Stiffener in the corset: what is the function of the medical bandage?

Often, patients with injuries, bends andother diseases of the spine are assigned to wearing special medical belts, so-called corsets with stiffeners. What do these devices give to patients? What is a stiffener? These questions need to be considered in more detail.

What is a medical corset

The medical, the same orthopedic corset, isspecial wide belt of breathable elastic material. It is equipped with stiffening ribs and is fastened around the body by tightening straps. A similar device is used to obtain a therapeutic effect for problems with the spine.

What is the stiffener

The stiffener is a narrow plate made of plastic or metal. There are two classes of plates:

1. Adjustable rigid ribs, that is, requiring individual adjustment depending on the shape of the spine. The preferred material for execution is metal.
2. Unregulated semi-rigid ribs, that is, flexible plastic inserts that do not require additional settings.

Plates are inserted into special pockets or sewed inside the structure. In some models, the rigidity of the ribs is uneven, in the middle they are denser, and closer to the edges - thinner.

How many ribs can be in the orthopedic corset

In medical corsets can be from 2 to 6 ribs of stiffness. The strength of fixing the product depends on this. The ribs are sutured from the back so that the spine is provided with the necessary support.

Corset for 2 ribs is able to providethe easiest degree of fixation. In such models, the stiffener is often made of medical plastic. A similar bandage corset is used to straighten out minor curvatures in children and in adult patients. Ribs are located at a small distance from the spine on both sides. If the manufacturer uses metal for the inserts, the fixation is slightly stronger. But still, such a corset with stiffening ribs is referred to as weak or semi-rigid fixation products.

A corset with 3 ribs has an additional insert placed on the spine. Such a model can be used to treat:

• osteochondrosis;
• radiculitis;
• displacement of the vertebrae;
• intervertebral hernias;
• minor injuries;
• chronic pain.

Orthopedic corsets for 4 ribs are capable ofcreate a medium (semi-rigid) degree of fixation of the spine. Such bandage with stiffeners is recommended as unloading of the lumbar part, support for muscle imbalance, fixation with displacement of the vertebrae, post-traumatic and postoperative rehabilitation.

A corset with 6 ribs is fullyimmobilize the spine. The product is completed with metal inserts. Such corsets are used for rehabilitation after complex injuries (including fractures) and operations. Hard fixation does not allow to deviate from the natural anatomical position, contributing to the recovery of muscles and bone tissue.

Optimum quantity

Only a doctor can correctly determine the corset withhow many ribs are needed for the patient. He also determines the design of the product. The success of treatment may depend on compliance with medical recommendations.

If as an optimal optionrecommended a hard corset for 6 ribs, then his selection is performed by a physician with the appropriate education. In this case, self-medication can have negative consequences for the spine, and in addition, it is fraught with aggravation of other chronic diseases.

Classification of corsets by the departments of the spine

Corsets differ not only in the number of ribs, but also in the departments of the spine. There are 3 varieties:

1. Breast-lumbar corset. This product covers the chest and lower back. There are hard and semi-rigid options. Most often, the stiffener in these models is made of metal.
2. Lumbosacral corset. The product grips the pelvis, its feature is a low back wall. Products of different types of rigidity are produced.
3. Lumbar corset with stiffeners. The product of this kind fully covers the lower back, partially grasping the thorax and the upper part of the pelvis.

Corset selection by size

Each manufacturer sets its own dimensionalruler. Some are repelled from the waist circumference, others - from the girth of the waist, which is measured at 8 cm below the waist. The third may have some more measurements. Before buying, all the necessary measurements are performed on the bare body.

How to care for a corset

Despite the fact that the corsets are made frommaterials that can pass air, prolonged wearing leads to their contamination. Please note that the corset is worn for at least 6 hours during the day. If the product needs washing, then it is performed manually, delicately. Do not use chemical cleaning and solvents. After washing, the corset does not twist, but spreads and is dried in a well-ventilated place. It is strictly forbidden to use heating devices for drying. Drying in direct sunlight is not allowed.