Albrecht CDS Knee Brace Flexion L/L User manual

USER INSTRUCTIONS
CDS®KNEE BRACE FLEXION
KNEE ORTHOSIS
DYNAMIC SPRING-LOADED KNEE ORTHOSIS

CDS®Knee Brace Flexion |Junior
User Instructions
2
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 ..................................................................................... 6
1.10. Safety Instructions.................................................................................. 6
1.11. Warranty.................................................................................................. 7
2. Adjustment by the orthopaedic technician........................................... 7
2.1. Fitting to the patient ................................................................................ 7
2.1.1. Adjusting the brace to the leg shape by using
an orthopaedic “bending iron”.................................................................. 7
2.1.2. Setting the shell components – size L/L, L/M, L/S, M/S ................. 9
2.1.3. Setting the textile shell components – size S/S, XS/XS, XXS ....... 10
2.2. Setting the hinge ....................................................................................11
2.2.1. Adjusting the position of the redression and limitation range
for CDS®Knee Braces Flexion – size L/L, L/M, L/S, M/S .........................11
2.2.2. Adjusting the position of the redression and limitation range
for CDS®Knee Braces Flexion S/S, XS/XS, XXS...................................... 12
2.2.3. Setting the limitation for
CDS®Knee Braces Flexion L/L, L/M, M/L, M/S ........................................ 13

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2.2.4. Fine adjustment
for CDS®Knee Braces Flexion L/L, L/M, M/L, M/S .................................. 14
2.2.5. Inserting the stop wedge
for CDS®Knee Braces Flexion L/L, L/M, M/L, M/S .................................. 15
2.3. Attaching of the brace by the orthopaedic technician ...................... 16
2.3.1. Deactivate the spring tension......................................................... 16
2.3.2. Attach the brace to the leg ............................................................ 17
2.3.3. Adjust strap lengths as necessary .................................................. 19
2.3.4. Final adjustment.............................................................................. 22
2.3.5. Activate the spring tension............................................................. 23
2.3.6. Setting the spring tension to the intensity
needed by the patient ............................................................................... 24
2.3.7. Changing the spring tension ......................................................... 26
3. Handling by the patient ........................................................................... 27
3.1. Removing the brace ............................................................................... 27
3.2. Putting on the brace.............................................................................. 30
4. Cleaning, maintenance and disinfection.............................................. 32
4.1. Pads and straps....................................................................................... 32
4.2. Rods (Hinges).......................................................................................... 32
5. Technical data ............................................................................................ 33
6. Size chart and article numbers ............................................................... 33
7. Transfer of the brace................................................................................. 34
8. Disposal........................................................................................................ 34

CDS®Knee Brace Flexion |Junior
User Instructions
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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®Knee Brace Flexion | CDS®Knee
Brace Flexion Junior functions according to
the CDS®-principle and has been designed to
treat a flexion deficit of the knee. 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 knee joint and
for contact with intact skin.
1.5. Scope of delivery
The CDS®Knee Brace Flexion | CDS®Knee
Brace Flexion Junior 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 the
manufacturer solely responsible, declares
that the CDS®Knee Brace Flexion | CDS®
Knee Brace Flexion Junior conforms to the
Regulation (EU) 2017/745 concerning medical
devices.
EN

User Instructions
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1.7. Features
• Therapy in flexion
• CDS 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 flexion
(Size L/L, L/M, L/S, M/S)
– adjustment of the redression range in 10°
steps (Size S/S, XS/XS, XXS)
– High wearing comfort thanks to
air-permeable, light textile shell elements
– High flexibility thanks to adjustable shell
elements
– The sizes S/S, XS/XS, XXS are available
in black, green, blue, pink and orange
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 due to:
– vegetative state
– cerebral palsy
– genetic syndromes
– epilepsy
– spina bifida
– near-drowning
– burns
– stroke
– spinal injury
– paralysis
– craniocerebral injury
• capsular ligament injury
• surgery
• before and after knee replacement
• arthrosis and chromic polyarthritis
• to prevent recurring contractures following
arthrolysis
• conservative, post-surgical for all indications
that contraindicate active flexion of the knee
For all other indications a physician must be
consulted.

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1.9. Contraindications
• Bony obstruction, osteoporosis,
thrombophlebitis
The brace is intended exclusively for contact
with intact skin.
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.

User Instructions
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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.
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.
2.1.1. Adjusting the brace to the leg
shape by using
an orthopaedic “bending iron”
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.

CDS®Knee Brace Flexion |Junior
User Instructions
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bending iron
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.

User Instructions
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2.1.2. Setting the shell components – size L/L, L/M, L/S, M/S
The shell components are moveable.
1 Loosen the screws on the shell components with the supplied tool without
unscrewing them completly.
2 Move the shell components into the desired position.
3 Tighten the screws again.
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The shell components can be adjusted to the shape of the extremity.

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User Instructions
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2.1.3. Setting the textile shell components – size S/S, XS/XS, XXS
The textile shells can be moved along the rod by 2,5 cm.
1 Loosen the screws on the shell components with the supplied tool without
unscrewing them completely.
2 Remove the textile shells.
3 Punch another hole vertically below the existing screw hole using a punch
plier (max 2,5 cm).
4 Slide the shell over the rod and attach it in the new screw hole.
3
3
1
1
2
2
4
4
Please note that, because of its construction, the lower leg shell in the
size S/S, XS/XS, XXS consists of one textile shell component.

