Re: Heavy Weight Prosthesis
Daniel Watkins
Description
Collection
Title:
Re: Heavy Weight Prosthesis
Creator:
Daniel Watkins
Date:
1/12/2000
Text:
Hi, Troy,
Your problem is one of law and product liability, not prosthetics.
The fact is that no locking liner components are rated for your patient. If it fails, some lawyer will stand in front of the jury and ask you why did you use a shuttle lock which is unambiguously rated to 260 pounds on a 440 pound patient? and you will be sunk. Actually, it would never get to trial - insurance would simply settle, because there would be no question of law to bring to the courtroom. The same goes for feet and knee components, too. None are rated for this patient.
The only component that I know of that you can fit is a FlexFoot. They can and will make a foot rated and guaranteed for his weight. However, all their attachment modules are rated for specific weights, and none goes to 440 pounds, so you would need to use the Modular III system and laminate your foot into the prosthesis. Other manufacturers may be able to custom build components, so you might call around.
I'm not really happy with the law determining my prescription, but it very certainly does.
Daniel Watkins CPO
>>> Troy Stevenson, Prosthetic Technician < <Email Address Redacted> > 01/11/00 09:14PM >>>
Hello List Members,
We currently have a patient in need of a new BK prosthesis. He is
approximately 440#. He has been an amputee for over 10 years.
<snip>
Your problem is one of law and product liability, not prosthetics.
The fact is that no locking liner components are rated for your patient. If it fails, some lawyer will stand in front of the jury and ask you why did you use a shuttle lock which is unambiguously rated to 260 pounds on a 440 pound patient? and you will be sunk. Actually, it would never get to trial - insurance would simply settle, because there would be no question of law to bring to the courtroom. The same goes for feet and knee components, too. None are rated for this patient.
The only component that I know of that you can fit is a FlexFoot. They can and will make a foot rated and guaranteed for his weight. However, all their attachment modules are rated for specific weights, and none goes to 440 pounds, so you would need to use the Modular III system and laminate your foot into the prosthesis. Other manufacturers may be able to custom build components, so you might call around.
I'm not really happy with the law determining my prescription, but it very certainly does.
Daniel Watkins CPO
>>> Troy Stevenson, Prosthetic Technician < <Email Address Redacted> > 01/11/00 09:14PM >>>
Hello List Members,
We currently have a patient in need of a new BK prosthesis. He is
approximately 440#. He has been an amputee for over 10 years.
<snip>
Citation
Daniel Watkins, “Re: Heavy Weight Prosthesis,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed December 24, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/213425.
