What is orthoplasty?
Orthoplasty is an orthosis that is attached to the toe. It is used to protect an area of a toe in conflict with the neighboring toe or the shoe or also to correct a joint deformity of a toe.
The orthoplasty, once placed, is subjected to pressure from the toes, the shoe, the ground, the step and the cadence.
Its resistance is therefore of capital importance.
The shore of an orthoplasty
Shore is the unit of measurement for the flexibility of the elastomer.
For each patient, and for each pathology, a shore hardness must be selected by the chiropodist.
We will therefore divide the different elastomers into 4 categories, depending on their shores.
Rigid silicone: shore greater than 30
Rigid silicone is strong, not very deformable and has a good lifespan.
It is used for postural or so-called corrective orthoses to correct the position of the toes or reduce plantar pressure in overweight patients.
This silicone is ideal for children, teenagers and athletes. It can be reworked using a micromotor to give it a better finish and remove excess.
Semi-rigid silicone: shore from 20 to 29
Semi-rigid silicone is used to correct and distribute high pressures which helps relieve pain. It combines durability and comfort.
Like rigid silicone, it can be worked with a micromotor to give it a better finish and eliminate excess.
Soft silicone: shore from 10 to 19
Soft silicone is the most commonly used silicone. It is a little more deformable and more comfortable than semi-rigid.
Orthoplasties with soft silicone provide more comfort, reduce pain and increased pressure when walking.
This silicone is recommended for diabetic patients, elderly patients and patients with reduced mobility. It is soft, elastic and perfectly fits the shape of the foot.
It is used for all types of orthoses, but it remains the most suitable for the creation of mixed orthoses.
Unlike rigid and semi-rigid silicones, it is recommended not to rework soft silicone with a micromotor because of its consistency.
Very flexible silicone: shore less than 9
The very soft silicone is shock absorbent, elastic and comfortable, with a more limited lifespan.
It is used for protective orthoses, indicated for fragile skin and diabetic patients.
Very soft silicone cannot be worked with a micromotor.
Discover our range of very flexible silicones:
You still don't know what hardness to choose to perform orthoplasties in your practice? Don't panic! The best thing to do is to start with one of our discovery kits which includes different hardnesses of silicone in small formats.
