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What Are the Different Types of Orthosis Brace?
An orthosis is a device that helps people move better or more safely, or that prevents movement when a body part must be restricted. There are a variety of orthosis braces that an orthotist can make, and they are often custom made to the patient’s specific problem and unique body shape. A brace can be customized for the back to help curtail the curving of the spine in cases of scoliosis, for example. Other orthosis braces can be made for a variety of problems that affect the foot, leg, spine, arm or hand.
An orthosis brace can be constructed to help support a weak joint, such as an ankle, knee or elbow. Theses devices can also help correct or improve movement, including a person’s gait, or they can prevent injury or try to alleviate pain. Some braces, such as certain scoliosis braces, are made to be worn only for a specific number of hours per day to achieve the desired outcome. Other types of braces are worn whenever the correction is needed, such as an orthosis brace that is worn in order for the patient to be able to walk. A doctor can also prescribe an orthosis brace to relieve a pinched nerve and its related pain by altering the body’s alignment.
To make an orthosis brace, an orthotist first must make a mold of the body part that will wear the brace. A mold is made much like a cast would be made for a broken limb, and it actually resembles a cast. The orthotist then uses this mold to construct a brace out of thermoplastic material. In some cases, an orthosis brace requires several fittings to achieve a proper and comfortable fit that will not injure the skin by rubbing too much in certain areas, such as the bony part of the ankle.
A type of orthosis brace known as an AFO (ankle and foot orthosis) is often prescribed for patients who have spina bifida, cerebral palsy, drop foot, a limb deformity, stroke, multiple sclerosis, polio or paraplegia. These patients also may use a KAFO (knee, ankle and foot orthosis), which reaches as high as the thigh to help support the knee in addition to the ankle and foot. A cervical brace is a similar device that protects the neck.
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![Orthosis braces can be used to treat scoliosis, which is an abnormal curvature of the spine.]()
By: laurent dambiesOrthosis braces can be used to treat scoliosis, which is an abnormal curvature of the spine. -
![An ankle-foot orthosis brace can help restore mobility for some patients.]()
By: marilyn barboneAn ankle-foot orthosis brace can help restore mobility for some patients.
Discussion Comments
Since there are so many different types of orthosis braces out there, it makes it all the more difficult to find the perfect brace. Some braces, such as knee braces, look similar but are designed fairly differently. They help support different parts of the knee.
For example, someone with patellar tendon issues will not be using the same type of brace as someone with knee osteoarthritis. So it's a good idea to do a fair amount of research before settling on a product. A doctor can help direct in one in the right direction.
@fBoyle-- Orthosis actually refers to any orthopedic support apparatus or equipment. So it definitely doesn't just refer to leg braces. In fact, it doesn't just refer to braces although most orthopedic equipment are braces.
There is a brace for almost every body part and almost every type of injury or deformity we can imagine. Some have to be custom made and are used to limit or correct serious issues such as scoliosis. Some are for more minor issues such as a sprain and can be bought commercially.
I thought that orthosis refers to just leg braces. Does it refer to any kind of brace?
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