TLSO
Thoracic Lumbar Sacral Orthosis

A TLSO (thoracic lumbar sacral orthosis) is a brace designed to support the spine and restrict motion, such as twisting or bending. It can be utilized both non-operatively or post-operatively for pain management or healing. TLSOs come in various types and styles, and the specific brace prescribed to you is chosen based on your surgery, injury, or individual needs.The process of molding and making your brace leads to a custom brace that fits you and only you.

CREATING YOUR TLSO

Modern technology allows us to scan your body with our 3D scanner attached to an iPad. This gives us a 3D photo of you - to create your custom brace.

First, we help you change into a stockinette over your undergarments to accurately capture your body shape. Then the practitioner will walk around you with the scanner/iPad. Once they capture a clear image, they will send the image to our lab technician. The lab technician will make any additional modification through computer software. Once that image is ready, our 3D carver that will carve your image on a piece of foam. Finally, a sheet of plastic is heated and then placed over the mold. The plastic is vacuum formed to contour to your mold.

The personalized fitting process involves trying the TLSO on a few times. This allows us to draw marks to indicate where adjustments are needed to ensure the TLSO is as comfortable as possible. The finished TLSO should allow for comfortable sitting and standing.

Throughout the fitting process, verbal instructions and recommendations will be discussed to help you better understand how to wear and care for your brace. This serves as a great opportunity to ask questions and voice any concerns you may have.

WEARING & CARING FOR YOUR BRACE

Your referring physician will determine when and for how long you should wear your brace. This could range from wearing the TLSO 24 hours a day to only when you're out of bed. It's essential to always wear a shirt inside your brace. When putting on the brace, position it over the shirt with the indents (waist grooves) on the sides aligned with the area between your hips and ribs. After placing the brace, tighten the straps as tightly as you can comfortably tolerate.

Your TLSO may come with either back straps or front straps. For back straps, begin by fastening the middle strap first. Then secure the remaining two straps before readjusting the middle one. For questions on front straps, see photos later in the brochure. Make sure the straps are comfortably snug to provide support and compression, minimizing the chance of the brace moving. For optimal fit, always tighten the brace while standing or lying down.

The TLSO should be worn as tightly as you can comfortably tolerate to provide compression for pain relief and to prevent the brace from moving upward.

GETTING DRESSED:

Put on a t-shirt to wear underneath the brace

  • Apply the brace and snug the straps

  • Position underwear and pants over the bottom of the brace to facilitate easier toileting

  • If desired, layer additional clothing over the brace to conceal it.

CLEANING OF TLSO:

Wipe the inside of the brace with a wet washcloth

  • Avoid using wipes or sprays containing chemicals or bleach that may irritate the skin

  • Allow the brace to air dry completely before wearing it.

  • It is not recommended to submerge the brace in water due to straps then needing to dry fully.

SKIN IRRITATIONS

Pinkness that fades within 10-15 minutes, is okay. However, redness, chafing, blistering, etc. is NOT okay! Be sure to have a clean, dry, shirt between you and your brace. If this does not resolve the issue - Please call us immediately!

BRACE DIGGING IN UNDER ARMS OR NECK/CHIN AREA? TRY....

Tighten brace while standing

  • Sit at a 90 degree angle

  • Pull shirt up and adjust the brace down

  • When sitting, loosen, readjust, and retighten the brace as needed

TOO HOT?

  • Change T-shirts regularly

  • Stay hydrated and cool (air conditioning, if possible)

  • Ask about air holes

  1. Position the brace around your midsection by placing a thumb on each edge of the opening.

2. Ensure the indentations align with your waistline.

TLSO Strap Instructions

3. Slide your hand along the back of the brace to reach the straps on the opposite side.

4. Loop the strap from the back to the front, ensuring it matches the color of the corresponding strap.

5. Grab the remaining strap and pull it to the front, ensuring it matches the color of the corresponding strap.

6. To tighten the TLSO, undo the front straps and pull them forward and away from your body.