When fitting a lumbosacral support with steel stays for a patient with lordosis, what should be done first?

When fitting a lumbosacral support with steel stays for a patient with lordosis, the correct first step is to bridge the steel stays to the patient's back while the patient is standing. This approach is essential because it allows the practitioner to evaluate the natural curvature of the patient's spine in an upright position, which is crucial for providing adequate support.

Standing helps to replicate the functional posture that the patient will be in during daily activities, allowing for a more accurate fit. This ensures that the orthosis accommodates the lordotic curve appropriately while still offering stability and support. The bridge technique creates a connection between the stays and the patient's back, providing a preliminary shape that can be refined later.

After the initial bridging, contouring the stays—or adjusting their shape—would be the next step to ensure they fit snugly and comfortably against the contours of the patient's spine. Fitting procedures that involve the patient in positions different from their usual standing posture may not accurately reflect the necessary adjustments to support their anatomical structure effectively. Thus, starting with the bridging technique while the patient is standing is foundational for achieving a well-fitted lumbosacral support.