FranMakey, Author at Resource Library - Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust

As you are getting older, you will be thinking more about your future. You may have heard people talking about ‘transition’. What is transition? In health care, we use the term ‘transition’ to describe the process of planning, preparing and moving from children’s health...

Why does my baby need to wear the brace? Your baby has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia, which means that your baby’s hip is either underdeveloped, unstable or can be relocated from a dislocated position. This is a relatively common condition, happening in around 4 in 1000 babies. It is more...

What is pectus carinatum? Pectus carinatum (also known as pigeon chest) is a condition in which the breastbone (sternum) of the chest sticks out. This happens because several ribs and the breastbone grow abnormally. Whilst a child is still growing this can be corrected with a pectus brace. What is a...

What is a spinal brace? A spinal brace is made from thermoplastic material and lined with a material suitable for children. It fastens with Velcro straps. What is it for? A spinal brace is provided to control and support the spine and pelvis. How should it be put on? The orthotist will show you...

Why does my baby need to wear a harness? Your baby has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia, which means that your baby’s hip is either underdeveloped, unstable or can be relocated from a dislocated position. This is a relatively common condition, occurring in 4 in 1000 babies. It is more...

What is an insole or heel cup? An insole or heel cup is a rubber or thermoplastic device which fits under the foot and inside a shoe. What is the purpose of an insole or heel cup? An insole or heel cup provides correction, support and stability to the foot. It assists in aligning the…...

What is the orthotic service? The orthotic service at Sheffield Children’s hospital provides orthoses for children. This can be to supply splints, callipers, braces, insoles, footwear and footwear adaption, as well as other devices. You will be seen by an orthotist. Orthoses are given by a...

What type of footwear is the most suitable? Generally lace up shoes are the best choice as they offer the most adjustment. Velcro or buckle straps can be used but offer less adjustment. What type of shoe is unsuitable? Sandals and low cut shoes are generally unsuitable. A shoe with a high heel is...

Why is a splint necessary? A splint has been supplied to provide correction, support or stability to the foot or the ankle. Splints help keep your child’s foot and leg in a good position, which will help stop their muscles from getting tighter. If their muscles get really tight they can start...

Your child has been invited to attend an appointment at the Sheffield Children’s Orthotic Department where they will be assessed by one of our orthotists. The orthotic service is based in the Outpatient department. What is the orthotic service? The orthotic service provides devices for children to...

Why has my child been given orthotic footwear? We feel your child would benefit from additional support required by these boots. The boot will support the foot in a weight bearing position whether in a standing frame, walking aid, or in unsupported walking. The stiffness of the boot is suitable to...

You have been asked to provide footwear to be adapted for your child. What do I need to do? When bringing or posting footwear to the hospital for adapting please: clearly label the footwear with your child’s name, address and hospital number (if known) provide a current daytime telephone number...

Why does my child need to wear boots and bar? The boots and bar are essential to help your child’s feet develop correctly. The boots and bar continue the work started by the corrective casts. How do the boots and bar work? The boots work by turning your child’s feet out. This position...