Lower Extremity Orthoses (intro) Flashcards
Lower Extremity Orthoses (intro)
Equipment used to support or protect weak ineffective joints or muscles and serve to enhance performance. Includes braces, casts, shoe inserts, and splints. (Guide to PT)
Definition of orthosis
Lower Extremity Orthoses (intro)
other types of orthoses
Shoes, Taping, Slings, Corsets, Sleeves
(anything that controls or alter movement)
Lower Extremity Orthoses (intro)
purpose of LE orthoses
- Improve function
- improve QOL
- decrease pain if presents
Lower Extremity Orthoses (intro)
how do orthoses improve function, QOL and decrease pain (if present)?
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Support the skeletal system d/t weakness
- May include assisting motion
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Decrease inappropriate motion
- loss of proprioception, spasticity, laxity
- Maintain appropriate motion
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Limit motion/ Prevent deformities
- Post-surgical, contractures
Lower Extremity Orthoses (intro)
true or false: there are specific-disease orthotics
false, orthotics are based on patient presentation not on disease
Lower Extremity Orthoses (intro)
drawbacks to orthotic use
- Discomfort/pain
- Skin irritations
- Nerve compressions
- Muscle weakness over time
- Increased energy expenditure?
- Psychological dependence
- Need to don/doff daily
- Depends on patients buy-in to use (if they don’t agree to wear the device it is gong to sit in the corner of the house)
Lower Extremity Orthoses (intro)
what device is needed is MOSTLY based on
what will best improve function given the pt’s prognosis, age, nature of the task, etc
Lower Extremity Orthoses (intro)
“get and give up” rule
To control motion, the device will typically alter motion or function elsewhere along the chain.
Lower Extremity Orthoses (intro)
the pressure principle states that for a given force, pressure is _____ with an increase in surface area
decreases
Lower Extremity Orthoses (intro)
lever arm principle
longer lever arm = ↑ control
(torque = force x distance)
