Today’s blog post highlights one of the most common locations for friction-induced skin trauma – the brims of orthotic devices such as an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) or prosthetic socket. These locations are notorious for causing painful rubbing against the skin due to significant shear & pressure forces.
Using a low-friction, adhesive-backed material such as ShearBan® as an interface between the device and skin, the once-damaging shear forces caused by a combination of high friction and pressure, are now reduced to safe levels. Skin trauma will not occur.
SHEARBAN® BRIM APPLICATION EXAMPLE
- Cut ShearBan to the desired shape. Allow extra material for wrapping over the edge of the device. Install ShearBan against the inner surface first.
- Pull ShearBan tightly around the brim to keep the edge smooth. If desired, heat the patch slightly to help stretch around the device brim.
- Once stretched over the device, press firmly around entire patch surface to ensure adhesion.
For more information about ShearBan®, visit www.shearban.com. Additional ShearBan application techniques and recommendations are highlighted in the ShearBan Product Guide.
