Tuesday, August 20, 2013
The Promise of the MULTI-Brace 637
Lois came to Capital Prosthetic & Orthotic Center after having extensive back surgeries. These ultimately left her unable to stand upright or even walk without assistance. Distraught she searched the internet for a back brace solution and came across Capital Prosthetic & Orthotic Center as a source for back bracing. Lois received a free evaluation and was fitted with the newly patented MULTI-Brace 637. Almost immediately Lois felt major improvements because of the back brace. The following day she was able to walk over a mile without assistance from a cane or walker at the Ohio Caverns. Lois’ life has been changed forever and is now able to walk, interact, live and enjoy life with her family again. We at Capital are excited to be able to help Lois and other patients with similar issues in the future!
Friday, June 7, 2013
A Fin, Tail and Leg Up: Animal Prosthetics
Human beings aren't the only creatures that face the adversity of missing or damaged limbs. Whether through a birth defect or accident, animals with appendage issues have received amazing assistance from their human counterparts through prosthetics. Here are three of the most famous furred, scaled and finned recipients in recent years:
Chris P. Bacon - Though his name is a little cheeky, this tiny piglet is all heart. When this brave little Floridian pig was born with a defect that rendered his back legs immobile, local veterinarian Dr. Len Lucero found inspiration in the popular children's building set, K'nex. Using the set's gears and connecting pieces, Dr. Lucero fashioned a diminutive wheelchair that, once affixed to Chris' body with soft vet wrap, allowed Chris to move freely.
Winter - as a baby, this bottlenose dolphin had an unfortunate encounter with a crab trap, leaving her tangled tail mutilated and her spine twisted from needing to compensate during swimming. Wildlife volunteers were alerted to her plight by a fisherman, and Winter was brought to a nearby aquarium, where workers stayed with her around the clock to ensure she survived the night. Later, a pair of prosthetists decided to make Winter a new prosthetic tail to help her live and move more naturally - the successful procedure not only spawned a movie, but produced a new type of cushioning gel that is being used for human prosthetic pieces as well.
Mr. Stubbs - Phoenix, Arizona is home to this unusual and resilient alligator. When found by fish and wildlife officers hitching a ride in the back of a truck, his lack of a tail - an important appendage used for swimming and hunting in the wild - was immediately apparent. X-rays revealed that it was likely bitten off by a fellow alligator, and a decision was made to craft a replacement. A new one was constructed of rubber, and this once-detailed gator is learning how to swim and move with his new tail, much to the delight of his rescuers.
The technology and techniques developed through assisting these creatures have helped human prosthetic technicians create better and more versatile adaptions for humans. The future holds exciting advances in the field of prosthetics, and recipients - both animal and human - wait anxiously to discover them.
Chris P. Bacon - Though his name is a little cheeky, this tiny piglet is all heart. When this brave little Floridian pig was born with a defect that rendered his back legs immobile, local veterinarian Dr. Len Lucero found inspiration in the popular children's building set, K'nex. Using the set's gears and connecting pieces, Dr. Lucero fashioned a diminutive wheelchair that, once affixed to Chris' body with soft vet wrap, allowed Chris to move freely.
Winter - as a baby, this bottlenose dolphin had an unfortunate encounter with a crab trap, leaving her tangled tail mutilated and her spine twisted from needing to compensate during swimming. Wildlife volunteers were alerted to her plight by a fisherman, and Winter was brought to a nearby aquarium, where workers stayed with her around the clock to ensure she survived the night. Later, a pair of prosthetists decided to make Winter a new prosthetic tail to help her live and move more naturally - the successful procedure not only spawned a movie, but produced a new type of cushioning gel that is being used for human prosthetic pieces as well.
