Neck Braces, Stiff Collars, Cervical Orthoses: A Guide to Strengthening the C Spine – Part 7
What are the different types of CTOs?
Today there are different types of CTO. Some are prefabricated and others are custom built. Usually, with a custom-made brace, a cast and measurements are required. This process will take about an hour, unless an orthopedist (brace specialist) can make a very good model of the patient using fiberglass material. This will mean that the patient must be placed in a position where the orthopedist can perform a circumferential wrap of the head, neck and body of the patient in a sitting or standing position.
Where do you get a CTO?
Daily care and hygiene measures to take into account when using a CTO
A proper hygiene program will help prevent skin problems or pressure sores. Although the brace may fit you well, you may sit in an unbalanced position from time to time and this may cause the brace to fit differently. – If your CTO is dirty, you should wash it inside with mild soap and water. Make sure your skin is clean when you apply the CTO as well. Perspiration will occur if you wear this brace long enough and wiping everything down is a good idea.
Special instructions for those who help a patient with their CTO
1.) Avoid using powers or lotions on the patient’s skin, where the CTO will be applied. Although you may be trying to help the patient, these things can soften the skin and cause skin breakdown along with a brace.
2.) If the skin is red or ulcerated, call the orthopedist who provided you with the brace. They can cushion the area around a sore or sore area of skin to help create relief in many cases.
3.) Patients who need moderate to maximum assistance will need to be continually watched when it comes to the position of their CTO. Monitor the chin position and shoulder position of the brace to ensure a proper fit.
4.) The brace should always be worn snug, not loose. If the brace is worn loose it will allow movement of the spine and this could be a serious problem for the patient.
5.) Every time the patient is moved, either from the bed to another place, check the position of the CTO. It is important that there is no excess space above the shoulders or under the chin.
Insurance and CTO
One of the added benefits of working with a licensed orthotist at an “O&P” (orthotics and prosthetics) company is that they can help bill your insurance for this brace or any other brace. Many times these types of braces are covered by insurance. If it is not fully covered, many times a good part of the orthotics (brace) is covered, which reduces the amount of out-of-pocket costs.
Note: This is health information. Your local licensed orthopedic provider should provide you with medical advice regarding braces. This information can of course be helpful, but it is best to get medical advice on orthotics from these local orthodontic specialists.