Your appointment at the Orthotic Department

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 wear which support, protect and treat their medical conditions. We call these devices ‘orthoses’.

Orthoses are types of:

• splints
• callipers
• braces
• insoles
• footwear and footwear adaptations
• helmets

These are supplied at the request of the consultant with the aim of providing support, correction, stability or protection.

What will happen during the assessment?

During your assessment you may be asked to consent to:

• the removal of some items of your child’s clothing
• a physical examination for your child
• measurements or a plaster cast being taken of your child

How often will my child need to attend?

Usually the provision of an orthosis will involve you or your child attending the Sheffield Children’s Orthotic Department for:

• an initial assessment and casting (if appropriate)
• a fitting or supply of items
• a follow-up review (if appropriate)
• further review appointments as necessary

Please note: It will not be appropriate for items issued at any of the Sheffield Children’s clinics to be altered in any way at any other sites, including your local area Orthotic Department.

What do we need to do to obtain the greatest benefit from the orthotic treatment?

• provide appropriate footwear if advised
• wear the orthosis for the specified amount of time
• follow fitting and care instructions
• attend regular orthotic reviews
• notify the orthotist of any problems
• accept responsibility for the orthosis