564 CHAPTER 59
Two designs for adjustable braces to correct ankle contractures
1.
wood wedges of
different widths
notch to
grip rod
wood
stop
Fit different
wedges between
stop and rod
to change
adjustment.
Add a wide,
well-padded
ankle strap.
Note: This design is complicated to make, but can be adjusted while the brace is on the child.
2.
Bend the
rod tips
like this.
Bolt them tightly
between 2 layers
of thin wood.
wide
strap
soft pad
Bend rods up
a little more
every few days.
An adjustable wood brace for knee and ankle contractures
Using ‘wing nuts’
makes it easier to
remove the bolts for
clamping the position
of the cross pieces.
The positions of these 2 cross
pieces can be changed to adjust
the angle of the knee and foot.
Use thin pieces of hard
wood about 2 cm. wide
and 6 to 8 mm. thick.
For homemade aids to straighten contractures, using car inner tubes and other
elastic or springy material, see p. 85.
WARNING:
If a knee looks like this, it is probably
dislocated. Trying to straighten it could
make the dislocation worse. Take
great care to put pressure only on the
leg just below and behind the knee,
not at the foot. Gradually try to correct
the dislocation (bring the lower leg
forward) before trying to straighten.
If possible, get advice or help from
an experienced health worker or
specialist.
Disabled village Children