Orthotics

Orthotics ( ), also known as orthology, is a medical specialty that focuses on the design and application of orthoses, sometimes known as braces, calipers, or splints. An is "an externally applied device used to influence the structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular and skeletal systems." Orthotists are medical professionals who specialize in designing orthotic devices such as braces or foot orthoses.

]] Orthotics ( ), also known as orthology, is a medical specialty that focuses on the design and application of orthoses, sometimes known as braces, calipers, or splints. An is "an externally applied device used to influence the structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular and skeletal systems." Orthotists are medical professionals who specialize in designing orthotic devices such as braces or foot orthoses. ====Spinal orthoses==== Spinal orthoses are externally applied medical devices designed to support, align, prevent, or correct deformities of the spine and to improve spinal function. They are commonly prescribed in the management of spinal conditions affecting the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions. Spinal orthoses play a significant role in rehabilitation, injury management, and long-term care for individuals with musculoskeletal and neurological disorders. Spinal orthoses are classified according to the anatomical region they support. Cervical orthoses, such as soft collars and rigid cervical braces, are used to limit neck movement, reduce pain, and provide stabilization following trauma, surgery, or degenerative conditions. Thoracolumbosacral orthoses (TLSOs) are commonly prescribed for conditions such as scoliosis, kyphosis, vertebral fractures, and post-operative spinal stabilization. Lumbosacral orthoses (LSOs) provide support to the lower back and are often used in cases of chronic low back pain, disc herniation, and lumbar instability. One of the most important applications of spinal orthoses is in the conservative management of spinal deformities, particularly scoliosis in children and adolescents. Scoliosis braces, such as the Boston brace and Milwaukee brace, aim to prevent progression of spinal curvature during growth by applying corrective forces in three planes: coronal, sagittal, and transverse. Early detection and timely orthotic intervention can significantly reduce the need for surgical treatment. ]] Scoliosis, a condition describing an abnormal curvature of the spine, may in certain cases be treated with spinal orthoses, such as the Milwaukee brace, Boston brace, Charleston bending brace, or Providence brace. As scoliosis most commonly develops in adolescent females who are undergoing their adolescent growth spurt, compliance is hampered by patient concerns about appearance and movement restrictions caused by the brace. Spinal orthoses may also be used in the treatment of spinal fractures. A Jewett brace, for instance, may be used to aid healing of an anterior wedge fracture involving the T10 to L3 vertebrae, and a body jacket may be used to stabilize more involved fractures of the spine. There are several types of orthoses for managing cervical spine pathology. The halo brace is the most restrictive cervical thoracic orthosis in use; it is used to immobilize the cervical spine, usually following fracture, and was developed by Vernon L. Nickel at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in 1955.

Text derived from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1374678320 under CC BY-SA 4.0; modifications have been made.