What is an orthosis?
An orthosis compensates for physical deficits, supports joints and protects them from relapse and misalignment.
Will all orthoses be 3D printed?
No. But for some aids, 3D printing technology makes perfect sense because of the lightweight and flexible material.
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Passive correction must be possible
Who is the ankle foot orthosis suitable for?
Especially in the case of spastic paralysis (especially ICP), but also in connection with other neurological diseases affecting the entire foot (including the pathological clawing of the toes), pathological changes to the foot skeleton result in a significant functional limitation.
If this is a dynamic deformity (a passively correctable deformity), there is the option of orthopedic treatment with a dynamic AFO (ankle foot orthosis) that is 3D printed.
Indication field
Whether you or your child fits into the indication field must first be clarified by the treating (pediatric) orthopedist in consultation with the orthopedic technician. It must be checked whether the foot structure permits a dynamic orthosis and whether the malposition can be remedied by an AFO.
It is also discussed whether the pathological clawing of toes II to V requires the incorporation a toe extension plate. This plate acts against the pathological reflex, thus relaxing the muscles.
If the patient exceeds a body weight of 50 kg, the AFO cannot be used. Even in the event of a deviation of the forefoot in the transverse plane (to the lateral/outward, to the medial/inward) this treatment is not necessary, as the attachment of a necessary correction flap is not possible.
Benefits of a 3D printed AFO
The advantages of an AFO over a traditional polypropylene orthosis are its low weight, thin-walled, durable surface and aesthetic design.
In most cases, the wearing of ready-made shoes is possible, which in turn improves dynamic walking. Flexible zones such as ankle and cross arches adapt precisely to the foot and thus also support the dynamics.
In order to make an AFO the affected foot is scanned. The production time of this foot orthosis is approximately 2 weeks.
Foot can roll
New perspectives in the movement process
Treatment with an AFO opens up completely new possibilities in the process of movement. Because the highly dynamic material and the wearing of orthopedic shoes affect the rolling of the foot as little as possible, there are no limits to the patient’s freedom of movement. Thanks to the simple securing system, the AFO can be easily put on and taken off, which leads to more independence.
When purchasing the appropriate footwear, it must be ensured that the custom footbed in the shoe can be removed. The shoe does not have to be ordered one size larger, but should have a little more volume. Sandals can be worn. In this case, however, a trekking model should be acquired in order to be able to connect the orthosis and the shoe as a unit.
Locations
We offer orthoses at the following locations:
Orthoses
You can find further individual orthoses for the lower and upper extremities here:
Physiotherapy
In order to make optimal use of the orthosis or prosthesis in everyday life, it is a good idea to receive training from a physiotherapist.