Common Orthopedic Appliances

Orthopedic appliances help those with motor disabilities achieve stable movement. Those that require orthopedic appliances can include amputees, the elderly and people recovering from injuries. Developed by engineers and doctors, the appliances can be as simple as insole inserts for shoes and as complex as a fully functioning prosthetic limb.

Prosthetics

• Prosthetics are typically used by those who have lost a limb due to illness or injury. The design of these appliances is wide-ranging. Some are merely placeholders--molded pieces of plastic that do not mimic the original limb. Others are far more intricate, with moving parts and some electronic interfaces. There is also a demand for prosthetics created specifically for athletic activity.

Orthotics

• Orthotics are typically used to help with support where bones are either too weak or malformed. Examples include braces for the spine, ankle, knee and neck. These are also invaluable to athletes when injury has weakened certain joints.

Mobility

• Mobility is key to those suffering from orthopedic problems. Orthotics and prosthetics can be used in tandem with items made specifically for mobility such as specially made wheel chairs, canes, crutches and walkers.