Lower Limb
Orthotic Devices for Lower Limbs
We provide a wide range of solutions for paediatric lower limb conditions. Our role is to assess, design, and provide custom or prefabricated orthotic devices in collaboration with other healthcare professionals such as Physiotherapists and Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeons. These devices are externally applied to the body to improve function, provide support, correct deformities, and manage pain.
Our service
Having provided our comprehensive orthotic service to Children’s Health Ireland since 1997, we have a wealth of experience in treating paediatric conditions.
Working closely with Orthopaedic Surgeons & Physiotherapists, we treat a wide range of pathologies.
We use custom solutions for each case, depending on the particular requirements of each child.
Our custom-made lower limb orthoses are manufactured in our on-site workshop by our experienced technical staff.
This gives us control of the entire process from start to finish and ensures that each device is carefully made to achieve the best possible outcomes.
We believe the quality of fit of each orthosis is of paramount importance to ensure that it is comfortable to wear and has the desired effect.
Conditions treated
Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV)
Following ponseti treatment we provide continued support in the form of Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs) for night use, reverse last footwear and Foot Orthoses (insoles). Some children may also require AFOs for day use.
Cerebral Palsy
Walking AFOs for our ambulent cohort, to improve gait & facilitate walking longer distances before tiring.
High functioning ambulation might require only the use of Foot Orthoses. For those using wheelchairs we provide AFOs to help control and maintain foot position and prevent contractures.
Spina Bifida
Ground Reaction AFOs to facilitate/improve ambulation, AFOs to maintain foot/ankle position for wheelchair users.
Congenital Pseudoarthrosis (“false joint”)
Presents as bowing of the tibia which results in a fracture that does not heal. We design clamshell articulating Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses (KAFOs) or clamshell Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs) to protect the pseudoarthrosis and enable the child to walk.
Toe-walking
Following serial casting or surgery we fit night AFOs to maintain muscle range.
Pes planus/planovalgus (”flat feet”)
We provide both pre-fabricated or custom-made Foot Orthoses and footwear advice.
Genu valgum (”knock-knees”) & Genu Varum (”bowlegs”)
While often a natural part of a child’s development, persistent or excessive cases, for example with underlying conditions such as rickets or Blount’s desease, may require intervention.
We design Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses (KAFOs) to guide bone growth & align the knees over time.