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Orthotics

by Laura Inverarity, D.O.
for About.com

Updated December 18, 2004

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: An orthopedic appliance or apparatus used to support, align, prevent, or correct deformities or to improve the function of movable parts of the body.
Also Known As: braces, splints
Examples:
AFO - Ankle Foot Orthosis; orthotic device for the lower limb that encloses the ankle and foot and does not extend above the knee. Cervical - a rigid plastic orthosis that encircles the neck and supports the chin and the back of the head. KAFO - Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis; orthotic device for the lower limb that extends from above the knee to the ankle and foot. LSO - Lumbosacral Orthosis; spinal orthosis that encircles the body in the lumbosacral region
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