David
David was a high school junior and a promising baseball player.
Surgical repair of a herniated lumbar disc left David with severe
complications. Initially, he was a paraplegic and despite intense
physical therapy was left with permanent deficits to his right
foot and ankle. A variety of AFO's (Ankle Foot Orthoses) were
utilized to allow David to participate in sporting activities
at a level he feels is challenging. Today David is hardly slowed
down. He roller-bladed into my office and is the type of patient
who tests his new AFO's by running down the street.
Marc
Marc is a physical therapist who underwent surgery for a very
large spinal tumor. The surgery left Marc with weakness and spasticity
in both legs as well as instability in his back. Marc decided
to switch gears and begin a career in Orthotics and Prosthetics.
Marc's biomechanics are greatly enhanced with a custom AFO (Ankle
Foot Orthosis) which allows him to enjoy many activities. Today
Marc is an avid kayaker and very little slows this man down. He
is inspirational to our patients and is an invaluable addition
to our practice.
Stance control knee joints are a new way to allow patients to
have their knee locked when they are weight bearing in stance
phase and swing free past the other foot in swing phase. This
is a huge energy saver as it takes 25% more energy to walk with
a locked knee. These technologies eliminate the need to unlock
the knee for sitting. Many designs are now available.
