces made especially for children. Although they are intended for children, the same principles apply. The designs are just more comfortable and age-appropriate.
The pediatric abduction braces are smaller in size. It makes them a better fit for children. These braces are manufactured using lightweight materials. These materials help increase the user’s comfort level.
Both the design and the materials used help cater to the different developmental stages of children. Shoulder abduction braces used by children are as effective as those used by adults.
A.3 The most important feature to consider is the adjustability of the shoulder abduction brace. A user may require different levels of support at different times of his recovery.
So, the shoulder abduction brace should be easily adjustable to provide the required amount of support. The durability of the materials used is also an important factor.
Customers usually buy these braces in bulk. So, one should always ensure the shoulder-abduction braces are long-lasting. At the same time, they should be lightweight and easy for the user to wear for long hours.
