Plastic leg braces must fit a variety of people. Often made of a thermoplastic moldable material, such braces can be customized to fit. Some examples of plastic leg braces include ankle foot orthosis (AFO) for foot drop, a knee ankle foot orthosis (KAFO) for leg stability and hip knee ankle foot orthosis (HKAFO) for hip and leg stability. Plastic leg brace complications can prevent them from working properly, or can even lead to injury.
Skin Irritation
An improperly fitted plastic leg brace can cause skin irritation, which over time can lead to skin breakdown, sores or even infection. When fitting the plastic leg brace, it is important to ensure that no bony prominences (such as those around the ankles and knees) rub against the brace. It is also a good idea to "test" the brace for a few hours before wearing it all day, checking for any signs of redness or pressure.
Improper Fit
Improper fit of a leg brace can also lead to instability. Because plastic leg braces are designed to make parts or the complete leg more stable for standing or walking, a leg brace that does not fit can potentially cause a loss of balance, or even a fall. It can also allow joints to shift or to bend further than they should, potentially leading to increased instability or even joint damage.
Lab Errors
Even a custom fitted plastic leg brace can be ill-fitting if the laboratory that makes the device does not manufacture it according to exact specifications. Some examples of lab errors, according to Podiatry Today, include making the base support too narrow or overfilling the arch support. This can cause instability as well as poor positioning.
Leg Changes
If a person who has a plastic leg brace has a change in the size or shape of their leg, the leg brace will not perform as it should. Swelling, weight loss or surgical procedures can alter the shape and size of the leg, in which case the plastic leg brace would no longer fit adequately. This can lead to skin irritation as well as instability.
Improper Prescription
Some people are not candidates for plastic leg braces based on their medical diagnosis. According to Podiatry Today, these include people who have excessive tone (tight muscles) in their legs and feet, people who are over a certain weight (usually 250 pounds or more), people with deformities in their tendons and those who are above a certain height. In these cases, other types of braces may be considered.
Injury During Use
Once a plastic leg brace is prescribed and manufactured, the person must not only be trained to put it on and take it off, but also on how to use it. The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists recommends training not only in walking with a new plastic leg brace, but also in falling techniques. A person with a plastic leg brace needs to know how to troubleshoot their brace and how to stay safe while using it.
