How Could We Not? Ohio Willow Wood Introduces Pediatric Components

At the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) National Assembly October 22-25 in Reno, some of Ohio Willow Woods biggest news involved its smallest products--a new, complete line of pediatric products. The products introduced in this new P-POD (Pediatric Prosthetic and Orthotic Devices) line include Alpha® Liners, feet, and endoskeletal and exoskeletal components. With many years of experience in manufacturing prosthetic components for the adult amputee population, Ohio Willow Wood has now focused its expertise on the world of pediatrics. As with all Ohio Willow Wood products, the P-POD components were tested vigorously in the lab and then evaluated by a helpful group of field testers. All P-POD feet and components have been ISO-tested to a patient weight limit of 132 lbs. (60 kg). Pediatric Alpha Liners Alpha Liners, the fabric-covered gel socket interfaces that have provided a high level of comfort for thousands of amputees since 1996, are included in the P-POD family. The pediatric versions of the Alpha Liner are available in extra-small and extra-small-plus sizes. They feature the same skin-friendly gel that is used throughout the rest of the Alpha family of products--a thermoplastic elastomer infused with mineral oil and safe for sensitive skins. The high-level protection this liner provides for the limb can be extremely beneficial, especially in cases where the patient has had a surgical correction. Ohio Willow Wood's smallest patients seem pleased with the introduction of the P-POD line of products. The pediatric Alpha Liners feature the new Alpha MAX fabric, which is far more abrasion-resistant than any other socket interface fabric on the market. This highly durable fabric will hold up extremely well under the demands of active children--especially those who are crawling across the floor. The fabric covering on the Alpha Liner allows the liner to be easily rolled onto the patient's limb without the need to apply messy lubricants. Secure Suspension Secure suspension is a crucial factor for any amputee, but it is especially important for active children. The P-POD line includes a Suction Pyramid Adapter to be used in conjunction with the Alpha Cushion Liner. This 4-hole component contains a maintenance-free one-way valve and can easily be attached to a socket that is fabricated with the P-POD Laminated Socket Attachment Block. Pediatric Feet As Ohio Willow Wood's Research and Development staff began considering what types of feet to offer in this system, they started by looked at the way children walk at various stages of development. When children first begin walking, initial foot-to-floor contact tends to occur in the midfoot to forefoot area. The heel may not even contact the ground at all. In the absence of a progression from heel to toe, there is very little need for any type of advanced foot function. For these children, a basic SACH foot design provides all of the structure that is necessary. However, as children develop a more mature gait that follows the normal progression of heel strike through toe off, there is a need to provide them with a foot that offers some heel compression as well as some toe response. To provide the necessary level of function for these two phases of the child's development, Ohio Willow Wood is introducing two feet in the P-POD line: a SACH foot and a pediatric version of the Impulse energy-storing foot. The SACH foot is offered in sizes 9-22cm, and the Impulse foot is offered in sizes 13-22cm. Children can start off with the SACH foot and then transition into the Impulse foot as their gait develops. Both feet are available in three colors (buff, tan, and medium brown) and three toe stiffnesses (low, regular, and high). Three heel stiffnesses (soft, medium, and firm) are available in sizes 15 and up. Connectors To connect these feet to the prosthesis, the P-POD family features a wide array of endoskeletal components: a 4-Hole Socket Attachment Block for lamination into a socket, 4-hole pyramid adapters, 22mm pylons, 22mm pylon adapters, and foot pyramid adapters. For situations where there is not enough room between the socket and the foot to install a standard pylon with two adapters, the P-POD system also includes dual pyramid adapters in lengths of 27mm and 51mm. A pediatric titanium Symes Nut is also available. For exoskeletal applications, an Exoskeletal Ankle Block is offered. The Ankle Block consists of an inner Laminating Core surrounded by lightweight foam that can be shaped to the desired contour. The Laminating Core is also available separately without the foam. Adapting to Growth A common issue with any pediatric prosthesis is the challenge of adapting to the child's growth without having to continually replace the major components of the prosthesis. To help address this concern, the P-POD line features a set of "Growth Plates." These aluminum plates, available in heights of 1/8", 1/4", and 1/2", can be inserted between the foot and any of the P-POD foot adapters (pyramids, Symes Nut, or exoskeletal adapters) to easily increase the length of the prosthesis as the child grows. The Growth Plates can be purchased individually or in a set that includes one of each size. The plates can be stacked on top of each other if desired, as long as the total height of the stacked plates does not exceed 7/8". Of course, if the Growth Plates are added to an exoskeletal prosthesis, a gap will be created between the foot and the distal end of the lamination, causing a cosmetic concern. To address this issue, the P-POD family includes a Shaped Cosmetic Foam Ankle that snaps into place on top of the foot to fill that gap. The ankle is one inch thick, but can be trimmed to a shorter size if necessary. The Shaped Cosmetic Foam Ankle can also be installed onto the foot in endoskeletal applications to allow easy access to the pyramid components without having to break a glue bond between the foot and the foam cover. The exciting new products are just the beginning for the P-POD family of products. In the months and years to come, Ohio Willow Wood hopes to add additional new components to give pediatric patients the best possible function to be able to live their lives to the fullest. From the infant who needs the protective cushioning of the Alpha Liner while he is learning to crawl, to the youngster who needs durable and functional components to help her tackle the playground with ease, Ohio Willow Wood's P-POD system provides big benefits for your small patients. Cheryl White, BSE, is the technical specialist for Ohio Willow Wood. She is responsible for developing instruction manuals, seminars, and all other technical information related to Ohio Willow Wood products.

How Could We Not? Ohio Willow Wood Introduces Pediatric Components

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How Could We Not? Ohio Willow Wood Introduces Pediatric Components

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