Orthopedic medical supplies should be a top priority for keeping your medical office stocked. It’s crucial to stay on top of your inventory to ensure that you’re able to give your patients the best service possible. But to do that, you need to have a comprehensive list of necessary supplies.
Every medical office is different, but orthopedic medical supplies like splints, bandages, cast tape, braces, and slings are critical in treating orthopedic disorders, musculoskeletal problems, and injuries.
This article will cover some of the most essential orthopedic medical equipment you should have in your medical office and the issues they can help treat for your patients.
About Musculoskeletal and Orthopedic Issues
Orthopedic conditions refer to injuries and diseases that affect an individual’s musculoskeletal system, which is comprised of:
- Muscles
- Bones
- Nerves
- Joints
- Ligaments
- Tendons
- Connective tissue
Damage to these parts of the musculoskeletal system can result in excruciating pain and lead to further bodily complications.
In general, common orthopedic issues include the following:
- Traumatic bone fractures and dislocated joints
- Arthritis or joint inflammation which causes severe pain, joint damage, and loss of function — there are over 100 forms of arthritis
- Bursitis is the inflammation and irritation of a bursa. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac inside joints that cushions ligaments, tendons, and muscles as they move over certain bones.
- Muscle atrophy: the loss of muscle tissue resulting in weakness and difficulty moving
- Musculoskeletal cancer
- Orthopedic autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy tissue and cells.
- Osteomalacia causes an adult’s bones to soften.
- Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone.
- Osteoporosis is the loss of bone density, which increases the risk of fractures.
- Pinched nerves occur when a spinal nerve root becomes compressed or irritated.
- Tendinitis, or inflammation and irritation of a tendon, is typically caused by overuse of a tendon via repetitive motions.
- Tenosynovitis is inflammation of a tendon sheath.
Individuals facing musculoskeletal issues like these will seek treatment for the pain, so it’s a good idea to be ready to help them by stocking up on essential supplies for any of these injuries.
Common Orthopedic Medical Supplies
Many patients may already have the most basic forms of orthopedic supplies in their homes. These supplies include ice packs, heating pads, and an assortment of bandages. While these work great for minor injuries, they’ll likely rely on professionals like you to provide them with more crucial solutions for their issues.
1. Knee Braces/Sleeves
Knee injuries are some of the most common cases you may see come into your practice. Most knee injuries or conditions come from tears in a person’s anterior cruciate ligament, otherwise known as the ACL. In the event of an ACL injury, you’ll want to recommend a functional knee brace for your patient.
This specific orthopedic equipment allows individuals to continue their day-to-day activities while protecting their knees against further damage. If you’re treating an athlete, prophylactic knee braces may be a good recommendation, as they protect against future injuries.
2. Thumb Splints
Thumb injuries can come in the form of sprains or as a result of carpel tunnel. In these instances, your patient will need a thumb stabilizer or thumb splint. These splints are designed to keep the thumb immobile while you recover from an injury.
Other reasons one might need a thumb splint include the following:
- Surgical operation on the thumb
- Osteoarthritis
- Thumb fracture
- Wrist tendonitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Gamekeeper’s thumb
- Skier’s thumb
As common as hand injuries are today, you need these orthopedic supplies in plentiful supply in your medical office.
3. Shoulder Slings
Arm injuries and musculoskeletal conditions are other common issues you’ll come across as a medical professional. In situations where your patients come in with an arm injury, you’ll want to provide them with a shoulder sling.
These slings are used in injury cases that involve the shoulder, elbow, wrist, forearm, etc. A sling will keep your arm from moving too much while a person heals from an injury.
Common Reasons for a Shoulder Sling include
- After a fracture, slings will keep the arm in place while the bones heal.
- After surgery, slings help keep muscles from contracting so that they don’t disturb the healing process.
- After a stroke: slings will keep arms from pulling on the shoulder if the arm becomes paralyzed after a stroke.
It’s up to your professional discretion when an individual may need to wear a sling, but in most of these cases, it is almost guaranteed. Make sure you always have some on hand.
4. Ankle Braces
Ankle braces are popular among athletes looking to prevent injuries, but they also help individuals who suffer from conditions that weaken the joints and are prone to ankle injuries.
Ankle ligaments, muscle, and tendon units create the support system vital to keeping your ankles safe. If any of these parts are damaged, a patient must wear an ankle brace while they heal or undergo physical therapy.
5. Rib Support Belts/Braces
Rib injuries can be excruciating because they may interfere with other functions, such as breathing comfortably, due to the chest pains they can cause. Rib support, like braces and belts, is the best temporary solution for these situations.
These supports will help stabilize the rib cage while a patient heals from their injuries, alleviating pain and preventing further damage.
Get the Orthopedic Medical Supplies You Need from Allied
Are you looking to keep your office stocked with the most reliable orthopedic medical supplies on the market? Get in touch with Allied. We have exactly what you need. We provide quality medical supplies to practices nationwide so that you can ensure your patients are getting the best care possible when they step foot in your medical office.
Give us a call today or fill out our online form for more information on how we can buy out your current vendor’s contract and save you money on your medical supplies!