 The IDEO brace or Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal Orthosis is an energy-storing ankle or foot orthosis. It’s made of carbon fiber and works by redirecting weight-bearing forces to improve your posture, steadiness, and mobility.
The brace helps with various lower limb injuries and is designed as a high-intensity, recovery-focused rehabilitation aid. Although it’s a relatively uncommon brace as compared to the ankle-foot orthosis or KAFO, it has been proven to return severely injured patients back to a higher level of physical activity. If you’ve only recently heard about the IDEO brace, then this article will help you understand what it is and when it’s prescribed. Here’s what we’ll cover in this post:
What Is the IDEO Brace? The IDEO is an orthosis that you wear around your lower leg and foot. It has a customizable energy-storing mechanism that helps take the weight off your ankle. Its major advantages over existing braces are increased patient comfort and functionality. The device is molded out of lightweight black carbon fiber and it helps you spring forward when you walk. On top of that, each brace is custom-fit for increased comfort. Your rehab starts once you get the device and it includes a mix of sports medicine methods and standard physical therapy rehab. The orthotic has three main components:
The IDEO can assist you in walking, running, and other activities by redistribution of weight and pressure around the lower leg. Its working mechanism involves taking the energy produced by the movement of your leg while walking, and using it to propel you forward without involving your ankle. The main aim of prescribing the IDEO brace is to increase gait efficiency. Hence it improves your walking pattern by decreasing pain and energy requirement while increasing your speed and efficiency. It’s a highly effective device for patients dealing with pain, instability, and weakness because of a wide array of conditions. The IDEO is effective in conditions such as:
The short answer is yes. The IDEO helps patients when it’s prescribed as intended. Here’s the long answer based on scientific literature and clinical studies. A 2019 research paper included data from 156 patients of The Brooke Army Medical Center IRB that were given the IDEO brace. The outcomes showed that all of them reported decreased pain and improved mobility with the brace. Another scientific study conducted on patients in a different clinical setting found similar results. Participants in that study reported their satisfaction with the IDEO brace to be 65.5 out of 100. The participants observed an improvement in their mobility levels and a decrease in pain. The IDEO is a revolutionary limb salvaging orthotic device. The use of this device has proven to reduce the need for amputation. Patient-reported outcomes are very promising as well. It offers additional benefits like freeing up your arms that you would otherwise use to push a wheelchair or support clutches. Freedom from pain is perhaps its most significant achievement, which is why patients prefer it over more conventional orthotic devices. Walking with the IDEO brace is the closest most users get to walking. This not only gives patients a confidence boost but also keeps all the different postural muscles active as well, which are neglected while you’re sitting down and using crutches. Things You Should Know About the IDEO Brace as a First Time User The IDEO comes with a few challenges. Here are some things that you should prepare for: 1. Duration of Wear Since the IDEO brace is lightweight, it’s comfortable for you to wear all day, every day. You can wear the brace for as long as it’s comfortable. It can take some time to get used to it so you might have to slowly increase the duration of wear and only put it on for an hour or so initially. You should remove the brace while showering. 2. Speciality Shoes You’ll need customized shoes to go with your IDEO brace. These shoes are extra wide and spacious enough to accommodate the brace and your foot without rubbing the top part of the foot up against the shoe, which can cause pain and irritation. 3. Washing and Cleaning Just like most other AFOs or orthosis, you can clean the brace with mild soap and a damp rag. It’s not recommended to immerse the brace in water for cleaning. 4. Training Normal walking pattern requires us to propel from the toes and land on the heels. That’s not possible while wearing the IDEO brace. So relearning to walk and run is the biggest challenge you might face when you get your custom-made IDEO brace. The exact period of rehab depends on each individual patient depending on the nature and extent of their injuries. You’ll also need training to essentially wake up the muscles that were neglected for a long time because you were unable to do certain movements due to your injury or disability. 5. IDEO Brace Cost The cost for getting fitted for the device privately varies between 9000-12000 USD. Included in this price is casting, fitting, and several physical therapy appointments necessary to help you learn to use the device. IDEO Brace in a Nutshell The IDEO brace is a simple leg and ankle brace that’s changing the lives of hundreds of people. For those dealing with disabilities and the aftermath of injuries, this brace can mean the difference between chronic suffering and pain-free life. This device can not only help you walk more normally and confidently but might also mean a whole new lifestyle for you that includes adventurous activities and sports. If you’re interested in learning more or if you’re looking for a custom-made IDEO brace, then contact Align Clinic and talk to our expert Orthotists.
