An orthosis is an externally applied device that is used to modify the structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular and skeletal systems. Orthoses are used to control, guide, limit or immobilize extremities and joints for purposes such as reducing weight bearing forces after a fracture or injury, aiding rehabilitation, correcting body shape and function to improve movement or reduce pain. Common types of orthoses include cervical orthoses, thoracolumbosacral orthoses, upper and lower extremity orthoses. Orthoses are prescribed to treat conditions such as scoliosis, stroke, spinal cord injuries, tendonopathies and neurological disorders.

1. ORTHOSIS
Def:
 is” an external applicance worn to restrict or
assist motion or to transfer load from one area of
the body to another.”
(or)
 is “ an externally applied device used to modify
the structural & functional charecteristics of the
neuromuscular & skeletal system.

2. .
Orthotics:
is defined as ‘‘the science and art involved in
treating patients by the use of an orthosis.’
Orthotist:
is defined as ‘‘a person who, having
completed an approved course of education and
training, is authorised by an appropriate national
authority to design measure and fit orthoses.’’

3. Classification
functional
Static dynamic

4. REGIONAL
 Spinal orthosis
 Cervical orthosis
 Head cervical orthosis (HCO)
 Two (or) four poster cervical orthosis
 Head cervical-thoracic orthosis(HCTO)
 Thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO)
 Lumbosacral orthosis (LSO)
 Sacral orthosis

5.  Upper extremity orthosis
Shoulder and arm orthosis.
Elbow orthosis.
Wrist orthosis.
Hand orthosis.

6.  Lower extremity orthosis
 Foot orthosis(FO).
 Ankle - foot orthosis(AFO).
 Knee – Ankle –Foot orthosis(KAFO).
 Hip – Knee – Ankle – Foot orthosis(HKAFO)

8. USES
 control , guide, limit &immobilize an extremity, joint (or) body segment for a
particular reson.
 Restict movement in a given direction.
 Assist movement generally.
 Reduce weight bearing forces for a particular purpose
 Aid rehabilitation from # after the removal of cast.
 Otherwise correct the shape & function of the body to provide easier movement
capability (or) reduce pain.
 used prophylactically (or) to optimise performance in sport.

9. INDICATIONS
S4 ( Scoliosis,stroke,spinal cord injury, spina bifida.)
 Tendonopathies (i.e.,Achilies, patellar, gluitial, hamstring.)
 patellofemoral pain syndrome, iliotibial band friction syndrome.
 femoral acetabular impingement.
 SIJ dysfunction.
 cerebral palsy.
 osteoarthritis.
 degenerative disc diseases.
 other neurological conditions.
( VIC,Wrist drop,foot drop etc.)

10. CONTRAINDICATIONS
 Limits movements of other normal joints.
 severe deformity which cannot be accommodated in the orthosis.
 interferes – clothing
 limits ones style of living.
 lack of motivation (or) other psychological problems.
 presence of skin infections.

11. DISADVANTAGES
 lack of cosmesis
 muscles supporting the spine become weak.
 person – psychologically depends on it.
 reduction in bone density.
 skin ulcerations or calluses at the patient orthosis interface.

12. Head cervico thoracic orthosis(HCTO)
e.g.,somi orthosis

13. Cervical
orthosis

14. 1.Semirigid coller 2. semirigid thermoplastic coller

15. Vista cervical coller ( universal) : for neck
injuries & stabilization

16. Cervico-thoracic
orthosis:
 Stability coller brace

17. Cervico –thoracic – lombo sacral brace:
e.g.,Milwaukee brace

18. TLSO(thoraco-lumbo sacral orthosis)
e.g.,Charleston bendng brace

19. Boston bace (for scoliosis)

21. Taylor brace

22. .

23. Lumbar corset

24. Lumbo sacral corset

25. Post pregenency compressor corset
( for pelvic correction)

26. Pregency support corset