 Casts Application of casts can be done in the well equipped cast room. Both serial casts (for improvement of joint range), and inhibitive casts (for the improvement of overall tone), can be readily applied by the physical therapists. Both types of casts are applied with the most up-to-date information and research in mind. |
Appropriate candidates for serial casting:
- Children who have limited range of motion in the heel cords and/or hamstrings secondary to spasticity.
- Children with neurological impairment, such as cerebral palsy, who have experienced a growth spurt resulting in decreased range or regression of gait pattern.
- Children who would benefit from conservative lengthening of musculature prior to potential surgical intervention.
- Children who are idiopathic toe walkers whose muscles have become shortened due to prolonged use of the plantar flexors.
- Children who have received botox injections.
Braces (AFO's-Ankle-Foot-Orthosis):
Braces can now be fabricated for a variety of foot and lower extremity problems related to neurological impairments. Casting material is utilized in order to take a direct, corrected mold of the child's foot and/or leg. This cast is then used to mold a hard, durable plastic brace called a "DAFO" (Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthosis). These braces are custom made from our casts through Cascades Orthotic Center.
Candidates for Braces:
- Children with Down Syndrome who require a foot insert to prevent collapse of the mid-foot during standing or walking.
- Children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis who require day or night positional splints.
- Children with hypotonia, resulting in pronated feet, with or without knee pain.
- Children with neurological impairment, such as cerebral palsy, who have experienced a growth spurt resulting in decreased range or regression of gait pattern.
Both casts and splints require a direct referral by a physician. Additionally, the practice strongly encourages communique with the referring physician and the primary therapists involved with the child.
|
