Custom Orthoses and Adult Orthotics by Human Technology

  • Control, guide, limit and/or immobilize an extremity, joint or body segment for a particular reason
  • To restrict movement in a given direction
  • To assist movement generally
  • To reduce weight bearing forces for a particular purpose
  • To aid rehabilitation from fractures after the removal of a cast
  • To otherwise correct the shape and/or function of the body, to provide easier movement capability or reduce pain

Adult Lower Limb Orthoses

Lower-Limb Orthoses

Foot orthotics.
They are prescription medical devices that you wear inside your shoes to correct biomechanical foot issues with specially fitted insert for the insole or footbed and providing support for the foot only. They are used to correct problems with how you walk, stand, or run.

Conditions Treated:
diabetes, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, and arthritis, biomechanical foot
issue

Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are orthoses or braces (usually plastic), encompassing the ankle joint and all (or part) of the foot. AFOs are externally applied and intended to control position and motion of the ankle, compensate for weakness, or correct deformities. They control the ankle directly, and can be designed to control the knee joint indirectly as well. AFOs are commonly used in the treatment of disorders affecting muscle function such as stroke, spinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, polio, multiple sclerosis and peripheral neuropathy. AFOs can be used to support wasted limbs, or to position a limb with contracted muscles into a more normal position. They are also used to immobilize the ankle and lower leg in the presence of arthritis or fracture, and to correct foot drop; an AFO is also known as a foot-drop brace.

An AFO is generally constructed of lightweight polypropylene-based plastic in the shape of an “L”, with the upright portion behind the calf and the lower portion running under the foot. They are attached to the calf with a strap, and are made to fit inside accommodative shoes. The unbroken “L” shape of some designs provides rigidity, while other designs (with a jointed ankle) provide different types of control.

 

Carbon AFO by Ottobock
Carbon AFO by Ottobock

Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthosis (KAFOs)

A knee – ankle – foot orthosis (KAFO) is an orthosis that encumbers the knee, ankle and foot. Motion at all three of these lower limb areas is affected by a KAFO and can include stopping motion, limiting motion, or assisting motion in any or all 3 planes of motion in a human joint: saggital, coronal, and axial. Mechanical hinges, as well as electrically controlled hinges have been used.

Conditions Treated: paralysis, joint laxity or arthritis, fracture, and others.

KAFO's

Plastic
plastic

The plastic designs are indicated for closer fit and maximum control of the foot, including supracondylar plastic KAFO, supracondylar plastic-metal KAFO, and plastic shells with metal uprights KAFO.

Plastic KAFO
Plastic KAFO
Stance Control KAFO
Stance Control KAFO
stance control

Stance control orthoses (SCO’s) allow the patient’s knee to flex during the swing phase of gait and block flexion in stance phase for stability. An SCO’s ability to provide knee flexion during swing phase allows patients to walk with less effort and a more symmetrical gait pattern.

e-mag

The E-MAG Active is calibrated to you, and throughout your walking motion – or phase of gait. The sensor integrated into the electronics uses data to unlock the knee joint at the right point of your gait.

E-Mag KAFO
E-Mag KAFO
metal

KAFOs consist of an AFO with metal uprights, a mechanical knee joint, and 2 thigh bands. KAFO can be used in quadriceps paralysis or weakness to maintain knee stability and control flexible genu valgum(knock-knees) or varum (Bow-leggedness). KAFO also is used to limit the weight bearing of the thigh, leg, and foot.

Knee Orthosis (KO)

A knee orthosis (KO) or knee brace is a brace worn to strengthen the knee. It is worn around the knee, and works by relieving pressure from the part of the knee joint affected by diseases such as arthritis or osteoarthritis. It also supports the knee, and provides the stability needed to perform daily activities. Knee braces may also help to properly align the knee to help reduce osteoarthritis pain.[13] If pain or instability is experienced, a knee brace may be appropriate. It is beneficial in several ways; when used properly, a knee brace may help an athlete to stay in training.

Knee braces may also help by improving symmetry, enhancing the position and movement of the knee while reducing pain so a person may remain active.

Prophylactic, functional and rehabilitation braces

Prophylactic braces are used primarily by athletes participating in contact sports. While it is possible that this type of brace will alter the force on the knee and become problematic, when worn properly it decreases the rate of injury. The majority of these braces are made of neoprene. It acts as a sleeve, providing support to the structure of the knee and reducing the knee’s ability to rotate.Functional braces are designed for use by people who have already experienced a knee injury and need support to recover from it. They are also indicated to help people who are suffering from pain associated with arthritis. They are intended to reduce the rotation of the knee and support stability. They reduce the chance of hyperextension, and increase the agility and strength of the knee. The majority of these are made of elastic. They are the least expensive of all braces and are easily found in a variety of sizes.

Rehabilitation braces are used to limit the movement of the knee in both medial and lateral directions. They are primarily used after injury or surgery to immobilize the leg. They are larger in size than other braces, due to their function.

