Clinical Examination

A clinical examination is always conducted by the orthotist prior to the casting session. Patient flexibility can be assessed and a reasonable prediction of in-brace results may be determined from the clinical exam. This is also a good time to gauge the patient’s tolerance level and take appropriate action to alleviate fears and anxieties in order to help the procedure go smoothly.

Forward Bending – Have the patient stand facing away from you with weight equally distributed on both feet. (Fig. 2a) With arms extended and palms together, bend the patient forward to 90 degrees and stop. (Fig. 2b) Observe and note trunk rotation. Ask the patient to try and touch the floor to evaluate hamstring tightness.

Have the patient stand upright and then bend laterally at the waist. (Fig. 3a) Note how much range the patient has. Now place your hand at the apex of the curvature. Ask the patient to bend laterally a second time. Apply resistive force at the apex. (Fig. 3b) This is to determine relative flexibility or stiffness.