"Orthotics is a medical specialty that focuses on the design and application of orthoses, sometimes known as braces or calipers."
Field of designing and fitting braces, splints, and other orthopedic devices to support, protect, and correct musculoskeletal abnormalities.
Anatomy: Understanding the structure and function of the human body is crucial in orthotics as it helps to understand the affected body part and how it interacts with the devices.
Biomechanics: Biomechanics involves the application of mechanical principles to the human body. It is used to understand how the musculoskeletal system works and how various orthotics devices can be used to correct abnormalities and aid in functional movement.
Pathology: The study of medical conditions and diseases is essential to understand a patient's needs for orthotics, assessing the patient's condition, and designing custom orthoses.
Materials Science: A thorough understanding of materials technology is important, as it enables orthotics specialists to select, fabricate and modify the appropriate materials for specific conditions.
CAD/CAM: Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing have transformed the field of orthotics by providing a more efficient and effective design process, allowing clinicians to create custom orthoses more quickly and accurately.
Biomechanical Analysis: Biomechanical Analysis is used to assess and measure body movement and function, which can help identify and evaluate the effectiveness of orthotics.
Gait Analysis: Gait analysis involves analyzing walking or running patterns to assess the effectiveness of an orthotic device in assisting with movement.
Footwear: Understanding proper footwear is essential in orthotics as it can complement the use of an orthotic device to achieve optimal therapeutic results.
Assessment Techniques: There are several assessment techniques used in orthotics, such as Range of Motion assessment, Strength Testing, and Neurological Testing, among others.
Clinical Examination: Conventional lateral and anterior-posterior X-ray views are utilized in clinical screening, combined with weight bearing foot and ankle measurements.
Casting Techniques: Orthotic devices such as arch supports or foot orthoses are custom-made to the patient using casting techniques.
Fitting Techniques: Fitting orthotics involves adjusting and customizing devices to fit the patient comfortably and provide the best therapeutic results.
Rehabilitation: Rehabilitative orthotics is a field of orthotics that emphasizes the use of orthoses to help patients recover or manage their conditions.
Pediatrics: Orthotics for children requires expertise in pediatric therapy, as children's growth and development must be taken into account for treatment.
Sports Medicine: Orthotics can help athletes prevent or manage injuries and optimize athletic performance.
Pain Management: Orthotics can help manage and alleviate pain caused by conditions such as arthritis, plantar fasciitis, and other foot or ankle injuries or ailments.
Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO): AFO is an orthotic device that extends from the ankle to the foot. It is used to control foot and ankle motion and can help with balance and walking.
Knee Orthosis: Knee orthosis is designed to support the knee joint and stabilize the leg. It can help with various knee problems, including knee instability, arthritis, and ligament damage.
Spinal Orthosis: Spinal orthosis is used to support and align the spine. It can provide relief from back pain and improve spinal function.
Wrist-Hand Orthosis (WHO): WHO is an orthotic device that supports the wrist and hand. It is used to treat various conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis.
Tennis Elbow Brace: A tennis elbow brace is an orthotic device that supports the forearm muscles and tendons. It can help with tennis elbow, a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in the elbow.
Cranial Orthosis: Cranial orthosis is used to correct the shape of the head in infants with cranial abnormalities. It is designed to reshape the skull and promote proper growth and development.
Foot Orthotics: Foot orthotics are devices that support the arches of the foot and correct foot alignment. They can provide relief from foot pain, reduce the risk of injuries, and improve athletic performance.
Prosthetics: Prosthetics is a type of orthotic device that is used to replace a missing body part. It can help restore function and improve quality of life for amputees.
Rehabilitative Orthotics: Rehabilitative orthotics are designed to promote healing and recovery from injuries or surgery. They can help with joint immobilization, tendon and ligament injuries, and postoperative recovery.
"Orthotics (Greek: Ορθός, romanized: ortho, lit. 'to straighten, to align')"
"An orthosis is 'an externally applied device used to influence the structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular and skeletal systems.'"
"Orthotists are professionals who specialize in designing these braces."
"Orthotics aim to influence the structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular and skeletal systems."
"Orthoses are sometimes known as braces or calipers."
"An orthosis is 'an externally applied device used to influence the structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular and skeletal systems.'"
"Orthotics is a medical specialty that focuses on the design and application of orthoses."
"Orthotists specialize in designing these braces."
"Orthotics focuses on the design and application of orthoses, which are medically designed devices."
"Orthoses can influence the structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular and skeletal systems."
"Orthoses are externally applied devices designed to influence the body's characteristics."
"The term 'ortho' is derived from the Greek word 'Ορθός,' meaning 'to straighten, to align.'"
"Orthoses are sometimes referred to as braces or calipers."
"Orthoses are designed to influence the structural and functional characteristics of the body's systems."
"The Greek translation of orthotics is 'Ορθός.'"
"Orthotists specialize in designing braces and calipers used as orthoses."
"Orthoses aim to influence the structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular system."
"The primary function of an orthosis is to influence the structural and functional characteristics of the body's systems."
"The aim of orthotics is to straighten and align the body's structures."