FW: Prefab Body Jackets all Responses

FW: Prefab Body Jackets all Responses

Randy McFarland

1/21/2005

ORIGINAL QUESTION:
I had an ortho doc tell me that in some circumstances he'd like me to
keep prefab rigid LSO and TLSOs on hand so he can get the patients up
and going in the hospital sooner.
    1) Which prefabricated Spinal orthoses have you found to offer a
good combination of support, ease of fitting and economy?
    2) Does a master list exist that shows all of the manufacturers'
model numbers cross referenced with approved L codes that have been
approved by the L coding committee?
Randy McFarland, CPO
Fullerton, CA

(Below are the responses thus far. Is anyone aware of studies comparing
the relative effectiveness of rigid vs soft prefab. spinal systems?)



RESPONSES
We have worked with Orthomerica to develop a Redi-fit system.
Basically this is a modular component system of Ant and Post LSO modules
in various sizes - based upon the cosmic TLSO braces. We stock the
component modules and can assemble a semi-custom LSO or TLSO in less
than one hour. It has allowed us to minimize inventory and allows us to
easily modify for the individual. We use both anterior and posterior
thoracic extensions to create a TLSO. Works pretty well for the normal
body proportions. Contact Shannon Schwenn @ Orthomerica for info.

I use Spinal Tech. I stock OTS LSO's and TLSO's.

You're just a little early for us, but we at HOPE, Inc (currently
StatFab) will be making this exact type of orthosis very soon (within a
few
months). Like all of our products, it will be priced very well (and of
course, you'll still get the same quality of service that we provide
with
our existing products). Look for them soon.

orthoamerica and aspen

I like the Townsend Spine quest...very user friendly and stable you
make about $500 on them

DeRoyal Atlanta International

We use the Spinal Tech Softtech system and have been very happy with it.
We stopped using the ortholign's as we found the Deroyal Rep marketing
and selling directly to the physicians.

Ortholign system from Deroyal is a good choice and is tolerated well by
the
patient.

I understand that the Vertalign system from Bremer is pretty good and we
are looking at stocking them. Hopefully they'll consign them.
______

We use AirBacks a lot, even though I don't like them. A more sensible
approach is to measure the patient before the surgery and have the
device waiting for them after

If you want rigid plastic, Atlanta International, (now deroyal owns) is
the best we have found for the prefab rigid. We used to stock a few
different lordoses and pendulous or neutral front. We used the smooth
overlap with the LSO front with a sternal extension. Now if we need
rigid, we just order overnight custom. The doctors here are fine with
that. For prefab braces on the smaller, (not huge) people, we like the
Ortholign and Ultralign from Deroyal, was and atlanta product also, now
labeled as deroyal. It is a modular system that can fit a lot of people
and controls reasonably well.

The previous parties are correct about the VertAlign TLSO AND LSO
,custom
fitted. However, you must have a well trained orthotic fitter or
orthotist
for best results. ( BremerGroup also provides free of charge a training
at
the consignment site which carries 4.3 CEU's from ABC.) A 97% patient
fit
rate can be accomplished from the consignment inventory of prefabricated

components, placed on site free of charge in a short time in skilled
hands.. Who would be fitting these TLSO's and LSO'S ?
Also, the Bremer Group has the ComfAlign LSO which can be fit from
fewer
sizes and has a ratcheting closure system that is simplier to fit and
many spine paitients find easy to use. All of these Bremer products
have
been presented to SADMERC for coding verification and are listed on the

SADMERC product Classification list. ( Please see the following web
address: www.palmettogba.com then go to SADMERC Product
Classification List then TLSO's or LSO's . They would be glad to send
you
literature if you will e-mail your address to <Email Address Redacted>

Please check our website, www.bostonbrace.com under products you'll find
the Terrapin TLSO (L-code 0464 )and LSO (K-0648) Feel free to call me if
you have any questions. Regards, Martin Andersson Boston Brace Cell
phone: 978 660 3070.

We use prefab Spinal Technology TLSO and LSO for the ER patients on the
weekend if of course the measurements fall within the range. The are
made out of polyethelene plastic lined with aliplast and have adjustable
velcro straps. The have flat and pendulous fronts that overlap with the
posterior portion. The company provides good customer service and our
materials manager keeps the full set in stock for us to use on the
weekends.

WE USE ASPEN , OPTEC, SPINALTEC, AND BOSTON

You may what to consider a co. that does not market and sell direct to
hospitals and Dr's like Bremer and DeRoyal does. Just my opinion

We tried several prefabed LSO's and TLSO's to determine which might be
best
for our practice. After considering several devices we choose the Oasis
from Optec. They are
working out fine, but customer service at Optec could be improved. Good
luck!

Don't stock too many LSO/TLSO because now a new trend is the
manufactures (especially DeRoyal) is Stocking the hospitals and Dr.
offices and having a stock and bill program.