Orthotic devices for ambulation in children with cerebral palsy and myelomeningocele.

Children with cerebral palsy and children with myelomeningocele frequently require orthotic devices for standing and walking. The purpose of this article is to review the literature on orthotic devices for walking, present principles of lower-extremity orthoses, discuss designs of orthoses, and consider criteria for selecting orthotic devices. Although discussion of the devices is specific to children with myelomeningocele and to children with cerebral palsy, the orthoses can be used with children having other disabilities. The information presented should be of value to clinicians, educators, and researchers interested in reviewing orthotic applications for children with disabilities.