An orthopaedic brace (also orthosis or orthotic) is a device used to:

• immobilize a joint or body segment,
• restrict movement in a given direction,
• assist movement,
• reduce weight-bearing forces, or
• correct the shape of the body.

(adapted from Rehabilitation Medicine, ISBN 0-397-50764-X) A joint (from French joint) (articulation) is the location at which two bones make contact (articulate). ... In the physical sciences, weight is a measurement of the gravitational force acting on an object. ...

Most often in the U.S., the last purpose listed above is what persons call in common speech a brace, whether it is made from elastic, neoprene, or a stiffer, more restrictive construction such as hard plastic or metal. An orthotic is most often understood to be a somewhat flexible device, often an insert for shoes, to correct leg length, fallen arches (flat feet), or some other foot problem. Motto: (Out Of Many, One) (traditional) In God We Trust (1956 to date) Anthem: The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington D.C. Largest city New York City None at federal level (English de facto) Government Federal constitutional republic  - President George Walker Bush (R)  - Vice President Dick Cheney (R) Independence from... Look up Elastic in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Neoprene is the DuPont Chemical trade name for a family of synthetic rubbers based on polychloroprene. ... Household items made out of plastic. ... Hot metal work from a blacksmith In chemistry, a metal (Greek: Metallon) is an element that readily forms positive ions (cations) and has metallic bonds. ... Distraction osteogenesis, also called callus distraction[1], callotasis[1], osteodistraction[], is a surgical process used for the reconstruction of skeletal deformities and for the lengthening of bones (as limb lengthening or particularly leg lengthening when referred to the lower limbs). ...

In the UK a brace of this kind is usually referred to as a caliper, or sometimes misspelled as calliper. Often the older type of leg brace is meant, constructed of steel side bars and ring, with spurs which fit into a metal tube in the heel of an adapted shoe or boot, and with leather straps and bands around the leg to hold the splint in position. The straps can be secured with velcro but many patients prefer buckles. This type of caliper can be either non-weight relieving or, by slight lengthening, made to relieve weight by raising the heel of the foot away from the heel of the shoe or boot. These splints have to be individually made by an orthotist or appliance maker, closely to fit the particular contours of the leg being supported. A caliper is a device used to measure the distance between two symmetrically opposing sides. ... A caliper is a device used in the metalworking field of mechanical engineering, to measure the distance between two symmetrically opposing sides. ... Velcro: hooks (left) and loops (right). ... A caliper is a device used to measure the distance between two symmetrically opposing sides. ...

See also

• Dental brace
• Forrest Gump (a movie about a fictional character who had leg braces as a child)
• Polio a disease that resulted in many children and adults having to use leg and other braces.
• Abasiophilia a psycho-sexual condition resulting in a fascination with orthopaedic braces and their users.