Re: Step Smart AFO Responses

Re: Step Smart AFO Responses

JD Thelen

7/11/2006

Here are the responses I have received so far on my question about the
Step Smart AFO. Thanks to those who responded but not too much
definitive information yet. I hope to still get additional replies so
if you have info to share please post.
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Original question:
A patient has brought to me a printout of information about a new afo
that I am not familiar with and wondered if anyone has any recent
experience with it. Called the Step Smart by Swedeo. Its got a foot
shell connected to a short posterior section by dorsi assist hinges that
come in different stiffnesses. I would appreciate hearing from anyone
who has tried this brace out and your results.

Thanks
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Replies:

One would expect the patient's foot to be pushed forward in the shoe and
cause pressure at the toes. But I have not tried this design yet.
Comment: There is a diagonal strap across the anterior ankle to prevent
slippage.

Jim---We evaluated this afo and the overall reaction was thumbs down.
The main complaint as I recall was the pronounced posterior protrusion of
the articulation. We returned the sample and there has been no more
consideration of the Smart Step Afo


As the manufacture company of the Tamarack flexure joint we were very
interested in this new afo (uses a Jacob joint). We have not placed the afo
on a patient but can supply you dorsi assist numbers. Our next step is to
test its durability and creep on our testing equipment.