My Orthopedic Surgery

Effect of medial arch-heel support in inserts on reducing ankle eversion: a biomechanics study
Daniel TP Fong , Mak-Ham Lam , Miko LM Lao , Chad WN Chan , Patrick SH Yung , Kwai-Yau Fung , Pauline PY Lui and Kai-Ming Chan Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research 2008, 3:7
Conclusions Medial arch-heel support in inserts is effective in reducing ankle eversion in walking and running, but not in standing. In walking, there is a trend to bring the over-pronated feet of the pronators back to the normal eversion range. In running, it shows an effect to restore normal eversion range in 84% of the pronators.

A lower limb orthosis is an external device applied or attached to a lower body segment to improve function by controlling motion, providing support through stabilizing gait, reducing pain through transferring load to another area, correcting flexible deformities, and preventing progression of fixed deformities.
Synonyms and related keywords: lower extremity orthoses, orthotic devices, AFO, ankle-foot orthosis, KAFO, knee-ankle-foot orthosis, HKAFO, hip-knee-ankle-foot orthosis, THKAFO, trunk-hip-knee-ankle-foot orthosis
Alexander, Xing & Bhagia 2006

An orthotic device (commonly just referred to as an orthotic) is an external device applied on the body to limit motion, correct deformity, reduce axial loading, or improve function in a certain segment of the body.
Synonyms and related keywords: orthosis, orthotic device, brace, immobilizer
Kulkarni & Ho 2005

Upper extremity orthoses are devices applied externally to restore or improve functional and structural characteristics of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. In general, musculoskeletal problems include those resulting from trauma, sports, and work-related injuries. Upper extremity orthoses also are used frequently on patients who have had neurologic problems, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy (CP), spinal cord injury (SCI), and peripheral nerve injury. They often are used in arthritic conditions as well. The material used in orthotic devices includes low-temperature thermoplastics that can be custom-made for fit and other appropriations. Other materials include casting, metal, strapping, and Velcro. Custom-made upper extremity orthoses may be fabricated by physical, occupational, and hand therapists, as well as orthotists.
Synonyms and related keywords: upper limb orthosis, brace, splint, orthotic device
Author: Ramon S Lansang Jr, MD