Orthotics - KYTX CBS 19 Tyler Longview News Weather Sports

Orthotics is defined as "the branch of medical engineering concerned with the design, manufacture, fitting and follow-up care for patients requiring an orthosis in the treatment of orthopedic, neurophysiological, or neuromuscular disorders".

An orthosis is defined as "any medical device applied to or around, a bodily segment in the case of physical impairment or disability".  There is an infinite number of upper and lower extremity as well as spinal and hybrid designed orthoses available.

ETPOC is experienced in technologically advanced as well as traditional orthotic systems.  Prescription criteria, device function, patient diagnosis and preference are a few variables that affect the final product.  Varieties of knee/ankle/foot, ankle/foot, shoulder, wrist/hand, and elbow/wrist/hand orthosis both protect and prevent further progression of joint disorders, support fracture sites, and provide stability in the absence of normal motor function.  An orthosis may consist of a single unit or an entire system of components tailored to a specific condition.

ETPOC is also experienced in the design, manufacture, fitting, and follow-up care of patients requiring spinal orthoses.  Devices such as the Halo, SOMI, cervical collar, TLSO body jacket, hyperextension TLSO (CASH or Jewett), and post operative lumbo-sacral orthosis are routinely recommended and fit by ETPOC practitioners.  Pediatric orthotic care for a child affected by specific congenial anomalies is another clinical specialty service offered by ETPOC.  Patients needing our orthotic services include individuals requiring:

• Reduction or prevention of contracture or deformity
• Facilitation of safe ambulation (walking)
• Assistance and support of weak muscled or muscle impairment caused by trauma, Multiple Sclerosis, Polio, Stroke, neurological conditions, neuromuscular conditions, and birth defects
• Pressure reduction of diabetic or neuropathic ulcers and protection of insensitive limbs
• Pain reduction due to degenerative conditions such as Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, or Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Prevention of further progression of skeletal deformity, ex. Scoliosis
• Joint stabilization during therapy in order to strengthen affected areas of the body

The majority of ETPOC orthotic services are custom-manufactured through our in-house laboratory from patent cast impressions or measurements for Computer Aided Design-Computer Aided Manufacture (CAD-CAM) programs.  Although there is an abundance of pre-fabricated braces available through catalog purchase, we have found that customization for each individual provides the best outcome for our patients.

While the fit and the function of the orthosis is of utmost importance, ETPOC places a special emphasis on follow-up examinations after you have received your orthosis.  Our routine follow-up exams assure that the patient and/or caregiver understands and is educated in the proper use of the brace.  These exams also alert ETPOC to any modifications or adjustments the patient may need in order to utilize the orthosis safely.