The necessity of using high quality orthoses in rehabilitation medicine

Abstract

In rehabilitation medicine there is increasing need of using high quality orthoses that can provide either good stability of the joint or good correction of the postural defect. The advantages of using orthoses that are in the same time hypoallergenic, lightweight, flexible, resistant and durable over time should be considered when prescribing them in clinical practice. This study presents different types of orthoses and the necessity of proper selection of materials when choosing the best ones. We included 34 patients diagnosed with different musculoskeletal conditions (thoracic and thoraco-lumbar scoliosis, genu valgum deviation and rheumatoid arthritis) that required the use of special orthoses (thoraco-lumbar braces, knee or hand orthoses). Patients were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding the quality of the orthoses that they have been used. The following characteristics of an orthosis should be considered when choosing the right one: easily wearable, comfortable, offering good stability of a joint, high quality, lightweight, hypoallergenic and resistant.