What is an Orthosis?

An orthosis is the true term for a caliper or brace. They are fitted to the body to achieve one or more of the following goals:

• Control biomechanical alignment

• Protect and support a healing injury

• Assist rehabilitation

• Reduce pain

• Increase mobility

• Increase independance

Orthoses are now described according to what parts of the body they cross. For example, an AFO is the abbreviated word for an Ankle Foot Orthosis because the orthosis crosses the joints of the foot and the ankle. Similarly, a KAFO crosses the joints of the foot, the ankle and the knee joint and is titled a Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis.