Summary of Hallux Valgus Orthosis

Summary of Hallux Valgus Orthosis

SUNCG

12/15/1997

Hi O and P members,

Last week I posted a question to the list about orthosis for hallux valgus.
Thanks very much for your help, here is a summary of the replies I
received:

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Mr. Michael Maier wrote;
we have several patients with this type of halux valgus. We had tried
several types of splints, but all with the same result: too
uncomfortable.

Since three years we changed way of supplyment. We are using now a
silicon paste which is not too soft. We make a wax cast of the toes,
then we correct the position of the toes as far as possible. Afterwards
we form the silicon paste between the wax toes.
After hardening we smooth the silicon.

We have supplied over 60 patients with this method, and most of them
feel very comfortable. The patients wear it between the toes under their
socks. While it was formed directly for their toes, it do not disturb
them.

And he kindly sent a GIF of the photo of orthosis.(attached)

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Mr. Cameron Renwick, C.O.(c) wrote;

I'm a certified orthotist, Canadian trained and deal regularily with
congenital hallux abductovalgus (bunions). Lately I've used a material from
Berkemann in Germany that is called silicone elastomer polymer. Essentially
it is a soft malleable silicone which you mix in your hands. It is then
squished between toes, around and through the web space etc. Once cured
(approx. 2 min.) the material is stiff and will maintain it's shape.
Because it is so easy to fit in and around spaces it can be contoured so
that the patient doesn't feel that there is a lot of bulk between the toes.


The company name is: Heinrick Ad. Berkemann Gmbh & Co.
                     Postfach 54 07 40 - 22507 Hamburg
                     Telephone 040-553 03-0

Without seeing this woman's feet its hard for me to say how well this
material will work but I've had fairly good success with it in most cases.
Often times as well I couple this treatment with a metatarsal and
longitudinal arch support, calcaneal control posting if also required. I
guess finally I must mention, the silicone elastomer needs to be worn with
a shoe, closed toe work pest. The silicone, once cured has the hardness of
dried chewing gum and if used without a shoe it tends to break down by
being scuffed on the ground....

If you require further information or have difficulty getting the material
please do not hesitate to email me. I could perhaps send you some as a
sample.
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Mr. John Shehade wrote;
The type of orthosis which is commonly used in Royal Perth Hospital
is the BERKEMANN Hallux Valgus Night -Time Traction Splint from
Germany.

I have found it to be a very effective. However, it is worn at
night only.
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Thank you very much for these replies. Any futher information is of course
welcome.

Sun

===============================================
Sun G. Chung M.D., Ph.D.
Instructor
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine
Seoul National University, College of Medicine
YeonGeon Dong 28, ChongRo Ku, Seoul, Korea
Fax: +82 2 743 7473
Phone: +82 2 760 2619(Office)
E-mail: <Email Address Redacted>
             <Email Address Redacted>
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