To treat: low back pain, trauma,

infections, muscular weakness, neck conditions, and osteoporosis

 devices permit motion, on which

their effectiveness depends these types of upper-extremity orthoses are used primarily to assist movement of weak muscles

CLAVICLE AND SHOULDER ORTHSOSES

ARM ORTHOSES

comprising a specially fitted insert for the insole or foot bed, and providing support for the foot only

FOOT ORTHOTICS

 brace worn to strengthen the knee worn around the knee, and works by relieving pressure from the part of the knee joint affected by diseases such as arthritis or osteoarthritis.

 used to limit the movement of the knee in both medial and lateral directions

4. SPINAL ORTHOSES

 cervical thoracic orthosis brace used to immobilize the cervical spine, usually following after complex cervical spine surgery or if there is an unstable cervical fracture

a.3 Chairback Brace

this type immobilizes the lumbar spine in the neutral position

a.4 Raney Flexion Jacket

reduces lumbar lordosis by holding the patient in a neutral tilt.

 are used to render support to an injured site of the back

Postoperative Back Braces

facilitate healing when applied within 6 weeks following a surgical procedure on the spine or related soft tissue by maintaining proper alignment and immobilization of the spine

 is used for conditions such as: a relatively stable cervical (upper spine) fracture, cervical fusion surgery, or a cervical strain

 considered medically necessary for children with hip disorders to stabilize the hip or to correct and maintain hip abduction

 prevent excessive bending, and it is often prescribed to treat frontal compression fractures that have occurred around the junction of the thoracic and lumbar spine

the AFOs and the MAFOs or molded ankle-foot orthoses

 are considered necessary after a fracture or surgery

 The nurse completes an assessment of the patients general health, presenting signs and symptoms, emotional status, understanding of the need for the device and condition of the body part to be immobilized.

 The nurse gives the patient information about the underlying condition and the purpose and the prescribed treatment regimen. The nurse must carefully evaluate pain associated with the musculoskeletal condition, asking the patient to indicate and to describe the character and intensity of the pain.

 The nurse helps the patient learn to apply the brace and to protect the skin from irritation and breakdown. The nurse also assesses neurovascular integrity and comfort when the patient is wearing the brace, encourages the patient to wear the brace as prescribed and reassure the patient that minor adjustments of the brace will increase comfort and minimize problems associated with its long-term use.

 The nurse encourages the patient to move the part of the affect body hourly to stimulate circulation.

o Compartment Syndrome occurs when there is increased tissue pressure within the limited space that compromises the circulation and the function of the tissue within the confined area o Pressure Ulcers and anoxia caused by inappropriately applied brace on soft tissues o Disuse Syndrome immobilization in a brace can cause muscle atrophy and loss of strength