The orthotic service

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 consultant when needed to provide support, correction, stability or protection.

What is an orthotist?

An orthotist helps make and fit braces and splints (orthoses) for people who need added support. This might be to help body parts that have been weakened by injury, disease or disorders of the nerves, muscles, and bones. They help patients:

• become more mobile
• reduce falls
• reduce pain
• prevent and help heal ulcers

Where is the orthotic department?

The orthotic department is in the blue outpatient area. Once in blue outpatients, you can follow the signposts to the orthotic room.

What happens at my child’s orthotic appointment?

Your child will receive an appointment to attend an orthotic clinic where the orthotist assess your child.

The assessment will involve taking details of your child’s condition and checking your child’s joint movements.

Your child will then be measured for the most appropriate type of orthosis. This may involve taking a plaster cast mould. Most orthosis need to be individually made and cannot be supplied on the same day.

An appointment will be given to attend again for the orthosis to be fitted if needed. Some orthosis need more than 1 fitting.

What should we do in the department?

When you arrive, go to the orthotic desk at the blue outpatient’s entrance.

A responsible adult must accompany your child.

Bring with you any orthosis your child may already have. It is helpful if older children bring shorts to wear for their assessment.

If you need to bring or post items to the department, please make sure your child’s name, address and telephone number are included. Please also include information about their requirements. Send only the item which needs attention. For example, do not send both shoes if only 1 needs adapting.