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 Scoliosis is a common spine condition that is prevalent in adolescents. It affects between 2 to 3 percent of the population or approximately six to nine million people in the US.
With a progressive condition such as scoliosis, the chosen treatment path is crucial. Scoliosis bracing is a common non-surgical treatment option for this condition and it has proven to be highly effective when patients are compliant. Studies conducted in the past indicate that spinal bracing can efficiently curb curve progression in up to 80 percent of children with scoliosis. If you’re interested in the idea of scoliosis bracing for you or your loved one, you may be wondering which type of brace would be most effective. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the instances when spinal bracing is recommended, and the most popular scoliosis braces available. We’ll also explore some of the factors you may want to consider when choosing a scoliosis brace. When Is Spinal Bracing Recommended? Scoliosis bracing can prevent the curve from worsening, and eliminate the need for spinal surgery down the line. This treatment option is recommended when:
There is a range of scoliosis braces available in the market. However, not all are created equal. You’ll need to work closely with your orthopedist and orthotist to choose the most effective brace for your child’s specific curve. Some of the factors you may want to consider when selecting a scoliosis brace include: 1. Adjustability As a patient grows in height and weight, they’ll need to have a new scoliosis brace if they’re using the non-adjustable variety. Some of the customized braces only work for a particular range of cobb’s angle so you’ll have to change the brace as the spinal curvature changes. This of course leads to costs adding up. A solution to this problem is to opt for an adjustable scoliosis brace. Such a brace can be adjusted as the patient grows or as there is a change in the degree of spinal curves. While it may be more expensive upfront, it’ll help you reduce costs in the long run. 2. User-friendliness While choosing a brace, don’t fail to consider the ease-of-use of a brace as it’s a crucial factor. With a Scoliosis brace, you can opt for a full-time brace e.g Boston, Wilmington and Milwaukee brace or a nighttime brace such as the Charleston Bending brace. You also don’t want to have a brace that is too taxing to get into or out of. This can be a challenge if you live alone, or the brace is for kids. Some rigid braces require full-time wear, which is typically between 16 and 23 hours a day, whereas others are only worn about 8 to 10 hours per night while sleeping. 3. Style Style may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering a scoliosis brace. However, the style of a back brace can have a huge impact on compliance. Some things to consider when looking at the brace’s aesthetics include its color, design, and whether it’s visible through the clothes. This is especially important for kids. Scoliosis braces such as the Scolibrace and WCR brace come in custom colours and patterns. Back Braces for Scoliosis Here are a few types of scoliosis braces: 1. The Wood Cheneau Rigo (WCR) Brace The Wood Cheneau Rigo brace is a 3-dimensional thermoplastic scoliosis brace that’s unique because of the pressure and expansion areas built into the brace. To design the brace, your orthotist will take X-rays and classify scoliosis according to the Classification of Rigo and also look at the clinical photos of the patient. The WCR brace is worn snugly so you have to report even the slightest change in the patient’s height to the orthotist. Most patients tolerate the brace well but it requires a 7-day break-in period. The brace doesn’t restrict activities but patients have to learn to control their breathing and movements in certain ways while wearing the brace. This one is great for kids because it’s practically unnoticeable under the clothes unless the clothes are tight. 2. Boston Brace The Boston back brace is a type of thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO), and it’s the most commonly used scoliosis brace today. It comes in a range of prefabricated mold options, and the orthotist will choose a suitable mold based on the patient's size and spinal curve. This brace is then customized to the specific needs of the patient using padding and cutouts. The Boston scoliosis brace closes in the back, and therefore, you may require some assistance wearing and taking off the brace. 3. Wilmington Brace Like the Boston brace, the Wilmington brace is also a TLSO. It’s custom-molded based on a cast taken of the patient’s torso while lying on their back. Once the cast is created, corrective forces meant to address the patient’s particular curve are added to the scoliosis brace. The Wilmington brace opens in the front. 