An evaluation of pneumatic orthoses in thoracic paraplegia.

Pneumatic orthoses were used to mobilise eight post-traumatic thoracic paraplegic males whose progress was monitored for two years. The pneumatic orthosis was more likely to be used than pelvic brace and calipers mainly due to increased support for the pelvis and the thoracolumbar spine. The effects of the orthosis and the mobilisation upon patient physiology were studied. Beneficial effects upon cardiovascular and respiratory systems were noted and increases in total body calcium after mobilisation were found. Contraindications to fitting the orthosis include severe spasms, obesity and scoliosis.