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.
Highlights
In rehabilitation medicine the use of orthoses is well-known, widespread and well recognized by the health professionals
Adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis agree feeling sometimes comfortable when wearing their hand orthosis. 94% of the patients think that their device provides them a good stability
All adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are active professionals wear their hand orthosis at work. 88% of all 34 patients wear their orthotic device during the night-time
Summary
In rehabilitation medicine the use of orthoses is well-known, widespread and well recognized by the health professionals. The most important aim when referring to orthotics and rehabilitation is the regaining of normal shape and function after a certain disease or injury [1]. Using the 3D printing processes in orthosis manufacturing procedures, new prototypes and functional devices could be developed in order to improve the patient’s quality of life [2]. The properties of bio-composite polymers lead to the possibility of developing new models of equipment and instruments used in medical rehabilitation. This takes into account their nontoxic properties and resistance to impact and external forces creating patient-tailored devices [4]
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