AOFs: lower leg orthoses

Lower leg orthoses are used in cases of paralysis with a lesion height up to L5. They compensate the deficit in the erection in the leg, which is caused by the weakness of the calf muscles. Depending on the clinical picture, body weight, size and degree of activity different mechanical ankle joints or carbon springs can be selected. Lower leg orthoses enable fluid and natural walking and provide more safety and often almost unlimited mobility for everyday life and leisure.

Carbon springs enable a harmonious, energy-saving and thus physiological walking. Patients with good coordination can even run and jump.

During the heel strike and stance phase the carbon spring takes in energy and release it during the repulsion phase. Less effort is needed in the hips and knees, the ankle joint is supported, and the knee can be better stretched and flexed while walking.

Technical information on all joints can be found in our Online Shop.

KAFOs: thigh orthoses

Thigh orthoses are used in paralyzes with a lesion height of S1 to L4. At these levels of paralysis, the hip adductors and hip extensors are usually affected. At L4 also the knee extensors are weakened. Thigh orthoses support the leg as well as controlling the position of the foot so that a safe walking and standing is possible. By combining different mechanical knee and ankle joints or carbon springs, the orthosis is individually adapted to the activity and requirements of the patient. This creates more safety, mobility and wearing comfort in everyday life and thus leads to more quality of life.

We use joints and carbon springs from Gottinger as well as joints made by other manufacturers. An overview of all parts developed by Gottinger can be found in our Online Shop.

HKAFOs: hip orthoses

With a paralysis level from L3 to L2, partially the knee extensors, the entire foot muscles, the hip flexors and all hip extensors are affected. Mostly there are hip luxations on one or both sides and clubfeet. In L2, spinal deformities such as scoliosis are added. Without an orthosis, free standing or walking is no longer possible. In the case of higher lesions from L1 to TH5, in addition to storage contractures, standing and walking are often no longer possible without bracing with the arms.

Hip orthoses allow safe walking and standing. The paralyzed body regions are stabilized and erected by the orthosis, training the spatial perception, strengthened bone and muscle structure and improves the bladder and intestinal function.

The orthosis grasps the pelvis via a hip basket and stabilizes the trunk. Normally different hip, knee and ankle joints made by Gottinger are used and combined depending on the clinical picture and the level of paralysis. The Gottinger joint systems enable the construction of robust, functional and lightweight orthoses in unilateral construction. Up to a lesion height of L2, the Salera hip joint is usually used. With the Salera often also running and playing is possible, which making especially children more independent and self-confident. For higher lesions, we use the Twister or RGO hip joint. If the feeling of space and equilibrium is not well developed, the GoLiTE can nevertheless help to get up and moving.

More details about the joints can be found in our Online Shop.

Positioning orthoses

Positioning orthoses are used for correction prophylaxis. The aim is to counteract secondary malpositions that can result from a muscle imbalance or paralysis-related malposition. For the correction of contraceptives different versions of square joints are additionally used. Furthermore, positioning orthoses are used postoperatively for the maintenance of surgical results.

Depending on requirements, positioning orthoses are manufactured from lower leg height to hip height. They mainly consist of a PE shell or acrylic resin, which are equipped with a padding inside.

Positioning orthoses that reach up to the hip can also be used for standing when attached to a footplate. By adapting the positioning orthoses on a rolling board, the children get a first opportunity to move independently in a vertical position in a limited space. With sufficient coordination and increased activity, treatment with a Go-LiTE will be used to further promote children's mobility and increase the radius of travel. The Go-LiTE is a further development of the Swivelwalker systems. Due to the complete production of carbon fibers, the weight could be significantly reduced compared to similar products. The center of gravity in the Go-LiTE has been set far down, which gives it maximum stability and thus safety.

Hull orthoses & corsets

In the context of trunk orthotics, spinal deformities are stabilized and corrected with the help of corsets and thoracic orthotics. One focus is the supply of idiopathic and neuropathic scolioses.In the context of trunk orthotics, spinal deformities are stabilized and corrected with the help of corsets and thoracic orthotics. One focus is the supply of idiopathic andneuromuscular scolioses.

In order to support neuromuscular scolioses as well as to achieve the ability to sit with a high degree of paralysis, the production of a semi-flexible corset takes place. This corset is made of a flexible thermoplastic material (Duraflex). for reinforcement so-called carbon spines made out of carbon are attached to the back and if necessary on the sides. Due to the flexibility of the material a certain freedom of movement is given. The attached carbon spines provide the corset its necessary rigidity and support.

For the supply of idiopathic scolioses, the thermoplastic material polyethylene is generally used. Correction of the scoliosis is achieved via appropriately integrated pressure zones and clearances.

Measuring takes place via the scanning technique, as far as possible. Thus a plaster cast is not needed.