Clamshell Brace

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

A clamshell brace is a device that wraps around your back, chest, and stomach area and holds your spine in place. It is made of plastic and fits the shape of your body.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed: Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

How a clamshell brace works: A clamshell brace prevents you from bending forward or backward. It also keeps you from twisting side-to-side. Some clamshell braces extend to the upper thigh to provide more support to your lower spine. A clamshell brace can help ease pain, protect your spine from injury, and allow an injury to heal.

What you need to know about your clamshell brace: Always wear the brace according to your primary healthcare provider's instructions. He will tell you how often and how long you need to wear the brace. Do not try to lift anything that weighs more than 10 pounds. Always have someone help you when you put on or take off your brace.

How to use a 2-piece clamshell brace:

• To put on a 2-piece clamshell brace:
  
  
  • Lie flat on your bed and log roll onto your side. To log roll, turn your whole body in a straight line with your back straight.
    
    
  • Have another person place the back half of the brace onto your back. Log roll back into the brace.
    
    
  • Check to see that the indented spots on the right and left sides of the brace are placed between your lowest rib and your hip bone. The indented spots should line up with your belly button. If the brace is not centered correctly, roll to your other side and adjust the brace. You may also move the brace up or down to adjust it.
    
    
  • Lie flat on the back half of the brace with your knees bent and your feet flat on the bed. Place the front half of the brace on top of your chest and abdomen. The sides of the top half should overlap the sides of the bottom half.
    
    
  • Pull and fasten the fabric straps on the sides of the brace. Some caregivers draw a line on the straps to show how tight they should be pulled.
    
    
  • Check to see that the brace is in place. When you sit, the front edge of the brace will touch the tops of your legs. The back edge will reach about an inch above the seat.
  
  
• To remove a 2-piece clamshell brace:
  
  
  • Lie flat on the bed. Loosen the fabric straps on the sides of the brace. Lift off the front half of the brace.
    
    
  • Log roll onto your side. Have your helper remove the back half of the brace.

How to use a 1-piece clamshell brace:

• To put on a 1-piece clamshell brace:
  
  
  • Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the bed.
    
    
  • Have another person slide the brace under your thighs. Raise your buttocks slightly so your helper can slide the open brace under your buttocks and your back.
    
    
  • Check to see that the indented spots on the right and left sides of the brace are placed between your lowest rib and your pelvic bone. The indented spots should line up with your belly button. If they do not, move the brace up or down to adjust it.
    
    
  • Pull and fasten the fabric straps on the front of the brace. Some caregivers draw a line on the straps to show how tight they should be pulled.
    
    
  • Check the indented spots to see that the brace is in place. When you sit, the front edge of the brace will touch the tops of your legs. The back edge will reach about an inch above the seat.
  
  
• To remove a 1-piece clamshell brace:
  
  
  • Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the bed.
    
    
  • Loosen the fabric straps on the front of the brace. Open the brace.
    
    
  • Raise your buttocks slightly so your helper can slide the brace out.

How to care for your clamshell brace: Wash your clamshell brace with a wet, soapy sponge. Rinse the soap off. You can use rubbing alcohol to remove bacteria and dried soap from the inside of the brace. Bacteria and dried soap can irritate your skin. Always make sure the brace is completely dry before you put it back on.

How to care for your skin while you use a clamshell brace:

• Always wear a clean, dry cotton shirt under your clamshell brace. The shirt will help absorb sweat and protect your skin. A small amount of powder also may help reduce the amount of moisture on the skin beneath the brace.
  
  
• Check all areas of your skin beneath the brace every day. If you find red or irritated areas, check the position of your brace to make sure it is not too tight or too loose. If you have a rash, try changing your T-shirt more often. This can help if the rash is caused by heat, sweat, or laundry products.
  
  
• Talk to your primary healthcare provider about showering. You may be able to take off the brace to shower. You also may be able to shower while you wear your brace. If you shower with the brace on, be sure to thoroughly dry the brace and the skin under the brace.

Contact your primary healthcare provider if:

• Your skin is sore, red, or irritated because your brace rubs against it.
  
  
• Your arms, hands, or legs are numb or tingling.
  
  
• Your body changes in size or shape, and your brace feels loose or tight.
  
  
• You have increasing pain even while you wear the brace.
  
  
• You have new or worsening weakness in your arms or legs.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your brace.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.