Medicine and rehabilitation know a wide range of aids, which are offered as part of a therapy or to regain independence. Orthoses occupy a central position in this regard.
What is an orthosis?
An orthosis is a medical device that can be used to support and correct individual components of the body. A technical device that can be used to support and correct individual components of the body is called an orthosis. The manufacture of the orthosis is the responsibility of either the medical-technical branches or the orthopedic surgeons. When an orthosis is put on, there is a direct connection between the limb to be treated and the corresponding device. Only in this way can the functionality of the orthosis be implemented in a targeted manner. The opposing physical parameters such as statics and mobility are of great importance in orthoses. These are to be supported again by the orthosis on the body in order to promote healing. An orthotic is not a prosthesis.
Forms, types and styles
Among the best-known types of orthoses, which enjoy extensive use, are the so-called splint sleeve systems and the devices based on the splint sleeves. Furthermore, the corsets and girdles as well as the fixation orthoses and the neck braces are used for treatment. A whole range of orthoses are not applied permanently. These include, in addition to the neck braces, the orthoses for the knee and ankle joints and for the wrists. The same applies to finger orthoses. Other orthoses such as the orthopedic shoe inserts, and the support corsets may be worn for a lifetime. In orthopedic fabrication, orthoses are classified into so-called back or trunk orthoses. In addition, the passive or active orthoses are prescribed depending on the need and disease. Passive orthoses are usually rigid, as is the case with the support corset.
Structure, function and mode of action
Orthoses function according to various principles in which the dynamics and/or statics of the skeletal system are equally supported or made possible in the first place. Due to the special structure and sophisticated design of the orthosis, this aid is able to either relieve the body, immobilize it and partially restrict its mobility, correct the body or stabilize it. In this context, there are orthoses that perform only one task or products that have a multifunctional meaning. Depending on whether it is to be a passive or active orthosis, manufacturers ensure a purposeful design and a careful selection of materials. Also important are such aspects as a leverage effect of the orthosis, as well as individually adapted fixation. To a certain extent, the shape and structure of orthoses are based on the general anatomical peculiarities of the human body and equally on a present uniqueness. For this reason, the orthoses must become appropriate. Among the modern technical highlights of orthoses are the so-called robotic orthoses, which are made especially for paraplegic persons. Lightweight aluminum, plastics, silicone and leather as well as various textile upholstery and lining materials are considered to be the preferred materials for the orthoses.
Medical and health benefits
The therapeutic successes that can be achieved with an orthosis justify its use and demonstrate the great benefits that a high-quality orthosis can provide. Due to the variety of functions that an orthosis can realize, a wide range of skeletal and joint health impairments can be treated in both babies and adults. In addition, a better quality of life is possible through the use of the powerful orthoses. With orthoses, for example, deformities that are still growing can be directed into the normal path and a healthy shape can be achieved. Orthoses are useful after injuries to bony skeletal areas in order to initially achieve relief and movement adjustment of these areas. This is a very decisive prerequisite for the reliable healing of bone fractures. In addition, the orthoses create a load compensation, whereby recurrent fractures can be prevented.The insertion of orthotics in the form of orthopedic insoles for footwear provides prevention of painful conditions. In addition, an unbalanced foot or bone shape can be compensated with the help of orthotics, protecting other movement units from secondary disease.
