replies to quick disconnect for KAFO section from thoracic section of RGO

replies to quick disconnect for KAFO section from thoracic section of RGO

Aryeh

3/7/2002

Reponses, and my response at the end.

What the mother wants isn't the issue. If the child doesn't have hip
strength enough to extend the hips to bring the chest to an upright position
the child will tire easily. It will take way too much energy to try to stand
let alone walk. This child will grow to develop hip flexion contractures and
problems with sensory nerves of the upper extremities from leaning on
crutches. Walkers or forearm crutches will no longer work for him because of
the exaggerated weight caused by the lack of hip extension.

C.O.D. (Center for Orthotic Design) in California has a quick disconnect hip
joint. The phone number is 1-800-346-4746.

Hosmer has one that I like. Contact Mark in Orthotic Design at Hosmer.

Center for Orthotic Design (now associated w/ Hosmer?) has an RGO like this,
and is the company that has had the most consistent quality for us.

Fillauer, Fillauer.
800-251-6398 Speak to Troy Davis, C.O.

Yes,
We [Orthomerica] carry the slip fit joint which allows internal/external
adjustment as
well as quick removal of the thigh or leg section of the brace. It can be
attached to any of the hip control devices we have. It works with either the
VIRTUAL or the Drop Lock Hip Joint. You could order just the slip fit
mechanism and either one of the aforementioned joints for retrofit on an
existing brace. However, I don't know if it would interface with another
manufacturer's pelvic section. A picture of it can be found on page 14 of
our 2002 or 2001 catalogue. if you have more specific questions please fell
free to contact me at !-800-446-6770.

Get the aluminum version of the Becker quick disconnect. TVD

Becker Orthopedic has two versions of a quick disconnect, including a heavy
duty model.

Try Fillauer

Hi, I think Wally Motlock's system has something like you mention.
Isocentric RGO. I have a child in the system that may benefit from the same
option. Please post your responses.

You want the Slip-Fit from Orthomerica. They can be reached at 800-446-6770.

It is made by Becker and is available in either plastic or metal--It works
pretty well, but I have and at least one parent loose the slider that
actuates the lock

All the quick disconnects that I have tried are not user friendly. Suggest
a second set of braces for times that the RGO is not appropriate.

My conclusions:

The only solution to this particular need is probably Becker's. Orthomedic's
and Fillauer's devices are not suitable because I was requested to apply
these components as a retrofit, i.e. already finished orthoses, and
replacing the joints is not practical mechanically or financially. The
Becker's option is more retro-fittable (is that a word?) though I'm not
certain about it's strength. Since the client is having a new RGO made (not
by us-another story), we may end up simply removing the KAFO's from her old
RGO, making thigh cuffs for the KAFO's and adjusting joint heights for
growth. The foot and calf sections fit her quite well as they are, anyway.
BTW, this is a client who has decent hip flexors, already ambulates to a
limited degree in therapy with only AFO's. To quell one concerned reply's
fears, she's probably quite able to function, at least within limits, with
KAFO's.

Thanks for all the advice,
Aryeh