Orthotics

Question 1

Corset

Answer 1

Made of fabric and may have metal uprights to provide abdominal compression and support. Provide pressure and relieve pain associated with mid and low back pathologies.

Question 2

Halo vest orthosis

Answer 2

Invasive cervical thoracic orthosis that prevents all cervical motion. 4 pins in head connect two 4 posts on vest. Used with cervical spinal cord injuries until spine is stable.

Question 3

Milwaukee orthosis

Answer 3

Promotes realignment of the spine due in scoliosis. Extends from pelvis to upper chest. Corrective padding applied to areas of severity of curve.

Question 4

Taylor brace

Answer 4

Thoracolumbosacral orthosis that limits trunk flexion and extension through a 3-point control design.

Question 5

Thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO)

Answer 5

Custom molded TLSO used to prevent trunk motion. Often used for post-surgical stabilization.

Question 6

Foot orthosis

Answer 6

Custom molded semi-rigid or rigid insert worn in shoe to correct foot alignment, improve function, and decrease pain.

Question 7

Metal Ankle foot orthosis (AFO)

Answer 7

Consists of two metal uprights connected to calf band and mechanical ankle joint and shoe. Can be locked to allow no ankle movement or set to limit anterior/posterior movement.

Question 8

Plastic Ankle foot orthosis (AFO)

Answer 8

Fabricated with a cast mold of pt’s LE. More cosmetic, lighter, and required that patient does not have fluctuating edema. Can incorporate footplate to assist with tone reduction.

Question 9

Solid Ankle foot orthosis (AFO)

Answer 9

Controls DF/PF and inversion/eversion with trim line anterior to malleoli. Plastic can be fabricated to keep ankle at 90 deg or with an articulating ankle joint. Articulating allows tibia to advance over foot during mid to late stance phase.

Question 10

Posterior leaf spring Ankle foot orthosis (AFO)

Answer 10

Plastic AFO with trim line posterior to malleoli. Assists with DF and prevents foot drop. Requires adequate medial/lateral control by patient.

Question 11

Floor reaction Ankle foot orthosis (AFO)

Answer 11

Assists with knee extension during stance through positioning of calf band and/or positioning at ankle.

Question 12

Knee ankle foot orthosis (KAFO)

Answer 12

Can be metal or plastic, allowing for lock mechanism at knee to provide stability.

Question 13

Craig-Scott Knee ankle foot orthosis

Answer 13

Designed for those with paraplegia. Allows person to stand with posterior lean of the trunk.

Question 14

Hip knee ankle foot orthosis (HKAFO)

Answer 14

Indicated for those with hip, knee, ankle, and foot weakness. Consists of knee-ankle-foot orthosis with extension to the hip joints and a pelvic band. Controls rotation of the hip and abduction/adduction.

Question 15

Reciprocating gait orthosis (RGO)

Answer 15

Derivative of the HKAFO and incorporates a cable system to assist with advancement of the LEs during gait. When pt shifts weight onto one LE, the cable system advances the other LEs. Used primarily for pts with paraplegia.

Question 16

Parapodium

Answer 16

Standing frame designed to allow pt to sit when needed. Ambulation achieved by shifting weight and rocking the base across the floor. Used primarily in pediatric population.

Question 17

Heel wedge

Answer 17

Can be applied medially to prevent eversion or laterally to prevent inversion. Used to treat symptoms associated with pes planus or pes cavus.

Question 18

Heel lift

Answer 18

Used to take pressure off of the Achilles tendon for tendonitis or recent repair of the tendon. Also used to limit effects of leg length discrepancy.

Question 19

Heel cusion

Answer 19

Soft pad placed on heel of the inner sole to decrease pain from calcaneal spur or plantar fasciitis.

Question 20

Heel cup

Answer 20

Rigid insert that covers plantar surface of the calcaneus and extends upwards on all three sides. Can help stabilize the calcaneus in a neutral position and provide shock absorption for the heel. Commonly used with calcaneal spurs or plantar fasciitis.

Question 21

Metatarsal bar/pad

Answer 21

Flat padding that is placed just posterior to metatarsal heads on the outer sole (bar) or inner sole (pad) of the shoe. Helps relieve pressure from the metatarsal heads by transferring it to the metatarsal shafts. Used with metatarsalgia.

Question 22

Rocker bar

Answer 22

Similar to metatarsal bar but consists of a convex strip instead of a flat strip. Assists with terminal stance in those with limited mobility of the foot, especially of the great toe. Relieves pressure from metatarsal heads.