Re: helix
Description
Collection
Title:
Re: helix
Text:
How does the term helix factor into this device? How does a double helix,
so to speak, provide rotatory assistance or control? Perhaps the originators
of this device overlooked the term spiral, which was introduced to our
field many years ago and used in a similar manner. No one questions the
value of a comfortable and effective manner of providing assistive or
resistive forces in any orthotic or prosthetic device. After all, that is
the real reason we exist and it is the benchmark in our field. But, in the
mainstream of orthotic and prosthetic problem solving, this device cannot be
anything more than another tool (albeit perhaps a major one) to be used, as
appropriate, in the daily course of orthotic and prosthetic problem solving.
I used a spiral device, in many ways similar to the one shown in the virtual
gait website, approximately twenty ago as a scoliosis system for an 18 month
old, or so, surviving Siamese twin. Actually, it looked more like a
slingshot, but is was truly a spiral device. It was made out of Kydex. This
was done because of post-surgical tubing sites and we had no choice. The
device worked well and I haven't had the occasion to use one since.
The very best orthotic or prosthetic device is none. Often, the second best
is the most simple device that will work, as intended.
Wil Haines, CPO
so to speak, provide rotatory assistance or control? Perhaps the originators
of this device overlooked the term spiral, which was introduced to our
field many years ago and used in a similar manner. No one questions the
value of a comfortable and effective manner of providing assistive or
resistive forces in any orthotic or prosthetic device. After all, that is
the real reason we exist and it is the benchmark in our field. But, in the
mainstream of orthotic and prosthetic problem solving, this device cannot be
anything more than another tool (albeit perhaps a major one) to be used, as
appropriate, in the daily course of orthotic and prosthetic problem solving.
I used a spiral device, in many ways similar to the one shown in the virtual
gait website, approximately twenty ago as a scoliosis system for an 18 month
old, or so, surviving Siamese twin. Actually, it looked more like a
slingshot, but is was truly a spiral device. It was made out of Kydex. This
was done because of post-surgical tubing sites and we had no choice. The
device worked well and I haven't had the occasion to use one since.
The very best orthotic or prosthetic device is none. Often, the second best
is the most simple device that will work, as intended.
Wil Haines, CPO
Citation
“Re: helix,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 5, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/214369.