Prophylactic braces are used primarily by athletes participating in contact sports. While it is possible that this type of brace will alter the force on the knee and become problematic, when worn properly it decreases the rate of injury. The majority of these braces are made of neoprene. It acts as a sleeve, providing support to the structure of the knee and reducing the knee’s ability to rotate.

Functional braces are designed for use by people who have already experienced a knee injury and need support to recover from it. They are also indicated to help people who are suffering from pain associated with arthritis. They are intended to reduce the rotation of the knee and support stability. They reduce the chance of hyperextension and increase the agility and strength of the knee. The majority of these are made of elastic. They are the least expensive of all braces and are easily found in a variety of sizes.

Rehabilitation braces are used to limit the movement of the knee in both medial and lateral directions. They are primarily used after injury or surgery to immobilize the leg. They are larger in size than other braces, due to their function.

Unloader Brace

The unloader knee brace is a custom-designed brace made of molded plastic, foam, and steel struts to stabilize your knee joint, limiting side movement of the joint. … It’s designed to put three points of pressure on the thigh bone, which forces the knee to bend away from the painful area of the joint.

Conditions Treated:  Osteoarthritis

Info:  Provides stability and relieves the pain, without compromising mobility. Support for osteoarthritis combined with ligament instability.

 

functional electronic stimulation (fes)

Functional Electronic Stimulation (FES) is an advanced medical device that may provide immediate and dramatic improvement in walking for patients with foot drop. Interruption with the natural nerve to muscle communication between the leg and brain prohibits one’s ability to lift the foot naturally. Functional Electronic Stimulation (FES) replaces the communication by sending electrical signals to the peroneal nerve which controls movement in the ankle and foot.

Condition treated: Foot Drop

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Adult Upper Limb Extremity Orthoses

Upper-limb (extremity) orthoses are devices applied externally to restore or improve functional and structural characteristics of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. In general, musculoskeletal problems include those resulting from trauma, sports, and work-related injuries.

Upper Limb Extremity Orthoses

Static Orthoses

As the term implies, these devices do not allow motion. They provide rigid support for fractures, inflammatory conditions of tendons and soft tissue, and nerve injuries.

Static Elbow Brace

Static Wrist Brace

Dynamic/functional Orthoses 

In contrast to static orthoses these devices permit motion, on which their effectiveness depends. These types of upper-extremity orthoses are used primarily to assist movement of weak muscles. Some dynamic splints have a dual or bilateral mechanism for providing tension, safely accommodating moments of spasm and thus limiting (or avoiding) soft-tissue injuries.

Dynamic Elbow Orthosis

Dynamic Hand Orthosis

Adult Spinal Orthoses

Spinal Orthoses

LSO/Lumbo-Sacral Orthosis:

A lumbosacral orthosis (LSO) is a device used to support part of the body and keep it from moving. An LSO is used on the lowest part of the spine. This area includes the lumbar and sacral spine. An LSO is made to fit from your shoulder blades to your tailbone. Some styles can have parts added to help support your spine at the chest level. An LSO can be made of hard or soft material.

Conditions Treated: degenerative disc disease, osteoporosis, spinal fracture Info: An LSO is frequently a two-piece clamshell design. It may also be a single piece with an opening on the front. An LSO extends from just below the breast bones down to the pelvis. It is used to stabilize the spine to promote healing and decrease pain.

Lumbar Sacral Orthosis LSO
Lumbar Sacral Orthosis LSO

Thoracolumbar Spinal Orthosis(TLSO)

The most common form of a TLSO(Thoracic Lumbo-Sacral Orthosis) brace is called the “Boston brace”, and it may be referred to as an “underarm” brace. This brace is fitted to the child’s body and custom molded from plastic. It works by applying three-point pressure to the curvature to prevent its progression. It can be worn under clothing and is typically not noticeable. and it can be taken off to swim, play sports or participate in gym class during the day.

Conditions Treated: treat a variety of conditions including compression fractures, laminectomies, and for use after surgery. Info: The goal of the TLSO is to prevent progression of the scoliotic curve. The brace is typically worn 16-18 hours per day/night. It can be taken off to swim, play sports or participate in gym class during the day.

TLSO Thoracic Lumbo sacral Orthosis
TLSO Thoracic Lumbo sacral Orthosis

CTLSO/Cervical Thoracic Lumbo Sacral Orthosis

CTLSO provides spinal stability when reduction in gross spinal range of motion of the Cervical to Lumbar spine (C2-L5) is required. For example post spinal surgery procedure, multi-level spinal injuries or related soft tissue injury and to control and support degenerative spinal complications.

Conditions Treated: scoliosis, kyphosis Info: Can also be used to reduce pain by restricting mobility of the trunk; or to facilitate healing following an injury to the spine or related soft tissues.

CTLSO Cervical Thoracic Lumbo sacral Orthosis
CTLSO Cervical Thoracic Lumbo sacral Orthosis