Orthotic and Prosthetic Information

Many people with abnormalities, deformities, or missing body parts can be helped with orthotics and prosthetics. Orthotics and prosthetics are pieces of medical equipment that can help replace or improve body parts. They include braces, inserts, artificial limbs, and many other medical equipment fabrications.[1]

Prosthetics are artificial extensions of the body. They are used to replace body parts that are missing from birth, lost through an injury or disease, or which require removal for medical purposes. A prosthesis can also supplement an existing but defective body part. Some prosthetics include artificial lungs, knees, eyes, hearts, hips, limbs, heart valves, ankles, dentures, and gastric bands.[1]

Orthotics generally include most devices that correct, improve or support body abnormalities. Musculoskeletal deformities are particularly aided by custom orthotics. Some common conditions corrected or aided by orthotics include fractures, scoliosis, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and various impairments resulting from a spinal injury or stroke. Orthotic shoes are often prescribed for patients with foot ailments.[1]