Paediatric Orthosis

Paediatric AFO

For children who have had surgery, stress fracture or who require stability after a sprain, the AFO is the most commonly used, to control the motion, gives support where needed and in the process helps control deformities and supporting the foot – ankle. Pediatric AFO’s in most cases can be custom made or a Pediatric walker can be readily supplied.

 

Scoliosis Orthoses

Scoliosis is a medical condition in which a person's spine has a sideways curve. The curve is usually "S"- or "C"-shaped. In some, the degree of curve is stable, while in others, it increases over time. Mild scoliosis does not typically cause problems, while severe cases can interfere with breathing. Typically, no pain is present.

The cause of most cases is unknown but is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors include other affected family members. It can also occur due to another condition such as muscles spasms, cerebral palsy, Marfan syndrome, and tumours such as neurofibromatosis. Diagnosis is confirmed with X-rays. Scoliosis is typically classified as either structural in which the curve is fixed or functional in which the underlying spine is normal.

Treatment depends on the degree of curve, location, and cause Minor curves may simply be watched periodically. Treatments may include bracing or surgery. The brace must be fitted to the person and used daily until growth stops. A related brace is the Boston brace (underarm brace, also known as a thoraco-lumbo-sacral orthosis, or TLSO), which is more commonly used for scoliosis. That brace does not have a neck ring and is more easily concealed under clothing.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. Signs and symptoms vary among people. Often, symptoms include poor coordination, stiff muscles, weak muscles and tremors. There may be problems with sensation, vision, hearing, swallowing and speaking. Often, babies with cerebral palsy do not roll over, sit, crawl or walk as early as other children of their age. Other symptoms may include seizures and problems with thinking or reasoning, either of which occurs in about one-third of people with CP. While the symptoms may get more noticeable over the first few years of life, the underlying problems do not worsen over time. Cerebral Palsy affects body movement, muscle control, muscle coordination, muscle tone, reflex, posture and balance. It can also impact fine motor skills, gross motor skills and oral motor functioning.

Children and adults with Cerebral Palsy more than likely will need a wheelchair for mobility, and every individual is different, there cant be a standard chair “where one size fits all”, a specialised chair is needed meaning some modifications needs to be done to ensure comfort and independence.

Creating a specialised Chair for individuals with CP

At Grundling Ortho Care and Wellness Centre we have had many opportunities to assist patients both young and old who has Cerebral Palsy with wheelchairs of which we modified and specialised for their individual needs.

By knowing the infant, child or adults age, and assessing the degree of classification of the Cerebral Palsy. Checking if the individual has any deformities and to what extent they are physically limited. We can then determine how to position them on the wheelchair, by means of seating.

Seating is very important making sure they are fixed in the chair by custom making a specialised cushion seating and backrest moulded and manufactured to their body image, only the best materials are used, this is all done to improve their posture, avoid deformities to make them more comfortable and to improve the quality of life.