Spinal Cord Injuries

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is defined as an acute injury of the spinal cord which can result in a varying degree of paralysis and/or sensory disorder. A traumatic spinal cord injury may present with pathophysiological (physiological processes associated with disease or injury) changes in the early acute phase (2-48hrs), the subacute phase (2 days to 2 weeks), and the intermediate phase (2 weeks to 6 months).

What is Spinal Cord Disorder

Causes Of A Spinal Cord Disorder

Spinal cord disorders can originate from either outside or inside the spinal cord. Damage from the outside of the cord can be caused by injury or compression of the spinal cord. The spinal cord may be compressed due to a bone fracture, spinal degeneration or abnormalities such as a hematoma, tumour or herniated disc.

Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Disorder

What Types of Orthotics Might Be Effective

How Can Children’s Orthotics Help?

At Children’s Orthotics, we have a wide range of devices that can assist in biomechanical function by helping alignment, stability and assistance in muscle and joint movement. Orthotic devices have proven effective in pain management and in some cases, preventing the injury or disorder from worsening.

Our team of experienced paediatric orthotists will take the time needed you fully understand your child’s injury or condition and closely consider the best orthotic device and treatment plan available to your child.

Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs) - are devices that cover the ankle, foot and the leg below the knee. AFOs are highly durable and are custom made to the individuals' requirements. AFOs are normally made from thermoplastics, silicon, lycra or carbon fibre to control unwanted movements and improve mobility. Children’s Orthotics prescribe these orthoses to target areas of the leg that require specific support while maintaining as much natural function as possible.

Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses (KAFOs) - are similar to AFOs but also cover the knee joint. KAFOs help in preventing excessive joint motion so to lessen joint pain. They also help with joint alignment and stability. KAFOs are customised for each individual and are usually made of metal or thermoplastics. Newer KAFO varieties are made of carbon fibre and are lightweight while still offering the support needed to complete a gait cycle.

Splints - Well fitted splints around the foot and ankle can provide stability, support and stretching of the muscles to help prevent or slow down any contractors. Children’s Orthotics have access to a wide range of stock that can be custom designed to fit your child.

Night splints - Resting splints help support and align the foot to the optimal position when resting. The resting splint allows a prolonged stretch of the muscle that may prevent or slow down deformities.

Spinal brace - A spinal brace helps to stabilise the spine (which can help to control pain) and reduce the mechanical load on the vertebrae. Spinal braces must be very well fitted in order to achieve support and pain relief, the best way to achieve a well-fitting spinal brace is for the brace to be custom made to fit you exactly.

Cervical Orthoses - A cervical orthosis is used to protect and immobilise the cervical spine (neck). It is typically a two-piece design made of a thin plastic frame and a soft removable liner.

Hip Orthoses - The components of hip orthoses include a hip/pelvic girdle, thigh cuff and a hip joint. The joints are usually adjustable, allowing some degree of movement. This alignment positions the head of the femur (top of the thigh bone) assisted the ligaments, bone and surrounding muscles during ambulation. These devices can be ‘off the shelf’ items or made bespoke for your child needs.

Supramalleolar Orthoses (SMO) - the SMO supports the foot just above the anklebone (the malleolus). SMOs are usually prescribed to children who have soft, flexible, flat feet. The SMO is designed to maintain a vertical, or neutral heel while also supporting the arches of the foot.

Powered Orthoses - are a new generation assistive device designed to activate the movement of lower limb joints for people with spinal cord injuries/disorders by inducing motion to paralysed lower limb joints using external power via electric motors or pneumatic or hydraulic actuators.

What Might the Assessment Procedure Involve

Your orthotist will ask you questions about your child’s daily activities and medical history. The paediatric orthotist will undertake a gait examination and watch them walk, paying attention to movements at their affected joints and making observations of how their body moves. Following this, your child’s treatment options and goals will be discussed and a prescription made. Any devices that are required will be fabricated using materials chosen specifically to meet their requirements and then a fitting session arranged. All of our prescriptions and fittings are followed by a review to ensure that the treatment is effective and any adjustments can be made.

To get in touch or arrange an appointment, you can call us at 0330 088 3949 or email office@orthotics.co.uk.