Paediatric Orthotics

Clinics in Developmental Medicine No. 175

Orthoses are externally applied medical devices used to prevent or correct musculoskeletal deformities and improve physical functioning; these devices are typically custom made. This is one of very few books on the subject of orthotics published in recent years and the only book focusing solely on the orthotic management of children.

The first part of the book considers the principles that are fundamental to orthotic management, including a review of biomechanics, consideration of clinical assessment methods, and the materials and fabrication techniques used to make orthoses. The second part of the book comprises several condition-specific chapters that consider the appropariate orthotic management of the more common conditions in childhood in the context of multidisciplinary care. The chapters include neuromuscular conditions such as cerebral palsy, myelomeningocoele and muscular dystrophy; and also congenital deformities and conditions arising in childhood. One chapter considers orthotic intervention for idiopathic scoliosis and another considers the sometimes controversial issue of protective and corrective headwear. Whist by no means exhaustive, Paediatric Orthotics provides both a basic grounding in the subject together with practical guidance to help clinical practice.

Paediatric Orthotics will be of use, not only to orthotists but also to physical and occupational therapists, paediatricians, paediatric orthopaedic surgeons and physiatrists. The book is also essential reading for all students and clinicians involved in the physical management of children with disabilities.