Orthosis

Orthosis

An orthosis (plural: orthoses) is a medical device used to support, align, prevent, or correct deformities or to improve the function of movable parts of the body. Orthoses are commonly used in the field of orthopedics and rehabilitation to assist individuals with various physical impairments.

Types of Orthoses

Orthoses can be classified based on the part of the body they support:

• Ankle-foot orthosis (AFO): Supports the ankle and foot.
• Knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO): Supports the knee, ankle, and foot.
• Hip-knee-ankle-foot orthosis (HKAFO): Supports the hip, knee, ankle, and foot.
• Wrist-hand orthosis (WHO): Supports the wrist and hand.
• Cervical orthosis: Supports the neck.
• Spinal orthosis: Supports the spine.

Functions of Orthoses

Orthoses serve various functions, including:

• Support: Providing stability to weak or injured body parts.
• Alignment: Correcting or maintaining proper alignment of bones and joints.
• Prevention: Preventing the progression of deformities.
• Correction: Correcting existing deformities.
• Improvement: Enhancing the function of movable parts of the body.

Materials Used

Orthoses can be made from a variety of materials, including:

• Plastics: Lightweight and moldable, commonly used for custom orthoses.
• Metals: Durable and strong, often used in combination with other materials.
• Fabrics: Flexible and comfortable, used for soft orthoses.

Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf Orthoses

Orthoses can be custom-made or off-the-shelf:

• Custom-made orthoses: Tailored to fit the specific needs and measurements of an individual. These are often created using molds or digital scans of the body part.
• Off-the-shelf orthoses: Pre-manufactured and available in standard sizes. These are typically less expensive and can be adjusted to fit the user.

Related Fields

Orthoses are closely related to several other fields, including:

• Prosthetics: The design and fitting of artificial limbs.
• Orthopedic surgery: Surgical procedures to correct musculoskeletal issues.
• Physical therapy: Rehabilitation to improve movement and function.
• Occupational therapy: Therapy to help individuals perform daily activities.

See Also

• Prosthesis
• Orthopedic surgery
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Rehabilitation