Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Orthoses are used to prevent and correct deformity through the force in order to treat bone, joint, muscle and nerve disorders and compensate the functions.
OBJECTIVE: To introduce the classification, properties, and curative effects of orthoses made of different materials.
METHODS: A computer-based search of CNKI and PubMed databases(1996-01/2010-12) were performed using the keywords of “orthosis, biological properties, congenital club food, infants” in Chinese and “orthosis，congenital club foot” in English. Articles related to orthosis and congenital club foot were included, and repetitive article or Meta analysis were excluded. Finally, 20 articles were included in the result analysis. A retrospective analysis was conducted to analyze the effects of static or dynamic ankle ortosis produced by low-temperature or high-temperature thermoplastic plate according to 3-point force principle in combination with massage on 96 cases of congenital club foot (106 feet).
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: This paper focuses on the classification, materials, fundamental role and clinical effect of orthosis. Now, orthopedic materials are metal (steel and aluminum), leather, rubber, plastics and fibers. Clinical validation results within 1 year show excellent efficacy in 86 cases (93 feet), good in 8 cases (10 feet), and fair in 2 cases (3 feet). It is indicated that static or dynamic ankle ortosis produced by high-temperature thermoplastic plate for treatment of congenital club foot can obtain good early effects.