Hello all,
I was privileged recently to attend a lecture given b
Hello all,
I was privileged recently to attend a lecture given by Beverly Cusick and an esteemed panel of orthotists on a “New Paradigm” in managing equinus (AOPA, 2011). I had long felt there was a better way to manage this population and this, I believe, is it. I fit my first candidate today. A patient I have been struggling with for several years (hemi CP, dystonic). They drive a long way, past many other facilities, to see me and I have not been very effective in managing his tone. I fit him today with an AFO set in about 12-13 degrees of plantarflexion, with a lift making up the difference, to get him in slight dorsiflexion for gait, and then gave him a lift for the other foot to balance him. He walked better than I’ve ever seen him walk. He actually liked the orthosis. I”d love to tell his whole story. It was a good day.
I am truly excited about this approach. I am opening the discussion here in San Antonio with a local group of pediatric specialists, PTs, OTs, and others in our organization, over 140 strong. They heard about it in Austin and now I’m going there in April to open the discussion. Mrs. Cusick has agreed to Skype in for part of the San Antonio discussion. I haven’t inquired about the Austin group yet. The groups are SAAPS, San Antonio Area Pediatric Specialists” and likewise for Austin. We get great audiences. Great networking and education opportunities. Start one in your neighborhood.
To my query:
I would appreciate any contributions from the industry as to the approach. If you’ve implemented this into your practice, what are your observations. Could you contribute to the conversation I’ll be having locally? I am not an expert on the topic, of course. My approach is to use Beverly Cusick’s power point and discuss her points, frame by frame, as a group. I am advertising for therapists bold enough to try something radically different. I have had a great response locally. My first gathering will be in January. If you have pertinent info I’d love to introduce it. I appreciate any contributions.
Thank you again for your input and thank you Paul for this forum.
Kevin C. Matthews, CO/LO
Advanced Orthopedic Designs
12315 Judson Rd. #206
San Antonio, Texas 78233
210-657-8100
210-657-8105 fax
