3D printed orthosis supporting rehabilitation of children with nervous system disorders

Abstract

The main task of orthoses in neurological diseases is stabilization, correction and improvement of gait function. Orthoses actively support the work of muscles by proper alignment of individual body segments in relation to each other to facilitate the performance of the planned function. During upright standing, the task of the orthosis is to keep the upper ankle in a fixed, intermediate position, usually at an angle of 90°. This increases the base of support provided by the feet flat on the ground. Stabilization in the joints gives a chance to maintain the correct length of the muscles, and thus protects against contractures. Individual orthoses are used during upright standing and to improve the gait function with dedicated footwear. The brace widens the contour of the foot, so the footwear for orthoses is usually wider than the standard one, but it cannot be longer than the brace. One of the leading guidelines in gait analysis used in children with gait disorders are the criteria adopted by the Rancho Los Amigos Hospital. Despite the complexity of the problems with gait that patients report to a physiotherapist, a simple strategy should be adopted when it comes to securing with the orthosis. The role of orthopedic equipment is to support muscle failure by obtaining a stable stance phase.