Albrecht CDS KNEE BRACE FLEXION User manual

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

2
CDS®Knee Brace Flexion
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......................................................................................... 6
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 to the leg shape by using
an orthopaedic “bending iron” ..................................................................... 8
2.1.2. Setting the shell components .............................................................. 9
2.2. Setting the hinge ....................................................................................... 10
2.2.1. Adjusting the position of the redression and limitation range
for CDS®Knee Braces Flexion L/L, M/M, S/S and Junior.............................. 10
2.2.2. Adjusting the position of the redression and limitation range for CDS®Knee Braces Flexion
XS/XS, XXS, Bambini and Malinki ............................................................... 11
2.2.3. Setting the limitation for CDS®Knee Braces Flexion
L/L, L/M, M/L, S/S and Junior ...................................................................... 12
2.2.4. Fine adjustmentfor CDS®Knee Braces Flexion
L/L, L/M, M/L, S/S and Junior ...................................................................... 13
2.2.5. Inserting the stop wedge for CDS®Knee Braces Flexion
L/L, L/M, M/L, S/S and Junior ...................................................................... 14

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User Instructions
2.3. Attaching of the brace by the orthopaedic technician ................................. 15
2.3.1. Deactivate the spring tension ............................................................ 15
2.3.2. Attach the brace to the leg................................................................ 16
2.3.3. Adjust strap lengths as necessary ..................................................... 17
2.3.4. Final adjustment................................................................................ 18
2.3.5. Activate the spring tension................................................................ 19
2.3.6. Setting the spring tension to the intensity needed by the patient..... 20
2.3.7. Changing the spring tension ............................................................. 21
3. Handling by the patient........................................................................... 22
3.1. Removing the brace.................................................................................... 22
3.2. Putting on the brace .................................................................................. 24
4. Cleaning, maintenance and disinfection ............................................. 25
4.1. Care........................................................................................................... 25
5. Technical data ........................................................................................... 26
6. Size chart and article numbers............................................................... 26
7. Transfer of the brace................................................................................. 27
8. Disposal ....................................................................................................... 27

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CDS®Knee Brace Flexion
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®Knee Brace Flexion 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 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®Knee Brace Flexion brace with
European Council Directive 93/42/EEC for
medical devices.

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User Instructions
1.7. Features
• Therapy in flexion
• Individual adjustment of the spring tension
• Spring tension can be switched on and off
without tools and without varying the set
spring tension
• Adjustable shell- and strapsystem
• High wearing comfort thanks to air-
permeable, light aluminium shell elements
• High flexibility thanks to adjustable shell
elements
CDS®Knee Brace Flexion
L/L, L/M, M/L, S/S:
• Infinitely variable adjustment of the
redression range in Flexion
CDS®Knee Brace Flexion
XS/XS, XXS, Bambini and Malinki:
• Adjustment of the redression range in 10°
steps
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
• Conservative and postoperative indications,
where active flexion of the knee is
contraindicated
For all other indications a physician must be
consulted.

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CDS®Knee Brace Flexion
User Instructions
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.

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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®Knee Brace Flexion
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.
2.1.1. Adjusting the brace to the leg shape 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 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
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 completly.
2.Move the shell components into the desired position.
3.Tighten the screws again.
1 2 3
1 2 3
Please note that, because of its construction, the lower leg shell in sizes S/S,
XS/XS, XXS and children‘s sizes consists of one shell component.
The shell components can be adjusted to the shape of the extremity.

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CDS®Knee Brace Flexion
User Instructions
2.2. Setting the hinge
2.2.1. Adjusting the position of the redression and limitation range
for CDS®Knee Braces Flexion L/L, M/M, S/S and Junior
The CDS®Knee Braces Flexion L/L, M/M, S/S and Junior 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.
2
4
2
3
1
5

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User Instructions
2.2.2. Adjusting the position of the redression and limitation range for CDS®
Knee Braces Flexion XS/XS, XXS, Bambini and Malinki
The CDS®Knee Braces Flexion XS/XS, XXS,
Bambini and Malinki 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. By adjusting the position
of the redression range, you can set flexion
and extension limitation.
4.Use a gonimometer to determine the
desired position and adjust the hinge
accordingly.
5.Place the the thigh rod on the gearing
and thighten the central screw.
6.Insert the pad again.
All steps must be executed identically with both
hinges.
1
4
2
5
3

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CDS®Knee Brace Flexion
User Instructions
2.2.3. Setting the limitation for CDS®Knee Braces Flexion
L/L, L/M, M/L, S/S and Junior
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.
OFF
1 2 3
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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User Instructions
2.2.4. Fine adjustmentfor CDS®Knee Braces Flexion
L/L, L/M, M/L, S/S and Junior
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.
1 2

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CDS®Knee Brace Flexion
User Instructions
2.2.5. Inserting the stop wedge for CDS®Knee Braces Flexion
L/L, L/M, M/L, S/S and Junior
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.
ON
1
4 5
2 3

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User Instructions
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 “off”.
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 XS/XS, XXS, Bambini and Malinki, you must open and close the straps in
order to attach and remove the brace.
OFF
1 2 3

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CDS®Knee Brace Flexion
User Instructions
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.
1 2
It is possible to adjust the thigh rods to the shape of the patient’s leg by using an
orthopaedic bending iron.
Ensure that the hinges are as parallel to one another as possible to
ensure proper function of the brace.

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User Instructions
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.
1 2 3
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.
4 5 6

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CDS®Knee Brace Flexion
User Instructions
1.Fasten the lower calf strap.
2.Fasten the lower shin strap.
7 8
If necesssary, the additional strap padding supplied with the product can be
attached under the straps.
2.3.4. 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.

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User Instructions
2.3.5. Activate the spring tension
1.To activate the spring tension, turn the switches on both hinges to “on”.
2.Bring the brace into extension until you feel a slight resistance that you have
to overcome in order to activate the spring tension.
ON
1 2
The intensity of the spring tension is not altered by activation or deactivation of
the spring tension.

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CDS®Knee Brace Flexion
User Instructions
2.3.6. Setting the spring tension to the intensity needed by the
patient
1.The spring tension setting is displayed on the CDS®housing by a scale from 0
to 15. The ranges above 15 and below 0 are marked in red.
To prevent damage to the CDS®hinge, the red range in the CDS®hinge
window must be avoided.
2.Insert the tool as far as it will go into the side hole on the hinge. By turning
clockwise or towards + the spring tension is increased and it is decreased by
turning anticlockwise or towards -.
21
The intensity of the spring tension must be equal in both hinges.
The intensity of the spring tension is not altered by activation or deactivation of
the spring tension.
The spring tension may be adjusted only in consultation with the
treating physician.
The intensity of the spring tension can be adjusted to the treatment progress.