Orthopedic Technology - Medical specialists

Corsets for children

• Can the corset be seen under clothing? If loose T-shirts or pullovers are worn, the corset is not normally visible.
• How long does the corset have to be worn every day? This is determined by the treating doctor. In most cases, however, the corset must be worn day and night for better effect and can only be taken off for personal hygiene.
• Up to what age must the corset be worn? Until the spine is fully grown. Then correction is no longer possible and deterioration usually comes to a standstill.
• Does wearing the corset cause pressure points? The corset should not cause any pressure points after about 2 weeks of getting used to it. Although a certain amount of corrective pressure should be exerted on the spine, it should not be uncomfortable.
• What can be done to prevent heavy sweating in the corset? Wear a tight-fitting T-shirt without side seams under the corset. Attach large windows for air circulation in the corset (Cheneau corset). Perforation usually does not bring the desired success.
• Is sport possible in a corset? Many types of sport are possible in a corset after a familiarization phase. Sports that compress the spine are generally unfavorable.
• How often does the corset need to be checked? At regular intervals of approx. 3 months in the orthopaedic workshop to check its effectiveness.
• When does the corset need to be replaced? If there is a significant increase in length or width. In extreme cases, this can be the case after just 6 months in the event of a growth spurt.
• How is the corset cleaned? Most corsets are waterproof and can be washed with mild soapy water.

Corsets and corsets for adults

• How long should the corset be worn daily? This is determined by the doctor according to the indication. The corset is usually worn during the day and taken off at night.
• How can the corset be cleaned? Fabric corsets must be washed by hand in lukewarm water. If possible, metal parts should be removed beforehand.

Prosthetic legs

Comprehensive advice from an orthopaedic technician is urgently required here. The questions to be answered vary greatly from person to person, depending on the age and general state of health of the amputee.

• Can you do sport with a prosthesis? With the right training, almost any sport is possible. Special prostheses are required for some sports. Prostheses made for competitive sports are usually unsuitable for everyday use.
• Can you shower with a prosthesis? There are waterproof prostheses that can be used for showering as well as for beach vacations or swimming pools. These are usually simpler, inexpensive designs. Everyday prostheses with extensive technology are usually unsuitable.
• Is it possible to use different pairs of shoes? If the heel height is the same, different ready-made shoes can be worn. If unusual heel heights are desired, the possibility of implementation must be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
• How heavy is a prosthetic leg? A prosthetic leg weighs a fraction of the amputated leg. However, it does not appear any lighter due to the missing muscles. The weight depends on the weight and activity of the amputee. A lower leg prosthesis weighs between 1 kg and 2 kg. A transfemoral prosthesis weighs between 1.5 kg and 3.5 kg.
• Who shows the patient how to use the prosthesis? Initial instruction by the orthopaedic technician, walking training by specially trained physiotherapists.
• How is the prosthesis held on the leg? Thigh prostheses are usually held in place by a vacuum, lower leg prostheses by an undercut above the knee joint. Alternatively, by firmly adhering silicone residual limb socks that are mechanically anchored in the prosthesis. A bandage or straps are not usually required. It is not normally necessary to wrap the thigh during a transtibial amputation.
• How long does it take to make a prosthesis? If the doctor decides that the residual limb can bear weight, the prosthesis is ready to try on in a few days.
• How often does the patient have to visit the workshop for the first prosthesis fitting? An interim prosthesis is usually made first. This takes into account the ongoing changes to the residual limb and is adjusted more or less frequently depending on the situation. The definitive prosthesis is only fitted once the residual limb has its final shape.

Arm prostheses

• When is an electronically controlled arm prosthesis made? Advice from an experienced orthopaedic technician is urgently required.
• Can the arm prosthesis be fitted with a silicone cover? No problem with cosmetic prostheses. The more functions the prosthesis has, the more problematic silicone cosmetics are.
• Can a prosthesis convey sensory information (e.g. hot/cold)? The technology is available, but the cost is disproportionate to the benefit.
• Is there a universal prosthesis that meets work, leisure and cosmetic requirements? These requirements are often contradictory. This is why most patients have two or even three prostheses.
• Are prostheses with cables or hooks still up to date? This type of prosthesis is still used successfully for many areas of daily life.

Orthoses

• Does the orthosis fit into a ready-made shoe? It is often possible to use ready-made shoes. Depending on the width of the foot, it can be difficult to find suitable shoes. Many orthopaedic workshops offer special ready-made orthotic shoes for this purpose. Orthopaedic shoes are rarely required.
• Is the orthosis waterproof? The orthosis can only be used to a limited extent in wet areas due to the metal joints usually present. Subsequent lubrication of the joints after contact with water is essential.

Insoles

• Do you need special shoes to wear insoles? Slightly wider lace-up shoes with a slightly higher shaft are ideal. Insoles can be fitted into many shoes. Slippers, pumps, shoes with a high heel, narrow shoes and shoes with a flat shaft are unfavorable. Very soft shoes are unfavorable.
• How often do insoles need to be replaced? When the support is no longer sufficient and the foot complaints increase again.
• Are soft or hard insoles better? The general opinion is that soft insoles allow more muscle activity. However, they have to be fitted very precisely to the shoe and therefore only fit in similar shoes.

Bandages and compression stockings

• After how long do compression stockings need to be replaced? After six months of wear, the compression decreases significantly and the stockings are worn out.
• Does the health insurance company cover a replacement pair of compression stockings? Only in exceptional cases with an above-average tendency to sweat will a replacement pair be covered.