[Untitled]

Eric Schwelke, C.P.O.

4/12/2000

To all:

Thank you all for your input. I received over 20 responses to my inquiry
and to not tax individual mailboxes, I will try to summarize:

Three different feet are available for adjustable heel height.

Masterstep from Ossur
Total Concept from Century XXII
Dynamic Response Foot from Endolite

One response suggested using multiple feet for height changes and it most
likely would be the strongest solution given the activity level. I tend to
agree with this but it is the most inconvenient method and financially
prohibitive.

Another response described a custom solution where a Total Ankle and Seattle
Light foot were combined but I am not prepared to go into warranty/liability
issues.

The Total Concept system appears to be the simplest choice but after reading
the manufacturers installation instructions, it will not work in this case.
It specifically states:

The Total Concept Ankle/Foot is designed for community ambulation and is
not recommended
  for high impact use or sports related activities. Direct pressure on the
toe without supporting
  the heel is not recommended (i.e. jumping on toe).

Our client/patient/amputee practices tae-bo each morning and jumps around.
She has complained about the Seattle Light 2 she is wearing now because the
toes are too flexible.

The Masterstep may be a choice but there seem to be frequent maintenance
issues from the responses.

A few people mentioned the Endolite system. I have not researched this.
For the practitioners that have used the Endolite, could you post your
experiences relating to activity levels, practicality, and maintenance? It
would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Eric Schwelke, C.P.O.