How to Apply and Remove Your TLSO Brace

 

Your surgeon may have prescribed a brace for you. The brace is designed to protect your spine while healing takes place. The brace can be fitted before admission, or the first day after your spine surgery; it is usually worn for a minimum of four weeks at all times (except while in the shower). You will need to wear a fitted T-shirt, camisole or sleeveless shirt under the brace.

 

 

Thoracic-Lumbo-Sacral-Orthosis (TLSO) Brace: Designed as two molded plastic pieces (front and back) with straps on each side. Most patients will require assistance to place and remove the TLSO brace. Your Physical Therapist and Occupational Therapist will work closely with you and your caregivers on proper procedures for placing the brace or taking it off.

 

 

How to Apply the Thoracic-Lumbo-sacral Orthosis (TLSO) Brace

  • Open the brace completely by pulling the ends of the brace away from each other, ensuring that it is fully extended. 
  • Apply the shoulder straps and place the fully extended brace around your waist, making sure the back panel is centered and low on your back. Fasten the brace tightly around your abdomen. The right side panel should overlap the left panel. (See brace application picture steps 1 and 2).
  • When applied properly, both the upper and lower edges of the brace should be snug. If there is any gap, reapply the brace and angle the ends to ensure a snug fit at both the upper and lower edges. (See brace application picture step 3).
  • To adjust compression/support as needed, slip your thumbs through the holes in the pull tabs. Pull away from your body to achieve desired compression/support. (See brace application picture step 4).
  • Once desired compression is achieved, apply the pull tabs to the brace to maintain compression.
  • Pull shoulder straps (down and back) and tighten the straps until properly fit. (See brace application picture steps 5 and 6).
  • Fasten and tighten the chest buckle to draw the shoulder straps away from the armpits. (See brace application picture step 7).

 

Brace Application

 

Step 1

 

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

 

 

Step 5

Step 6

 

Step 7

    

 

How to Remove the Thoracic-Lumbo-sacral Orthosis (TLSO) Brace

  • When removing the brace, locate the black plastic pieces on the shoulder straps and push it away to loosen the straps for removal. Then unfasten the chest buckle. (See brace removal picture steps 1 and 2).
  • Loosen the pull tabs and unfasten the side panels.

 
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