Using Your Corset LSO at Home Trauma HF#6828

Purpose

 

Your corset LSO (Lumbo-Sacral Orthosis) helps to control your spinal posture, reduce pain, prevent further injury and promote healing.

 

Wearing your corset LSO

 

 

 

 

Your corset LSO prevents harmful motion in your back.  Do not move into uncomfortable positions.  You should be able to do many normal activities by yourself or with a little help from caregivers or an assistive device.  Ask your doctor for detailed guidelines you should follow.

 

Planning for your trip home

 

Arrange for someone to drive you until you feel comfortable and used to the constrained motion in your corset LSO.  Please do not drive while taking oral pain medications.  Firm seats are best so the back bottom edge of your corset LSO is not pushed upward by seat cushions. Bend at your hips and knees, but not your back when getting into and out of a car, sitting or standing.

 

Taking off your corset LSO

 

You must wear your corset LSO as ordered by your doctor.  You may find it helpful to loosen the binding along both sides before opening the front of your corset LSO.  Do not twist or bend your back while the corset LSO is off.

 

Putting on your corset LSO

 

Put on your corset LSO without twisting or bending your back.  Loosen the side laces that are controlled by the straps.  While lying on your bed, roll onto the open corset.  Draw both sides around you and close the front (velcro or zipper).  Use the straps along both sides to evenly pull the lacings snug.  The corset must be snug to give you good support.  If it is too loose it will “ride up”.

 

Showering/bathing

 

If your doctor has told you to wear your corset LSO at all times when standing or sitting, have sponge baths while lying on your bed.  Do not twist or bend your back while the corset LSO is off.   Be sure your skin is all dry before wearing the corset LSO again for sitting or standing.

 

If your doctor allows you to shower without the corset LSO, remove it just before starting the water and put it on again as soon as you dry off.  While the corset LSO is off, be careful not to twist or bend your back.  Put the corset LSO on before sitting or standing. 

 

Sleeping in the corset LSO

 

Your doctor will tell you if you should wear your corset LSO while sleeping or lying down.  Any changes in your condition may result in your doctor changing these instructions over the course of your treatment.

 

Cleaning your corset LSO

 

To reduce the need for cleaning your corset LSO, wear a clean cotton T-shirt under your corset LSO to absorb any sweat or body oils from your skin.  To hand wash your corset LSO, first remove the two metal stays from the back.  We do not advise machine washing your corset LSO.  Air dry your corset or use a very low heat setting on your dryer.  The hook fastener areas will hold best if all the lint is removed.

 

How long do I need to wear the corset LSO?

 

Your doctor will decide how long you need to wear your corset LSO.  Be sure to follow your doctor’s advice, even if you feel better and would like to stop wearing it sooner.  Your doctor will check your progress and will decide what is in your best long-term interest.

 

What should I do if my neurological symptoms get worse?

 

If you have more numbness, tingling, pain or are less able to move or do everyday activities, call the number below.

Call 911 if you experience sudden onset of weakness or loss of bowel or bladder control.

 

 

Patients of the Neurosurgery Clinic:  (608) 263-1410

Patients of the Orthopedic Rehabilitation Spine Clinic:  (608) 265-3507

After hours, nights, weekends, and holidays, this will give you the paging operator.  Ask for the resident on call for your clinic.  Leave your name and phone number with the area code.  The doctor will call you back.

If you live out of the area, please call 1-800-323-8942 and ask for your clinic.

 

 

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 09/18/2012

Copyright © 09/18/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6828

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