Instructions for medi SAS 15 shoulder abduction splint
The following film will give you helpful tips on caring for patients with the abduction splint medi SAS 15.
Helpful information on medi SAS 15
- The medi SAS 15 can be used for either the left or the right shoulder.
- To decide on the correct size, please measure the length of the patient's forearm from the elbow to the knuckles. The product is available in size Small for a forearm length of up to 34 cm, Medium between 35 and 39 cm and Large for 39 cm and above.
- For postoperative use, the medi SAS 15 orthosis is usually fitted to the patient while he is still in the operating theatre to avoid harmful movements of the operated shoulder when the patient is repositioned.
- This is possible in both the side-lying and the beach chair positions.
- The abduction cushion of the medi SAS 15 has a thicker end and a thinner end.
How to determine the correct angle of abduction:
- The cushion's rectangular shape determines the angle. With the short side facing upwards, the orthosis holds the arm at an angle of 45°, the other way up it holds the arm at a 30° angle.
- Position the hand rest length-wise at the end of the slanting surface of the cushion. The hand on the side of the operated shoulder must be able to clasp the ball on the hand rest.
- Position the arm loops along the hand rest with the Velcro. Start with the smallest loop one hand's breadth away from the ball on the hand rest.
- Attach the upper arm strap to the back of the cushion with Velcro over the top edge.
- Now check that the shoulder strap is properly positioned. The Velcro fastener on the side should face upwards towards the medial side of the abduction cushion. This makes it easier to wear later.
- The orthosis can now be fitted to the patient.
Instructions for medical staff:
- Position the thicker side of the cushion at the front, if the surgical suture runs over the anterior surface of the shoulder. The belly of the cushion stops the orthosis slipping backwards and thus prevents damaging pressure on the stitches. If the stitches run over the posterior surface of the shoulder, the thick end should face backwards to stop the cushion slipping forward.
- You can now fasten the arm pouch to the cushion with the Velcro fastener.
- Before fitting, first open the cover of the abduction cushion and the fasteners of the shoulder and waist belts.
- Position the cushion in slight internal rotation between the forearm and the hip.
- Lay the forearm of the affected shoulder in the opened pouch and close the pouch above the hand with the Velcro strip.
- The elbow should be positioned in the pouch in such a way that the affected arm is securely fixed on the abduction cushion and the hand rests on the ball.
- Pass the shoulder strap over the patient's healthy shoulder and attach it to the end of the abduction cushion.
- Pass the long waist belt around below the patient’s waist and secure it to the front of the cushion.
- The short Velcro strip fixes the arm securely in the pouch.
- The orthosis can be further modified after surgery for more comfort in wear.
- An additional lateral strap can be attached for effective relief of the shoulder and neck region.
- The length of the shoulder strap can be adjusted individually using the Velcro fasteners.
- You can also further shorten the shoulder strap by removing the Y-fastener, cutting the strap to the desired length with scissors and then re-attaching the fastener.
- When adjusting the length of the shoulder strap, make sure that the arm and the forearm are resting against the side of the upper body at an angle of about 90°.
- Also make sure that the length of the shoulder strap allows the patient to stand up straight and relaxed.
- Once the medi SAS 15 has been adjusted properly, the patient can put it on alone, also after the operation depending on the range of movement, whereby excessive strain on the operated shoulder should be avoided.
Product information
Click here for more information about medi's SAS 15 abduction splint.