Neurosciences and Musculoskeletal Services
Fracture Clinic
Trillium Health
Centre - Mississauga
Harris Brace/Lumbar
Sacral Orthosis (LSO) Information and Instructions
The Harris Brace/LSO
is a pre-fabricated custom-fitted back brace designed to support
your lumbar (lower) spine. Our trained and certified Registered
Orthopaedic Technologists will assess and fit you for your
Harris Brace before your surgery..
Harris Brace/LSO
Use
- The Harris brace restricts forward/backward motion (flexion/extension)
in your lumbar spine.
- The Harris brace offers protection for your surgical procedure
during your recovery phase.
- The Harris brace provides intra-abdominal pressure to
relieve pressure on the lumbar vertebrae and inter-vertebral
discs.
Harris Brace/LSO
Components
The Harris Brace
has two main components:
1. A soft cloth corset front
2. A padded rigid metal back
The corset front
has easily adjustable hook and pile closures and the rigid
back consists of rigid aluminum covered in leather. The rigid
back has the following four components, which provide the
support and immobilization required.:
1. Thoracic band
2. Pelvic band
3. Two Paraspinal bars
4. Two lateral uprights
To Apply the Harris
Brace
- While standing, position brace along lower back while
holding the corset open at both ends. Make sure to apply
the brace over a T-Shirt.
- Lightly fasten the corset starting at the bottom and working
towards the top.
- Check positioning and alignment of brace. The brace should
be below your sternum in the front and below your shoulder
blades in the back. The brace should also sit 1" above the
widest part of your hip and should not be rotated to the
left or right.
- With positioning determined, tighten the brace by pulling
two straps at a time starting at the bottom.
- Feed excess strap material through the provided loops.
- Use a mirror to aid in brace application.
To Remove the Harris
Brace
To remove the brace,
begin at the top by slackening the straps first then unhook
the straps one at a time. Do not adjust the lacing on the
sides of the brace.
FAQ’s
How long will I
need to wear my Harris brace?
You will need to
wear your Harris brace for approximately three months after
the time of surgery or as determined by your physician.
Can I take the
Harris brace off at night?
Unless otherwise
instructed by your doctor, you can take your brace off for
sleeping.
How do I clean
the Harris brace?
Your brace can
be hand washed with water and mild soap and air-dried. Do
not dismantle the brace for washing purposes.
Is the Harris Brace
covered by extended health insurance?
Your brace/orthosis
may be covered under your extended health plan. You are responsible
for paying for your brace and recouping your expense from
your provider.
Give Us A Call
If you have any further questions
or concerns regarding the fit of your Harris Brace, please
don’t hesitate to call us at 905-848-7170.
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