Orthoses are medical devices used to support, stabilize, limit or guide movement of various parts of the body. Orthoses help heal injuries, correct deformities, and are used to treat some neurological or orthopedic conditions. There are different types and features of orthopedic devices according to various needs. Here is basic information about orthoses and their types:
1. What is Orthosis?
Definition: Orthoses are external support devices used to support, stabilize, guide or correct the body's ability to move.
Purposes: To increase mobility, reduce pain, prevent excessive strain on joints or muscles, and correct deformities.
2. Purposes of Use of Orthoses
Support: To provide functionality by supporting joints or muscles.
Stabilization: Fixing moving joints and accelerating the healing process.
Movement Limitation: Preventing overstrain by restricting the movement of joints or certain parts of the body.
Correction: Correcting and reconstructing deformities or misalignments.
3. Orthosis Types
Orthoses are divided into various classes according to their areas of use and the parts of the body they support:
a) Lower Extremity Orthoses (Leg and Foot)
AFO (Ankle-Orthosis): It is used to stabilize the ankle and prevent incorrect movement of the foot. It is especially preferred in people suffering from paralysis or nerve damage.
KAFO (Knee-Ankle-Orthosis): Provides support for the knee and ankle. It is generally preferred for more advanced injuries or musculoskeletal system diseases.
FO (Foot Orthoses): Special insoles or foot supports are used for foot problems such as flat feet and plantar fasciitis.
b) Upper Extremity Orthoses (Arm and Hand)
Wrist Brace: These are orthoses that stabilize the wrist for conditions such as wrist injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Elbow Orthoses (Elbow Brace): Used to treat elbow injuries or sprains.
Shoulder Orthoses (Shoulder Brace): Used to stabilize the shoulder in cases such as shoulder dislocation and rotator cuff injuries.
c) Spinal Orthoses
Lumbar Orthosis (Waist Corset): It is used to support the lumbar region in cases of herniated disc, spine problems or post-operative rehabilitation.
Cervical Orthosis (Neck Collar): It is used to support the neck in cases such as neck injuries or cervical disc herniation.
Thoracolumbar Orthosis (TLO): These are orthoses that support the entire back and lumbar spine. It is used in spinal curvatures such as scoliosis and kyphosis.
d) Functional Orthoses
Dynamic Orthoses: These are orthoses that help increase mobility and support muscles. It is especially used in neurological diseases.
Static Orthoses: These are orthoses that keep the joints or muscles stationary and provide immobility during the healing process.
e) Knee Orthoses
Simple Knee Orthoses: These are orthoses made of soft materials that support the knee joint for mild knee injuries.
Functional Knee Orthoses: Used to prevent and stabilize movement restrictions in the knee. It is preferred after surgery or sports injuries.
Prophylactic Knee Orthoses: These are protective orthoses used to prevent knee injuries in athletes.