mechanical devices used for diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system for treatment, as well as for the purpose of preventing the development or progression of contractures and deformities; play the role of temporary or permanent auxiliary means for functional purposes; provide fixation of the affected part of the body, its unloading, correction of deformity, training of the musculoskeletal system in order to restore their functions. Depending on the purpose, there are:
1) Fixing orthopedic appliances, usually of a splint-sleeve design, are made in the form of a brace (a solid sleeve without hinges) for the entire limb or its individual segments, or a rigid solid corset or from sleeves connected by a hinge. The purpose of their use is to completely or partially restrict movement in the joints of the limbs (trunk).
2) Unloading orthopedic devices contribute to the transfer of loads from the affected area to the adjacent ones, more often with support on bony protrusions.
3) Corrective orthopedic devices provide correction of deformities. More often, orthopedic appliances of mixed designs are made, designed simultaneously for fixation and unloading. Orthopedic appliances include corsets that are designed to fix, unload or correct spinal deformity. Depending on the level of damage to the spine, corsets for the lumbar, lower thoracic, middle thoracic, upper thoracic and cervical regions are distinguished. Orthopedic devices are put on the underwear, they are removed only during therapeutic exercises, massage, physiotherapy procedures and at night.