More Specific Orthotics

Do you need orthotics that are specifically tailored to the pathologies of your patients?

   You may not need to look any further than three new Pathology Specific Orthoses. ProLab Orthotics/USA says it designed the three new orthotics to meet the specific pathomechanics of each diagnosis. Understanding the pathomechanics of each patient’s diagnosis is essential to ensuring optimum treatment outcomes, according to the company.

   With the three new Pathology Specific Orthoses, ProLab now offers a total of 14 such devices. The company says the new products complement its custom ankle foot orthotics and functionally corrected prefab orthotics.

   Company: ProLab Orthotics/USA
   Products: Pathology Specific Orthoses
   For more info, circle 399 on your reader service card

Propelling Patients To Health

Patients face biomechanical challenges after undergoing amputations and may need a system to prevent further complications.

   The Propel Amputee Orthotic System can restore function to patients and offers protection to the amputation site, according to the manufacturer Langer, Inc. As the company says, the inability of patients to toe-off can result in unsteady gait and further tissue breakdown.

   Langer says the device is a transmetatarsal or partial foot orthotic with a contralateral device and therapeutic hosiery. The company says the Propel system will aid in stabilizing the patient’s amputated foot in an environment of normal footwear.

   Company: Langer, Inc.
   Product: Propel Amputee Orthotic System
   For more info, circle 400 on your reader service card

Bracing Patients For Drop Foot

To conquer drop foot, you might find success with a new brace.

   The Step-Smart^™ is deisgned to absorb shock at heel strike and push the patient’s foot into a gentle dorsiflexion, according to manufacturer Swede-O. One may adjust the brace to accommodate each patient’s shock absorption requirements and the angle of the foot or calf, notes the company.
Swede-O says the brace has several compression joints to allow DPMs to set the Jacob Joint™ at different degrees of dorsiflexion. The Step-Smart is also designed for clearance during the swing phase of gait, notes the company.

   Company: Swede-O
   Product: Step-Smart^™
   For more info, circle 401 on your reader service card

Increasing Diabetes Education

Education is the key to diabetes prevention and a new video may go a long way toward increasing knowledge.

   The video “Preventing Diabetic Foot Ulcers — the Three-Step Program” is designed for patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy or who are at risk for diabetic complications. The 18-minute video features demonstrations and colorful graphics to help patients understand the seriousness of neuropathy, according to the video’s manufacturer Family Health Media.

   The company says the video features a simple plan for prevention without overwhelming the viewer. The video is available on DVD or VHS in English or Spanish.

   Company: Family Health Media
   Product: Preventing Diabetic Foot Ulcers — the Three-Step Program
   For more info, circle 402 on your reader service card