Problems with Plastic Orthosis

Known as a brace or splint, an orthosis is an external medical device used to stabilize and support a body part, usually an ankle or foot. It can also be used to correct a deformity or aid in the recovery of an injury or disease. Metal and plastic both make suitable materials for orthosis. Plastic causes problems for some patients wearing the support device.

Circulation

• Diabetic patients have problems with circulation, so wearing a plastic orthosis creates additional concerns. Any device that fits right up against the skin, including an ankle-foot orthosis, or AFO, and a knee-ankle-foot orthosis, or KAFO, has the potential to cause circulation problems for any patient, whether diabetic or not. Anyone being fitted for a plastic orthosis needs to ensure that it allows enough room for proper circulation.

Skin Irritation

• Because of its fit next to the skin and inside the wearer's shoe, a plastic orthosis has the potential to cause skin irritation. As with the problem with circulation, the solution is in a proper fit. An orthotist is a trained professional responsible for making sure an orthosis fits properly. The first step in the process involves making a mold of the patient's body part. The orthotist then takes measurements of the body part so the mold will resemble the foot, ankle or knee. He then heats a sheet of plastic and shapes the plastic around the mold. Once the plastic is cool, it is cut from the mold and is ready for the fitting with the patient. Final adjustments take place to create a plastic orthosis that fits properly.

Swelling

• Once the plastic orthosis is custom fit another problem sometimes arises with patients who develop swelling, or edema, in the body part covered. The swelling may be due to the orthosis or may result from a condition of the patient. Swelling creates concerns such as circulation problems and the potential for skin irritation because of the tightening of the orthosis.

Pressure

• Swelling causes pressure on the leg, which presents another problem. Pressure can also arise from the everyday wearing of the plastic orthosis. Because a plastic orthosis fits tightly, pressure will always be a potential problem.