Digest of replies for query: Looking for a source of leg restorations

Digest of replies for query: Looking for a source of leg restorations

Harry Phillips

11/28/2011

To the List,

Thanks for the responses. Here is my original question followed by the responses:

 

                I am working with a woman who is 7 ½ years post a MVA that resulted in a bus running over her legs. She suffered massive soft tissue loss between the knees and the ankles. The injuries were resolved with multiple surgeries involving tissue transfers and skin grafts. There is heavy keloid formation. There is fluctuating ankle edema which is partially controlled with compression stockings. I am looking for a source of restorations to provide both soft tissue fillers and appropriately shaded skin coverings. In the past she has been provided restorations by a local anaplastologist, but she finds these to be too hot, heavy, and (justifiably, I believe) ugly to wear.

I would appreciate any recommendations for either a central fabricator who would be willing to work with me in the management of this patient or else a facility that I might refer this woman that could undertake the project with a reasonable prospect of a satisfactory outcome.

 

 

Harry, I've worked with Livingskin for partial fingers, but have not done a case similar to yours.

 

 

You might want to check with LivingSkin in New York, Life Like Labs in Texas, or Artech in Texas.

 

 

I work for livingskin - we specialise in silicone restorations. I wanted to send you some information in response to your post below. Typically we focus on upper limb prosthetics, and because of that we have an expertise in aesthetics. For more product information on livingskin, including product images, please check www.touchbionics.com/products/passive-functional-prostheses/

 

For lower limb prosthetics, we make feet, partial feet and toes, but do not extend up the leg further than just above the ankle bone. However, I wanted to make you aware of our product line in case there is any way that we can help your patient on this occasion.

 

If you have specific questions regarding either product or process, please do not hesitate to contact me and I would be happy to help you with any queries. If you think that we may be of service, and have a photo of her legs, please send it to me and I can send you a sketch of the type of device that we would make for her. Examples are attached.

 

 

I worked with Livingskin prior to their being bought by Touch Bionics and they used to offer this type of restoration. The results, however, while amazing in appearance required them to be both hot and heavy and as a

result, most often were rejected. Expensive too.

 

There is frankly not a good option available that I aware of that will meet the not hot & not heavy & looks acceptable requirements.

 

 

I would check out Living Skin. They do a great job with partial hand, and upper extremity cases and the custom paint center is located in Atlanta so the distance to have it matched perfectly is not that far.

Rob Kistenburg, CPO from Atlanta is their rep and very experienced prosthetist with cosmetic restoration.

 

 

try David Scurti in Sacramento



 

The company Realastic I believe still manufactures cosmetic restoration and fillers the type you are looking for. I am not sure who owns them now.
Try a Goggle Search

I am a semi retired CPO in the Philadelphia area. I do some work for a group of anaplastologists in Valley Forge, PA at Siliclone Studio. They have some ultra light weight techniques for leg restorations.

They have a website, the contact is Dr. Bob Erb. While I do not do that type of work with them, I can recommend their work.

 

Several years ago, Realastic made a pair of these for a polio patient who had very skinny legs. They were not perfect but looked good under nylon stockings.

 

I have been very happy with Alternative Prosthetics from Connecticut. They have a web site.

Interesting and challenging case. I don't know if you have developed a plan yet, and unfortunately I don't have any real answers. My thoughts would be to combine some sort of light weight, breathable material, filler and fabric with the compression. If she is seeing an orthotist, or a good fitter, for the compression it might be worth asking them to check with Medi and/or some of the other manufacturers of custom compression for their ideas. This has probably already been considered and investigated, but I just figured in case it had not then it might help lead to a better solution for your patient. If she does not have a good fitter of compression there is a young lady in Raleigh who might be good working with her.

 

 

Harry Phillips, CPO

Triangle Orthopaedic Associates, P.A.

Orthotics and Prosthetics Department

120 William Penn Plaza

Durham, NC 27704

(919) 281-1814

Fax: (919) 281-1877

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