Optimus is privileged to currently be working with two patients who have suffered high-level, upper-extremity amputations; Ted, who had a transhumeral amputation, and Marvin, who suffered a shoulder disarticulation. 

To assist with these challenging amputation levels, we enlisted the cooperation of Randy Alley, CEO and chief prosthetist of biodesigns in Southern California, and made plans for him to spend a week working with the Optimus team and these two patients here in our office.

Marvin and Randy

In preparation of Randy's visit to Optimus, he and John Brandt, CPO, conducted a complete evaluation of both patients via Skype. 

While Randy observed from his office in California, John took all the measurements, and completed testing to determine the myo-electric control potential of both Ted and Marvin.  Then, John and Randy were able to discuss the patient's needs, and what socket interface design options would be most beneficial for each.  With Randy's assistance, John then selected the best componentry for each prosthesis, and was able to have everything on site and ready to go when Randy arrived in our office. 

Ted

 
"The Skype evaluation gave me the opportunity to benefit from the expertise of one of the leading upper extremity prosthetic specialists in the country, and bring that expertise here to our office," John said.  "Through this technology, we were able to better serve our patients by having the knowledge and experience of Randy Alley right here locally."

SensorHand in action!

Both patients were fit with Otto Bock's Dynamic Arm and Otto Bock's SensorHand Speed with wrist rotator.  To see a European patient demonstrating the functionality of this combination on YouTube, click here.

We would like to welcome the newest member of the Optimus Team, Prosthetic Resident, Travis Barlow, who joined us at the end of August. 

Travis earned his degree in Biophysics from Brigham Young University in 2007 and his post-graduate certificate in prosthetics from Northwestern University in 2008. An active outdoorsman, Travis enjoys hiking and canyoneering.  Travis will be heavily involved in patient care, as well as The Optimus Academy. 

Please join us in welcoming Travis to the Optimus Team!

Please don't hesitate to contact any of us with questions, comments, concerns, or compliments.
Click here to email us or call the office at 937-454-1900.0