Welcome To The University of Illinois Orthotics Clinic!
The Rehabilitation Medicine Orthotics Clinic is committed to providing evaluation for and care to patients requiring an orthosis or brace.
What Is An Orthosis?
An orthosis, also known as a brace, is a device that is designed, fitted, and applied externally to a body part for support, protection, alignment, prevention or correction of a deformity, restriction or assistance of a movement, and improvement of function.
Who May Need An Orthosis?
Patients of all ages with impairments resulting from a variety of neurologic and orthopedic conditions may benefit from the use of an orthosis. Common impairments that can benefit from an orthosis include: foot drop, weak limbs, and both flexible and fixed deformities. These are usually seen in conditions such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy, peripheral neuropathy, spinal cord injury, and stroke.
What Is The Process For Evaluation & Follow-Up Of An Orthosis?
A comprehensive evaluation of each patient’s medical, physical, and functional status is performed by a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician (also known as a physiatrist). Other health care professionals may be involved in the assessment process to ensure that the needs of the patient are best met. If appropriate, an orthotic prescription is then developed in collaboration and consultation with a certified orthotist and submitted for fabrication.
The Rehabilitation Medicine Orthotic Clinic works in partnership with certified orthotists from Scheck and Siress, a prosthetic and orthotic practice conveniently located on the premises of the University of Illinois Hospital. Of course, if patients so desire, they may avail of the services of an orthotist of their own choosing. Once the orthosis is provided, patient’s are followed-up to evaluate the device and ascertain that it meets the patient’s needs and expectations.
Clinic Information
The Rehabilitation Medicine Orthotic Clinic is held on the first Tuesday afternoon of every month at:
Neuroscience Center, Suite 4E
1801 W. Taylor Street
Chicago, IL 60612
To schedule an appointment, please call: 312-355-0510.
Patient Resources
For additional information, please visit any of the following:
American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association: http://www.aopanet.org/resources/patient-information/
American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics, Inc.: http://www.oandpcare.org/Files/oandpcare%20resources_ORTHOTICS.pdf