Clinical Services
Orthotics
An Orthosis (pleural 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.
- Assist rehabilitation.
- Reduce pain.
An Orthotist/Prosthetist, who holds a Bachelor Degree in Orthotics & Prosthetics, is specifically qualified and trained in the assessment, design and provision of orthoses to meet each child’s individual needs. Orthotists work together with Orthopaedic Surgeons and Physiotherapists to determine the correct orthotic prescription for each individual child. Orthoses require follow-up appointments to maintain the condition and function of each orthosis.
Custom Orthotics
If a device is custom made a series of steps are followed. These include
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taking a cast of the part of the body to be braced
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from the cast a positive mould is created which is modified
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plastic is then draped or vacuum formed to the mould
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and the brace is finished up and completed
This process can take any where from 3 days to 3 weeks depending on the type of orthotic.
Types of custom made orthoses include
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foot orthotics
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ankle foot orthoses (AFO)
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knee ankle foot orthotics (KAFO)
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3 point knee and elbow orthoses
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reciprocal gait orthoses (RGO)
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corrective spinal braces including Milwaukee and Boston braces
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fracture bracing
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plagiocephaly & brachiocephaly helmets
The department also specializes in orthotic management of burns patients and provides a custom footwear and shoe modification service.
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
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Congenital Talipes Equino Varus (CTEV) orthoses including Dennis Brown Boots and Bar(DB B&B) Peter Francis William (PFW) orthoses
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Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) orthoses including Pavlik Harnesses, Dennis Brown Bars (DB Bar) and 'Hippo' orthoses
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compression stockings
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bed resting AFOs
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Post-operative knee immobilizers (POKI)
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soft protective helmets
Prosthetics
A prosthesis (pleural: prostheses) is a replacement for an absent part of the body, such as an artificial limb.
This department supplies artificial limbs 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
The Orthotics & Prosthetics Unit is the primary center for paediatric myoelectric prostheses provision in Victoria, called the Externally Powered Prosthetic (Myoelectric) Program. This elective service requires an initial contribution toward the cost of components that make up the prosthesis. Through this program a child is provided with a myoelectrically controlled prosthesis from the time they join the program until their eighteenth birthday.
Care for patients requiring lower limb prostheses is coordinated though RCH and the privately out-sourced company Orthopedic Techniques.
See also Limb Kids website and the Limbs 4 Life website
AFO socks for Sale
Some children have difficulty obtaining long, well fitting socks to be worn under AFO's, hence we sell AFO socks in white, navy blue or bone:
| Small | shoe size 2-6 | $6.60 |
| Large | shoe size 7-1 | $7.70 |
| X-Large | shoe size 2-4 | $8.80 |
| Adolescent | shoe size 4-8 | $9.00 |
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(Prices valid November 2006) |
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