Understanding Pediatric Cervical Thoracic Orthosis

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Cervical Thoracic Orthosis, Pediatric A cervical thoracic orthosis (CTO) is a brace that supports your child’s neck, chin, head, and upper spine (cervical spine) and keeps these areas from moving. Your child may need to wear this type of brace after surgery or an injury. Wearing the brace helps the spine heal. It also may prevent pain and further injury by limiting movement. A CTO has padded front and back pieces that are made of hard plastic and connected by shoulder straps and straps around the rib cage. It also has a neck piece with a padded chin rest and a padded head piece that supports the back of your child’s head. The neck piece and head piece are connected by two straps. RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS • Heat and moisture can build up inside the brace, and …show more content…

Your child can wear clothing over the brace. • Every time you remove the brace, check your child’s skin for any redness or irritation. • If the brace will be worn while sleeping, your child should not use pillows. • Keep the brace and the skin underneath it clean and dry. Do not use powders or lotion on the skin underneath the brace. • Keep all follow-up visits related to your child’s brace, as told by your child’s health care provider. This is important. The brace may need to be adjusted as your child grows. HOW TO CARE FOR A CERVICAL THORACIC ORTHOSIS • Replace or clean the pads as often as told by your child’s health care provider. You may wash the pads with mild soap and water. Make sure they are completely dry before putting them back on. • Clean the hard front and back plates of the brace with mild soap and water as told by your child’s health care provider. SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF: • You have any questions about how to use the brace. • You have trouble removing the brace or replacing the pads. • Your child has pain while wearing the brace. • Your child has any skin redness, swelling, rash, or

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