This MedLibrary.org supplementary page on Brace (orthopaedic) is provided directly from the open source Wikipedia as a service to our readers. Please see the note below on authorship of this content, as well as the Wikipedia usage guidelines. To search for other content from our encyclopedia supplement, please use the form below:
Related Sponsors
An orthopaedic brace (also orthosis or orthotic) is a device used to:
- immobilize a joint or body segment,
- restrict movement in a given direction,
- assist movement,
- reduce weight bearing forces, or
- correct the shape of the body.
Most often in the U.S., the last purpose listed above is what persons call in common speech a brace, whether it is made from elastic, neoprene, or a stiffer, more restrictive construction such as hard plastic or metal. An orthotic is most often understood to be a somewhat flexible device, often an insert for shoes, to correct leg length, fallen arches (flat feet), or some other foot problem.
In the UK a brace of this kind is usually referred to as a caliper (sometimes calliper in British spelling). Often the older type of leg brace is meant, constructed of steel side bars and ring, with spurs which fit into a metal tube in the heel of an adapted shoe or boot, and with leather straps and bands around the leg to hold the splint in position. The straps can be secured with velcro but many patients prefer buckles. This type of caliper can either be non-weight relieving or, by slight lengthening, made to relieve weight by raising the heel of the foot away from the heel of the shoe or boot. These splints have to be individually made by an orthotist or appliance maker closely to fit the particular contours of the leg being supported.
See also
- Dental brace
- Orthosis
- Polio a disease that resulted in many children and adults having to use leg and other braces.
- Abasiophilia a psycho-sexual condition resulting in a fascination with orthopaedic braces and their users.
- Halo Brace
References
 |
This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed. (May 2008) |
- Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics, Inc. Largest provider of prosthetic (artificial limbs) and orthotic (bracing) care in the world.
Wikipedia content modification information:
- This page was last modified on 26 November 2008, at 21:54.
Wikipedia Authorship and Review
Wikipedia content provided here is not reviewed directly by MedLibrary.org. Wikipedia content is authored by an open community of volunteers and is not produced by or in any way affiliated with MedLibrary.org.
Wikipedia Usage Guidelines
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article on "Brace (orthopaedic)".
The URL for this specific entry is:
All Wikipedia text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License. (See Copyrights for details). Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.