Orthopedic Casts, Braces and Splints (CPB 0009, reviewed 2026-01-20)
Aetna considers orthoses, casts and splints medically necessary when they treat disease or injury for the listed indications, including lumbar and thoracic-lumbar-sacral braces that facilitate healing after a spine injury or spinal surgery, post-operative back braces applied within 6 weeks after spinal surgery, cervical braces for neck injury and torticollis, Unna boots for non-fracture care, air casts for fractures or other injuries, and prefabricated volar wrist braces for carpal tunnel syndrome. Prophylactic lumbar supports are considered experimental, investigational, or unproven, and elastic support garments and protective body socks do not meet Aetna's definition of covered durable medical equipment. Custom-fitted back braces are medically necessary where there is a failure, contraindication or intolerance to an unmodified, prefabricated back brace, and medical record documentation must support all coverage criteria because supplier-prepared statements and practitioner attestations alone are not sufficient.