Heritage Medical Equipment, LLC

NYAAOP - Albany 2012

 

JIm Cavanagh is at Albany, where are you?  And don't say Leipzig.  Today started the annual meeting for the 2012 New York State Chapter of American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists.  Cybertech Medical and Heritage Medical Equipment are excited to announce the release of the new Protege L-0637 back brace.

"It's a new L-0637 PDAC approved LSO.  This brace is completely modular," explained Cavanagh, "it takes you from pre-op, initial post-op, to a rehab progression step down system."  WOW!

This brace has removeable anterior, posterior and lateral panels.

"it is a complete continuum of care for the patient."  Cavanagh said.  "This a great brace for a great meeting."  

 

Warm and Form Back Brace

Warm and form back braces are designed with a thermoforbable insert.  The insert is heated and contoured to each patient's back - so it is like a custom lumbar support.  This isn't a do it your self project.  Patients need to be seen and fit by a certified orthoitst.  

This type of back brace provides additional protection and stability when compared to a back belt.  The hard panel will ensure your back remains straight to help prevent injury.

 

Hyperextension Orthosis

 

 

Why do I need a Hyperextension Orthosis?

Hyperextension braces are often prescribed if f you are diagnosed with, suffer from, or need:

• Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Post Operative Spine Immobilization
• Undisplaced Stable Fractures
• Compression Fractures
• Dorsolumbar Spinal Tuberculosis
• Idiopathic Kyphosis
• Osteoporosis

These back braces provide three point fixation to promote healing, provide stability, and help you get better quicker. 

TLSO - A New Generation

Back braces that control the thoracic spine are significantly lower profile than they used to be.  TLSOs are smaller, more comfortable, and more durable than previous generations of braces.  The thoracic lumbo sacral orthoses being manufactured today offer more protection, stability, and options than braces that were available just a few years past.

Cybertech does a fantastic job at TLSO research and development.  They are a cutting edge manufacturer that designs inventive products the orthopedic industry needs. 

 

Will Insurance pay for a Lumbar Sacral Orthosis?

Will insurance pay for a Lumbar Sacral Orthosis, or LSO?  A back brace of this type is for mid-back problems.  These back braces require a prescription and need to be fit by a certified practitioner.  They are covered by medicare and medicaid, as well as most major HMOs and PPOs - check your durable medical equipment rider.  The simple answer is "yes", insurance companies will pay for back braces.

Most insurance companies require a prescription with a diagnosis to reimburse for a back support.  In most cases it is a requirement that patients have not received the same or similar type of device in the preceding five years.  But you may run into problems if you already have a back brace, or if you do not have the durable medical equipment rider.

 

 

 

 

Lumbar Support

Lumbar supports are back braces that require a prescription.  These types of orthopedic appliances need to be fit by a certified practioner, someone who understands the spine.  The panels that attach to the front (anterior) and back (posterior) aspects of the lumbar support need to be a specific height depending on which vertebrae are effected by the injury or pain.

These back braces provide cirumferential compression with either a mechancial advantage pulley or post system.  These lumbar supports should not be purchased over the intenet and drop-shipped to patients.  These braces need to be fit by people who know what they're doing.  Why?  Because if you apply too much pressure in the wrong place you could hurt yourself.   

Back Belt

Why use a back belt?  Back belts are great for mild strains and strains.  Back supports will provide warmth and compression.  They will also help posture and make you look a little thinner.  This type of back brace is great to be worn to prevent injury.  A back support of this nature is a constant reminder to keep your back straight.  One of the best ways to keep your back healthy is to keep it straight and not to slouch.  Lumbar Supports can help. 

TLSO

 

A back brace for thoracic back pain generally has a couple different requirements for it to be considered a TLSO, or thoracic lumbar sacral orthosis.  For one the posterior (back) of this brace needs to extend from the sacrococcygeal junction and terminate just below the scapular spine.  The anterior (or front) of these back braces must extend from the symphysis pubis to either the sternal notch or zyphoid process.

These braces will limit and control a patient in three planes.  A TLSO will limit a patient's ability to twist, bend forward and backward, and bend side to side.  The bigger the brace the more control.  Patients should only be fit with these orthopedic devices by certified practitioners.  

 

Mid Back Pain

Back pain and back problems can affect the spine in many places.  Mid back pain or pain that originates somewhere between the thoracic vertabrae can have many different causes.  Trauma from sports, car accidents, and spinal imbalances from many minor traumas created from lifting or bending can all cause mid back problems.  

Also the mid back can compensate for lower back pain, and neck pain.  Regardless of the location, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, facet syndrome, and spondylolisthesis can all fit this diagnosis.  That is why it is important to know what is causing your back pains.

Mid back pain relief can be achieved with a back brace.  However it must be the right brace!  Back braces for the mid back require a prescription and must be fit by a certified practitioner.

 

Lumbar Back Pain and Back Supports

Some back braces are designed to specifically treat back problems that involve the L-1 to S-1 section of the spine.  There are 5 lumbar vertabrae and 5 fused sacral vertabrae.  So there is a specific category of lumbar supports that help treat back pain from the top of the lumbar area of the spine to the top of the sacral spine.

It is important that your back problem be properly diagnosed so a certified orthotic practitioner knows what category of brace to choose.  That is why these types of back braces require a prescription.