General Guideline Principles for Orthotics
for workers compensation patients

The New York State workers compensation board has developed these guidelines to help physicians, podiatrists, and other healthcare professionals provide appropriate treatment for Orthotics.

These Workers Compensation Board guidelines are intended to assist healthcare professionals in making decisions regarding the appropriate level of care for their patients with ankle and foot disorders.

The guidelines are not a substitute for clinical judgement or professional experience. The ultimate decision regarding care must be made by the patient in consultation with his or her healthcare provider.

Orthotics

The approach of corrective vehemence to abnormal curves, control of position through control forces, support in spinal durability when pulpy and soft tissues or osteoligamentous configuration cannot adequately perform their role as spinal stabilizers, and restriction of spinal segment movement following acute trauma or surgical procedure are the main principles and goals of the application of cervical orthosis. The preservation of the spinal cord and nerve root is the primary goal in traumatic cervical injury patients.

1. Cervical Collars

    

   • Soft Collars

     Soft Collars are recommended to select patients.

     Indications: Patients who wear them with the front closure closed may use them to lessen pain while they are in bed so they may sleep.

     Soft Collars are not recommended

     Rationale: Most patients take soft collars well, but they don’t appreciably limit mobility in any way, and they’re linked to slower healing. There is no proof that its usage speeds up cervical sprain rehabilitation.Utilizing cervical collars for acute strain/sprain injuries has the potential to increase psychological reliance, extend disability, and restrict self-activity. There is some affirmation that patients who are encouraged to carry on with their regular activities after car accidents experience less neck stiffness and headaches than those who are fitted with cervical collars.

      

   • Rigid Collars, such as a Philadelphia or Miami Orthosis

     Rigid Collars, such as a Philadelphia or Miami Orthosis are recommended may be helpful after surgery or in an emergency. These collars limit flexion and extension mobility, as well as lateral bending and rotation, to a lesser extent.

     The judgment of the performing surgeon will determine how long you will wear after surgery. Typically used for post-operative situations and the management of fractures.

      

2. Posture Appliances

   Posture Appliances are not recommended in strain or sprain wounds.

    

3. Cervicothoracic Orthosis

   Yale and Sternal Occipital Mandibular Immobilization (SOMI) type braces are cervical thoracic orthoses that better limit lateral bending and rotation than the Philadelphia collar while also restricting flexion and extension mobility to a greater extent. Typically used for post-operative situations and the management of fractures.

    

   • Cervicothoracic Orthosis

     Cervicothoracic Orthosis is recommended to address certain severe injuries. Postoperatively as prescribed by the doctor.

      

   • Cervicothoracic Orthosis

     Cervicothoracic Orthosis is not recommended for ailments like sprains or strains.

      

4. Halo Devices

   Halo Devices is recommended if the treating surgeon decides to use it post-operatively or in the treatment of neck breakage/fracture or dislocation.

   Refer to the Halo Immobilization part of this guideline’s Therapeutic Procedures: Operative section.

    

5. Other Orthoses, Devices, and Equipment

   The rehabilitation of a cervical injury, such as those to a cervical nerve root that causes paralysis in the upper extremities, a spinal cord wound with some degree of partial paralysis of the lower limbs, or tera parsecs, may involve the use of specialised orthoses or equipment.

    

   • Other Orthoses, Devices, and Equipment

     Other Orthoses, Devices, and Equipment is recommended as a part of an extensive rehabilitation program, in a chosen group of patients in an organised rehabilitation setting.

What our office can do if you have workers compensation injury

We have the experience to help you with their workers compensation injuries. We understand what you are going through and will meet your medical needs and follow the guidelines set by the New York State Workers Compensation Board.

We understand the importance of your workers compensation cases. Let us help you navigate through the maze of dealing with the workers compensation insurance company and your employer.

We understand that this is a stressful time for you and your family. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us so we will do everything we can to make it as easy on you as possible.