Orthosis
Pronunciation: or-THOH-sis
An externally applied device designed to support, align, prevent, or correct musculoskeletal deformities or improve function of movable body parts.
Full Definition
An orthosis is an externally applied device used in orthotics practice to support, align, immobilise, prevent, or correct musculoskeletal deformities and to improve the function of movable body parts. The term is the singular form; its plural, 'orthoses,' is frequently misspelled or confused with 'prostheses.' Editors must ensure the term is not conflated with prosthetics, which replaces rather than supports a body part. Orthoses are classified by the body region they address and by their functional purpose, such as static or dynamic.
Usage
Usage note: Always distinguish from 'prosthesis.' The plural is 'orthoses,' not 'orthosises.' Do not hyphenate unless used as a compound modifier.
In Context
- "The physiatrist prescribed a custom ankle–foot orthosis to address the patient's foot drop." — Clinical rehabilitation report
- "Editors should verify that 'orthosis' is not used interchangeably with 'prosthesis' in patient-facing documents." — Editorial style guide