Orthotics - Knee Braces

What is this leaflet about and who is it for?

This leaflet is for people who have been provided with a knee brace by the Orthotics service. It will explain how you should care for the knee brace and other important information about the Orthotics service.

We hope you find this information useful. If you require further information or are unable to attend an appointment, please telephone the Orthotics department where the appointment has been made for you as soon as possible:

Bury, Rochdale or Oldham: 0161 778 2670
Email: nca.orthotics@nca.nhs.uk

Salford: 0161 206 4912
Email: salford.orthotics@nca.nhs.uk

For further information about our service, please visit:

www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk/our-services/orthotics

Our sites are open for collection and dropping off devices:

Bury: Tuesdays only
Rochdale: Thursdays only
Oldham: Mondays only
Salford: Monday - Friday

What does the knee brace do?

The precise function of a knee brace is dependent on the condition for which it was prescribed. It can vary from gentle additional support or protection to complete functional control for patients with significant knee conditions. The precise function of your particular brace will have been explained to you by the Orthotist.

What is my entitlement?

You are entitled to one knee brace per affected knee. A second item per affected knee will only be provided if:

• The original is deemed to be clinically ineffective
• You are unable to function without it
• The original knee brace is beyond repair

Theft, loss or damage of the knee brace

If the knee brace is stolen you will need to obtain a crime number from the police before we are able to order a replacement. If your knee brace is lost or damaged (either accidentally or maliciously) you will be asked to pay for its replacement. Depending on the type of knee brace, the cost of replacement will range from £75 to £450.

How should I wear the knee brace?

The procedure is different depending on the type of brace which has been supplied to you. You will have been provided with specific application instructions by the Orthotist. If, following supply, you have difficulty in applying the brace correctly you must contact the Orthotics department for further information.

How should I care for the knee brace? Soft wrap around braces:

• Remove the hinged supporting struts from their pockets, taking note of which pocket each strut was removed from
• Fasten all Velcro straps and then wash the support in a washing machine on a woollens’ cycle
• The support can be dried near a gentle heat source e.g. close to a radiator
• DO NOT TUMBLE DRY
• Once dry, replace the hinged struts into their original pockets

Rigid shell braces

• The shell of the brace can be wiped with a damp cloth, never immerse the brace in water
• The hinges can be maintained by the application of a small amount of petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline or chemists own brand) once a month

You are responsible for looking after you knee brace and returning it for repair as and when necessary.
 
What problems should I be aware of?

If you notice any of the following, please contact the Orthotics department as soon as possible on the telephone number at the top of this leaflet

• Skin redness that doesn’t fade after 15-20 minutes
• Sores or blisters on the skin
• Pain, irritation or rubbing
• Any damage to the knee brace

Further appointments

Following the supply of your knee brace you will be reviewed at the discretion of the Orthotist. The follow-up procedure will also be explained to you. However, if you feel your condition has not improved, has worsened, or you are experiencing problems with your knee brace, you can ask to see the Orthotist for a review appointment, by telephoning the Orthotics department where you had your original appointment.