Thuasne EXO GUARD Manual

4615 Shepard Street Bakersfield, CA 93313
Tele 800.432.3466 - Fax [phone]
www.ThuasneUSA.com
MADE IN USA BY
TOWNSEND DESIGN
4615 SHEPARD STREET
BAKERSFIELD, CA 93313
T E L 6 6 1. 8 3 7.17 9 5
Medical ProfessionalInstruction Guide
We encourage that you review the Patient Fitting
Instructions with the patient during the initial
tting, as well as for instructions regarding the use
and care of the brace.
The ExoGuard custom knee brace is easy for the
patient to learn to apply. The most important aspect
is the position of the hinges at knee center. On braces
made with Townsend’s TM5+ Hinges, the axis is not
the center of the hinge, it is actually posterior to the
center of the hinge. This axis should be positioned
just posterior to midline, and aligned with the upper
third of the patella. When instructing patients, it is
always better to instruct them to error on being too
high than too low.
It is also important to check to see that the medial-
lateral width between the hinges has been set
properly during fabrication. Ideally, for braces made
with TM5+ Hinges, the condylar pads should be
providing contact and slight pressure on both sides
of the leg. You can use thicker condylar pads that
come with the brace to snug up the M-L pressure as
needed.
Any strap or strap pad that is too long should
be trimmed to an appropriate length during the
initial tting.
If there are any limitation needed to range of motion,
please refer to the instructions which describe the
process for adjusting extension and exion stops.
Indications
Moderate to severe knee ligament instabilities,
reconstructions, strains/sprains or prophylactic use.
Intended for single patient use.
Contraindications
Do not apply the product in direct contact with
broken skin.
Extension Stop Instructions
(An extension stop kit ships with every brace.)
At the time of fabrication, a zero degree extension
stop was installed in the TM5+ Hinge. To install a
dierent extension stop, follow these instructions:
1) Twist o the desired stop from
the nylon stop tree.
2) Remove the screw located on
the side of the hinge.
3) After removing the screw, ex the brace and
remove the zero degree stop from the hinge.
Note the direction the stop is facing.
4) Insert the desired replacement stop, hole
end rst, with the hook end at the top and
facing forward. Straighten the brace to
full extension to push the stop down into
position. The small hole in the stop must be
aligned and visible through the screw hole
so the screw will thread into the stop.
5) Reinsert and tighten the screw. Flex and extend
the brace several times to ensure the stop is
locked into position and functioning properly.
Flexion Stop Instructions
(Flexion stops are an optional accessory item.)
To limit the degree of exion, detach the desired
stop from the metal tree. Each stop has the degree
etched into the surface.
1) If you are installing the 0, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90
or 110 degree exion stop, remove both
screws from the posterior aspect of the hinge
cap and take out the spacer that was installed
at the factory. Insert the stop with the at end
facing up and position it so that both holes in
the stop are visible through the screw holes in
the cap. Thread and tighten the screws through
the cap and into both holes in the stop.
2) Flex the brace until the upright contacts the
stop to ensure it is functioning properly.
Extension Stop Kit
Flexion Stop Kit
L-0107 REV. A

Patient Instruction Guide
The medical professional providing your brace will supervise your
initial tting and provide general instructions about applying the
brace. Please refer to these illustrations each time you put on the
brace until you are sure you remember how to properly apply the
brace to your leg.
The medical professional tting your brace is responsible for assessing
the initial t and function of the brace and will return the brace to
Thuasne USA if any adjustments are needed.
Undersleeve & Protective Cover
The ExoGuard brace is designed to be worn directly against the skin.
An undersleeve may be ordered to put on or under your brace which
may make the brace more comfortable. If you intend to wear the brace
for contact sports or activities that may expose the brace to objects
that could damage the shells, we recommend that you speak with the
medical professional who t the brace about ordering a protective outer
cover that ts over the brace.
Caring For Your Brace
Lubrication: The hinges on the brace may need to be lubricated
periodically, especially if your brace has been exposed to water, dirt or
sand. Squeeze a couple of drops of a Teon-based lubricant, like Tri-
Flow, (available at hardware stores) into the inner surfaces of the hinge
and ex and extend the brace. Wipe away any excess lubricant.
Cleaning: The inside pad liners of the brace should be wiped dry after
every use. You can also remove the liners from their velcro anchor points
and wash with a mild solution of water and a liquid detergent. Wipe o
with a clean sponge and let the liners air dry (do not use a hairdryer).
Indications
Moderate to severe knee ligament instabilities, reconstructions, strains/
sprains or prophylactic use. Intended for single patient use.
Contraindications
Do not apply the product in direct contact with broken skin.
Warning & Precautions
If you experience any skin reactions, loss of circulation, pain, or other
complication, discontinue use and seek medical attention.
Warranty
Under normal use and conditions, the shells and hinges are covered by
a Lifetime Warranty against defects or breaking. Softgoods like straps,
hinge covers, and other replaceable parts are covered for six months.
Free remolding service (to make tting adjustments) is provided for six
months from the date of fabricating. If you experience a problem with
the t or function of the brace, please call the medical provider who
delivered the brace.
Product Disclaimer
This brace is a prescription product that should be used in accordance with the
directives of a physician. While this type of brace has proven benecial to many patients,
outcomes will vary based on factors including patient age, general health, and/or lack
of compliance with instructions. Because of variations in the health and condition of
each patient, Thuasne USA also does not make any specic recommendations regarding
appropriate activities for the user of this brace. You should IMMEDIATELY DISCONTINUE
USE of this brace if there is any abnormal redness that lasts more than 10 minutes after
removing the brace, or any skin irritation, bruising, blistering or abrasion.
Fitting Instructions
1) Sit in a chair with your leg bent at a 45-degree angle.
Position the brace on your leg so the hinges are centered
at the upper third of the patella (knee cap). It is always
better to apply the brace too high rather than too low.
2) Begin by tightening the Synergistic Suspension
Strap™. This strap, which is closest to the hinges on
the lower portion of your brace, should be positioned
in the exion fold behind your knee on top of your
calf muscle. Note: The comfort pad on the inner
side of this strap MUST be peeled back and cut if it
prevents you from tightening the strap securely.
3) Tighten the bottom calf strap to secure
the lower shell to your leg.
4) Tighten the two thigh straps to nish
securing the brace to your leg.
Strapping Sequence
General Positioning Instructions
The Townsend Motion Hinges on the brace
mirror the anatomical motion of the knee. It
is very important for the hinges to be properly
positioned. The center of each hinge should
line up with the middle to the upper third of
the knee cap. It is better to put the brace on a
little too high than too low. It is also important
to make sure the hinges are set approximately
in the center of the side of your leg.
Thigh Bone
(Femur)
Knee Cap
Knee Center
Shin Bone
(Tibia)
L-0108 REV. A
1st Strap
3rd & 4th Straps
2nd Strap
4615 Shepard Street Bakersfield, CA 93313
Tele 800.432.3466 - Fax [phone]
www.ThuasneUSA.com
MADE IN USA BY
TOWNSEND DESIGN
4615 SHEPARD STREET
BAKERSFIELD, CA 93313
T E L 6 6 1. 8 3 7.17 9 5