Hip Abduction Brace For Support & Prevention of Injury

Hip pain can be caused by a number of different types of injuries and conditions. Your pain may be the result of: arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, strains and fractures.

Pain may also be caused by a condition called osteonecrosis. Osteonecrosis occurs when the blood flow to the hip bone is restricted.

This lack of blood flow can cause major problems in the hip joint. These different conditions can cause pain, aching and inflammation in the hip. This pain can make everyday activities such as walking or running very difficult.

How Can Hip Braces Help Relieve Your Hip Pain? Hip braces can help decrease your pain. Braces can also help with the healing process. The following are some examples of how braces do this.

Posterior Hip Dislocation - The Use of a Hip Abduction Brace For Support and Prevention of Injury

1.) The Human Hip

The human hip is like the shoulder, in that it is a ball and socket joint. With respect to the hip, the ball of one bone (your thigh bone, or femur) fits into the socket of another bone (your pelvis). The hip is an amazing joint in that it can move backwards and forwards, from side to side and can also perform twisting motions, when healthy.

Like other freely moving, or synovial joints, the hip contains a small amount of fluid. This fluid helps to lubricate the joint when you decide to move it. Full function of the hip depends on all of its parts moving together. This includes bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves all working together.

2.) What Is a Hip Dislocation?

A hip dislocation can occur when the ball of the hip joint comes out of the socket. If you think about it, there is a large amount of force necessary to dislocate a person's hip. Why? because the hip joint is typically very stable, using ligaments and large muscles to reinforce its stability.

3.) Three Main Ways to Dislocate Your Hip

A.) Posterior Dislocations: This is the most common way in which people dislocate their hip.

B.) Anterior Dislocations: When the hip bone dislocates anterior to the pelvis.

C.) Central Dislocation: This means that the hip can dislocate through the acetabulum in the person's pelvis. The acetabulum helps to hold the ball part of this joint.

In a posterior dislocation, there is a lot of power forced onto a flexed knee and this translates to the hip. Anterior dislocations typically happen when the force is placed on a leg that is straight. Lastly, central dislocations happen when the force is placed on the shaft of the femur (your thigh bone), driving it into the acetabulum.

4.) Causes of Hip Dislocation

• Traumatic dislocation of an otherwise normal hip.
• Dislocation of a prosthetic hip, which can occurs anytime in a post surgical setting.
• Developmental dysplasia of the hip.

Moving vehicle accidents (MVAs) cause the majority of traumatic hip dislocations. Moreover, they also cause the most posterior hip dislocations. Why? In a car accident, the knees of the front seat occupant typically hit the dashboard during a head on accident.

Central fractures or dislocations usually occur when the person falls from a great height onto their hip. Or, there can be a lateral impact on the hip.

5.) Does a Dislocation Hurt?

Yes. You better believe it! - Hip dislocations are typically very painful. Many times the patient is not able to move the leg and if there happens to be nerve damage as a result, then there might be little to no feeling in the foot or ankle area.

6.) Rehabilitation

This rehabilitation process, or healing time can sometimes reach two to three months in length after a dislocation. Rehabilitation can be extended with the presence of other problems such as fractures. Orthopedic advice and physical therapy is very useful hip dislocation happens.

7.) Braces For Support Before or After Surgery

To support the hip and restrict unwanted movements doctors can deploy the use of a hip abduction brace for their patients. Or, if someone is a chronic "hip dislocator" then a brace is indicated. This particular support is often called a hip abduction brace. It is unique because it has a dynamic hip joint that can allow varying degrees of movement. This brace helps to prevent movements that can injure the patient again. In this way, hip abduction braces can be the conservative measure of treatment that can help to facilitate the healing process either before or after surgery for a patient.

When using one of these supports, the hip and leg will be slightly abducted (it changes depending on who the doctor is) and there will usually be a limitation on flexion and extension of the hip joint. The purpose here is to help keep the hip secure while the healing process is still happening.

Orthomen Hip Abduction Brace

INDICATIONS:

Arthoplasty; Hip Dislocation or Potential High Risk Dislocation; Hip Displasia - Anterior or Posterior; Hip Management/ Immobilization; Hip Revisions; Hip Surgery; Post-Operative; Pre-Operative; Stabilize, Align & Reinforce Hip.

GOALS:

Ease of adjustment; Patient compliance; Maintain proper hip position; Adjustability in multiple body planes.

FEATURES:

Universal designed stay suits both side; Five blocking bolts limit hip flexion from 0~140 degree. Adjustable in every 20 degree; Dual joints for hip flexion and abduction control; Soft abdominal band and thigh band suit for most wearer.

A hip abduction brace is useful if you have had a dislocated hip, a hip replacement, or a hip fracture. A stabilizing brace will help you to keep your hip in the correct position while it heals. It also helps keep it still which helps the it to heal.

Hip braces can help you protect your hip from injury. They can also prevent swelling and pain by compressing the hip area.

Hip splints are ideal for those that have undergone some kind of surgery. Hip splints keep the hips from moving so they are stable. This stability can help the hip to heal more quickly.

Compression hip braces can help relieve pain in your upper leg. These types of braces can be used for the pain resulting from hamstring pulls, varicose veins, or Iliotibial band syndrome (also known as ITB).

Iliotibial band syndrome occurs when the tissue running from the hip to just below the knee becomes inflamed. This injury is typically associated with athletic activities such as running, cycling, hiking, or weightlifting.

When you need to keep your hip stable but you still need to be able to move it, compression braces may be the best choice.

The type of brace you use will depend on the type of your injury you have. Braces come in many different styles and are made of many types of materials. So finding one for your needs shouldn't be difficult.

Hip braces can be used for various types of hip pain. These braces are comfortable to wear, and they are easy to use. Brace settings can be easily adjusted to meet your individual needs.

*Note: This is health information. This is good information but it is not a substitute for medical advice on bracing for your particular situation. Medical advice on braces should come from your local licensed orthotist. Advice should also come from your physician.

Article Source: EzineArticles