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Orthotics Glossary

105 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026

Static Orthosis

Basic Technical IVT

An orthotic device with no moving parts that immobilises a body segment in a fixed position to promote healing, prevent deformity, or maintain alignment.

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Abduction Orthosis

Intermediate Technical IVT

An orthosis designed to hold one or both lower limbs in a position of abduction, most commonly used in the management of...

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Accommodative Orthosis

Intermediate Technical IVT

A soft or semi-soft foot orthosis designed to cushion, protect, and redistribute plantar pressure rather than to correct...

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AFO

Basic Technical IVT

Acronym for Ankle–Foot Orthosis; a device that encases the foot and ankle to control motion and provide support in patie...

Abbreviation Full entry →

Ankle–Foot Orthosis Checkout

Intermediate Technical IVT

A standardised clinical assessment performed after fitting an ankle–foot orthosis to verify its fit, function, and patie...

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ASIA Impairment Scale

Advanced Technical IVT

A standardised classification system developed by the American Spinal Injury Association to grade the severity of spinal...

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Biomechanical Evaluation

Intermediate Technical IVT

A structured clinical assessment examining the alignment, range of motion, and mechanical function of body segments to i...

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Carbon Fibre Composite

Intermediate Technical IVT

A lightweight, high-stiffness material made from carbon fibre strands embedded in a polymer resin matrix, widely used in...

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Casting (Orthotics)

Intermediate Technical IVT

The process of capturing the three-dimensional shape of a patient's body segment using plaster, fibreglass, or foam impr...

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Certificate of Medical Necessity

Intermediate Formal IVT

A formal document, typically completed by a prescribing physician, attesting that an orthotic device or other durable me...

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Cervical Orthosis

Basic Technical IVT

A device applied to the neck and head region to restrict cervical spine motion, provide pain relief, or support post-sur...

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Charcot Foot

Advanced Technical IVT

A progressive neuropathic condition causing bone and joint destruction in the foot and ankle, resulting in severe deform...

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Circumduction

Advanced Technical IVT

A compensatory gait deviation in which the entire lower limb is swung outward in a semicircular arc during the swing pha...

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Clamshell Orthosis

Intermediate Technical IVT

A bivalved spinal or limb orthosis consisting of anterior and posterior shells that open like a clamshell to facilitate...

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CMN

Intermediate Formal IVT

Abbreviation for Certificate of Medical Necessity; a formal physician-completed form used to justify orthotic and other...

Abbreviation Full entry →

Cobb Angle

Intermediate Technical IVT

A standardised radiographic measurement of spinal curvature severity, expressed in degrees, used to determine the need f...

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CROW

Advanced Technical IVT

Charcot Restraint Orthotic Walker; a custom bivalved boot orthosis designed to immobilise and offload the foot and ankle...

Abbreviation Full entry →

Custom-Fabricated Orthosis

Advanced Formal IVT

An orthosis individually constructed from a cast, scan, or measurements of a specific patient's body segment, as disting...

Technical Term Full entry →

Derotation Strap

Intermediate Technical IVT

A strap incorporated into an orthosis that applies a rotational corrective force to address tibial or femoral torsion.

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Diabetic Insole

Intermediate Technical IVT

A custom or prefabricated pressure-relieving foot orthosis specifically designed to reduce plantar shear and peak pressu...

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Dorsiflexion

Intermediate Technical IVT

The upward bending of the foot or toes toward the shin, a key movement parameter assessed and managed with lower-limb or...

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Drop-Lock Joint

Intermediate Technical IVT

A mechanical orthotic joint mechanism featuring a spring-loaded ring that drops to lock the joint in extension and can b...

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Dynamic Orthosis

Intermediate Technical IVT

An orthotic device incorporating moveable components such as springs or hinges that allow or assist controlled joint mov...

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Equinovarus

Intermediate Technical IVT

A combined foot deformity characterised by simultaneous plantarflexion (equinus) and inward deviation (varus), commonly...

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Exoskeleton Orthosis

Advanced Technical IVT

A powered, wearable robotic device that augments or replaces voluntary limb movement, used in rehabilitation to restore...

Technical Term Full entry →
Showing 1–24 of 105

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