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.