Emergency and Urgent Care - Knee Brace/Splint

Introduction

You have sustained an injury to your knee which requires a knee brace.

There are several types of knee braces but the most common brace we provide in the department is a cricket pad splint. This has been provided and fitted in the department.

This information leaflet will provide you with information about the brace, how to re-apply it, how to care for it and possible complications to look out for.


 

Treatment

Knee braces are commonly used in the treatment of fractures and ligament/tendon injuries in or around the knee.

The aim of the brace is to restrict the movement of the knee joint to allow the bones/tissues to heal.

On your visit you will be advised by the clinician the reason for the knee brace, how much you are allowed to move your knee, if you are allowed to remove the brace, if you can walk on the injured knee and how long to wear the brace for. You will also be advised if any follow up is required during your visit.

If in pain, regular pain relief is advised. Paracetamol and ibuprofen can be bought over the counter and are very effective at reducing localised pain and swelling.

Refer to the patient information leaflet in the medicine boxes for advice of dosage and side effects prior to taking. You may have been prescribed pain relief on your visit, if so take this as prescribed and ensure the read the leaflet before taking.

You may be advised to self-refer to physiotherapy. Follow this link for Rochdale self-referral:
https://physiodirect.penninecare.nhs.uk/

Do not complete physiotherapy unless you have been advised to do so by a medical professional involved in your care.

How to re-apply the knee brace at home

You will need to remove the brace daily for personal hygiene, getting dressed and checking the skin underneath the brace.

To remove the brace you should keep your leg straight throughout, this can be done by lying on a bed. Complete personal hygiene and dressing whilst keeping the leg as straight as possible.

To remove the brace

• Simply unfasten the Velcro straps and lift your leg out
• It is recommended to fold the Velcro straps back on themselves so they do not stick to other objects

To re-apply the brace

• The brace can be fitted over a thin layer of clothing or it can be fitted directly to your skin
• The brace should be placed under your leg. You will see on the side of the brace there is a dip - this should be lined up with the knee cap
• Fasten the Velcro straps above and below the knee first to make sure your knee cap remains in the correct position
• You can now fasten the additional straps above and below
• You should pull the straps tight so they give a good, firm fit
• Once you have fastened the straps it is worth going back and checking the straps as they sometimes need a bit of tightening
• The braces sometimes have a tendency to slip down due to the shape of the leg. To prevent this from happening you may need to adjust the
• Velcro straps regularly throughout the day

Please visit this link on the internet for a video showing the how to re-apply your knee brace:
https://vimeo.com/488588770/3c88590d9f

Work

If you do not feel capable of going to work due to either pain or reduced movement, you are able to self-certify sickness for 7 days.

You must complete a self-certification form found on the government website and give this to your employer. This entitles you to statutory sick pay from your employer for up to 7 days.

To access the link to the self-certification form please go to:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statutory- sickpay-employees-statement-of-sickness-sc2

If you feel you need longer than 7 days off work, you must contact your GP for a sick note. We cannot provide sick notes from the Urgent Treatment Centre.

If your GP is based within the Rochdale borough they will have received a notification of attendance from us detailing your diagnosis.

Possible complications

Knee braces have very minimal complications however you must seek medical help if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Severe pain
• Swelling/throbbing pain to calf or thigh
• Pins and needles/reduced sensation to feet/toes
• Struggling to walk after suggested healing time
• Pain remains despite suggested healing time and pain relief

You can return or contact the Rochdale Urgent Treatment Centre on 01706 517023.