State-of-the-art KAFO components and materials
Mike Raney
Description
Collection
Title:
State-of-the-art KAFO components and materials
Creator:
Mike Raney
Date:
2/17/2003
Text:
Fellow practitioners:
We have a patient who is looking for a KAFO with state-of-the-art materials and components. He is a world traveler who spends considerable time in remote areas of the world such as Laos, Cambodia, etc.
He has two diagnoses.
1) He has a varus knee with ligament laxity. The varus thrust with each step causes him discomfort. He wants the brace to block that varus thrust.
2) He has hemi-paresis with equino-varus from a recent stroke-causing his foot to drag. He has lateral instability at the ankle - further adding to his knee varus problems. He wants the brace to take care of the foot drop and lateral ankle roll. He has moderate hyperextension of the knee due to the stroke.
He has good quads so he would want a free knee. The physician has specified polycentric knee joints - that may be optional.
His needs are well defined by him. He wants a high-tech KAFO that will withstand salt water immersion. He wants the brace to hold up under the worst of conditions, and for many years. He wants it to be ultra-light. He says he wants it to be right, and perfect.
His travels require that the brace be done before March 20th when he leaves for overseas.
He doesn't want stainless steel as it too heavy. He doesn't think polypropylene will hold up under his use. He would prefer something other than carbon graphite as it might delaminate. He mentions titanium as a possibility. He is hoping for some exotic new materials and components.
He is willing to pay for this brace himself - above what insurance will pay.
He is willing to fly anywhere in the country in order to work with someone who can meet his bracing needs. If we pass on this project he will need someone else in a hurry.
We are looking for new ideas, etc. on new materials and components that may be available and workable by his deadline.
Any ideas, experiences, or names of interested facilities will be greatly appreciated.
Mike Raney, PhD, CO
Conner Brace Co.
Austin, Texas
We have a patient who is looking for a KAFO with state-of-the-art materials and components. He is a world traveler who spends considerable time in remote areas of the world such as Laos, Cambodia, etc.
He has two diagnoses.
1) He has a varus knee with ligament laxity. The varus thrust with each step causes him discomfort. He wants the brace to block that varus thrust.
2) He has hemi-paresis with equino-varus from a recent stroke-causing his foot to drag. He has lateral instability at the ankle - further adding to his knee varus problems. He wants the brace to take care of the foot drop and lateral ankle roll. He has moderate hyperextension of the knee due to the stroke.
He has good quads so he would want a free knee. The physician has specified polycentric knee joints - that may be optional.
His needs are well defined by him. He wants a high-tech KAFO that will withstand salt water immersion. He wants the brace to hold up under the worst of conditions, and for many years. He wants it to be ultra-light. He says he wants it to be right, and perfect.
His travels require that the brace be done before March 20th when he leaves for overseas.
He doesn't want stainless steel as it too heavy. He doesn't think polypropylene will hold up under his use. He would prefer something other than carbon graphite as it might delaminate. He mentions titanium as a possibility. He is hoping for some exotic new materials and components.
He is willing to pay for this brace himself - above what insurance will pay.
He is willing to fly anywhere in the country in order to work with someone who can meet his bracing needs. If we pass on this project he will need someone else in a hurry.
We are looking for new ideas, etc. on new materials and components that may be available and workable by his deadline.
Any ideas, experiences, or names of interested facilities will be greatly appreciated.
Mike Raney, PhD, CO
Conner Brace Co.
Austin, Texas
Citation
Mike Raney, “State-of-the-art KAFO components and materials,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 25, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/220715.
