Orthotics support the foundation of a rehabilitation journey right from the outset of an injury. Early access and focus on good orthotic management can have a significant effect on the clinical outcomes experienced by those who sustain a complex trauma limb injury or are affected by a neurological impairment.

Patients are comprehensively assessed in a multidisciplinary environment and an orthotic treatment package is provided that is centered around helping our patients reach their rehabilitation goals. We utilise leading technology in our assessments such as video gait analysis and pressure analysis techniques.

Our Orthotist Team

Our experienced team of HCPC registered orthotists specialise in the assessment, prescription and fitting of custom made orthotic devices. Using their medical knowledge, biomechanics and materials technology expertise they are able to design cutting edge orthoses.

Our Orthotists are trained and certified to use the latest technologies such as stance phase control knee joints, Emag active and Fior & Gentz NeuroTronic as well as the C Brace, the world’s only microprocessor controlled orthosis that uses sensor technology to control both the stance and swing phase of gait.

Innovative technologies within the field of orthotics is ever changing, from new raw materials to improved levels of customisation. Our Orthotists continue to stay at the forefront of clinical practice to ensure our patients always receive the most advanced orthoses possible for their needs.

We also have expertise in Neuro Orthotics and work with lawyers and case managers who have clients who are undergoing a clinical or medical negligence claim.

Our Orthotics

ReAktiv Brace using PDE™ spring technology

The ReAktiv Brace is a custom composite hybrid Prosthesis/Orthosis built with the PDE™ modular spring system. It was originally designed to partially offload the foot and ankle to relieve pressure and pain addressing complex lower limb injuries and other indications that result in pain and reduced lower limb functionality. The ReAktiv brace provides a modular, easily changeable spring system that can be tuned and swapped to meet each users specific needs in their daily life or as their conditions change.

The orthosis is custom manufactured using lightweight carbon fibre which aid in absorbing impact forces in gait, store energy throughout stance and release that energy at toe-off. These features aid to normalise gait, allow for higher activity such as running and reduce or remove pain in many cases.

3D Printed Orthotics

Additive manufacturing has revolutionised the world of orthotic manufacture. We can now create orthotic devices that are personalised, dimensionally exact and perfectly repeatable, in addition to being lightweight, unobtrusive and aesthetic.

Our Orthotist’s use the latest scanning technology to access these innovative products from a variety of companies here in the UK and globally. We can use 3D printing in many clinical applications from insoles through to AFOs, upper limb orthoses and face masks for sports use.

Stance control orthoses

Stance control orthoses are primarily used in the management of quadriceps weakness, to help support and normalise gait. They are designed to control the limb during the period of the gait cycle when the foot is in contact with the ground (stance phase).

Traditionally KAFOs/callipers have been designed to be either locked or unlocked in gait. A locked KAFO will hold the limb straight during gait and requires to be unlocked to bend the knee in sitting. The device is manually unlocked by reaching down to the knee joint. As the knee is held straight during swing the user will need to adopt gait compensations such as vaulting or circumduction to swing the limb through. A free knee KAFO is always unlocked and allows flexion at the knee during gait. The knee is controlled via the alignment of the orthosis.

A stance control orthosis is the best of both worlds. It will be locked during stance phase, but unlocked during swing, aiding ground clearance and reducing the need for gait compensations.

There are three main categories of stance control orthoses, mechanically, electrically and microprocessor operated.

Mechanical are controlled by a cable attached to the foot section that unlocks the joint at the correct point in the gait cycle. An example of this is the Freewalk (Ottobock).

Electronic stance control uses electronics to determine when to unlock the knee joint to enable the knee to flex during the swing phase of gait. Examples are the Emag active (Ottobock) and the Neurotronic (Fior & Gentz).

Microprocessor stance control uses sensor technology to provide both stance and swing control. This enables the user to sit down, navigate slopes and walk on uneven terrain. It also provides the capability to go down stairs step over step, yielding at the knee. There is currently only one microprocessor joint on the market (C Brace, Ottobock)