Definition – What is a back orthosis?
Orthoses are all kinds of aids close to the body. The back orthoses can stabilize and support different areas of the back, but they are sometimes also used to correct defective positions. Back orthoses are usually made of a large amount of stretchable material.
Supporting elements in the form of plastic or metal rods can be added. Pulling systems with Velcro fasteners are also used. However, corrective orthoses can also be made entirely of plastic.
Why do you need a back orthosis?
Back orthoses can be used for a wide range of indications. For example, there are many stabilizing orthoses that are used particularly in cases of vertebral body fractures or osteoporosis. Even after back surgery, such orthoses are helpful in providing support for operated structures as long as the back muscles have not been sufficiently strengthened.
Such orthoses can usually be “dismounted” during the recovery process. In the process, stabilizing components are removed, so that the back increasingly has to take over more and more of its own functions again. Another type of orthoses are those used to correct malpositions.
In cases of pronounced lordosis (e.g. hollow back) or kyphosis (e.g. back hump), orthoses are used that support the spine while slowly returning it to a normal shape. Orthoses are also used for scoliosis (twisting and curvature of the spine).
Typically, a hard scoliosis corset is used here. Orthoses are also needed in cases of muscle weakness, as they can bridge weakened areas of the back and thus provide relief. In scoliosis, a back orthosis is used to restore the normal shape of the spine.
Corset treatment is particularly recommended for children in whom the scoliosis is increasingly worsening. In this way, back surgery can be avoided or delayed until growth is complete for many of those affected. The scoliosis corset is usually made of hard plastic with a thin, slightly softer padding.
A plaster cast is used to adapt the scoliosis brace to the individual curvature and torsion of the spine. Relief zones are incorporated to increase wearing comfort. In most cases, the orthosis must be worn for 23 to 24 hours daily.
After a vertebral body fracture, stabilization and protection of the spine is the first priority. The affected area of the back should be relieved and the forces distributed to other parts of the back. Depending on the height at which the vertebral body is fractured, a cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine orthosis can be used. Back orthoses also vary in length, depending on the size of the spinal section to be stabilized. As the development of the back muscles increases, individual stabilizing elements of the back orthosis can be dispensed with.
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