Advanced Orthotic Design From LeTourneau Prosthetics Helps Stroke Patients Walk

Recently introduced stance-control orthoses are now enabling individuals with isolated quadriceps weakness to walk safely with a flexed knee in swing phase and thus achieve a more normal gait. Now a new orthotic design by LeTourneau Prosthetics is incorporating stance-control properties to help post-stroke patients.

Beaumont, United States – January 29, 2017 /PressCable/ —

Beaumont, TX – Recently introduced stance-control orthoses are now enabling individuals with isolated quadriceps weakness to walk safely with a flexed knee in swing phase and thus achieve a more normal gait. Now another new orthotic design introduced by LeTourneau Prosthetics is incorporating stance-control properties to help post-stroke patients in southeast Texas regain basic postural and ambulation skills.

The UltraSafeStep system incorporates four distinct features to facilitate stroke rehabilitation:

• Sit-to-stand ratchet support ranging from 120 degrees flexion to full extension assists patients relearning how to rise from a sitting position by preventing knee buckling.

• Adjustable stance control angle from 0-30 degrees provides safe stance control without locking the knee. As the patient advances in ambulation ability, the knee can be set to allow progressively greater flexion.

• Dynamic swing assist enhances terminal leg swing for patients with extensor weakness.

• Dynamic shock absorption at initial contact dampens ground reaction force for a smoother gait.

This orthosis can be of benefit both as a temporary post-stroke gait training aid and as an on-going gait assist for patients with permanent extensor weakness. It is applicable for patients weighing up to 220 pounds with fair or better cognition.

Whatever the orthotic design and incorporated features, the needs and rehabilitation goals for each stroke patient are unique, and the orthotist’s role is to understand and provide the optimal limb rehabilitation system to meet those needs.

Key points for making an orthotic prescription for stroke survivors:

•A thorough orthotic evaluation should precede the prescription of definitive orthoses.

• Prefabricated orthoses are a viable option for making an initial evaluation of patient capabilities and/or temporary use until a definitive orthosis can be fabricated; however…

•To achieve optimal, total-contact fit and results, functional orthoses should be custom-fabricated to a positive mold of the patient’s affected limb segment.

• The practitioner best trained and prepared to design and fabricate an orthosis is the board certified orthotist, ideally as a participant of a multidisciplinary rehab team.

• After design, fabrication and delivery of a functional orthosis, stroke patients should return at least every three months for adjustment and general follow-up.

Adjustments and modifications are frequently necessary to maintain optimal support. Patients are usually seen for at least one follow-up visit and are encouraged to revisit whenever subsequent changes or problems arise.

For additional information about orthotic management of stroke patients, we invite you to call our office at 409-832-5005 or visit us at https://www.llop.com.

About LeTourneau Prosthetics LeTourneau Prosthetics was founded in Beaumont, Texas and is now a leader in progressive orthotic and prosthetic applications for every age range. They specialize in custom designed orthoses and prostheses. They also carry a full line of diabetic foot care, infant and toddler orthopedic applications, and orthotic applications for active seniors.

Contact Info:
Name: Tom LeTourneau
Organization: LeTourneau Prosthetics
Address: 2452 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, 77702 United States
Phone: +1-409-832-5005

For more information, please visit https://www.llop.com

Source: PressCable

Release ID: 165256