25 September 2007 THE 'ULTIMATE DYNAMIC' FOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT PATHOLOGIES

Continuous revalidation.

Ensuring patients are as dynamic as possible. To this end, preventive and stabilising braces are used for cruciate ligament pathologies. The ‘Ultimate Dynamic” by Bledsoe goes further; it is the only brace that can be called dynamic due to its scientifically proven revalidating effect. The ‘Ultimate Dynamic’ offers – dependant on whether the patient has ACL or PCL – an increased posterior or anterior pressure on the tibia that results in continuous revalidation of the patient.

Unique biomechanical concept
The unique biochemical concept of the 'Ultimate Dynamic’ makes it especially suitable for non-active and non-operative patients, as well as athletes. More pre-operative and post-operative atrophy is avoided in non-active patients through a continuous effect on the quadriceps. In non-operative patients, atrophy avoidance is combined with optimal protection. Furthermore, athletes are sure to appreciate the rapid gain in muscle strength and reaction speed.

In normal braces, the straps are attached to the vertical side bar. This is not the case with this dynamic brace; the third strap is not attached, but remains movable to continuously bring the tibia into the correct position. In this manner, the brace constantly stimulates the proprioceptive function. Other important clinical effects of this characteristic dynamic action are an accelerated hamstring function and an increase in the strength of the quadriceps.

Proprioception training
While wearing the dynamic brace, the patient will experience changes in proximal pressure at the level of the tibia. These pressure changes are accompanied by a position adaptation of the knee. With an ACL injury, there is an increase in pressure during the last degrees of extension. The patient will gradually link and become conscious of these changes. This enables training in awareness of the position of the knee or proprioception. Pressure is exerted proximally at the level of the knee because it prevents anterior luxations and ensures less stress on the graft.

Accelerating hamstring function
The neuroreceptor reflex of the hamstrings may be delayed for 15 to 21 months through loss or inadequate functioning of the nerves in the ACL. This may result in a relapsing luxation when the patient walks downwards, lands after a jump, suddenly stops or moves laterally. It is therefore important to not only train hamstring strength or tone, but also speed. This occurs through an increase in anterior pressure on the tibia and an increase in strength of the distal hamstring. Both actions ensure a delay in pathological movement and provide an extra signal to the hamstrings to contract. In other words, a co-contraction is created with the quadriceps that also contracts on extension.

Innovation by Bledsoe
With dynamic braces Bledsoe has launched a totally new category of braces that uses movement based on muscle strength via the hinge pivot, shell and strap to oppose a pathological movement or situation. The ‘Ultimate Dynamic’ is the showpiece in this range.

The braces are individually adjustable to allow development of the correct strength. Feelings of instability, pain and other hindering symptoms such as swelling are removed. An increase in patient confidence and faster return to sport activities are the positive results.

The Bledsoe range offers the ‘Ultimate Dynamic’ in 5 sizes for the right and left leg. A fully customised brace is possible. Bledsoe has also paid extra attention to the choice of material here, and has resolutely chosen high quality aluminium for the frame of the brace. The sweat-removing foam increases comfort for the patient.