Orthotics, An Explanation...What is it?
Orthotics: a branch of mechanical and medical science dealing with the support and bracing of weak or ineffective joints or muscles
The above definition is the fundamental Medicare definition for the word Orthotics.
However, the word orthotics commonly refers to inserts for shoes. The inserts alter the geometry of posture by lifting different areas of the foot, thereby shifting one’s posture ever so slightly, relieving pinched nerves and altering leg and spinal alignment.
LEEDerGroup orthoses refer to PROFESSIONAL Orthoses or corrective splints, braces or appliances for the ankle, foot, hand, elbow, knee and even back. LEEDerGroup manufactures and distributes high quality, competitively priced, Multi Podus Boots (KYDEX-PRO Orthosis), Night Splints, and Wrist, Hand, Finger braces (WHFO’s)(1-2-3 PRO REST & 1-2-3 PRO-GRIP & 1-2-3 PRO-DORSAL Orthosis) , TLSO’s and Lumbo-Sacral Orthoses (LSO’s).
An orthotic is an orthopedic device, orthosis (or, orthoses, plural) which is applied externally to a jointed limb (i.e.. ankle foot AFO Ankle Splints, knee, elbow,etc.). For Example SEE PRO-RESTing hand splint Orthosis WHFO
Orthotics generally means a shoe insert; within CMO or Contracture Management Orthotics it means splinting devices. Their design purpose provides support, stability, prevention of deformity or replacement of lost function. There are a variety of orthoses available depending on the diagnosis and physical needs of the individual. Usually AFO refers to light weight polypropelene L shaped devices to aid in walking and to counteract Foot Drop. Contracture Management boots, commonly known as Multi Podus Boots, provide corrective and preventative benefits mostly to counteract ankle-foot assembly contractures. Click HERE to see more on KYDEX-PRO Multi Podus Boots
Some examples are listed below for Lower Extremity, Upper Extremity and Spinal Orthoses:
- Lower Limb Orthotics include: Insoles (this is the most common use of of the word orthotic). These inserts are necessary for diabetic shoes and usually are pre-fabricated and molded to the patient with a heat gun. The most common materials used are high or low-density plastazote, Pe-lite, leather, PPT and EVA. These materials are used depending on the patient’s degree of foot deformity.
- Functional Foot Orthosis (another common use of orthotics referring to thin, lightweight polypro shoe inserts or Ankle Foot Orthosis). These AFO Orthotics as they are commonly referred are available pre-fabbed and sometimes require minor trimming. They are available with full and partial foot pads. hinged and semi-rigid. Drop Foot responds well with this orthotic application. Custom orthotics of this type are contoured to the entire foot and used to reduce abnormal motion or abnormal position of the foot. Also, they are used to control abnormal motion or position of the lower limb. The orthotist will take a medical evaluation, biomechanical examination, ranges of motion, muscle activity. The AFO can be made from an impression or cast of the foot. A thermoplastic material will be molded to the shape of a positive cast of the foot. AFO’s are prescribed for several conditions, which include stroke, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, paraplegia, polio or ankle and foot deformity. AFO Types include: Rigid ankle foot orthosis (molded AFO); Hinged ankle foot orthosis; Posterior leaf spring ankle foot orthosis; PTB- ankle foot orthosis ( PTB- patellar tibia bearing); Floor reaction ankle foot orthosis; Conventional ankle foot orthosis.
- Ankle Foot Orthosis Foot Brace (KYDEX-PRO Orthosis) Multi Podus Boots for contracture management, wound care, heel decubitus relief and Night Splints are common pre-fabricated orthotics. Insurance codes are L-4396 with a variety of ICD-9 codes available. The SADMERC’s specify a minimum of 10 degrees of contraction must be documented. The same L-4396 code applies with a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis using ICD-9 code, 728.71. All segments of the industry refer to this type boot as multi podus For more information review PRO-Night Splint that Works! and KYDEX-PRO Multi Podus boots for bed and ambulation with Fast Lock ambulation pad.
- Knee Orthosis
There are many different types of knee orthoses available. Therefore, to decide which knee orthosis is effective the orthotist has to understand the normal biomechanics, pathology and kinematics of the knee. Also, he must take into consideration range of motion, muscle strength, laxity of ligament, skin condition and sensation. Various knee orthoses are available: those that support an injured knee or ligament weakness; Post-operative (after surgery); Functional knee orthosis (stabalizes, corrects, prevents & supports the deformity of the knee joint); Contracture Mangement Type type Knee Orthosis: see LEEDer Group Insurance Coded knees: L1832.
- Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis
The KAFO is commonly used to treat symptoms due to spina bifida, cerebral palsy, paraplegia, polio, trauma or neuromuscular dystrophy. Different types of knee joint systems will be used for KAFO’s depending on the patient’s deformity. It could be a free knee joint for stability or a drop lock for knee control. However, in some cases a dial lock system is used for patients with knee flexion contracture.
- Hip-Knee-Ankle-Foot-Orthosis
HKAFO consists of a trunk section connected to KAFO’s by two lateral hip joints. The joints system is usually associated with locks but in some cases it is a free hip joint. While wearing, the patient will be able to walk with the help of a walker or forearm crutches.
- Spinal Orthotics
Includes LSO, LumboSacral Orthosis, TLSO, Thoracic Lumbosacral Orthosis
If the torso is compressed with non-stretch straps and rigid panels, intra-cavitary pressure slightly separates the vertebral bones of the spinal column which relieves pinched nerves and provides relief for lower back pain. The LEEDer LSO’s meet this design requirement. The PRO-Mini CF XS 116 LSO below can be worn under clothing comfortably when the padded covers are removed from the rigid panels. Only slight tension on the straps provides relief making this back brace more comfortable to wear.
- SEWHO: Shoulder Elbow Wrist Hand PRO-SEWHO Orthosis; this is a device you can attach to a standard wheelchair and it will support the arm allowing therapeutically controlled movement.