What should a clinician assess when determining the need for an orthosis?

When determining the need for an orthosis, assessing the patient's physical activity level and mobility needs is essential. This evaluation helps to understand how the patient's lifestyle, daily activities, and mobility requirements influence their need for support. An orthosis is often designed to address specific functional limitations or impairments that a patient may experience during movement. By focusing on the physical activity level, the clinician can better tailor the orthotic device to meet the individual's unique needs, improving their ability to perform daily tasks and enhancing their overall quality of life.

Other considerations, such as medication history, prior surgical history, and family medical history, can provide relevant context regarding the patient's health and potential complications, but they do not directly inform the functional requirements of an orthotic device as clearly as an assessment of physical activity and mobility needs. Understanding the patient's functional goals and activity level is crucial for selecting and fitting an appropriate orthosis that will support their desired outcomes.