noun
supportive device; assistive device
Refers to devices that support or assist people with disabilities, such as prosthetic limbs, orthoses, or mobility aids. Used in medical, welfare, and everyday contexts.
彼は事故で足を失い、補装具を使って歩いている。
He lost his leg in an accident and walks using a prosthetic device.
この病院では、患者一人ひとりに合った補装具を作っ
This hospital makes customized assistive devices for each patient.
福祉用具 is a wider category of welfare equipment including daily living aids, whereas 補装具 is more focused on devices that compensate for physical impairments.
Compound of 補 (ほ, 'supplement, compensate') + 装具 (そうぐ, 'equipment, gear'). The term is used in medical and social welfare contexts to denote devices that compensate for physical disabilities.