Spleen Guards
An enlarged, distended spleen unprotected by the rib cage is susceptible to injury. A spleen guard helps protect it.
Splenomegaly is not a disease in itself but the result of an underlying disorder, of which there are many. An enlarged, distended spleen unprotected by a rib cage is susceptible to injury.
A spleen guard is a hard piece of molded plastic, individually fitted over the abdomen to protect an enlarged spleen. The molded piece of plastic may be held in place by straps or a wide band of elastic that wraps around the abdomen, fastened by Velcro secured on the plastic mold. It is sometimes lined with soft material.
To our knowledge there are no scientifically controlled studies that document its efficacy, only anecdotal evidence, and no documentation as to the methods and/or specific criteria necessary for the fabrication of the device has been made.
How to order
To order, contact your physician. Additionally, Christopher Nelson, CPO, ABC-Certified Prosthetist Orthotist (based out of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) has graciously agreed to take questions concerning spleen protectors: