Otto Bock 28F10N Instructions For Use Manual page 12

2.2 Design
The heel relief brace is made of glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene.
The heel container (13) is designed to enclose the dorsal calf and support the longitudinal arch
(1) of the foot, thus enabling suspended positioning of the calcaneus in the brace. Plantar foot
support is provided by the molded foot piece for the longitudinal arch and the compensation sole
(9), which can be affixed to the heel container. The heel wedge (10) can be used to compensate
for the height of the shoe on the unaffected side.
To facilitate check-ups and for improved air circulation, the brace has an opening at the back of
the heel container. The weight-bearing pad set for the heel, which includes a plantar pad (12) and
compression pads (11), is applied according to the therapy plan and allows the weight borne by
the calcaneus to be built up gradually.
The hook-and-loop closures (7, 15, and 16) and the forefoot cap (2) hold the foot in place. The zip
fastener on the forefoot cap makes it easy to apply and remove the brace and also protects the
toes. The enclosed fastening screws and adjusting nuts (5) are used to affix the hook-and-loop
closure (7) to the brace. Optionally, this hook-and-loop closure can also be riveted. The hook-
and-loop closures at shin level (15 and 16) can also be riveted or sewn together to increase sta­
bility. The tailorable calf pad (14) establishes contact with the heel container.
The underside of the brace features a non-skid profile for increased safety when walking.
3 Application
3.1 Indications for use
The brace is intended exclusively for orthotic fittings of the lower limbs and exclusively for con­
tact with intact skin.
The brace must be used in accordance with the indications.
3.2 Indications
• Functional follow-up treatment for calcaneal fractures (unilateral or bilateral), regardless of the
type of fracture and course of primary treatment.
• Weight-bearing relief following arthrodesis of the lower ankle
The indication must be determined by the physician.
3.3 Contraindications
3.3.1 Absolute Contraindications
• External fixator (wire osteosynthesis)
3.3.2 Relative Contraindications
The following indications require consultation with a physician: skin diseases/injuries, inflamma­
tion, prominent scars that are swollen, reddening and hyperthermia of the fitted limb/body area;
lymphatic flow disorders, including unclear soft tissue swelling distal to the body area to which
the medical device will be applied; sensory and circulatory disorders in the lower leg and the foot
area.
3.4 Mechanism of Action
The brace relieves the calcaneus by providing targeted support to the longitudinal arch beneath
the os naviculare as well as a form-fitting enclosure for the metatarsals and the calf. Accelerated
bone healing is achieved by applying the basic principle of the Ilizarov technique (compression
and distraction of the fractured areas). An almost natural rollover of the injured foot with the brace
exerts a positive influence on the neuromuscular structures and calcareous salt content of the
bone. The functioning muscle pump may also contribute to thrombosis prophylaxis.
3.5 Treatment and therapy plan
The therapy plan is independent of the type of fracture and treatment approach.
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