TLSO Brace

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Please help me! I am a nursing student that has a patient that was in a roll over accident and thrown from the car. She has a lumbar fx and multi abrasions and contusions. She is in a brace called a TLSO brace! I was wondering if anyone out there has more information about TLSO braces and the care that can be done for this patient that has one? Thank you for helping me!

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Specializes in ICU, Med/Surg, Ortho.

A TLSO (thoracic lumbar sacral orthotic) brace should be worn whenever pt is upright. Pt should logroll from side to side as brace is placed and fastened. Only then should pt be allowed to raise from being flat. Once in the brace, the pt may sit, stand and walk.

The brace is custom made and fitted and should not be adjusted. If the pt is uncomfortable, have the orthotic specialist come out for a re-fitting.

A shirt should be worn under the brace to protect skin integrity. The brace should only be taken off to sleep and should be wiped down after each wearing to prevent bacterial growth and smell (using mild soap and water or alcohol).

The pt will usually have to roll to the side of the bed and put their legs off then push up with one arm to rise from the bed.

When sitting, the brace should not be pushed up by the thighs, but remain in place. Ask for a re-fitting if that happens.

It IS possible to move so as to twist/turn the spine while wearing the brace. The patient should be reminded to avoid doing this.

Depending on severity of injury and pt's healing, the brace is usually worn 8-12 weeks.

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Specializes in Mother Baby & pre-hospital EMS.

Stacie did a wonderful job of explaining it!

I wore a TLSO but it was for scoliosis, not an accident. If you have any questions, please feel free to PM me.

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