After becoming a bilateral transtibial amputee two years ago due to a car accident, Anthony Butterbaugh was full of determination but also a bit uncertain of how active his future would be.
Anthony’s drive to regain his mobility quickly helped him get back on his feet. His prostheses used suction suspension that allowed him to have adequate mobility, but Anthony, a long-time basketball player and father of four, was eager to have more security and to be more physically active.
“When I got the WillowWood One system, I could tell there was a lot of technology involved in it,” Anthony said. “There was actually a more secure fit…something I wasn’t used to. It felt very attached to my body. It felt like I could do a lot more with it.”
The WillowWood One® System originated from a Veterans Administration grant and focused on developing an improved transfemoral socket system. WillowWood adapted that socket technology to the specific clinical needs of transtibial amputees with the WillowWood One TT System. The transtibial version of the system features an internal sleeve to create two strong airtight seals that allow a prosthesis to move with the amputee and to stay in place throughout the day.
Available for use with either elevated vacuum or suction, the WillowWood One TT system includes a fabric-free Alpha Duo® Liner with a One Gel Sock, a pre-flexed One Sleeve, a flexible inner socket, and the One Link. Each component plays a key role in providing superior security, fit, and comfort. Although no certification is needed to order the WillowWood One TT system, training courses are offered online and at the WillowWood Education Center. Patient care facilities may fabricate the system themselves or choose to have WillowWood create the sockets.
“The WillowWood One system is beneficial to me because I’m more secure,” Anthony stated, citing that it has allowed him to resume playing basketball with his old confidence. “When I make a move, it makes a move with me…instead of feeling like I’m leaving something behind.”
With this system Anthony is comfortable driving, hiking in the woods, and riding bikes with his daughters. His job as a manager of an automotive shop keeps him busy as well. Anthony’s work may range from helping customers to completing mechanic work which can involve crouching, kneeling, and standing up quickly.
“I don’t have any problem with the range of motion,” Anthony commented. “I would describe the WillowWood One System as the best on the market as far as I’ve used. Due to the fact that it is simple to use, it works tremendously…there’s nothing that I have a problem with or would change about it.”
To hear more about Anthony’s experience with the WillowWood One TT system and see his fancy footwork on the court, watch his testimonial. To learn more about the WillowWood One system, visit willowwoodco.com.