Mr. Stubbs - Phoenix, Arizona is home to this unusual and resilient alligator. When found by fish and wildlife officers hitching a ride in the back of a truck, his lack of a tail - an important appendage used for swimming and hunting in the wild - was immediately apparent. X-rays revealed that it was likely bitten off by a fellow alligator, and a decision was made to craft a replacement. A new one was constructed of rubber, and this once-detailed gator is learning how to swim and move with his new tail, much to the delight of his rescuers.
The technology and techniques developed through assisting these creatures have helped human prosthetic technicians create better and more versatile adaptions for humans. The future holds exciting advances in the field of prosthetics, and recipients - both animal and human - wait anxiously to discover them.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Prosthetic Devices--More Choices Than Even
Prosthetic devices have existed for thousands of years. Some date to the Great Pyramids. In the last few decades, they’ve become far less wieldy and easier to use. One reason is the materials from which they’re made.
The ancient Egyptians were masters of more than embalming. While their prosthetic limbs were made of fiber and existed largely to create a sense of wholeness, a prosthetic toe on a mummy appears to have been functional. Modern designers have sought prosthetic materials that enhance both function and aesthetics.
Legs
The earliest artificial leg dates to around 300 B.C. in Italy. It had a wooden core and was also made of iron and bronze. The stereotypical wooden peg leg dates to the Dark Ages. American literature of the 19th century contained stark images of peg legs straight out of Moby Dick. By the next century, most artificial legs were made of wood, steel, copper and iron.
The basic technology in modern leg prostheses come from the 16th century, when a French surgeon designed a kneeling peg leg and foot device with a fixed position, knee lock control and adjustable harness. Civil War amputees commonly used a prosthesis made from whittled barrel staves.
After World War II, the military services were leaders in advances in prosthetic technology. Today’s legs return amputees to the lifestyle they enjoyed rather than just providing acceptable technology or a good cosmetic appearance.
These legs are lightweight thanks to plastic, aluminum and composite components. Many are molded to patients and contain microprocessors, computer chips and robotics for maximum functionality.
Knees
The modern artificial knee dates to 1968. The materials used have changed many times over the years due to the need to bear weight.
Throughout the 1970s, common materials included Teflon®, stainless steel and cobalt-chromium alloy. During the next two decades, the most popular construction involved ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene and cobalt-chromium. Use of polyethylene reduced friction against metallic surfaces.
The construction of current artificial knees depends in part on the type of knee replacement the patient needs. Manufacturers use a variety of metals and metal alloys. Among the most common are steel, stainless steel, titanium, cobalt and chrome.
Hands
The earliest prosthetic hands were made of wood and leather and had no functionality. By the rise of the Roman Empire, a combination of wood and metal had supplanted leather use. An iron hand linked to the general Marcus Sergius had very limited functionality.
Until the 16th century, most people who needed artificial hands used hooks. Only the wealthy obtained hand-like prostheses. By the end of the century, one type of hand was made of iron and had a system of springs and catchers.
A Civil War inventor came up with a molded rubber hand, which was considered more resilient than using wood and steel. A spindle attached it to the end of an artificial forearm.
Russians developed the first functional moving hand in the 1960s. Many current prosthetic hands are technological wonders. Sounds, nerves and muscles can control movement. Silicone covers provide a very realistic skin appearance on lightweight devices that utilize a number of composite materials.
Nylon inside the glove of an artificial hand increases durability. Cosmetic touches include fingernails, fingerprints, veins and a natural skin tone.
Today’s patients have a growing number of choices when it comes to prosthetic devices. As designers incorporate new materials, the options will continue to grow.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Flat Feet vs Orthotics
A flat foot, also known as fallen arches, is a condition in which the arches of the feet are to low or non-existent. The arch of a foot is the distance of the inner side of the foot to the ground. When the gap is too small or completely non-existent, it is referred to as a flat foot. It is a common condition occurring in about 45% to 50% of the population and it can be present at birth or develop later in life due to various factors, such as not wearing the correct shoes, injuries to the Achilles tendon and in some cases, not sitting correctly.
