Turtlebrace Ankle Brace
Description
Messy, heavy, and hot plaster casts? They’re history.
Sticky, itchy fiberglass? Not anymore…
Are off-the-shelf splints just too cookie-cutter to be effective? No need to compromise client comfort and progress.
Stressful applications — get it right, or cut it off and start over? Nope — just unzip it, rewarm it, and reform it!
Code-verified (by PDAC) for L2116. Other possible (non-verified) codes: L1960, L2108. Fitting and adjustment may be reimbursable under CPT 97760 in some cases, if those services are not otherwise covered by the applicable L-code.
The Turtlebrace Ankle Brace is a warm-and-form immobilization brace, designed to be molded directly on the client and removed as needed for bathing, range of motion assessment, skin care, or other appropriate activities.
A clean and cost-effective alternative to using plaster or fiberglass for serial casting applications, the Turtlebrace Ankle Brace has many uses, including:
‣ Night splinting
‣ Short-term immobilization after injury or surgery
‣ Trialing and evaluating the potential effects of a tuned, solid ankle-foot orthosis before completing an orthotic prescription
The low-temperature thermoplastic core offers precise control during molding, allowing the clinician to stabilize and position the joint easily and quickly. The great flexibility of the components stabilizes the joint more easily and with more precision than a traditional brace or cast.
The Turtlebrace Ankle Brace zippered front provides easy donning and doffing — allowing for a full range of normal daily activities, and increasing the likelihood of wearer/caregiver compliance.
It can be reshaped many times, allowing the fitting clinician to make adjustments for fit, comfort, physical changes to the limb, and to adapt to clinical progress.
Brace Warming Options:
Oven
Hot packs
Hair dryer (you supply the box enclosure)
NO MICROWAVE
The Turtlebrace is a single patient Class 1 medical device (Health Canada MDEL 7450 and CE certified), and should only be used by a qualified clinical professional.
→ Warmed and molded directly on the limb for precise, comfortable fit.
→ Radiotransparent to allow for imaging without removal.
→ Washable and submersible, can be worn in swimming or bathing. Core material is perforated for quick drying.
→ Can be rewarmed and remolded multiple times.
→ Thin ⅛-inch (3.2 mm) profile can be worn under clothes.
→ Cover material is antibacterial to reduce odor.
→ Core material is a compostable eco-friendly plastic.
✓ Stable fractures needing support
Sprains
✓ Post-op immobilization
✓ Achilles tendon tear or injury
✓ Tendinitis
✓ Equinus deformity
✓ Idiopathic toe walking
Do not heat the brace over 100°C (210°F) or you can damage the fabric and/or the zipper.
Let the brace cool slightly after softening, and test the temperature against the back of your hand before placing it on the client. If it's too hot to handle with bare hands, it's too hot to place on the client.
Handle with caution when warmed.
A standard heat gun can easily burn or deform the fabric covering; use the lowest setting (or a hair dryer) to soften the brace in spots for adjustment.
DO NOT store the brace in heated spaces, such as a closed car, or a sunny window sill.
For a list of the most frequently asked questions, continue to scroll.
Hand wash in lukewarm water (35°C • 95°F maximum). Use gentle detergent if needed. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap traces. Air dry.
Our current order processing time is 3-5 working days. Please note that this is the time it takes for us to prepare your order for shipment. Once your order has been shipped, you will receive a shipping confirmation email with tracking information. Delivery times vary depending on your location and the shipping method selected during checkout.
This product is subject to our standard Company Policies regarding returns, exchanges, and warranties.
Turtlebrace Ankle Brace FAQs
01. What is the optimum use for the Turtlebrace Ankle Brace?
There are two optimum uses for children with developing neuromotor disabilities or habitual toe walking:
1. Night splinting in >10o DF to maintain (not to gain) ankle DFROM. Night splinting is optimal when instituted throughout skeletal growth for a child with EQD with cerebral palsy and ITW.
Examples:
A. After completing a serial casting course and then throughout skeletal growth.
B. Before equinus deformity sets in, as for a blooming toe walker, or for any child
under age 30 months who reveals a “catch” when testing passive ankle dorsiflexion ROM (PADFROM) in prone with the foot joints congruent and the
knee extended.
2. Simple fracture casting, particularly without full weightbearing on the braced foot.
02. The Turtlebrace Ankle Brace is less bulky than a below-knee cast but does it work and is it comfortable to wear?
The successful use of a Turtlebrace Ankle Brace, like a walking cast or AFO, challenges its durability and requires considerable clinical training. Once molded, the Ankle Brace is a rigid AFO that zips up the front. Comfort is related to the same factors as are inherent in any cast or AFO.
The attending clinician must be able to evaluate the ankle and foot, detecting physiological end ranges that comprise muscle tone, and to align and post the foot joints skillfully.
The ankle should not be forced into more DF than is evident without applying force in testing PADFROM in prone position with the knee extended and the foot joints congruent.
The vertical length of the shaft is usually shorter than optimal and can be a cause of discomfort in weightbearing situations.
03. Will a Turtlebrace Ankle Brace need to be replaced after a while?
Used as a night splint, when the ankle brace no longer fits, it will need to be replaced.
If the child walks on the ankle brace, it will wear out before the child outgrows it.
Any Turtlebrace can be washed in a washing machine in cool water and air-dried.
04. With just two adult sizes, how do I ensure that I have the correct length and circumference?
Please consult the sizing chart for dimensions that approximate those of your client and expect it to stretch more circumferentially than vertically when soft, and in length at the leg and foot within the limit afforded by the zipper when it is warmed.
The shaft length of all sizes of the Ankle Brace will usually fall short of covering the gastrocnemius muscle belly.