Course 5 of 5 2009 Under Way! 

To date, Optimus Prosthetics has presented 'Course 5 Gait Training and Deviations' to 7 therapy groups (and have many more to go).  If you are a therapist and your group has not scheduled the 5th and final course for 2009, give us a call!

Optimus Prosthetics will be offering 4 courses in 2010 available on a quarterly basis. 

You can call us at 937-454-1900 to schedule the 2010 courses when your group is ready to do so.  The following are the topics for 2010 which will have new approval numbers (and will be video-enhanced)

1. Overview of Prosthetics (includes an overview of all levels of amputations with emphasis on upper extremity, partial foot, and Symes)
2. Transtibial Prosthetics (including post-op modalities)
3. Transfemoral Prosthetics (including an introduction to our computerized gait alignment system and a refresher on the Amputee Mobility Predictor)
4. Lower Extremity Prosthetic Gait Training and Deviations (a refresher based on course #5 from 2009)

Chris Mancuso, PT (blue shirt, next to Scott) of the KMC Rehab team was volunteered by his peers to simulate a patient undergoing the Amputee Mobility Predictor assessment. As a consolation, Chris got to pick a 'volunteer' to complete the scoring form.

Give us a call to schedule your course! 937-454-1900

A  therapy patient with a new transtibial prosthesis with a lock and pin suspension presented with excessive valgus moment at midstance.  After a 30 minute therapy session, the patient had small blisters on their residual limb.  Is this normal? 

No, blisters are NOT normal and if sores or blisters erupt, they can lead to ulcers and serious infections.  Blisters can be caused by physical factors that irritate the skin such as irritating chemicals or friction (rubbing the skin).

In this particular case, if the patient had the roll-on gel locking liner donned for more than an hour before ambulating and the skin looked normal prior to the therapy session, then the blisters were most likely NOT caused by the chemicals in the gel liner.  Instead, the blisters were most likely caused by excessive pressure and/or excessive friction due to the fit and/or alignment of the prosthesis.  And due to the fact that the patient presented with an excessive valgus moment gait deviation, the alignment would most likely be the prosthetist's prime target to adjust. 

Another possible cause of the blisters is poor skin care.  Remember that the limb is encased in a completely airtight socket which does not breathe or allow sweat to evaporate.  Sweat is acidic and salty and, when allowed to dry, forms tiny crystals (like sandpaper) on the skin.  If this sweat is left on the skin and socket, bacteria can grow and if the skin is broken, infections may occur, which can become severe if left untreated.

How should a patient treat blisters? 
Usually, it is best to leave blisters alone. Because blisters protect the underlying skin, breaking blisters open can increase the chance of infection. Protect blisters with a bandage and cover them until they heal on their own. The liquid in the blister will be re-absorbed and the skin will flatten naturally. If a blister breaks, wash the area with soap and water, then apply a bandage. If a blister is very large or painful, the physician may drain it and apply an antibacterial cream to prevent infection.

Questions? Give us a call!
937-454-1900

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On 9/1/09, Kurt Gruben and Jeff Gerber provided their expertise on Ossur products that were used on the prostheses of patients Grace Norman, Dr. Douglas Longenecker, and Walter Voisard.  Kurt Gruben is a Certified Prosthetist who travels the USA assisting with patients using Ossur products.  Jeff Gerber is the regional sales representative. 

Grace Norman (right, with Kurt Gruben and John Brandt) is 11 years old, has a transtibial amputation, and had just received her latest prosthesis which features a low profile Variflex foot from Ossur.  Grace enjoys running cross country and playing soccer and basketball.  She wears her prosthesis for normal daily activities as well as for her athletic demands. 

The Variflex foot was selected for Grace due to the low build height, Carbon-X active heel, proportional response, and the split toe.  The low build height was necessary because


Grace's residual limb is long.  The Carbon-X heel stores energy and absorbs shock loads which creates timely and controlled plantarflexion during early stance phase, which in turn leads to stability soon after heel contact.  The proportional response is derived from the layering of carbon fiber which ensures that the deflection of the forefoot from mid-stance to toe-off is proportional to Grace's weight and activity, achieving maximum efficiency.  And finally, the split toe offers inversion/eversion for stability on uneven terrain.  Kurt and John worked on adjusting Grace's heel wedges and alignment to optimize her gait while running and walking. (See the videos on YouTube)

Dr. Douglas Longenecker has a transfemoral amputation and is the first Ohioan to wear the newest version of the Rheo knee which is a microprocessor-controlled knee that recently underwent a number of improvements.  Kurt, John and Scott worked on advanced gait training and Dr. Longenecker's alignment to optimize his gait.

Walter Voisard also has a transfemoral amputation and is also a Rheo-knee wearer.  Kurt provided advanced gait training to improve Walter's gait. 

More specifically, Kurt assisted Walter in restoring normal transverse pelvic rotation which is important in normalizing gait (and normalizing gait is important in minimizing energy expenditure for patients wearing a prosthesis). (Watch the video, click here.)