Albrecht CDS ANKLE BRACE User manual

USER INSTRUCTIONS
CDS®ANKLE BRACE
DYNAMIC SPRING-LOADED ANKLE ORTHOSIS

2
CDS®Ankle Brace
User Instructions
Contents
1. Introduction.................................................................................................. 4
1.1. Foreword ..................................................................................................... 4
1.2. Customer information .................................................................................. 4
1.3. Mode of operation ....................................................................................... 4
1.4. Application .................................................................................................. 4
1.5. Scope of delivery.......................................................................................... 4
1.6. Declaration of conformity............................................................................. 4
1.7. Features ....................................................................................................... 5
1.8. Indications................................................................................................... 5
1.9. Contraindications......................................................................................... 5
1.10. Safety Instructions...................................................................................... 6
1.11. Warranty .................................................................................................... 7
2. Adjustment by the orthopaedic technician .......................................... 8
2.1. Fitting to the patient .................................................................................... 8
2.1.1. Adjusting the brace by using an orthopaedic “bending iron”.............. 9
2.1.2. Setting the shell components ............................................................ 10
2.1.3. Adjusting the distance between the hinge rods................................. 11
2.2. Adjust the hinge ........................................................................................ 12
2.2.1. Adjusting the position of the redression and limitation range........... 12
2.2.2. Setting the limitation ........................................................................ 14
2.2.3. Fine adjustment................................................................................. 15

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User Instructions
2.3. Attaching of the brace by the orthopaedic technician ................................. 16
2.3.1. Adjust strap lengths as necessary...................................................... 18
2.3.2. Final adjustment................................................................................ 19
2.3.3. Optional attachment of the spacer.................................................... 19
2.3.4. Activate the spring tension ............................................................... 20
2.3.5. Setting the spring tension to the intensity needed by the patient..... 21
2.3.6. Changing the spring tension ............................................................. 22
3. Handling by the patient........................................................................... 23
3.1. Removing the brace.................................................................................... 23
3.2. Putting on the brace .................................................................................. 25
4. Cleaning, maintenance and disinfection ............................................. 26
4.1. Pads and straps.......................................................................................... 26
4.2. Rods (hinges)............................................................................................. 26
5. Technical data /material........................................................................... 27
6. Size chart and article numbers............................................................... 27
7. Transfer of the brace................................................................................. 28
8. Disposal ....................................................................................................... 28

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CDS®Ankle Brace
User Instructions
1. Introduction
1.1. Foreword
Dynamic spring-loaded orthoses can be used
to treat joint contractures caused by both
neurological and orthopaedic conditions.
The shortening of the tissue surrounding the
joint decreases the range of motion affecting
the patient’s everyday life. Therefore, our
CDS®concept aims to increase the range of
motion without pain by applying a constant,
appropriate low load prolonged stretch (LLPS).
1.2. Customer information
For your own safety please read through these
User Instructions carefully and accurately
before using the brace. The instructions, notes
and procedures must be read and understood
thoroughly in order to benefit from the correct
operation and use of the device. If anything
in the User Instructions is not clear, or any
instructions, operating procedures or safety
information is not fully understandable, please
contact the appropriate specialist retailer or
albrecht GmbH directly, before you use the
brace. This particularly applies to the safety
instructions.
1.3. Mode of operation
The CDS®Ankle Brace functions according
to the CDS®-principle and has been designed
to treat an extension deficit of the ankle.
The brace applies a dynamic low load
prolonged stretch to stimulate growth in the
contracted tissue. The adjustable redression
range protects the tissue from painful
overstretching.
1.4. Application
The brace has been designed exclusively for
the orthotic treatment of the ankle joint and
for contact with intact skin.
1.5. Scope of delivery
The CDS®Ankle Brace is delivered to you
ready to use in the size requested, with User
Instructions and labeling on the product.
Please check the completeness of the brace at
delivery.
• Brace with padding and straps
• albrecht GmbH hexagon key
• User Instructions
1.6. Declaration of conformity
The albrecht GmbH company as manufacturer
with sole responsibility declares the conformity
of the CDS®Ankle Brace with European
Council Directive 93/42/EEC for medical
devices.

