ORTHOSIS

Definition

• An orthosis is an external device applied on the body to limit motion, correct deformity, reduce axial loading, or improve function in a certain segment of the body.

FUNCTIONS

• Prevention of deformity

• Correction of deformity

• Maintenance of correction

• Instability control

• Relieving weight bearing

• Facilitating ambulation

• Relieving pain

CLASSIFICATION

• General– Static and Dynamic Eg..

• Functional– Supportive, Functional, Corrective &

Protective Eg..

• Regional– Upper & Lower extremity and Spine

GENERAL

• Static orthoses: No movement allowed – Eg. Cockup splint

• Dynamic/functional orthoses: Permits movement. – Eg. Lively splint

Functional

• Supportive– Eg. Hip Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (Calipers)

• Functional Orthosis– Eg., Foot drop splint (Ankle Foot orthosis)

• Corrective Orthosis– Eg. Dennis Brown splint (Club foot boot)

• Protective Orthosis– Eg. Cockup splint (wrist drop splint)

• Upper extremity

• Lower extremity

• Spine

Upper extremity orthosis

Hemiplegic Arm SlingArm Sling Functional Elbow Orthosis

Opponens Splint

Wrist drop SplintElbow Support

Clavicle brace

Knuckle Bender SplintFinger cot splint

Lower extremity orthosis

Ankle Foot OrthosisKnee Ankle Foot

OrthosisKnee Ankle Foot

Orthosis

Ankle Foot Orthosis

Hip Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis with pelvic band

Ischial weight relieving Orthosis

Knee SupportKnee Support Knee Brace

Hinged Knee Brace

Ankle BraceMetatarsal Support Rocker Bottom Shoe

Arch Support

Spinal Orthosis

Soft Cervical Collar Hard Cervical Collar Philadelphia Collar

Four Poster Collar CASH Brace Jewett Brace Knight Taylors BraceFour Poster CollarFour Poster CollarFour Poster Collar

Soft Cervical Collar Hard Cervical CollarHard Cervical Collar Philadelphia Collar SOMI Brace

Lumbar Corset

Orthosis for specific conditions

Aeroplane Splint Milwaukee Brace

Denis Browne SplintVon rosen Splint

Ambulatory aids

COMPLICATIONS

• Discomfort & Local pain • Osteopenia • Skin breakdown • Nerve compression • Ingrown facial hair for men • Muscle atrophy with

prolonged use • Decreased pulmonary

capacity • Difficulty with transfers

• Increased energy expenditure with ambulation

• Difficulty donning and doffing orthosis

• Psychological and physical dependency

• Increased segmental motion at ends of the orthosis

• Unsightly appearance • Poor patient compliance

Orthotic Prescription

• Muscle power

• Deformities

• Locomotion

• Type of paralysis

• Range of movement

• Length of limb

References

• Orthotics and Prosthesis in Rehabilitation - Michelle M. Lusardi & Caroline C. Nielsen

• Physical Rehabilitation – Susan B O Sullivan

• Textbook of Rehabilitation - Sundar