[Technical orthopedic aspects of the treatment of arthroses].

Technical orthopedic treatment of joint diseases still has a place in the treatment plan, although the role is supplementary and it is seldom the only form of therapy. Its most important tasks have to do with immobilization and stabilization, followed by shock absorption, decompression, and equalizing defective axial positioning and differences in leg length. Finally, orthopedic treatment plays an important role in joint diseases in the protection of the joint from cold and drafts. Deformed joints, malpositioning, atrophied soft tissue and poor circulation, however, require that the indications be weighted carefully. The various technical orthopedic possibilities are presented and discussed.