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User Instructions
1.7. Features
• Therapy in dorsal extension
• Smaller hinge with
established features:
– Individual adjustment of the spring
tension
– Spring tension can be switched on and
off without tools and without varying
the set spring tension
– Infinitely variable adjustment of the
redression range in dorsal extension
• Optimized shell - and strap system:
– High wearing comfort thanks to
air-permeable, light aluminium shell
elements
– High flexibility thanks to adjustable shell
elements
1.8. Indications
The physician will prescribe the type of
treatment to apply based on his or her
diagnostic findings.
Generally, the use is indicated in:
• Joint contractures:
– After surgery
– After conservative treatment of capsular
ligament injuries
– Before and after joint replacement
– In arthrosis and chronic polyarthritis
– After burns
– After strokes
– After spinal cord injuries
– Paralysis (discrete palsy of peripheral
origin)
– After cranio-cerebral trauma (CCT)
• To prevent new contractures after arthrolysis
For all other indications a physician must be
consulted.
1.9. Contraindications
• Bony obstruction, osteoporosis
thrombophlebitis
The brace is intended exclusively for contact
with intact skin.

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CDS®Ankle Brace
User Instructions
1.10. Safety Instructions
The optimal effect of the brace is only
achieved when used correctly.
• The brace must only be used in the intact,
complete and mechanically undamaged
condition and with complete and intact
cushioning and walers. This must be verified
by the user before each usage.
• Opening or removing one or more belts,
as well as excessive loosening of the waler
when using the brace leads to a reduction of
the therapeutic effect of the brace and may
lead to injury.
• The brace must not be worn over open
wounds.
• The skin should be free of oils, grease, gels
or other debris, to prevent reactions with the
skin or the structure of the material.
• The orthosis should fit firmly but not
too tight, so as not to restrict the blood
circulation and adversely affect nerve and
lymph vessels. Excessive compression is
therefore to be avoided.
• Combination with other products is currently
not provided for or is to be agreed with the
manufacturer in writing.
• The brace is not intended for single use,
but is intended for multiple use by a single
person.
• The product as delivered is not sterile.
• Contact your physician immediately in the
event of an allergic reaction.
• Please note that cushioned sections can heat
up under direct sunlight. Protect the orthosis
from direct sunlight if necessary.
• Currently there is no test for flammability.
Exercise caution when using the orthosis
in the direct vicinity of open flames such as
lighters and cigarettes.
• The mechanical functions must only be
adjusted using the supplied tools in order to
avoid injuries and damage of the hinge.
• When adjusting the hinge rods to the shape
of the extermity by using an orthopaedic
bending iron, you must not bend the rods in
the area of the hinge housing or the hinge
cover as this could lead to damage or break
of the hinge.

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User Instructions
1.11. Warranty
In addition to the legal warranty, we provide
a 6-month durability guarantee for the
orthosis. If properly used, this guarantees
that the orthosis will function without fault.
This excludes the padding and straps, which
are usually liable to a certain amount of
wear and tear. This kind of wear and tear
does not represent a product defect. This
manufacturer’s warranty is subject to the
condition that the orthosis is used as a medical
rehabilitation device and for no other purpose
than that described in the instructions for
use. Changes to the orthosis or the removal /
damage to the quality management seal will
invalidate the warranty.

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CDS®Ankle Brace
User Instructions
2. Adjustment by the orthopaedic technician
2.1. Fitting to the patient
• Our CDS®braces are constructed to be adjustable.
• The position of the shell components can be changed and they can be shaped.
• The hinge rods can be adapted to the shape of the extremity by using an
orthopaedic bending iron.
• The strap lengths can be adjusted to different girths and shortened if
necessary.

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User Instructions
2.1.1. Adjusting the brace by using an orthopaedic “bending iron”
The brace is anatomically contoured. However, if a different shape is required,
the hinge rods can be adjusted to the shape of the patient’s leg with the aid of
an orthopaedic bending iron. Loosen the screws on the shell components and
either move or remove them. Then adjust the hinge rods to the shape of the
extremity.
bending iron
When adjusting the hinge rods to the shape of the extremity by using an
orthopaedic bending iron, you must not bend the rods in the area of the
hinge housing or the hinge cover as this could lead to damage or break
of the hinge.

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CDS®Ankle Brace
User Instructions
2.1.2. Setting the shell components
The shell components are moveable.
1.Loosen the screws on the shell components with the supplied tool without
unscrewing them completely.
2.Move the shell components into the desired position.
3.Tighten the screws again.
Please note that, because of its construction, the lower leg shell in the size S/XS
and the children’s size consists of one shell component.
31 2

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User Instructions
2.1.3. Adjusting the distance between the hinge rods
You can change the distance of the hinge rods from the lateral edge of the sole.
1.To do so, loosen the screws in the sole plate.
2.Move the hinge rods singly.
3.When the optimal position of both rods has been found, tighten the screws
again.
The foot piece of the paediatric brace is constructed in a manner to enable
adjustment by the orthopaedic technican. The footbed has to be prepared
individually by the orthopaedic technican in order to guarantee an optimal fit.
1 2 3

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CDS®Ankle Brace
User Instructions
2.2. Adjust the hinge
2.2.1. Adjusting the position of the redression and limitation
range
The CDS®Ankle Brace is constructed on the basis of a 360° hinge. In a 360°
hinge, the spring housing and the lower leg rod can be pivoted against each
other. The position of the redression and limitation range can be thereby altered
and adjusted to the patient.
In neurological patients it may be necessary to bring the redression range of
the CDS®Ankle Brace further into plantar flexion than the factory setting. The
position of the stops depends on the position of the redression and limitation
range.

