Each patient referred to Cornell O&P undergoes a thorough initial
assessment of their particular deficits. We schedule ample time
to listen and understand each patient's needs and condition. We
closely consider their concerns along with those of their referring
physician, therapists and family. Together, we formulate a program
of custom orthotic management. Highly trained
technicians fabricate our patients' orthoses in a timely fashion
with the most advanced materials, components and techniques. Ample
time is scheduled for fitting and training our patients to ensure
that our mutual goals are achieved.
An almost unlimited
number of muscular, neurological and post surgical conditions
lend themselves to proper orthotic management, thus achieving
relief of pain and reducing disability for the patient. Proper
design and fabrication of these orthotic systems, coupled with
creative practitioners and optimum fit are the key to a successful
patient outcome. The dedicated orthotists at Cornell O&P never
lose sight of their objectives: to return the patient to comfort
and independence.
The majority of conditions requiring orthotic management fall into three categories:
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Musculoskeletal |
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Neuromuscular |
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Post Surgical |
Musculoskeletal:
Musculoskeletal conditions affect muscles, the bony skeleton,
ligaments or tendons. Common conditions that fall into this category
include (but are not limited to):arthritis, trauma, cancer, scoliosis,
abnormalities of the spine, fractures, plantar fasciitis, congenital
abnormalities, tendon rupture.
Neuromuscular:
Neuromuscular conditions affect the brain, spinal cord and peripheral
nerves and, thereby, directly affect muscles. Common conditions
include (but are not limited to): cerebral palsy, stroke (CVA),
traumatic brain injury, polio, Charcot Marie Tooth Disease, Lou
Gehrig Disease (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), diabetes, spina
bifida, trauma, congenital anomalies.
Post Surgical:
Often following surgery, support and/or immobilization is required for several weeks.
Conditions include (but are not limited to): spinal fusion, delayed non-unions, repairs of fractures and ligaments, knee replacement, club foot release and trauma.
Goals of Lower Extremity Orthotics
Orthotic management of the
lower extremities is primarily targeted at restoring normal biomechanics
through bracing. This is achieved by aligning each bony segment
from the toes to the hip and then restoring normal gait sequencing.
Balance, is possible only when these segments are properly
aligned with the mass over the base. Balance problems from loss
of sensation or movement disorders can be improved with proper
bracing.
Goals of Upper Extremity Management
We treat upper extremities in much the same manner as lower. Contracture
management, fractures and reducing pain are successfully managed
with custom orthoses. Custom orthoses with spring loaded joints,
are a very successful way to gain range of motion in contracted
joints. Strong, light-weight plastic materials are less bulky
and lower profile.
Goals of Spinal Orthotic Management
Many new bracing systems are available and we strive to offer
the most appropriate system from this great array of new and standard
choices. Custom nocturnal scoliosis systems; soft-sided, more
comfortable TLSOs (full -torso, spinal braces) and new more effective
prefabricated LSOs (low profile shorter spinal braces) are but
a few. We have always found that the best way to determine which
device will be most successful is always to present the patient
with as many appropriate options as possible.
