Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic Orthotic Appliances

ABSTRACT

Orthotic technology has developed rapidly in recent decades m western countries. Korea has been confronted with the problems of purchasing the appropriate orthotic materials, training of orthotists and financial expense. The introduction of new materials and lamination technology for orthotic appliance will enable such problems to be solved. Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), which was laminated with Korean made plastic resins and fiberglass, was superior to the mechanical properties of other plastic materials, such as acrylic, polypropylene and thermoplast. Lamination of the orthotic devices with FRP was introduced and it should be technically possible for an orthotist in a small workshop or a member of the house staff of a hospital to make an appliance on the premises.