Pods opinion on Bioskin trilok ankle control system

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Hi just curious is this brace any good ?? Need an ankle brace for 14 years old rep basketballer with ankle instability and post sprains
cheers yvonnespod

 

Yvonne there are hundreds of good ankle braces for instability problems. I'm surprised there is not a load of "don't use ankle brace" responses. HOwever, here is my opinion for what it is worth. I've listed some of the alternatives that I use. Bear in mind that the patient will most likely be wearing basketball boots and accommodation round the ankle may be difficult

TRILOK - Mechanically sound brace and the Bioskin material it is made from is pretty good for reducing sweat and irritiation - it is not lycra and that is one of the main selling points for people that are allergic. However, lots of straps=increased complexity and lower concordance. Also it is rather bulky as a result of the straps

Exoform - http://www.ossur.com/?PageID=13539

Top notch brace. Plastic side memebers are quite well shaped and the lacing gives the brace much better stability. Only has laces so even idiots can don properly although you would be amamzed at theamount of 14 years olds who aren't that great with laces! Much more flexible in the sagittal plane than counterparts like the swede - o - lock and much more comfortable to wear whilst still offering good stability. Downsides - bulk mainly. It does fit surprisingly well into shoes but don't be fooled into thinking it takes up no space.

Aircast A60 - http://www.aircast.com/index.asp/fuseaction/products.detail/cat/1/id/82

Another top notch brace in my opinion. Andy Murray used to use it so it obviously didn't affect his movement too much(unfortunately you can't buy the white ones he had!) Good stabilty but less than the exoform. Sometimes the plastic reinforcements need a bit of shaping but very easy to don and not too bulky. A good starter brace. Light, neat and idiot proof.

If you are looking for something a little less mechanical and more "proprioceptive", Bauerfeind might have an answer

Malleotrain - http://shop.bauerfeindusa.com/cgi-bin/cart.pl?Dynamic products.txt MALLEOTRAIN template.html 3

Best soft bracing available in my opinion. Silicone pads designed to offer maximum "proprioception". Not sure about all the description but good anecdotal success with patients who required more psychological help. Definately increases sensory feedback but will not stop and inviersion injury in the way the exoform can.

At the higher end of the scal, you could do a leather lace up bootee for max control(overkill?) or at the lower end, teach the kid how to tape his own ankle with a £5 roll of zinc oxide.

My personal choice is the exoform but that is because I wear shoes to play hockey. If I was wearing boots, I'd be going for the A60 or the Malleotrain.

Hope this helps

RP

 

CHEERS RobinP yvonne