Hesperian Health Guides
Chapter 58: Braces (Calipers)
Braces are aids that help hold legs or other parts of the body in useful positions. They usually serve one or both of 2 purposes:
| 1. To provide support or firmness to a weak joint (or joints). For example, this child had polio: | |||
| His leg is too weak to support his weight without help. |  |
This brace keeps his knee from bending forward |  |
| 2. To help prevent or correct deformity or contracture. For example, this child had a club foot: | |||||
| He was born with a club foot. |  |
His club foot was corrected with a cast. |  |
After correction, his foot is kept in a good position with a brace. |  |
CAUTION! The need for braces should be carefully evaluated. Braces should be used only if they will help the child move better and become more independent. Too much bracing may actually weaken muscles and cause greater disability. As a general rule, try to use as little and as light bracing as possible to help the child function better (see Chapter 56.)
This page was updated:25 Nov 2024