What is it? ... How do you say it?

ORTHOTICS… (or-thot'iks)
The field of knowledge relating to orthoses (supportive bracing).

ORTHOSIS… (or-tho'sis)
An orthopedic appliance or device used to support, align, prevent or correct deformities or to improve the function of movable parts of the body.

ORTHOTIST… (or'tho-tist)
A health professional who evaluates and treats musculoskeletal disorders by designing and fitting custom-made orthoses. Individuals requiring protective support or correction may have muscle/bone impairment, disease or deformity. Orthotists work to restore mobility and prevent or limit disability.

Peters Orthopedics custom designs and fabricates orthotic devices for the upper and lower extremities as well as the spine. These devices address reduced muscle control and discomfort due to surgery, trauma, or disabling conditions. Patients with diseases such as cerebral palsy, diabetes, MS, polio, scoliosis, or spina bifida, individuals who have experienced trauma or discomfort caused by an accident, stroke or surgery, as well as the athlete experiencing stress and discomfort in a joint or muscle may benefit from an orthosis.

1. Upper Extremity:

- Fracture devices
- Range of Motion Elbow Device
- Wrist Hand Orthosis

2. Spinal:

- Corsets
- Thoracic Lumbar Sacral Orthosis (TLSO)
- Compression Fracture Devices
- Halo
- Scoliosis
- Kyphosis

3. Lower Extremity:

- Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO)
- Knee Ankle Foot orthosis (KAFO )
- Knee Bracing (KO)

Orthotics Care and Use:

Peters Orthopedics provides specific care and use instructions with all services. Most orthotic devices can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water using a cloth or soft brush. The device should be towel dried and allowed to thoroughly air dry. Keeping the skin clean and dry, as well as wearing a fitted cloth garment between the body and the device are common suggestions to assist with comfort.

DO NOT soak an orthotic device in water or attempt to hasten drying by using a hair dryer or placing the orthosis in front of a heater. Inappropriate amounts of heat or temperatures will possible modify the design of a device.

A properly fitting orthotic device does not cause sharp or stabbing pain, nor does it create bruises, calluses or blisters. Redness that does not disappear within 10 - 15 minutes after removing the orthosis or skin breakdown are also not appropriate.

It takes patience, care, and self-examination to become accustomed to wearing a new supportive device. To answer questions or concerns that may arise as the body settles into a device, a scheduled follow-up appointment after delivery is standard procedure for many services. If concerns arise after the follow up appointment, a call to the office is the best approach.

TLSO Spinal Orthosis