Orthotic Devices - part 1

As parents of a child with cerebral palsy or injury, we can sometimes become overwhelmed with the care and treatments our child may go through. However, we can only keep positive perspectives and our child will begin to reach mile stones in progress. At sometime, in your child's care you may be introduced to orthosis (orthopedic braces). This an absolute benefit in our childs treatment and provides for long-term successes in mobility.

Orthosis, a treatment used in the rehabilitation of stable mobility. Orthotic device, a brace made of a plastic or metal material formed and fitted to support bones and muscles. Starting orthosis treatment for a child born with a disablity benefits most at a very young age. Children adapt well and quickly to an orthotic device. Encourage your child to test their abilities and then allow normal developemnt to occur. Surprisingly, a majority of children who wear orthotic devices lead athletic lives, playing baseball, running, ride bikes and horses, swim, etc. They actually have very little difficulty keeping up a pace with their physically active friends. Some even grow up to be skiers, team swimmers and marathon runners. This is what are dreams for your child are made of. Right?

The process of orthotic intervention begins by an evaluation by your child's physical therapist or occupational therapist. A recommendation of an orthotic description is determined that will best suit your child's needs, depending on the age of the child, physical condition and activity level. There are two categories of leg orthotics that are used for walking and standing. Usually, a younger child starts with an AFO (ankle-foot orthosis). This type of brace fits in a shoe. It supports the ankle and foot and reaches just below the knee. As the child grows and strength is increased a KAFO (knee-ankle-foot orthisis) is prescribed. This type of brace reaches up to the hip and assists in more stability and maintains proper body alignment.

Your first visit to the orthotic facility, the practioner will take precise measurements of your child. This ensures a proper fitting of the brace. A plaster cast will be taken to customize the appropriate orthosis for your child. When the orthotic device is created, your next visit will cover the care and fitting of the brace. The practioner will also explain what to look for to assure the brace is working appropriately for your child. As the child grows and gains weight this will affect the fit of the brace. Regular visits for new measurements (approxiamately every 6 months to a year) will be evaluated to accommodate your child's growing body. A simple adjustment or new casting may be made.

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