Q: Can you tell me where I can get a metal truss for a hernia?
A: Let me take a moment to address an inguinal hernia, a protrusion that occurs through a weakened area in the lower abdominal muscles. Some hernias don’t cause any symptoms at all and a patient may not even be aware of having one until a physician performs an examination. Other individuals, however, may see and feel a bulge in the lower abdomen on one side or the other of the pubic bone, an indication of the presence of a hernia. That bulge may cause pain and swelling, a feeling of pressure or weakness in the groin area, or a burning sensation at the site of the bulge. If the bulge cannot be reduced (pushed back into place) this may be an indication an intestinal loop is trapped or incarcerated within the abdominal wall. While a hernia isn’t dangerous, the protrusion can be painful – particularly when a person attempts to lift heavy objects or bends over. And while surgical repair is quite common, some individuals prefer instead to wear a truss to help stabilize the weakened area. Interestingly, some individuals may be able to push the hernia back into the abdominal area when lying down. However, it will protrude once again when standing.
An inguinal hernia may be the result of heavy lifting, being obese or carrying excess weight, from chronic coughing, from straining frequently during bowel movements, and more. For some individuals, the weakening may occur at birth when the abdominal lining fails to close properly. For others, a hernia may develop later in life when a person ages, coughs strenuously, or indulges in strenuous physical activity. Men are more likely to develop an inguinal hernia than are women because of a weakness along the inguinal canal.
Diagnosis of a potential hernia is commonly accomplished simply by having a physician perform a physical exam to check for the protrusion in the groin area.
A truss is a means of support, a surgical appliance if you will, to help hold a hernia in place. It is worn during waking hours and acts in a similar manner as a girdle would. There are countless types of trusses made from countless varied materials, few of which are metal at this stage. Earlier versions were made from steel and canvas. A truss, no matter what it is made from, should be fitted by a specialist in the field to fit the individual wearing it. As with many products, newer creations are available to take the place of old standbys, so there may not be a lot of metal trusses to choose from. One under the name of TRUFORM advertises a plated steel shank. Click on to herniaproducts.com for their line. Nulifemedical.com offers spring trusses but many are made primarily from elastic supports.
I know of no outlet or durable medical equipment supply house where a metal truss can be purchased. You may have your homework cut out for you. Some physicians today recommend trusses with metal springs that apply pressure to the area of the hernia, while others don’t recommend trusses at all.
