Orthotics
An orthosis is an external device that supports or enhances an impaired body part.
Common examples include:
- Wrist splints
- Foot drop splints
- Long-leg callipers
- Spinal braces
The Orthotics Service specialises in providing orthoses.
Orthoses are extremely helpful in a very wide range of conditions the common feature being that the structure or function of a body part (arm, leg, joint, muscle, spine etc) is limiting a person’s activity.
They are frequently used in people with rheumatological and orthopaedic disorders, such as:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Flat foot
- Scoliosis of the spine
They are also used for many people with neurological conditions, such as:
- Stroke
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Brachial plexus and other nerve injuries
- Cerebral palsy
Most orthoses are manufactured on site. The service is located in the Tebbit building at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre (NOC).
We work very closely with other services. Within the Oxford Centre for Enablement (OCE), the orthotists run clinics with physiotherapists from the neurological rehabilitation service and they may see patients also being seen in the posture independence and mobility service. They also run specialist clinics with the orthopaedic surgeons. Many patients are also referred directly by their doctor.
Please click here to view referral information.