Orthotic Services

• NHS Orthotists are autonomous registered Allied Health Care Practitioners, treating a wide range of adult and paediatric conditions including those those related to musculo-skeletal problems, neurological disorders, diabetes, rheumatological conditions and trauma. Our aim is to facilitate the treatment and rehabilitation of patients through assessment for, and provision of an orthoses.
• We have onsite clinical and manufacturing facilities in Ninewells Hospital (TORT Centre), Perth Royal Infirmary Orthotic Department and at Stracathro Hospital. We assess, design, fit, review and maintain orthoses (bracing) for all areas of the body in order to achieve a variety of goals including:
  • Preserve / improve function
  • Correct gait deviations and alignment / optimize gait energy expenditure
  • Protect muscle length and improve muscle strength
  • Reduce pain, spasticity or tone
  • Offload at risk / ulcerated areas of the body and protect limb integrity

• The Orthotist carries out a full biomechanical evaluation of a patient’s needs; takes the cast/3D scan required (or can use a prefabricated brace or measurements), provides full manufacturing and design specifications and fits the finished device to the patient. The patient may receive their orthosis at their first appointment or it may be custom made or ordered. The Orthosis can then be reviewed as required under the Orthotist’s guidance.
• We work closely with other AHP’s such as Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Health Care Assistants and also alongside Consultants in various disciplines and general practitioners. We accept referrals from all disciplines, at all levels.
  

All patients who need to be assessed for suitability for provision of an orthosis with the following guidance:

• All patients who have walking difficulties from a musculo-skeletal or neurological condition who may benefit from an orthosis to correct a gait deviation from normal in order to improve how they walk or aid their rehab.
• Patients who have upper limb dysfunction/deformity.
• Patients who have foot and ankle conditions which cause pain, instability / sprains and other ailments arising from alignment issues such as hyper pronation, or pressure related issues such as severe localized callousing with associated pain
• Patients who have issues with deformity / pain regarding their spine.
• Patients who have ulcerated feet / ankle complexes which require offloading in the form of specialist bracing or total contact insoles
• Patients who require assessment for specialist footwear through severe deformity of the feet, amputations of toes, etc (who are unable to fit into commercially available footwear)

• Tennis Elbow Supports
• Elasticated supports
• Silicone toe spacers
• Bunion protectors
• Heated Socks
• Hernia Supports
• Maternity Supports
• Arm Slings
• Wrist braces for conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Paediatric curly toes
• Patients requiring assessment for Prostheses (Prosthetic Limbs) require to be directed to the Prosthetic Service at the TORT centre in Ninewells Hospital - tay.prosthetics@nhs.scot
• Patients requiring assessment for Wheelchairs require to be directed to the Assistive Technologies Service (Wheelchairs) at the TORT centre in Ninewells Hospital - tay.atservice@nhs.scot