Introduction: Certified orthotists and prosthetists with undergraduate degree assume the
main role in the production of orthoses in collaboration with other members of the
multidisciplinary team. The knee, ankle and foot orthoses are intended for people with
deformations in different areas. Orthoses are made of different materials, the decision on
which is made by the orthotist and prosthetist. The use of orthosis should allow the patient
to have a complete correction of the deformation and it should not interfere with daily
activities. Purpose: The purpose of the thesis is to present different types of knee joints in
knee, ankle and foot orthoses, their function and the effectiveness of treatment based on
recent research. Methods: A descriptive research method was applied and the professional
foreign and domestic literature was reviewed in bibliografic databases COBIB.SI, Google
Scholar, PubMed, DiKul, Medline, CINAHL. The time frame was from 2013 to 2023.
Results: Seven studies included in the diploma work researched the use of knee orthosis in
combination with other devices. One study involved stroke patients, one patients after
reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligaments, and five included patients with
osteoarthritis of the knee. Discussion and conclusion: It is important to focus on the
orthosis manufacturing time, its weight, repair options, maintenance, flexibility and the
choice of material. The most convenient knee, ankle and foot orthosis is made of plastic
material because it is easy to wear and maintain. The knowledge of knee biomechanics and
orthosis is of outmost importance in the application of orthosis. These orthoses are suitable
for a variety of injuries and diseases of the knee, such as osteoarthritis of the knee as well
as for the pain relief and higher functioning of patients after anterior cruciate ligament
reconstruction or subacute stroke.
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