Introduction to Orthotics Flashcards
What is an orthotist?
A person who specializes in the design, fabrication, fitting, and alignment adjustment of orthoses
What is an orthosis?
any device added to the body to stabilize or immobilize a body part, prevent deformity, protect against injury, or assist with function
What are the 4 basic goals of orthoses?
- Maintain or correct body segment alignment
- Assist or resist joint motion
- Provide axial loading via the orthosis, therefore providing relief of distal weight bearing forces
- Protect against physical insult
In regards to function what are the ideal characteristics of an ideal orthosis?
- Meets the individuals mobility needs and goals
- Maximizes stance phase stability
- Minimizes abnormal alignment
- Minimally compromises swing clearance
- Effectively pre-positions the limb for initial contact
- Is energy efficient with the individual’s preferred assistive device
In regards to comfort what are the ideal characteristics of an ideal orthosis?
- Can be worn for long periods without damaging skin or causing pain
- Can be easily donned and doffed
In regards to cosmesis what is the ideal characteristic of an ideal orthosis?
Meets the individual’s need to fit in with peers
What are the 6 types of LE orthoses?
- foot orthosis (FO)
- ankle foot orthosis (AFO)
- knee orthosis (KO)
- knee ankle foot orthosis (KAFO)
- hip knee ankle foot orthosis (HKAFO)
- hip orthosis (HO)
What are 2 categories of FOs?
- accommodative
- corrective
When and how is an accommodative foot orthosis used?
When the foot cannot attain neutral a FO may shim the gap to fix the positioning
How does a corrective foot orthosis work?
It helps the foot attain a neutral position by either unloading compromised tissue or providing total contact
What are 5 types of foot orthoses?
- heel wedges/posting
- SACH heel with rocker sole
- metatarsal bars
- University of California Biomechanics Laboratory (UCBL)
- Supra Maleolar Orthosis (SMO)/Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthosis (DAFO)
What are the most common prescribed external shoe modification?
The rocker sole and solid-ankle cushion-heel (SACH) heels
How do rocker soles assist with gait?
- mimic action of the forefoot joint
- aid in roll off
- simulate forefoot dorsiflexion
When can a SACH heel with a rocker sole be used?
whenever there is minimal or no motion at the forefoot joint or hindfoot joint, due to fusion, fracture, cast immobilization, orthosis design, pain, or arthritis
What is the purpose of the metatarsal bars?
The flat surface placed behind the metatarsal heads can help relieve pressure on the heads themselves
When should met bars be sued?
In patients with metatarsalgia who would benefit from a rapid transfer of weight from the shafts of the metatarsal heads to the distal end of the toes, with limited extension of the digits
Met bars are typically __ inch in vertical height
1/4
What is the major difference between metatarsal bars and rocker soles?
Met bars have a much flatter plantar surface, providing a broader area of contact with the ground
What does UCBL stand for?
University of California Biomechanics Laboratory orthosis
The UCBL is an orthotic intervention for what joint instability?
subtalar
The UCBL controls what 2 types of deformities?
- flexible calcaneal deformities (rearfoot valgus or varus)
- deformities of the midtarsal joints (forefoot abduction or adduction)
How does the UCBL control calcaneal and midtarsal deformities?
By grabbing the calcaneus and supporting the midfoot with high medial and lateral trim lines, which improves the angle of pull of the Achilles tendon, providing a more stable foundation for the articular surfaces of the talus, navicular, and cuboid bones.
The UCBL is also used to improve the functional alignment of children and adolescents with what deformity?
flexible pes planus (a longitudinal arch deformity)
Supra Maleolar Orthosis (SMO) are also known as what?
DAFO=Dynamic ankle foot orthosis