A list of orthotic devices needed for humanitarian trips abroad

A list of orthotic devices needed for humanitarian trips abroad

LeGare, Stephanie M

2/18/2009

Many people showed interest in knowing what orthotic devices are most needed or most requested from those who go on humanitarian orthotic and prosthetic trips outside the United States. I have compiled a list below. Keep in mind that my list is not all -inclusive; it is based on a small sample of opinions and experiences. Many orthotists traveling abroad do not have access to a full orthotic and prosthetic lab and can not custom-fabricate devices, so off-the shelf or pre-made devices are more commonly used. The list is based on what orthotists use abroad, NOT physicians or surgical teams. Finally, orthoses that are on the not frequenty used list does not mean that they are never fit abroad. It only means that those listed on the needed list are requested and needed more often!



Orthotic devices needed (or fit) most, listed in order of most requested or expressed need:

 - Shoes, all types, especially diabetic shoes

 - AFOs , (lightly used or new), modified on-site for an appropriate fit to patient

 - AFO and KAFO components, joints, uprights, etc (for facilites that have fabrication capabilities)

 - Resting hand splints

 - Shoe inserts/ foot orthotics (all sizes, including pediatric)

 - Dense foam, foam for padding, all types and thicknesses ( pelite , aliplast , etc)



Orthotic Devices not commonly used abroad by orthotists , in no particular order:



 - Spinal bracing (off-the-shelf), all types

 - Most upper extremity orthoses , except resting hand splints

 - Wrist cock-up splints

 - Knee braces, except hyperextension knee braces

 - Cervical orthotics

 - CAM walkers and surgical shoes



We did discover that many post-operative orthotic devices are used more commonly by surgical teams and physical therapists. These types of devices will be donated to organizations that provide supplies to medical teams traveling abroad. In addition, many O&P facilities abroad operate on donations but have full fabrication labs and local prosthetists and technicians. Those facilities make many of their devices custom for their patients. The types of orthotic devices coming out of those labs is primarily AFOs and KAFOs as well, but includes a broader range of orthotic devices.



If you do happen to provide orthotic services abroad, and note anything on my not commonly used list that you do use abroad, let me know. This information will be used to determine what we should keep in stock for the Prosthetics and Orthotics Component Clearinghouse ( <URL Redacted>:// www . usispo .org/ pocc / ), which provides P&O supplies to practitioners who spend time working in developing countries .



For our prosthetic travelers, have no fear! We have a gamut of prosthetic supplies. We will debut our inventory of all these devices, available for your humanitarian trips abroad, at the Academy meeting on Friday , March 6 th : A Model Program to Coordinate Prosthetic & Orthotic Outreach (P.O.C.C.) Activities.


Thanks to those who replied,



Stephanie


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Stephanie LeGare
Masters in Prosthetics and Orthotics 2009
Georgia Institute of Technology