Problems Associated with Flat Feet
For some people flat feet are asymptomatic, which means the person may not experience any pain or discomfort with the condition. However, for most people with flat feet the condition can be painful and it can lead to other problems with legs and feet such as shin splints, knee pain, and plantar facilitis or Achilles tendonitis. The most common complaint of those with this condition is severe pain in ankles and/or heels, especially when walking. Elderly people who have flat feet are risk of damaging their entire skeletal system or excessive pain in the hips, knees and legs. Not correcting the problem can make feet less flexible, cause swelling, cause back problems and in extreme cases cause temporary paralysis.
Orthotics Treatment for Flat Feet
Wearing good fitting, low-heeled shoes are the first defensive to relieving flat feet. If the shoes do not have sufficient insoles it can cause misalignment of the feet inside of the shoes, which creates more strain on feet, especially flat feet. The arch area becomes strained and pulls on the ligaments in the feet, which may lead to arthritis. Treatment typically requires wearing esthetics to stabilize and correctly align the feet. Orthotics is insoles that have been made with materials designed to provide good cushioning. They are inserts that are slipped into the shoes, between the sole of the shoe and the foot.
Benefits of
Orthotics are available in a variety of degrees for the arch width, for example one of the most common problems with flat feet is over-pronation, which is when the feet roll inwards when stepping, orthotics correct this problem by placing a wedge in the arch area to help feet fall evenly against the weight of the body. Orthotics provide a number of benefits for people with flat feet including their ability to absorb shock, which reduces the pressure on feet, helps to relive the pain, strengthens arches and may eliminate the need for corrective surgery. Custom orthotics not only help to support the arches of feet, but they are beneficial in treating other conditions such as heel spurs, neuromas, neck pain and back pain.
Problems Associated with Flat Feet
For some people flat feet are asymptomatic, which means the person may not experience any pain or discomfort with the condition. However, for most people with flat feet the condition can be painful and it can lead to other problems with legs and feet such as shin splints, knee pain, and plantar facilitis or Achilles tendonitis. The most common complaint of those with this condition is severe pain in ankles and/or heels, especially when walking. Elderly people who have flat feet are risk of damaging their entire skeletal system or excessive pain in the hips, knees and legs. Not correcting the problem can make feet less flexible, cause swelling, cause back problems and in extreme cases cause temporary paralysis.
Orthotics Treatment for Flat Feet
Wearing good fitting, low-heeled shoes are the first defensive to relieving flat feet. If the shoes do not have sufficient insoles it can cause misalignment of the feet inside of the shoes, which creates more strain on feet, especially flat feet. The arch area becomes strained and pulls on the ligaments in the feet, which may lead to arthritis. Treatment typically requires wearing esthetics to stabilize and correctly align the feet. Orthotics is insoles that have been made with materials designed to provide good cushioning. They are inserts that are slipped into the shoes, between the sole of the shoe and the foot.
Benefits of
Orthotics are available in a variety of degrees for the arch width, for example one of the most common problems with flat feet is over-pronation, which is when the feet roll inwards when stepping, orthotics correct this problem by placing a wedge in the arch area to help feet fall evenly against the weight of the body. Orthotics provide a number of benefits for people with flat feet including their ability to absorb shock, which reduces the pressure on feet, helps to relive the pain, strengthens arches and may eliminate the need for corrective surgery. Custom orthotics not only help to support the arches of feet, but they are beneficial in treating other conditions such as heel spurs, neuromas, neck pain and back pain.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
What's Ahead for Orthotics in 2013
Before we take a look at what is ahead for Orthotics in 2013, let's review the definition of orthotics, and a brief history. As you'll see while Orthotics has an ancient history, significant advances are relatively recent.
What is Orthotics?
The word orthotics comes from the Greek, meaning to align or to straighten. The practice of Orthotics uses devices called orthoses to help straighten a patient’s bones from a naturally occurring or accidental malady.
