title: The current role of orthoses in treating haemophilic arthropathy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Haemophilic arthropathy (HA) is an inevitable consequence of repeated haemarthroses in people with haemophilia, and principally affects their ankles, knees and elbows. It is advisable that haematological treatment be complemented with rehabilitation therapy and surgery. Orthoses are devices that are used within the framework of rehabilitation, in order to change the functional or structural characteristics of the neuromusculoskeletal system.
  
  
  METHODS
  This article reviews the design, the materials and characteristics of orthoses and the indications for the various orthoses used in HA. Ankle, knee, elbow orthoses, insoles, footwear modifications and orthopedic shoes are discussed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Orthoses can control or prevent joint movement, stabilise a specific joint or relieve the load or stress on it. These devices must be prescribed by a physician within the framework of rehabilitation. Recommendations for the proper selection and use of orthoses are highly complex.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To maximise the benefits of this mode of therapy, a profound understanding of anatomy and biomechanics is crucial, as is an understanding of the devices available for the various joints that may be affected by HA (ankles-feet, knees, elbows).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Orthotic devices can reduce pain and improve quality of life of people with HA, delaying surgery in many cases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: De la Corte-Rodriguez
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: E C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Rodriguez-Merchan
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006467:Hemophilia A / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D009989:Orthotic Devices
keywords: ankle; elbow; haemophilia; haemophilic arthropathy; knee; orthoses