Orthotics Archives - 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 an EOS? The EOS scanner is a special piece of X-ray equipment that takes images of you while you are stood up. This means your bones can be imaged while you are in your usual posture, instead of lying down. The EOS scanner can take much larger pictures than normal X-ray cameras which...

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...

The bracing service at Sheffield Children’s Hospital aims to get the best results possible. Bracing is a commitment for you and your family, and we understand how difficult it is to wear a full-time brace. Growth makes the scoliosis curves get bigger, so bracing will continue until you stop...

Why do I need a brace? A brace reduces the chance of the scoliosis curve getting bigger and needing surgery. Will the brace work? There is excellent scientific evidence that full-time braces reduce the risk of people going on to need surgery. The brace doesn’t work for everyone but is more likely...

What will happen before the operation? You will be asked to come into to hospital the day before your surgery and one of your parents will be able to stay with you overnight. You will be able to eat until 2am and have sips of clear fluid, within reason, until the time of your surgery.…...