Replies to 'Twister Straps w/o Latex'

Replies to 'Twister Straps w/o Latex'

Original Post ----
 I have a small child diagnosed w/ lumbar level Spina Bifida that is able to
ambulate with bilateral semi-rigid AFOs. There is significant internal
rotation on both limbs, and I would like to use the low profile elastic
twister straps I have in stock to decrease this. Unfortunately, I cannot due
to possible allergic latex reactions. Does anyone else know of a low profile
alternative. The parents have some cosmetic issues, and prefer something that
will not stick out of the child's clothes.
 I will collect the replies and post them to the list. Please let me know if
you do not want your name to appear on your reply.
Steve Baum, C.O.

Here are the replies to my original posting. Thank you to all that have
responded. Apologies for the long delay posting the replies.
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Would it be possible to cover with a heat-shrink material? It may not be
flexible enough at the knee, though. Another thought: Tubular nylon webbing
-- available from rock climbing suppliers. Idea #3: clear flexible tubing
(PVC I think) most hardware stores should have. Good Luck!
Troy Fink, C.O.
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Use a neoplush twister painted with liquid urethane. The urethane is
hypoalergetic and the neoplush, available from Alimed, is very elastic and
low profile. Velcro sticks to the neoplush well also. You may publish this;
politaical correctness is for the birds. Good luck.
Jim Rogers, CPO
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We use twister cables. but would add a Velcro strap at thigh level if
prominence is an issue.
Jim
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I did something similar a while ago and it worked like a charm. I took a
piece of 3/4 inch wide dacron webbing, attached it by a 3 prong buckle (or
similar) to the inside prox edge of the afo. The length of the dacron was
wound around the leg soas to cause external rotation and then attached via
a waist belt at the hip. With both limbs externally rotated and the belt
attached it worked very well to control IRD. The strap stays beneath the
pants and nobody knows it is there. I've since used it on my CVA population
when this rotatary problem occurs with equal success. Let me know if you
need any futher info and I'll see if I can find a picture.
Good luck!
Cameron Renwick, C.O.(c)
Algonquin Orthopaedics
228 Main ST. West
Huntsville, Ont., P1H 1Y1
www.orthotics.on.ca
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I also usually make my own of 1 elastic webbing - but I believe Alimed or
Smith and Nephew sells a pre-made one of neoprene. They call it a TAP
splint. Jenny Adams CPO
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Attach lateral, free motion, knee joints to the AFOs. Attach the proximal
sidebar of the knee joints to free motion hip joints and in turn attach the
proximal sidebar of the hip joints to a waist/pelvic band.
Tom Lunsford, LOCO
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Try using the Tone and Positioning (TAP) splints cut off and applied to afo
section by hook velcro on the plantar aspect of the foot plate.The derotation
moment obtained by winding the strap up the leg works very well on the
cerebral palsy child so may work in your case.
M.Matthews
Senior Orthotist,
Norfolk.UK