Orthotics may be used to restrict movement or guide movement. It may be used to reduce the pressure of weight on a particular part of the body, and may be used in the proper healing of broken bones.
A brief history of Orthotics
Orthotics has its roots traced to ancient times when the art of splint making and the use of braces to help heal broken bones were started. It wasn’t until the 1940s however, that wars and a polio outbreak forced major advances in the field.
Many veterans experienced skeletal and muscular issues that required the assistance of orthotics. Many of these were the result of amputations and war related trauma. In addition, polio survivors with diminished muscular strength found improved performance and comfort through the use of orthotics.
New plastics in the 1960s continued the growth of Orthotics, and mechanics were added to some devices. Rapid changes in the discipline in the 1980s, eventually caused the American Medical Association to create a national education accreditation in the 1990s.
Today, the field continues to advance with the discovery of new, lightweight and strong plastics and technological advances that are challenging those in the field to keep up.
What is new in Orthotics for 2013
There will continue to be advances in the sophistication of braces and orthotics that are used for adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD). Understanding of this deformity continues to grow and as it does, so do the treatments available to address it.
Advances will continue to me made in computer-aided design and the manufacturing of orthoses and prosthetics utilizing titanium and carbon-graphite materials that are ultra-light. Combined with micro-chip technology and these advances are approaching bionic.
An aging America and their health issues will push many of the expected advances. This includes treatments for diabetic feet, immobility due to age and weight, and mobility issues as the result of arthritis.
One would also expect to see continued progress is power prosthetics involving the knees and elbows. This not only helps support the joints, but can help supply the force to move them.
The biggest area of excitement may be in what is being called “intelligent orthoses and prosthetics." These are new devices that will use smart phone type technology to actually communicate with practitioners, the prescribers, and even the patients themselves.
Yes, even in orthotics we may very soon be saying “There’s an app for THAT.”
What is Orthotics?
The word orthotics comes from the Greek, meaning to align or to straighten. The practice of Orthotics uses devices called orthoses to help straighten a patient’s bones from a naturally occurring or accidental malady.
Orthotics may be used to restrict movement or guide movement. It may be used to reduce the pressure of weight on a particular part of the body, and may be used in the proper healing of broken bones.
A brief history of Orthotics
Orthotics has its roots traced to ancient times when the art of splint making and the use of braces to help heal broken bones were started. It wasn’t until the 1940s however, that wars and a polio outbreak forced major advances in the field.
Many veterans experienced skeletal and muscular issues that required the assistance of orthotics. Many of these were the result of amputations and war related trauma. In addition, polio survivors with diminished muscular strength found improved performance and comfort through the use of orthotics.
New plastics in the 1960s continued the growth of Orthotics, and mechanics were added to some devices. Rapid changes in the discipline in the 1980s, eventually caused the American Medical Association to create a national education accreditation in the 1990s.
Today, the field continues to advance with the discovery of new, lightweight and strong plastics and technological advances that are challenging those in the field to keep up.
What is new in Orthotics for 2013
There will continue to be advances in the sophistication of braces and orthotics that are used for adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD). Understanding of this deformity continues to grow and as it does, so do the treatments available to address it.
Advances will continue to me made in computer-aided design and the manufacturing of orthoses and prosthetics utilizing titanium and carbon-graphite materials that are ultra-light. Combined with micro-chip technology and these advances are approaching bionic.
An aging America and their health issues will push many of the expected advances. This includes treatments for diabetic feet, immobility due to age and weight, and mobility issues as the result of arthritis.
One would also expect to see continued progress is power prosthetics involving the knees and elbows. This not only helps support the joints, but can help supply the force to move them.
The biggest area of excitement may be in what is being called “intelligent orthoses and prosthetics." These are new devices that will use smart phone type technology to actually communicate with practitioners, the prescribers, and even the patients themselves.
Yes, even in orthotics we may very soon be saying “There’s an app for THAT.”
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