Orthotics
An Orthosis (plural orthoses) is the correct term for a splint, brace or appliance that is designed and fitted to the body to achieve one or more of the following goals:
- Control alignment (often with the aim of preventing a deformity occurring).
- Increase mobility.
- Increase independence.
- Protect and support a healing injury or recent surgery.
- Assist rehabilitation.
- Reduce pain.
An Orthotist/Prosthetist is a qualified Allied Health professional who assesses, designs and provides orthoses to meet each child's individual needs.
Orthotists work together with Medical Staff and other Allied Health Professionals to determine the correct orthotic prescription for each individual child.
Children wearing orthoses require follow-up appointments to maintain the orthosis and ensure that it is fitting correctly and functioning effectively as they grow and physical activity levels change.
Custom orthotics
If an Orthosis is custom made, a series of steps are followed. These may include:
- An assessment of the child to determine the most appropriate treatment
- Taking a cast, scan or measurements of the part of the body to be braced
- Fabrication of the orthosis to the specifications determined in the prescription & assessment
- Fitting of the orthosis to the child
- Regular reviews for growth
This process can take between three days to four weeks. We take into account the pathology, type of orthoses and current treatment interventions to ensure all children are treated in a timely manner.
Types of custom made orthoses include
- ankle foot orthoses (AFO)
- knee ankle foot orthotic (KAFO)
- 3 point knee and elbow orthoses
- corrective spinal orthoses including 'Boston style' orthoses and 'Rigo Cheneau style' orthoses
- cranial remodeling helmets for plagiocephaly, brachycephaly and craniosynostosis following a strip craniectomy procedure
Pre-fabricated orthotics
Some orthoses are pre-fabricated and come in standard sizes which may require slight adjustment to fit the patient.
This process is usually completed on the same day as your appointment.
Types of pre-fabricated orthoses include
- Congenital Talipes Equino Varus (CTEV) orthoses including Mitchell boots and Bar
- Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) orthoses including Pavlik Harnesses, Dennis Brown Bars (DB Bar) and 'Hippo' orthoses
- hinged knee braces
- fracture bracing
- acute spinal bracing
Prosthetics
A prosthesis or artificial limb (plural: prostheses) is a replacement for an absent part of the body.
An
Orthotist/Prosthetist is a qualified Allied Health professional who
assesses, designs and provides orthoses to meet each child's individual needs.
Prosthetists work
together with Medical Staff and other Allied Health Professionals to determine
the correct prosthetic prescription for each individual child.
This department supplies protheses to children who have congenital limb deficiencies or who have lost a limb from trauma or disease. Prosthetic care is provided to children in Victoria, Tasmania and southern NSW with a valid referral through the Limb
Deficiency Clinic, co-ordinated by the RCH Orthopaedics Department.
Visit the limb deficiency site
Care for patients requiring a prosthesis is coordinated though RCH and delivered on site or by other facililties within Victoria.
We provide a comprehensive service across acute hospital admission, recovery following discharge and ongoing specialist outpatient services. Types of specialised devices include:
- Symes/ Boyd and partial foot prostheses
- Van Nes prostheses
- Transtibial, Transfemoral and through knee prostheses
- High end and sports specific prostheses including running, bike riding and swimming
- Upper limb prostheses including myoelectric expertise, activity specific devices including bike/ scooters, monkey bars, gym work, musical instruments and sports
All prostheses are
custom made onsite at RCH and involve:
- An assessment of the child to determine
the most appropriate prosthesis and componentry
- Taking a cast, scan or measurements of the
residual limb
- Fabrication of the prosthesis to the
specifications determined in the prescription & assessment
- Fitting of the prosthesis to the child;
this often includes a check socket or initial fit prior to receiving the
final device a couple of weeks later
- Regular reviews for growth and maintenance
of componentry
All amputees have access to publicly funded prosthetic care. We can assist with the funding coordination for your outpatient services.
NDIS
The Orthotic and Prosthetic Department is a registered provider with the NDIS. Our experienced orthotists and prosthetists can work with you and your child to ensure they have the correct assistive technology devices required to achieve their goals. We
work with families to help develop your child's treatment plans and provide supporting letters, assistive technology request forms and all necessary quotes to ensure all their needs and requirements are met to achieve their goals.
Click here to read more about the NDIS and RCH.