Introduction: Since the initial use of wood, metal, leather, plaster, and various hightemperature thermoplastics in orthotics, the lengthy and demanding process of manufacturing a custom orthotic has lead scientists to focus on finding a material that would reduce manufacturing time while better fitting the patient and facilitating the rehabilitation process. The first low-temperature thermoplastic was introduced in the 1960s. The device is manufactured directly on the patient without prior measurements and lengthy preparations. If the device does not fit the patient, it can be reheated, softened and corrected immediately. When low-temperature thermoplastic is heated in warm water (50-60 ° C), it becomes soft, stretchy elastic, transparent and in most cases self-adhesive. Purpose: The purpose of this diploma work is to present the properties, applicability and effectiveness as well as the most common applications of low-temperature thermoplastics in orthotics based on a review of the professional and scientific literature. We also want to present the current situation in comparison with new methods of orthotic fabrication and other materials, as well as the future of materials that could potentially replace low-temperature thermoplastics. Methods: We reviewed the English-language literature in the Google Scholar and PubMed databases using the search term »Low temperature thermoplastic AND (orthotics OR splint * OR splinting material)«. Results: We identified eight articles as suitable for our work. These describe different material properties such as perforation, coating, colour, thickness, memory function, drapability, elasticity, stretchability, self-adhesiveness, flexibility and stiffness, as well as different fields of use. Discussion and conclusion: We found that low-temperature thermoplastics are classified into 3 groups: elastic based thermoplastics, plastic based thermoplastics and rubber based thermoplastic. In orthotics, it is most commonly used to make an immobilizing orthosis for the arm in a resting position, short and long thumb orthoses, dorsal/volar orthoses, orthoses for the swan neck or hammer fingers and elbow orthoses. The field of orthotics is changing with the increasing use of 3D printing. This brings a less invasive, simpler approach that is displacing the classic process.
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