Paediatric Care Services
Cranial
Remoulding
Cranial Remoulding Helmets
function to gently correct
skull deformities as baby grows
Common Shape Deviations:
How does this happen?
The plasticity and open sutures of the new-born’s skull makes it susceptible to external pressures in the womb during the birth process and after birth.
Common causes include:
- Restricted space inside the mother’s womb
- Excessive time in carriers, car seats, strollers
- Tight clothing and covering that prevents spontaneous movement
- Insufficient “tummy-time”
- Torticollis
No, asymmetry can lead to:
- Mandibular asymmetry and a thickened mandible causing the teeth to be rotated and off centre.
- Increased risk of developing RA in the jaw
- TMJ
- Developmental delays linked to Plagiocephaly (please see attached reference articles)
- Orbital depth disproportion
- Facial asymmetry
WHAT IS A CRANIAL REMOULDING ORTHOSES?
The orthosis is essentially a helmet made from a plastic and foam custom moulded device designed to gently and safely correct the baby's head shape. The orthotic allows natural growth, steering this growth to improve symmetry, improve proportion and correct deformity.
Helmets can be used between 4-18months of age, with best results seen when treatment starts before the age of 9months. The remoulding process typically takes 12 weeks to complete, but the duration of treatment is dependent on the severity of the deformity, age of the baby and rate of growth.
Foot
Orthotics
We have specialities in the areas of both paediatric podiatry
and orthotics.
Ankle Foot
Orthotic
An ankle foot orthosis (AFO)
is used to improve walking
patterns.
An Ankle Foot Orthotic or AFO’S are a plastic/carbon medical appliance used to control instabilities of the lower limb, specifically, the foot, ankle and knee and to maintain proper alignment to prevent to development of anomalies, to improve function or to prevent or treat muscle contractures.
AFO’s can be custom made to fit each individual or pre-manufactured.
Paediatric AFO’s are often used to treat the following presentations:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Spina Bifida
- Foot drop caused by weakness/ neurological conditions
- Down’s Syndrome
- Hypermobility
- Toe Walking
- Club feet
- Paralysis
- Gait abnormalities
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Genetic/Inherited Conditions
- Charcot Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT)
- Autism
AFO’s can be an integral part of enabling a child to walk while undergoing treatment for various conditions.
Mobility and Assistive Appliances
We are fortunate to have access to a wide range of domestic and foreign vendors for mobility aids.
Neurological Conditions
Treatment for neurological conditions includes patients who have experienced strokes, traumatic brain injuries, nerve damage or dysfunction.
Club
-Foot
Tarso-Pronator Boots are
used to correct the presentation of
Club Feet/Foot.
Tarso-Pronator Boots are used to correct the presentation of Club Feet/Foot. Following correction, it is important to maintain the range achieved in the achilles tendon and ensure that the foot functions are normally as possible through optimal gait kinematics. This can be achieved through the use of foot orthotics or ankle foot orthotics and is an important part of maintenance as your little one grows.
Prosthetics
Our prosthetics focus on mobility and comfort. Each component is chosen specifically for your needs and presentation. We specialise in Prosthetics for partial feet, below knee and above the knee.
Our team of knowledgeable prosthetic technicians will choose the technologies, methods, and advancements that are best suited to your requirements and unique presentation.
We take great satisfaction in the individualized, personable treatment we provide, working closely with you to comprehend your goals and expectations and help you reach your mobility targets.
Our shared objective is to offer prostheses that help people perform daily tasks more easily, improving quality of life and regaining mobility.
Lymphoedema Treatment
Compression garments are thoughtfully selected for each patient's unique needs to effectively decrease volume, visibly enhance cosmesis, and promote significantly improved mobility and function.
Serial Casting
Serial casting is a common procedure used to stretch and lengthen muscles. Children may have shortened muscles due to limited movement, muscle tightness or muscle restrictions.
Ear Remoulding
EarBuddies™ offer babies a simple, affordable, surgery-free, life-changing solution to Stick-Out Ears & ear shape problems.
EarBuddies™ offer babies a simple, affordable, surgery-free, life-changing solution to Stick-Out Ears & ear shape problems.
EarBuddies were invented in 1990 by Plastic Surgeon David Gault FRCS, one of the world’s leading experts on reconstructive surgery of the outer ear, to treat his newborn son. EarBuddies are designed to be fitted at home by parents, and are also used in some of the most eminent children’s hospitals worldwide, including the NHS (UK), Mayo Clinic (USA), The Portland Hospital (London), and Boston Children’s Hospital (Harvard).
By treating babies early and avoiding surgery, EarBuddies provide better results, without risk, at lower cost, and avoid the bullying and psychological trauma that usually leads to surgery. Almost thirty years after EarBuddies were first developed, it is the world’s best selling Early Ear Correction™ system, and has helped thousands of babies to grow up comfortable and confident with their ears.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a treatable condition that involves curvature and rotation of the spine. A custom back brace is designed to correct the progression and the curve and improve quality of life.
Yovanka Torrente & Associates
Medical Orthotist & Prosthetist
At Yovanka Torrente & Associates, we are committed to serving our patients and the community
Patient centered treatment is at the forefront of our protocols.
We realize how privileged we are to be a small part of your families big journey and understand that a big part of the success of treatment is working together as a team
Our promise to you:
To walk this journey alongside you
To always treat you with respect and kindness
To listen to your needs, ideas and thoughts
To stay up to date with the latest technology and protocols to be able to bring the best to you
To endeavor to reach excellence
You’re family to us.