responses- peds Fx Orthosis

responses- peds Fx Orthosis

Joan Cestaro, C.P.

4/4/2001

Thanks to everyone who responded and for all the blessings. Sorry that I
forgot to include that it is a tibia and 2 fibula fractures- all 3 complete!
Looks like OrthoAmerica is my best bet. I certainly appreciate all the
immediate responses. And so does my son, Damon.

Original Post:
                I am writing with a professional and, unfortunately, a very
personal request. My 2 ½ year old son broke his leg and will be needing a
fracture orthosis in 2 weeks (versus a walking cast). I was wondering if
any companies made pre-fab fracture orthosis for children. He'll only be in
it 3 weeks. I can do a custom one, I just hate putting him through another
cast cutting. This has been traumatizing enough- for the both of us.

Responses:
----------------------------
Why not cast with glass wrap (only need one or two layers) and use a utility

knife with a carpet blade. If casted over a piece or webbing, there is no
chance of burning the child and they do not fear the knife, as it is silent.

That is how I do my peds cases and it has made my life (and theirs) much
more
pleasant.

Depending on the type of fracture, bledsoe has wee walkers.

Please try Orthomerica they do have pediatric fracture bracing. They could
also make you something from measurements. Call customer service at
1-800-446-6770.


JOAN- ORTHOMERICA MAKES A PEDIATRIC KAFO PRE-FAB. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CALL
ME I WOULD BE GLAD TO FAX YOU INFORMATION.


Sorry about your little guy's fracture. I have talked to Shannon Schwenn at
Orthomerica and he says they can make a prefab orthosis for you. If your
son is fairly symmetrical you can measure his opposite side and have the
fracture brace ready to go when he's needs it. Or, you can wait until you
measure the involved side, but because of the size, Orthomerica could use a
couple days to get it together for you. If you are interested, please
contact Shannon directly at 1800-446-6770 because he would like to be
personally involved. The lead technician's name for that type of orthosis
is Dale, and he would be a good contact person if Shannon is not available.


So sorry about your son. You didn't say what bone is broken. I'm looking
in the Orthomerica catalog at a drop lock and free motion fracture KAFO for
peds. They have 3 sizes of both. I assume that they would also sell the
AFO section separately if needed.

you have at least two options that I am aware of. The first is that
Orthomerica makes OTS (off the shelf) pediatric Fx. orthoses.
Second, if you wanted to remove a cast on anyone w/o the noise and
associated excitement that goes along with a cast saw, cast them with a
cutting strip like the one Cascade DAFO in Ferndale Washington supplies. The

strip is laid between two stockinette, and a hook type razor cuts between
the
raised ridge it creates. It is easy, quick, and very safe, the reusable
strip
is also very inexpensive. Good luck,


Do yourself and you child a favor and do a custom. Mold with fiberglass
tape and use a hook knife to remove, no cast saw necessary.

Try Rhino Products and Whaeton Brace for pediatrics


Joan- You can try RJ Industries,107 Galena Street, West Chicago, Il, 60185,
1-800-560-3255.I'm pretty sure they have what you need. Good luck-