When the subject of prosthetics is addressed as a solid branch of orthopedic medicine in Nigeria, orthotics are often sidelined irrespective of the connection existing between them. The underlying question is, does a difference exist between prosthetics and orthotics?
On a practical scale; we can identify that as a part of orthopedic medicine, prosthetics specifically deals with the research, development, and treatment of orthopedic trauma through prosthetic attachment. Orthotics on the other hand deals with the research and development of orthoses for bone injuries and soft-tissue injuries.
What are orthoses?
These are external man-made devices that are primarily used to support limbs and the human spine. An orthosis can be in the form of a brace, a splint, or even a sling.
They even serve as foot support in cases of leg or foot problems.
Generally, we can group devices that are used to support patients with orthopedic trauma under either prosthesis (artificial legs and hands) and orthoses (brace and splints).
Applications or orthotics on rehabilitation
Spinal rehabilitation: For instances of orthopedic trauma from accidents resulting in spinal fracture. Braces are used to keep the spine in place. Even in cases of diseases that cause spinal dysfunction, orthoses serve as devices that provide adequate assistance for severe spinal fractures.
Upper limbs (arms and elbows): Tackling musculoskeletal dysfunction associated with hands as a part of the upper limb can be very intricate if not handled correctly. In fact, hundreds of patients without access to professional orthopedic care in Nigeria falls victim to disfiguring.
When trauma occurs damaging the arm, the following orthoses can be used to initiate speedy recovery by the bones and muscles.
- Wrist and hand orthoses. Wrist and hand are supported by thermal plastics orthoses often as slings.
- Elbow clasp to support the elbow.
- Shoulder abduction and stabilizer orthoses for shoulder support to patients with shoulder injuries on the shoulder blade, capsule, clavicle, and tissue.
- Fracture braces.
Lower limbs: Joints at the lower limb area of the human body can be affected by factors capable of rendering its mobility dysfunctional. Through the application of orthotics, corrections to these deformities can be ironed out medically.
They can be most notably used on lower areas like the foot, ankles, hips.
It is also worth noting that there exists a form of orthotics targeted at correcting deformed nervous activities on the lower limb. The main objective is to stimulate impulses through electrical stimulation.
Also known as Functionary Electrical Stimulation, it serves as a form of orthotic-drive orthopedic treatment for efficient solutions to disorders stemming from the nervous system.
Where to find prosthetic and orthotic care in Enugu?
Orthofit Orthopedics specializes in musculoskeletal rehabilitation through prosthetics and orthotic treatment aimed at restoring amputated patients and patients of orthopedic trauma to their nigh-peak level of human mobility.