4. Charleston Bending Brace The Charleston bending brace is a popular night-time scoliosis brace. An orthotist will take a cast of the patient’s torso, and this is used in creating a custom brace. The Charleston brace is designed to apply both lateral and hyper corrective forces to the curve, and it’s only practical when the patient is lying down. Choosing a Scoliosis Brace - The Takeaway Your orthotist is the best judge for the type of brace you or your kid needs. But it’s good to know what your options are with scoliosis braces so you can make an informed decision. Scoliosis bracing can be effective in halting the progression of the condition. You’ve got to start the treatment in time or else the results may not be as promising and you could be looking at lifelong problems. Contact Align Clinic if you’re looking for expert orthotists for scoliosis bracing. We’ve got clinics in various states so book an appointment today to begin your treatment.  Becoming an amputee comes with its set of challenges and it’s an experience that few would plan for. Even with support from family and friends, this can be an incredibly scary and frustrating time. Thankfully, limb loss or limb difference does not have to mean an end to the activities and lifestyle that you enjoy. With a prosthetic limb, you can discover a new normal and get your overall function back.
In this guide, we’ll address some frequently asked questions and share some tips to help you adjust to your new normal after an amputation. How Can I Prepare Myself for a Prosthesis? After an amputation, there is a lot that you can do to prepare your residual limb for a prosthesis. Your healthcare team will advise you on the best course of action for your specific case. Some general tips and advice that apply to most new amputees include;
How Much Does a Prosthesis Cost and How Do I Pay For It? Artificial limbs can certainly be expensive. The cost of your prosthetic device will depend on the length of the limb that needs to be replaced and the type of prosthesis that is ideal for you. Thankfully, insurance can help you cover part or even the entire cost of the prosthesis. It’s important that you carefully review your insurance plan to determine the specific inclusions and exclusions. Which Criteria Should I Follow When Choosing a Prosthetist? Choosing a prosthetist is one of the most crucial decisions for an individual with limb loss or limb difference. Your prosthetic practitioner will ensure that your artificial limb fits perfectly and recommend a regimen to help you adapt to the prosthesis. They’ll even help you feel more comfortable by recommending products that you may need such as prosthetic socks and liners. When selecting a prosthetic practitioner, keep in mind that this can potentially be a lifelong relationship. Some factors that you’ll need to consider when making this decision include;
Many individuals with an amputation or limb difference will require a wheelchair or crutches in addition to their prosthetic limb. Such assistive devices can make activities such as showering, nighttime bathroom trips, and long journeys more convenient. There may be periods when you’re unwilling or unable to use your artificial limb. Your preferred assistive device will come in handy during such periods. Where Can New Amputees Find Ongoing Support? The importance of connecting and talking to other individuals who are adjusting to life with a prosthetic device can’t be overstated. Such support groups comprise people with varying levels of amputation and at different stages of recovery. Meeting and interacting with such a group can help inspire confidence in each other. If you’re interested in connecting with other people in the limb loss and limb difference community, the Amputee Coalition is a great place to get started. Prosthetic Tips for New AmputeesHere are some simple and practical tips that will help you adjust to life with a prosthesis.
You also need to regularly communicate with your prosthetist before and after your final fitting. If you’re experiencing any issues related to fit, skin, or comfort of your prosthesis inform your practitioner immediately.
Caring for your amputation site through simple practices such as wearing your prosthetic socks regularly and putting on your shrinker socks overnight will also speed up the acclimation period.
Additionally, recognize and accept that every recovery journey is unique. For instance, it may take you longer to adapt to an above-knee prosthesis compared to someone else using a below-knee prosthesis. Expert Prosthetists at Align ClinicIf you’re looking for a prosthetic device, Align Clinic is here to help. You can book an appointment or visit one of our clinics near you. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest quality care and support that is tailored to your specific needs and goals. |
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