Guides & Instructions for Medical Providers
How to Fit Patients with a TayCo Brace
Fitting your patient properly is imperative to exceptional outcomes. Watch the videos below to learn how to custom fit, adjust hinges, don a patient, and prepare for a custom brace order. Looking for individual videos?
7 Easy Steps to Custom-Fit a Acute XAB Brace
- Convert hinge setting for 1) fixed. 2) limited ROM 5 degrees to 10 degrees. 3) full ROM. See video instructions below.
- With knee at 90 degrees, position TayCo in back to fit the sole-counter junction approximately 3/4-1" above the ground in back.
- Tighten straps 1 and 2. Observe the brace for modifications (especially the stirrup strap and uprights).
- Remove the brace and adjust strap underneath the shoe (stirrup strap) to fit snugly, by choosing the appropriate hole.
- With brace still removed, bend the uprights to match the contouring of the patient's lower leg and calf.
- Put brace back on and adjust the width of the upright straps on the posterior portion on the uprights to fit the calves.
- Tighten straps in order, 1, 2, 3, and 4. Retighten in order for comfort and stability.
Hinge Adjustment
Easily change the range of motion on a Acute XAB Brace by watching the video below.
Helpful Tips for Hinge Adjustment
- If the locking bars are removed, store them in a place you won’t forget in case you need to re-lock the hinge.
- Ensure the retaining button on the locking bar is pointed away from the brace so that it will interlock with the corresponding hole in the hinge.
- Make sure both hinges are set in the same position for optimal recovery.
Custom Medical XAB Brace
Multiple Options for Submitting Custom Measurements
Troubleshooting Guide
If the brace feels too loose, unstable or uncomfortable, use this guide to help diagnose and fix the issue. If you have more questions, please call/text us at 574.855.8213 for live support or email us at help@taycobrace.com.
Product
- According to a research study conducted by Ball State University, your TayCo Brace provides 96% of the stability of a walking boot for the ankle. However, a small amount of motion is expected when wearing the brace.
- In the fixed position, the uprights should fit parallel to the lower leg. If they do not, refit while ensuring your knee is bent slightly more than a right angle as you put on the brace and tighten the straps.
- If the straps are too short, please call or email us and we will send you longer straps.
Lack of stability
- If the brace does not feel stable, the biggest culprit will likely be the stirrup strap. If it's not flush with the bottom of your shoe when wearing the brace, it's not tight enough. With your shoe in the brace, start with tightening the stirrup strap one hole at a time until you can't go any further.
- If the heel part of the brace moves up and down significantly or rubs against the ground, this may be a sign that the stirrup strap is not tight enough. It could also mean that the brace is not appropriately aligned at the heel where the sole meets the body of the shoe.
- If adjusting the stirrup strap does not increase stability, retighten straps 1, 2, 3, 4 in sequence as tight as you can while maintaining comfort.
Discomfort
- If you feel discomfort or pinching on the calf or shin, double-check you've centered the brace on your leg, framing equal parts calf and shin.
- If you feel pressure on the bony prominence of your ankle, it's because the circular pads don't align with your ankle or your ankle deformity may be too great for an over-the-counter brace. This could also mean the brace is sitting too high or low, or you may also need a different size.
- If the footplate is creating too much pressure or is uncomfortable as it extends towards the toes, please contact us.
- If the metal ring on straps 3 and 4 is rubbing your leg, reposition the straps to make sure the metal ring aligns with the edge of the upright.
Important Safeguards
- All TayCo Brace products are designed for use only on the ankle and outside the shoe
- Do not use for any other part of the body
- Inspect the brace before each use. The brace must not be used if any components are torn or broken. Do not attempt to repair.
- Any alteration of application other than illustrated is misuse of a TayCo Brace product. Use only as instructed.
- Proper use is necessary to avoid risk of further injury
- This product is not a substitute for medical care
- TayCo Brace, Inc. will not be liable for injuries or damages resulting from misuse or misapplication of TayCo Brace products
- Discontinue use if patient experiences irritation, discomfort or instability related to the brace
