An orthosis is a type of orthopedic appliance that performs a similar function to that of plaster - it holds the joint in one, fixed position. In addition, the orthoses are lightweight and facilitate mobility. These are features that plaster does not have, which is why orthoses are often an alternative to it. What are the types, functions and uses of orthoses? When can plaster be replaced with an orthosis?
Braceis a type of stabilizer which, like plaster, keeps the joint in one, fixed position. The stiffening element in the orthoses are air cushions, which are located between the fabric layers, and their soft edges protect the skin against abrasions. Modernorthosesare made of materials that let the air through and allow moisture to escape faster. In addition, thanks to the compression action, they raise and maintain a constant temperature around a given pond. The orthoses are produced in several sizes, so you can easily choose the right one. There are three types of orthoses - rigid, semi-rigid and flexible.
The basic function of the orthosis is to stabilize the joints of the limbs and muscle groups. Thanks to it, it is possible to immobilize the sick joint, relieve it and correct the wrong body position. Therefore, the orthoses can be used not only in the event of injuries, e.g. ankle sprains or rupture of the Achilles tendon, but also in neurological dysfunctions, rheumatic diseases, as well as after surgery.
Types of orthoses, their functions and application
1. Spine braces
- cervical spine - this group includes orthopedic collars, which are used when a spine injury is suspected. Flanges are also used, inter alia, in in the treatment of diseases of the neck muscles and degenerative changes of the cervical spine
- thoracic spine - this group includes posture correctors, such as straight holders and octal clavicle belts. Straight holders are used in people who, inter alia, slouch or have kyphosis. In turn, clavicle belts are used mainly in people with severe injuries of the shoulder-clavicular joint
- lumbar-sacral section of the spine - orthoses, whose task is to stabilize this section of the spine, are used in people including with pain syndrome of the lumbar spine and after vertebral fractures(also in the course of osteoporosis).
2. Upper limb braces
- of the shoulder joint - their purpose is to stabilize the arm in its anatomical position. They are used in convalescence after operations on the shoulder joint, as well as in tendon overloads and ligament strains. They can be used prophylactically by people who, while performing heavy physical work, are exposed to overloading the muscles of this part of the body.
- elbow joint and forearm allow you to control the angle of flexion and extension of the elbow joint and have a limb lock function in extension. This type of orthosis plays a very important role in pain syndromes such as tennis elbow and golfer's elbow. They are also used as protection against injuries (for this purpose they can be used, for example, by basketball players)
- hand and wrist joint - this type of orthosis strengthens weak and injured wrists. They can also be used by people struggling with carpal tunnel syndrome
3. Lower limb braces
- The hip joint and the thigh have two functions: they immobilize the hip joint and allow you to control the movement within it. They are used, among others when learning to walk in people after surgery
- knee joint and shank - they are used not only to heal an already damaged limb (injuries and inflammation of the knee joint and shank), but also to prevent injuries, therefore they can be used by people practicing sports
- ankle joint and feet not only stabilize and immobilize, but also protect the ankle joint against possible injuries. They are used in rehabilitation after sprains and fractures of the ankle joint, especially after Achilles tendon injuries, and in degenerative changes of the ankle joint