What is an Orthosis?
Orthopaedic technology differentiates between the two classic fields of prosthetics and orthotics. While a prosthesis replaces a body part, an orthosis supports a body part or body function.
In traditional orthotics, orthoses have a mere supporting function. They compensate lost mobility through stabilisation or secure and relieve pathologically affected areas. Common examples are ankle joint or knee orthoses after ligament ruptures.
Even for neurological indications with signs of paralyses of the lower extremities, the main focus of classic orthotics is still on the stabilising functions. One famous example for these orthoses for patients with paralyses is well-known from the film “Forrest Gump”. Sadly, this technological level still represents the prevalent form of treatment for patients with paralyses around the globe. The commonly used term “brace” for such an assistive device stands for this form of orthotic treatment and clearly shows that it simply only braces the leg and does not (re)activate the neurological or anatomical functions.
On a political level, the development of modern techniques for prostheses has been supported worldwide, especially during the major wars. The development of modern techniques in the field of orthotics on the other hand has never been the focus of public attention.
While “braces” due to their traditional technology, poor functionality and little individualisation have increasingly been replaced by wheelchairs, FIOR & GENTZ is vigorously dedicated to the field of individual neurological orthotics since its founding in 1997. The vast amount of different causes and manifestations of paralyses is what makes this field an exceptional challenge. FIOR & GENTZ has accepted this challenge and grown in the treatment of patients with paralyses over the past years.
