Pediatric orthotics involves the design and use of custom braces and supportive devices to assist children with musculoskeletal or neurological conditions in improving mobility, correcting deformities, and supporting proper growth and development.
Common Pediatric Orthotic Devices:
- SMOs (Supramalleolar Orthoses): For mild ankle/foot instability
- AFOs (Ankle-Foot Orthoses): For gait correction, spasticity control
- KAFOs (Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthoses): For severe lower limb weakness or paralysis
- TLSOs (Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacral Orthoses): For spinal alignment (e.g., scoliosis)
- Cranial Remolding Helmets: For positional plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome)
Used for Conditions Like:
- Cerebral palsy
- Spina bifida
- Muscular dystrophy
- Clubfoot
- Scoliosis
- Toe walking or hypotonia
Goals of Pediatric Orthotics:
- Enhance stability and mobility
- Prevent or correct deformities
- Support daily function and independence
- Promote optimal biomechanical development