膝盖支持(Greek:Ορθός,ortho., “to straighten” or “align”) is a专业within themedicalfield concerned with the设计,生产和application of orthoses. Anortho.sis(plural:ortho.ses）“用于改变神经肌肉和神经肌肉的结构和功能特征的外部应用装置骨骼系统“。^[1]矫正者是主要医疗临床医生，负责矫形器的处方，制造和管理。矫形器可用于：

• 控制，指导，限制和/或固定一个extremity,joint或者body segment for a particular reason
• Restrict movement in a given direction
• Assist movement generally
• Reduceweight bearingforces for a particular purpose
• Aidrehabilitation从fracturesafter the removal of a cast
• Otherwise correct the shape and/or function of the body, to provide easier movement capability or reduce pain

矫形器结合了知识anatomy and physiology,病理生理学,生物力学和engineering. Patients who benefit from an orthosis may have a condition such asspina bifida或者cerebral palsy, or have experienced aspinal cord injury或者stroke. Equally, orthoses are sometimes used prophylactically or to optimise performance in sport.