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Lower-limb orthoses designed for external modification of the structural and/or functional characteristics of the complete lower limb (also known as hip-knee-ankle-foot orthoses), providing immobilization and/or support to the hip, knee, and ankle joints. These orthoses consist of prefabricated or custom-made rigid or semi-rigid malleable metallic (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel) structures (e.g., supports, restraints) that may include elastic fabric bands that encircle the lower limb at a particular area. Total lower-limb orthoses are intended mainly for supplementing and/or augmenting the limb function (gait) and/or structure. Dedicated lower-limb orthoses for therapy (i.e., static therapy, dynamic therapy, or both) and/or to make possible or improve the gait function are available.
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