How to Apply a Knee Immobilizer

Patients with knee immobilizers need crutches to walk.

A knee immobilizer is a splint that prevents the wearer from bending his leg. It can also be used to keep the knee cap in place. Patients often use knee immobilizers after knee or leg surgery, or while recovering from an injury. They do not require any additional equipment to put on. Always consult your physician, before using this piece of medical equipment.

Instructions

1. Sit down in a stable chair with your injured leg extended out in front of you. Place the knee immobilizer under the leg -- so the widest part is at the top near your thigh -- and the narrowest part is at the bottom, near your ankle.

2. Close the immobilizer around the knee cap, if it has a hole for the kneecap. Thread the buckle under the knee cap through the metal hinge on the other side of the brace and tighten it securely. Bring the buckle back over the hinge and press down, so the two Velcro sides meet.

3. Thread the buckle on top of the knee joint through its corresponding hinge. Tighten it securely, and press it down, pushing the Velcro sides together.

4. Continue tightening the straps of the knee immobilizer, until you have them all secured. Alternate tightening a strap below the knee, then one above.

Tips & Warnings

• If your doctor wants you to wear a cuff under the immobilizer, put that on before.

References

• Knee Shop: Knee Immoblizer
• DeRoyal: Knee Immobilizer