Response Summary: KO attachement to BK prosthesis
John Warren
Description
Collection
Title:
Response Summary: KO attachement to BK prosthesis
Creator:
John Warren
Date:
8/1/2003
Text:
Hello list,
I've got some updates for you on the KO to BK attachment. The pt has been
fit with an Alpha, lock, Talux foot and Townsend KO. The KO is attached
with velcro and straps. Only snag so far is some distal migration. I used
more velcro, but may need to use some C-screws or rivets. The pt is very
happy with the function of the setup and states that it feels more natural
to him than any other leg he has had. I didn't expect him to feel this
positive about it, but I find when I add more plastic and the pt doesn't
complain then I probably did the right thing. Below, you find some of the
responses. Most recommended a Townsend KO and I included one response that
was most useful. I've also included other ideas below the Townsend
response. Thanks some much for everyone who took the time to respond. I'll
say this, I would not hesitate to do this again in the future.
I have had good luck with retrofitting Townsend KO systems to such cases. I
prefer the Townsend because they are still fabricated to your cast (no co
ordinance) which allows the trimlines to wrap slightly past the center of
the socket. This helps stabilize the attachment. Also, the folks at
Townsend are experienced with such an application, and are willing to
trouble shoot.
Benefits:
1. Allows you to cast the leg in a weight bearing atmosphere, with the
patient wearing the actual socket. You can introduce some correction during
the casting, while getting patient feedback. Some additional alignment may
be necessary once the finished KO is applied, because you have actually
trued the anatomical knee alignment somewhat.
2. The KO is removable for repairs.
3. You choose the length of the lever arm according to the length of your
cast.
4. Townsend will match your lamination color or pattern.
Drawbacks:
1. Extra bulk around the socket.
2. You may need to drill for a Chicago screw to achieve additional
suspension/attachment between the socket and KO.
3. It is additional expense, but the improved function should reasonably
justify the application.
Best wishes,
Barry Jones, CPO
I am hesitant to recommend this as it is not used much anymore, but how
about a bent-knee design? Just a reluctant thought...
Steven Fries, CPO
Do you actually need a medial and lateral side bar. If axial unloading is
not an objective as you indicated in your posting, can you obtain an
adequate amount of ML stabilization with a single medial side bar. This
would make alignment issues much easier to deal with, make it lighter and
more cosmetic. Hope this helps.
Check with flex-tech they make an awesome product I believe they were
purchased by deroyal.
I have used a custom fabricated KO designed for a BK px. It is fabricated
from
Flex-Tec In CA. It is a subsiderary of DeRoyal. You can contact them for
their
info. I understand Townsend also makes a KO for a BK, but I haven't used
them.
After the socket is complete, you cast the pt while in the socket, then send
it
to them. It worked really well for my pt. My pt. had been wearing a thigh
lacer for years and was really happy with this new system. The only real
consideration is that this is only for Knee support or unloading, NOT a
suspension system. So the socket needs to incorperate either a pin system
or
supercondular suspension.
Hope this helps
Lynette Duncan, CP
_________________________________________________________________
MSN 8 with e-mail virus protection service: 2 months FREE*
<URL Redacted>
I've got some updates for you on the KO to BK attachment. The pt has been
fit with an Alpha, lock, Talux foot and Townsend KO. The KO is attached
with velcro and straps. Only snag so far is some distal migration. I used
more velcro, but may need to use some C-screws or rivets. The pt is very
happy with the function of the setup and states that it feels more natural
to him than any other leg he has had. I didn't expect him to feel this
positive about it, but I find when I add more plastic and the pt doesn't
complain then I probably did the right thing. Below, you find some of the
responses. Most recommended a Townsend KO and I included one response that
was most useful. I've also included other ideas below the Townsend
response. Thanks some much for everyone who took the time to respond. I'll
say this, I would not hesitate to do this again in the future.
I have had good luck with retrofitting Townsend KO systems to such cases. I
prefer the Townsend because they are still fabricated to your cast (no co
ordinance) which allows the trimlines to wrap slightly past the center of
the socket. This helps stabilize the attachment. Also, the folks at
Townsend are experienced with such an application, and are willing to
trouble shoot.
Benefits:
1. Allows you to cast the leg in a weight bearing atmosphere, with the
patient wearing the actual socket. You can introduce some correction during
the casting, while getting patient feedback. Some additional alignment may
be necessary once the finished KO is applied, because you have actually
trued the anatomical knee alignment somewhat.
2. The KO is removable for repairs.
3. You choose the length of the lever arm according to the length of your
cast.
4. Townsend will match your lamination color or pattern.
Drawbacks:
1. Extra bulk around the socket.
2. You may need to drill for a Chicago screw to achieve additional
suspension/attachment between the socket and KO.
3. It is additional expense, but the improved function should reasonably
justify the application.
Best wishes,
Barry Jones, CPO
I am hesitant to recommend this as it is not used much anymore, but how
about a bent-knee design? Just a reluctant thought...
Steven Fries, CPO
Do you actually need a medial and lateral side bar. If axial unloading is
not an objective as you indicated in your posting, can you obtain an
adequate amount of ML stabilization with a single medial side bar. This
would make alignment issues much easier to deal with, make it lighter and
more cosmetic. Hope this helps.
Check with flex-tech they make an awesome product I believe they were
purchased by deroyal.
I have used a custom fabricated KO designed for a BK px. It is fabricated
from
Flex-Tec In CA. It is a subsiderary of DeRoyal. You can contact them for
their
info. I understand Townsend also makes a KO for a BK, but I haven't used
them.
After the socket is complete, you cast the pt while in the socket, then send
it
to them. It worked really well for my pt. My pt. had been wearing a thigh
lacer for years and was really happy with this new system. The only real
consideration is that this is only for Knee support or unloading, NOT a
suspension system. So the socket needs to incorperate either a pin system
or
supercondular suspension.
Hope this helps
Lynette Duncan, CP
_________________________________________________________________
MSN 8 with e-mail virus protection service: 2 months FREE*
<URL Redacted>
Citation
John Warren, “Response Summary: KO attachement to BK prosthesis,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 6, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/221626.