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User Instructions
1.Remove the pad.
2.Remove the two screws.
3.You can adjust the position of the redression range in 15° steps. Use
a goniometer to determine the desired position and adjust the hinge
accordingly.
4.Insert the screws again and tighten them.
5.Insert the pad again.
The setting must be the same for both hinges.
1
4
2
5
3

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CDS®Ankle Brace
User Instructions
2.2.2. Setting the limitation
The limitation restricts the range of motion. All steps must be executed
identically with both hinges.
Dorsal extension and the redression range are limited by the stop screw. In a
second step, the set value can be reduced up to a maximum of 15°, enabling
infinitely variable adjustment of the redression range.
Before setting the dorsal extensions limitation, you must deactivate the spring
tension.
1.Turn the green switches on both hinges to „off”.
2.Bring the brace into plantar flexion.
3.There are three holes on the side of the CDS®housing. The number of
degrees depends on the position of the redression and limitation range and
can be determined with a goniometer. The stop screw is located in one of the
holes.
Then turn the stop screw with the supplied tool from the CDS®housing.
OFF
1 32
Before screwing it into one of the three holes, bring the brace into plantar
flexion, so that the holes are freely accessible.
Position the stop screw in the desired position and tighten the screw. The
limitation can be adjusted to the treatment progress with increasing mobility of
the patient.
Please be aware that the brace must only be used with the stop screw
positioned and tightened in one of the holes, otherwise the hinge will be
damaged.

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User Instructions
2.2.3. Fine adjustment
Fine adjustment gives you the option of infinitely variable dorsal extension
limitation. Set the fine adjustment to a value between 0 and -15. The setting
reduces the limitation already set by the stop screw.
All steps must be executed identically with both hinges.

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CDS®Ankle Brace
User Instructions
2.3. Attaching of the brace by the orthopaedic technician
Before attaching the brace you must deactivate the spring tension.
1.Turn the green switch on both hinges to „off”.
2.Bring the brace as far into plantar flexion as the patient is allowed to move.
Now,the activation mechanism of the hinge is set to this position and the
patient can reactivate the spring tension in this position.
OFF
1 2

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User Instructions
3.To make it easier to apply the brace to the patient, adjust the length of the
lower leg straps to their maximum length without unthreading them.
Open the instep and toe strap.
4.Loosen the upper and lower shin strap by opening the clip fasteners.
5.Attaching and adjusting the straps is easiest when sitting. The patient steps
into the brace from in front with the foot.
It is possible to adjust the lower leg rods to the shape of the patient‘s leg by
using a bending iron. Ensure that the hinges are as parallel to one another as
possible to ensure proper function of the brace.
3 4 4
4 5

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CDS®Ankle Brace
User Instructions
2.3.1. Adjust strap lengths as necessary
Adjust the strap to the desired length and shorten it if necessary containing the
doublesided hook end.
1.First fasten the heel strap. This prevents the foot from slipping dorsally. Adjust
the length of the strap so that it sits snugly on the heel.
2.Fasten the instep strap.
3.Fasten the toe strap.
4.Then fasten the lower calf strap.
5.Fasten the lower shin strap.
6.Fasten the upper calf strap.
7.Fasten the upper shin strap.
If necesssary, the additional strap padding supplied with the product can be
attached under the straps.
1 4
7
2 3
5 6

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User Instructions
2.3.2. Final adjustment
After fastening the individual straps, check that the straps are the correct length
and that the brace is in the correct position, and correct if necessary. Ensure that
the straps are not too tight so as not to interfere with the circulation.
The shell elements are anatomically contoured. You can also shape the shell
elements with the hand to the leg contour directly on the patient.
2.3.3. Optional attachment of the spacer
If necessary, the suture or scar spacer can be attached to the instep strap as well
as the heel strap.

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CDS®Ankle Brace
User Instructions
2.3.4. Activate the spring tension
1.To activate the spring tension, turn the green switches on both hinges to
“on”.
2.Bring the brace into plantar flexion until you feel a slight resistance that you
have to overcome in order to activate the spring tension.
ON
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