Orthotic Bracing

Orthotic bracing and splints are aids that support, align, correct, relieve or prevent the deterioration of the upper and lower limbs, trunk, back, head and neck. They can be pre-assembled (off-the-shelf), partially assembled or completely customised products from our orthopaedic workshops.

Orthotic Bracing is an externally applied device used to modify the structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular and skeletal system. Classic orthotics have a stabilising or corrective effect on ligaments, joints, or muscles around the foot as well as the upper and lower leg. Functional orthoses for alignment management, stabilisation or immobilisation are available in various designs. The fibre composite and plastic materials used today are extra light.

Orthopro experts advise you individually and design orthoses that are tailored to your needs and requirements. During the fitting, any necessary changes and adaptations to the braces and splints can be made.

How Does An Orthosis Work?

Besides basic functions as protection, correction and improvement of limited functions, modern orthoses can be adapted essentially to your specific needs.

In earlier times, rigid braces often meant a severe limitation in the range of motion and fitted like a “knight’s armour”. Today’s orthoses support a wide range of motion. When worn under clothes, they are almost unnoticeable.

Although an orthosis is used locally, its effects can be noticed throughout the entire body. Back and shoulder pain is often the result of the client adopting a bad posture for pain relief or caused by a pathological gait. Medical care, physiotherapy and optimal orthotic treatment can enable the client to live an almost unrestricted life.

Ankle-Foot-Orthoses (AFO)

For a foot to perform its complex movement sequences, the functional tasks of the ligaments and muscles must be optimally coordinated with the structural tasks of the skeleton or bones. Well-designed AFOs take both aspects into account. The aim of an AFO is to protect the ligaments from twisting should the ankle and ankle joints be chronically unstable. Plastic or metal ankle joints support the muscles to perform the correct movements to achieve a natural gait.   

Special dynamic foot orthoses are used particularly in young clients with congenital or acquired paralysis (e.g. infantile cerebral paresis ICP). Foot orthoses and matching orthotic shoes can stabilise the forefoot and ankle. We manufacture such orthoses for each client individually from lightweight and waterproof polypropylene and carbon fibre.

Knee-Ankle-Foot-Orthoses (KAFO)

A thigh orthosis (KAFO) is used to supplement and support lost or weakened leg functions. It ensures correction, stabilisation, guidance or relief of the entire leg (including the ankle and knee joint). Its overriding goal is to offer the client as much safety and mobility as possible in everyday life. What distinguishes KAFOs and AFOs is the option of integrating a movable knee joint.

Common indications where orthotic treatment like AFOs and KAFOs are used:

Central Paralysis due to:

  • Cerebral Palsy (CP)
  • Stroke (apoplexy)
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries

Spinal Paralysis due to:

  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Spina bifida
  • Meningomyelocele

Peripheral Paralysis due to:

  • Poliomyelitis
  • Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT)
  • Peripheral paralysis and Plexus paralyses
  • Vascular Disorders

Neuromuscular Paralysis due to:

  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Spinal muscular atrophy
  • Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita
  • Osteogenesis Imperfecta
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Hand And Arm Orthoses

For acute injuries like fractures, ruptured tendons or ligaments, disarticulations, or carpal tunnel syndrome we fit different styles of bracing and splints. We stock braces for the most common indications and sizes. If your treatment requires a special splint, we will measure your hands and order the brace you require.

Some complex supports for the wrist and arm which preserve the necessary fine motor skills, are custom-made by Orthopro.

Off-The-Shelf Orthoses

For acute injuries, which need immediate treatment we supply easy to use off-the-shelf bracing. A comprehensive range of different sizes of braces for upper and lower extremities and neck and back is stocked to assist you timeously and hassle-free. We are able to modify these off-the-shelf orthotics to suit individual needs if required. Pre and post-surgery splints and bracing are also available through our company.

orthotic bracing for the leg
Image courtesy of DJO NZ.