CITI ORTHOTIC SERVICES

PARTNERS IN PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION

Lower Limb Orthotics

 

Lower extremity orthotics

An orthosis is classified as static or dynamic device. A static orthosis is rigid and is used to support the weakened or paralyzed body parts in a particular position. A dynamic orthosis is used to facilitate body motion to allow optimal function. In all orthotic devices, 3 points of pressure are applied for proper control of a joint.

A lower-limb orthosis is an external device applied or attached onto a lower body segment to improve function by controlling motion, providing support through stabilizing gait, reducing pain through transferring load to another area correcting flexible deformities, and preventing progression of fixed deformities.

Terminology

Orthosis ( or orthotic devices ) is the medical term for what most people would refer to as a brace or splint. Orthoses generally named by the body regions that they involve, as demonstrated by following abbreviations:

-         AFO is an ankle-foot orthosis.

-         KAFO is a knee-ankle-foot orthosis

-         HKAFO is a hip-knee-ankle-foot orthosis.

-         THKAFO is a trunk-hip-ankle-foot-orthosis.