Turtlebrace can have many uses. Common indications include night splinting, short-term immobilization, stable fractures and sprains needing additional support , tendinitis or other overuse injuries, idiopathic toe walking (ankle), equinus deformity (ankle).

The ankle and wrist brace are L-code verified by PDAC (see product descriptions for L-codes) and may qualify for reimbursement. Every state’s Medicaid program and individual insurance will be different. Always verify payer specific policies or check with your billing team. Typically O&P providers have the most success with reimbursement.

Yes, we sell the reinforced brace. It is not
part of our regular stock so it is a special order and requires additional
processing time. The reinforced Ankle Turtlebrace includes a double layer of
thermoplastic in a small disc shape over the hinge point of the ankle for
reinforcement. This is recommended in cases of heavy or very active users. For 80% of the cases, the regular Turtlebrace is strong enough.

Turtlebraces are Class I medical devices which must be custom-formed for the wearer by a qualified clinician. They are not intended to be shaped or formed by caregivers or consumers. Devices will not qualify for a warranty replacement if they were not molded by a qualified clinician. The wearer may experience discomfort or
injury from an improperly-molded device.

This will vary. If the child walks on the ankle brace, it will likely wear out before the child outgrows it. Reassess fit and function after significant growth or a major shift in clinical presentation.

Remember our processing time is typically 2-3 days (this is the time it takes for us to prepare your shipment) in addition to your shipping choice. Order accordingly.      

For caregivers, check in with your clinician if donning/doffing becomes harder, or
if red marks persist more than 20–30 minutes after removal.

Yes. The elbow brace has been designed to be cut. You can choose a length or circumference that fits your needs and cut the excess to make a proper fit.

You will receive heating and molding instructions with your order.

Dry heat or hot water methods are used to heat the brace. A regular oven or convection oven, hydrocollator, splint bath or other hot water pan are appropriate heating methods.

Do not exceed more than 225 degrees F or 108 degrees Celsius.

DO NOT USE A MICROWAVE

The braces can be molded more than 250 times.

One of the most crucial points when working with Turtlebrace is the need for it to be heated past the point of malleability to the point of elasticity. Once elastic, the material will give you a far superior mold. To achieve this, it is recommended longer time in the heat source at a lower temperature (approx. 85 degrees). Once elastic you can place the Turtlebrace on the foot and stretch to pull the two sides of thermoplastic together completely, such that both sides of the zipper touch before zipping up. This ensures that the zipper is not placed on tension from the outset. This will help reduce zipper breakages from too much tension.

The common mistake is that clinicians fear overstretching the brace. Turtlebrace has been designed to be overstretched, it will shrink to its position by itself. If you have difficulty in stretching the brace, it's because it's not hot enough.

Make sure the plastic feels doughy everywhere; if not it needs to be heated some more.

Put the foot in the brace and overstretch the plastic before attaching the zipper.

Zip to the mid foot

Put your fingers at the bottom of the heel and overstretch the plastic at the hindfoot before zipping the brace.

Past that point, you can zip the brace all the way up

You can also place a small piece of foam (the width of the zipper and ⅛" thick on the curve of the hindfoot to give more space to the zipper.

Heating with a microwave can damage the brace and will void the warranty.

The heating bag is not part of our stock. This would need to be ordered with Turtlebrace directly.

You can return or exchange an unused/unmolded brace, less shipping charges. Send an email to admin@gaitways.com. Please refer to your order number. If you don’t have the order number, provide a date of purchase and full name to confirm the original order.

Yes. There is a 90 day warranty. Email admin@gaitways.com and let us know the defect. You will need to fill out a warranty replacement request form and provide photos of the defect.

No. Wear and tear on the fabric is normal, especially if the child is bearing weight on it. Fabric wear and tear is not covered under the warranty. Torn fabric does not have any negative effects on the effectiveness of the 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.

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.

We do not have a course that is specific to Turtlebrace. However, if you want to learn how to evaluate the ankle and foot,
detect physiological end ranges that comprise muscle tone, and to align and post the foot joints skillfully we suggest your consider enrolling in the course Development and Conservative Management of Pediatric Equinus Deformity