Patterns Pathomechanics is a branch of physical science that investigates static and dynamic physical forces and their effect on a human body which may also have neurological, muscular, and skeletal disorders.
Pathomechanical gait is developed by damaged or weakened ligaments.
The Oregon laminated orthoses are designed to address pathomechanical conditions. The Oregon thermoplastic designs can be used to address pathological involvements. The changes in gait patterns are caused by neuromuscular, proprioceptive, or balance problems which then cause a person's center of mass to be excessively displaced, vertically or horizontally, from neutral alignment. These acquired gait patterns significantly increase the physical forces imposed on the lower extremities when a person is standing or walking. Ligaments are progressively stressed by these forces, and a pathomechanical deformity will result when excessive stresses are left unaddressed.