Ortez ( Greek ορθός - direct, equal) - external medical device designed to change the structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular and skeletal system [1] : unloading, fixation, activation and correction of the functions of a damaged joint or limb. In particular, corsets , bandages , apparatuses, special shoes, insoles , etc. It is used for instability of the ligament apparatus of the joints , injuries in sports, arthrosis and arthritis of the joints, in the postoperative period.
Orthoses can also be used for:
- control, direction, limitation and / or immobilization of a limb, joint or part of the body for a specific reason;
- limited mobility in a given direction;
- helping the movement as a whole;
- reduce, for a specific purpose, the force applied by the foot to transfer body weight;
- assistance with the rehabilitation of bone cracks after the removal of gypsum;
- correction of the form and / or function of the body, in order to facilitate movement or reduce pain.
The orthosis as a medical direction combines knowledge of anatomy and physiology , pathophysiology , biomechanics and engineering . Patients using orthoses may suffer from dysfunctions such as spina bifida or cerebral palsy or have spinal cord injuries or stem cell disorders, although many treatments have not been thoroughly studied and very few new studies are used in standard therapy.
Fabrication and materials
Traditionally, orthoses are made after creating a contour of a limb with measurements, so that the resulting device is as efficient as possible. Later, with the advent of plastics as a material for manufacturing the base of an orthosis, this idea required a plaster shape of a part of the body for which an orthosis is needed. This method is still widely used in this industry. Currently, orthopedic manufacturing uses CAD / CAM , CNC and three-dimensional printing machines [2] .
Orthoses are made of various materials, including thermoplastics , carbon fiber , metal , elastic materials , EVA , fabric, or combinations of similar materials. Some designs can be bought at local stores; others are more specific and require a referral by the therapist so that the orthosis meets the needs of the patient. The main ones include orthodontic brackets, which are available for free purchase in a variety of sizes. They are usually easy to put on or fasten with velcro fasteners. One of their goals is protection from injury [3] .
Orthoses are also made by 3D printing from polylactide ( Zdraprint , Russia ), polymer plaster ( 3M , USA ) and low-temperature plastic ( T Tare Company , Netherlands ) [4] .
Links
Notes
- ↑ ISO 8549-1: 1989
- ↑ The official website of the A-FOOTPRINT project of a consortium of European research and manufacturing organizations in the field of orthopedics (English)
- Family Braces and Splints for musculoskeletal conditions American Family Physician. 2010-02-09
- ↑ Gypsum from 3D printer