CHANGING THE PARADIGM AND EXPANDING ACCESS TO ORTHOTICS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11603/1811-2471.2025.v.i3.15565Keywords:
orthotics, prosthetics, motor disorders, innovative technologies, rehabilitation, prosthetics-orthotics specialistsAbstract
SUMMARY. Movement disorders of varying degrees and origins significantly affect the quality of life, limiting mobility, household independence, social activity, and often being accompanied by pain. In this context, orthotics is an important tool for improving the quality of life of people with motor disorders.
The aim – to substantiate the need to rethink traditional approaches to orthotics, emphasizing the importance of a patient-centered approach, the introduction of modern technologies and advanced training of specialists.
Material and Methods. Systematic analysis and synthesis of information from various sources to identify key issues and trends in the field of orthotics. The search was conducted in Medline databases (using the Pubmed interface).
Results. Orthotics is not just a technical device, but an important element of comprehensive rehabilitation that opens up new opportunities for people with motor disabilities, helping them to achieve greater activity, independence and significantly improve their quality of life. Expanding access to quality orthoses is not only a medical necessity, but also an important social and economic one. When patients receive timely and adequate orthotic care, they can function better, integrate into society, and reduce the burden on the healthcare system. Orthoses help patients to feel more independent and fully-fledged members of society, which is an inalienable right of every human being.
Conclusions. The rethinking of the orthotics paradigm should be based on the principles of patient-centeredness, active implementation of innovative technologies such as 3D printing and the latest materials, as well as advanced training and continuous professional development of specialists. Only a systematic approach that covers all the links - from education and production to legislative regulation - will create an effective and affordable orthotics system.
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