Professionals
Why the LA Brace
The LA Pectus Brace and LA Rib Flare braces are different to other braces. They have been strategically designed to provide a very effective design in a more modern and aesthetic look. However, it is not just a brace. Our principal orthotist, Gez Bowman CO, has fit hundreds of patients at his clinics in Los Angeles County. Utilizing this experience, he developed the ultimate treatment program to ensure the best possible outcomes and we can now provide specific appropriate instructions for each patient.
In addition, we are here to help you with your treatment program. We have built a page specifically for professionals/orthotists to provide patient fitting instructions and troubleshooting.
How it Works
The following information was compiled by Gez Bowman CO, based upon his experience designing and fitting Pectus and Rib Flare braces to ~1,000 patients over a period of ~17 years.
Pectus and Rib Flare Bracing works on the principle of uniplanar compression forces applied over a continuous period of time. There is an anterior force applied over the chest bump (or rib bumps) and a counteractive posterior force applied to the back. Both PC and RF are forward facing deformities and it is therefore important that pressure is only applied in a front-back direction and NOT on the sides. For this reason, the brace is designed to initially protrude away from the body on the posterior sides and the anterior sides (2). The material and thickness of plastic used for the backplate is such that it will slowly deform over time (3). Most remodeling occurs in the first few weeks, after that the brace is maintaining correction rather than remodeling and the shape of the backplate is less important and should be starting to conform to the body (4).
This Anterior-Posterior force system needs to be maintained continuously over a set period of time for remodeling of the bones and cartilage to occur and the corrected shape to hold.
1. Pre-Bracing there is an anterior facing protrusion
2. The brace is applied and there is anterior pressure over the bump and counteractive posterior pressure on the back
3. Through continuous application of force the protrusion begins to reduce. In addition, the posterior back plate begins to flatten making the brace less bulky and easier to disguise under clothing
4. The protrusion has now reduced and the brace is now closely contoured to the body. Brace wear is maintained to hold the corrected shape
5. Remodeling has occurred and the revised shape is stable enough to reduce wear time and then eventually stop wearing the brace
Sized and Custom Braces
Pre-sized braces are available in small, medium, and large. If your patients’ dimensions do not fit the criteria for a sized brace then a custom brace is needed. In addition, custom braces should be used for non-standard deformities, combinations of deformities, and more severe deformities.
All Pectus and Rib Flare Braces are now ordered on the BES.T O&P Marketplace at opHUB.com. click on the following links to open the appropriate page and order your patients’ LA brace:
Fitting Instructions and Support
We provide detailed instructions to our LA Brace providers to ensure patients get the best possible outcome.