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2.2. Setting the hinge
2.2.1. Adjusting the position of the redression and limitation
range for CDS®Knee Braces Flexion – size L/L, L/M, L/S, M/S
The CDS®Knee Braces Flexion L/L, L/M, L/S, M/S are constructed on the basis
of the 360° hinge. In the 360° hinge, the position of the spring housing is
adjustable on relation to the upper arm rod. The position of the redression and
limtation range can be thereby altered and adjusted to the patient. The position
of the stops depends on the position of the redression and limitation range.
1 Remove the pad.
2 Remove the two screws.
3 You can adjust the position of the
redression range in 15° steps.
Use a gonimometer to determine
the desired position and adjust the
hinge accordingly.
4 Insert the screws again and thighten
them.
5 Insert the pad again.
All steps must be executed identically
with both hinges.
2
2
4
4
2
2
3
3
1
1
5
5

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2.2.2. Adjusting the position of the redression and limitation
range for CDS®Knee Braces Flexion S/S, XS/XS, XXS
The CDS®Knee Braces Flexion Junior
S/S, XS/XS, XXS are constructed on
the basis of the 360° Nano hinge. In
the 360° Nano hinge, the position of
the spring housing is adjustable on
relation to the thigh rod. The position
of the redression and limtation range
can be thereby altered and adjusted
to the patient. The position of the
stops depends on the position of the
redression and limitation range.
1 Remove the pad.
2 Loosen the central screw with the
supplied tool until you can remove
the thigh rod completly from the
gearing.
3 You can adjust the position of the
redression range in 10° steps. Use
a gonimometer to determine the
desired position and adjust the
hinge accordingly. By altering the
redression range the extension and
flexion stops can be adjusted in 10°
steps.
All steps must be executed
identically with both hinges.
4 Place the the thigh rod on the
gearing and thighten the central
screw.
5 Insert the pad again.
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User Instructions
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2.2.3. Setting the limitation for
CDS®Knee Braces Flexion L/L, L/M, M/L, M/S
The limitation restricts the range of motion.
All steps must be executed identically with both hinges.
Flexion 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
infinitly variable adjustment of the redression range.
1 Before setting the limitation, you must deactivate the spring tension. Turn the
switches on both hinges to “off”.
2 Bring the brace into extension.
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.
Before screwing it into one of the three holes, bring the brace into extension,
so that the holes are freely accessible. Positon the stop screw in the desired
position and tighten the screw.
OFFOFF
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The limitation can be adjusted to the treatment progress with increasing mobility
of the patient.
Please beaware that the brace must only be used with the stop screw
postioned and tightend in one of the holes, otherwise the hinge will be
damaged.

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2.2.4. Fine adjustment
for CDS®Knee Braces Flexion L/L, L/M, M/L, M/S
Fine adjustment gives you the option of infinitely variable flexion limitation.
1 Set the fine adjustment to a value between 0 and -15. The setting reduces
the limitation already set by the stop screw.
2 All steps must be executed identically with both hinges.
1122

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2.2.5. Inserting the stop wedge
for CDS®Knee Braces Flexion L/L, L/M, M/L, M/S
1 Flexion can be limited with the stop wedge. All steps must be executed
identically with both hinges.
2 Before adjusting the extension limitation you must activate the spring
tension. Turn the switches on both hinges to “on”.
3 Bring the brace into extension until you feel a slight resistance that you have
to overcome in order to activate the spring tension.
4 There are five positions on the side opposite the three holes. The number
of degrees on the position of the redression and limitation range can be
determined with a goniometer. Insert the stop wedge in the desired position.
5 Fix the stop wedge with the supplied screw.
ONON
11
4455
2233

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2.3. Attaching of the brace by the orthopaedic technician
2.3.1. Deactivate the spring tension
Before attaching the brace you must deactivate the spring tension.
1 Turn the switches on both hinges
to “o f f”.
2 Bring the brace as far into extension
as the patient is allowed to move.
Now, the activation mechanism of
the hinge is set to this the position
and the patient can reactivate the
spring tension in this postion.
3 To facilitate attaching of the brace
on the patient, adjust the length of
all brace straps to their maximum
length without unthreading them.
Now loosen the posterior straps on
the thigh and lower leg by opening
the clips.
For S/S, XS/XS, XXS, you must open
and close the straps in order to
attach and remove the brace.
Size L/L, L/M, L/S, M/S
OFFOFF
112233
Size S/S, XS/XS, XXS
OFFOFF
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2.3.2. Attach the brace to the leg
1 The patient bends the leg to an angle of about 30° to 45°. Now attach the
brace to the patient’s leg from in front.
2 Ensure that the pivots of the brace hinges match the physiological pivots of
the knee.
It is possible to adjust the thigh rods to the shape of the patient’s leg by
using an orthopaedic bending iron.
Size L/L, L/M, L/S, M/S
1
1
2
2

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Size S/S, XS/XS, XXS
1
1
2
2
Ensure that the hinges are as parallel to one another as possible to
ensure proper function of the brace.

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2.3.3. Adjust strap lengths as necessary
Adjust the straps to the desired length and shorten them if necessary on the
strap end containing the doublesided hook end.
1 First fasten the upper calf strap.
2 Then fasten the upper shin strap.
3 Fasten the upper posterior thigh strap next to the knee.
Size L/L, L/M, L/S, M/S
1
1
2
2
3
3
Size S/S, XS/XS, XXS
1
1
2
2
3
3

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4 Fasten the anterior thigh strap further from the knee.
5 Fasten the posterior thigh strap next to the knee.
6 Fasten the anterior thigh strap next to the knee.
Size L/L, L/M, L/S, M/S
4
4
5
5
6
6
Size S/S, XS/XS, XXS
4
4
5
5
6
6