What is an PHAO?
The hip abduction orthosis holds the hips in the medically required abduction position.
Will all orthoses be 3D printed?
No. But for some aids, 3D printing technology makes perfect sense.
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Hip abduction at night
The PHAO allows movement
In cooperation with the Aschau Children’s Clinic, we were able to develop a dynamic abduction orthosis for the hip that enables children to sleep well. The PHAO (Pohlig Hip Abduction Orthosis) holds the hips at night in the medically required abduction position, but restricts the mobility of the hips and knee joints only as much as absolutely necessary.
The orthosis consists of light plastic shells, which are manufactured after body scanning and have a free-moving knee joint that allows knee flection at any time. Using a specially developed multi-joint mechanism, a gas-filled spring brings the hip joints into the required correction position. If there is a spasticity or the child turns independently, the spring will give way and allow the legs to be spread briefly. As soon as the muscles relax again, the gas spring gently expands and the abduction of the hip joints is restored.
Protected hip joints despite night-time position changes
Sleep better with PHAO
Why a hip abduction orthosis?
A hip abduction orthosis may be necessary especially in cases of hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a congenital or acquired malformation of the acetabulum. In this case, the acetabulum is not large or deep enough to grip the femoral head well. As a result, the femoral head no longer lies stably in the acetabulum. In severe cases, the head of the femur can no longer be held centered and slides upwards out of the socket (hip dislocation).
Especially in the case of spastic paralysis (especially in infantile cerebral palsy), but also in the context of other neurological diseases, pathological changes occur such as covering deficits or decentralization of the hip joints. This is due to a variety of reasons and urgently requires pediatric orthopedic care or monitoring.
In most cases, hip abduction must be performed to protect the hip joints. This is generally used at night and in resting phases.
Turn around independently while you sleep
Conventional positioning shells that do not allow any movement have not really proven themselves in everyday life and are not tolerated by most children. This is not surprising, because changing your position several times is a key prerequisite for a good night’s sleep. Because people usually turn around 26 times a night and in two thirds of all cases choose a lateral sleeping position, a rigid positioning of the vulnerable hip represents an enormous burden for many patients and their families.
We have therefore set ourselves the goal of developing orthosis care that, despite the abduction treatment, allows independent rotation without the need for external assistance.
Ergonomic and aesthetic!
3D printing opens up new perspectives
The PHAO offers completely new perspectives for affected patients and their caregivers. As the night-time help becomes obsolete when turning, the sleep quality of the entire family improves. Patients who need to be turned are also more mobile and not bedded in a rigid system.
3D printing technology opens up new paths in both the visual and ergonomic design of the device. Breathable zones, innovative locking techniques and partially flexible areas can be integrated, for example. The design and improved wearing comfort of the 3D-printed PHAO lead to an overall higher acceptance of the device in everyday life.
Going to sleep with the PHAO
Locations
We offer orthoses at the following locations:
Orthoses
You can find further individual orthoses for the lower and upper extremities here:
Physiotherapy
In order to make optimal use of the orthosis or prosthesis in everyday life, it is a good idea to receive training from a physiotherapist.