[Untitled]

Karen Steele

7/19/2000

I wear one fully articulating hybrid (metal/ polypropylene) KAFO and one
fully articulating hybrid AFO. I think I found the perfect - very
efficient, cost effective, and fun - way to clean the joints, and I thought
the list would enjoy hearing my idea.

First, the wearer should go to the beach and get sand everywhere, especially
in that part of the ankle joint with the springs and pins.

Then, the wearer should go swimming in a body of salt water with the
orthoses on. The motion of the legs in the water pretty much washes out the
aformentioned sand.

After the saltwater soak, the wearer should fill their bathtub with warm
water and soak the orthoses for 20-30 minutes, or until they're waterlogged,
whichever comes first. A little bit of gentle agitation will remove
whatever sand might be left from the first step.

Finally, after shaking / patting them dry, and allowing them to air dry
overnight, the user should apply 3 in 1 or sewing machine oil liberally to
every joint.

It's amazing. Before I did all that, I had creaks and squeaks with every
step. Now, I'm back to silent walking. And the joints work smoothly, too!

One thing - the whole procedure is a real test of whether or not the
manufacturers of the components really used stainless, or just a stainless
coating, or didn't bother. I won't comment on that.... but I think some of
the big names in O&P manufacturing should rethink their process of material
control.

Enjoy!

Karen Steele, MSME, PE
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