C-Brace: Ottobock's microprocessor-controlled leg orthosis
The Ottobock C-Brace is a microprocessor-controlled leg orthosis (KAFO). It controls the knee in every phase of the step and opens up new possibilities for movement in everyday life.
Orthoses & braces
Custom upper- and lower-limb orthoses and braces
We make upper- and lower-limb orthoses and braces to your measurements, from an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) to a full knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO), always in line with your doctor's instructions.
- Custom made from a plaster cast
- AFO, KAFO, night splints and upper-limb orthoses
- Carbon, thermoplastics, duralumin, leather
- Stance-control options for a more natural gait
- Contracted provider of EOPYY
At Hlamidis Orthopaedic Center, leg orthoses and upper-limb braces are custom made in our own workshop. Our certified prosthetist-orthotists build them to your measurements, from a plaster cast of the limb, and always based on your treating physician's instructions.
What an orthosis is for
An orthosis (splint or brace) can help to:
- control, limit or immobilise part of a limb or a joint,
- prevent excessive joint movement and reduce pain,
- stabilise unstable joints and improve alignment when you walk,
- support recovery after a fracture, once the plaster cast has been removed.
The lower-limb orthoses we make
Ankle-foot orthosis (AFO)
An AFO (ankle-foot orthosis) supports the ankle and the foot. It is often thermoplastic and worn inside the shoe (an “in-shoe” orthosis). For children we also make lighter 3D-printed paediatric AFO and SMO orthoses.
Full leg orthosis (KAFO)
A KAFO (knee-ankle-foot orthosis) extends over the knee, the ankle and the foot. It is prescribed to support and stabilise the leg in cases of muscle weakness or paralysis, such as post-polio syndrome, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury.
In the past, the only orthosis available was a brace with a locked knee joint. It provides stability, but it can lead to muscle wasting through inactivity, higher energy use and a less natural gait. Today there are stance-control orthoses that lock and unlock automatically at the right moment of the gait cycle, so that the leg muscles keep working.
Orthotic device options
- Carbon fibre orthosis: very strong yet light, it helps reduce energy expenditure and, because it is low in bulk, fits into more types of shoe.
- Ottobock E-MAG Active KAFO: a lower-limb orthosis that locks and unlocks the knee electromagnetically during the gait cycle.
- Neuro-tronic KAFO: the knee joint is controlled electromechanically, by a pressure sensor under the sole of the orthosis or by motion sensors. It is made of titanium, with one side bar on each side instead of two, and is lighter.
- C-Brace: Ottobock's microprocessor-controlled orthosis that controls the knee throughout the gait cycle. See the full C-Brace page.
Night splints
Some orthoses are worn mainly during sleep, to keep the limb in the correct position. We make them when your doctor prescribes them, in the same way: cast, manufacture, trial fitting.
Upper-limb orthoses
We also make upper-limb orthoses and braces for adults and children, according to your doctor's prescription. The purpose is the same: to stabilise, protect or assist function, with as much comfort as possible.
Materials and process
We use materials such as carbon fibre, thermoplastics, lightweight duralumin alloy, leather and stainless steel. The process has four steps: assessment based on the prescription, taking a cast, manufacture in our workshop, and a trial fitting with the final adjustments. To get the most out of your orthosis, choose supportive, comfortable shoes; we will advise you when we hand it over.
Are orthoses covered by EOPYY?
As a contracted provider of EOPYY (ΕΟΠΥΥ), Greece's national health insurance organisation, we fill your doctor's prescription for people insured in Greece. Under the Unified Benefits Regulation (Government Gazette (ΦΕΚ) B' 2106/2025, Article 46), the patient pays a 25% co-payment. As an indication, for a thermoplastic in-shoe ankle-foot orthosis (AFO, made from a cast) the maximum reimbursable price under Government Gazette (ΦΕΚ) B' 1079/2022 is €232.00, with replacement every 2 years. For other types of orthosis, contact us and we will check what applies in your case. The information is correct as of the date this page was last updated. Find out more on our EOPYY reimbursement page. If you are not insured in Greece, EOPYY reimbursement does not apply; you can pay privately, and any cover depends on your own insurer's rules – contact us and we will give you the information you need for your case.
See all the orthoses and braces we make. One of our specialist technicians will advise you on the solution that suits your needs; book an appointment or call +30 2310 282 894.
What is an AFO brace?
An AFO (ankle-foot orthosis) is a brace that supports the ankle and the foot. It is often thermoplastic and worn inside the shoe. We make it to measure, from a plaster cast, and for children there are also 3D-printed AFOs.
What is the difference between an AFO and a KAFO?
An AFO covers the ankle and the foot, while a KAFO is a full leg orthosis that also extends over the knee. A KAFO is usually used when the muscles that stabilise the knee are weak or paralysed. Your doctor will decide which one you need.
Do you make night splints?
Yes, when your doctor prescribes one. A night splint is worn mainly during sleep, to keep the limb in the correct position. It is made to your measurements from a plaster cast. Call us on +30 2310 282 894 to book an appointment.
What shoes should I wear with a leg brace?
Choose supportive, comfortable shoes with enough room, so that you get the most out of your orthosis. Carbon orthoses are less bulky and fit into more shoes. When we hand over your orthosis we will advise you on your own case and, if needed, check it inside the shoes you intend to wear.
Does EOPYY cover leg orthoses?
Many orthoses are included in the EOPYY schedule for people insured in Greece, with a doctor's prescription and a 25% co-payment. For example, for a thermoplastic in-shoe AFO made from a cast, the maximum reimbursable price under Government Gazette (ΦΕΚ) B' 1079/2022 is €232.00, every 2 years. For other types, contact us.
Related
3D-printed paediatric AFO and SMO braces
Thin, lightweight ankle-foot braces for children, designed from a 3D scan and printed on a 3D printer, so that your child can feel the difference with every step.
Scoliosis and kyphosis braces (Boston, Chêneau) in Thessaloniki
We make custom Boston-type scoliosis and kyphosis braces and asymmetric Chêneau-type braces, measured with a scanner and always in close cooperation with your child's treating physician.
We work with the leading manufacturers
Do you need a custom orthosis?
Bring your doctor's prescription and one of our certified prosthetist-orthotists will suggest the solution that suits you. Call +30 2310 282 894.