ORIGINAL QUESTION:
I had an ortho doc tell me that in some circumstances he’d like me to keep prefab rigid LSO and TLSOs on hand so he can get the patients up and going in the hospital sooner.
1) Which prefabricated Spinal orthoses have you found to offer a good combination of support, ease of fitting and economy?
2) Does a master list exist that shows all of the manufacturers’
model numbers cross referenced with approved L codes that have been approved by the L coding committee?
Randy McFarland, CPO
Fullerton, CA
(Below are the responses thus far. Is anyone aware of studies comparing the relative effectiveness of “rigid” vs “soft” prefab. spinal systems?)
RESPONSES
We have worked with Orthomerica to develop a “Redi-fit” system.
Basically this is a modular component system of Ant and Post LSO modules in various sizes – based upon the “cosmic TLSO” braces. We stock the component modules and can assemble a “semi-custom” LSO or TLSO in less than one hour. It has allowed us to minimize inventory and allows us to easily modify for the individual. We use both anterior and posterior thoracic extensions to create a TLSO. Works pretty well for the “normal”
body proportions. Contact Shannon Schwenn @ Orthomerica for info.
I use Spinal Tech. I stock OTS LSO’s and TLSO’s.
You’re just a little early for us, but we at HOPE, Inc (currently
StatFab) will be making this exact type of orthosis very soon (within a few months). Like all of our products, it will be priced very well (and of course, you’ll still get the same quality of service that we provide with our existing products). Look for them soon.
orthoamerica and aspen
I like the Townsend Spine quest…very user friendly and stable you make about $500 on them
DeRoyal Atlanta International
We use the Spinal Tech Softtech system and have been very happy with it.
We stopped using the ortholign’s as we found the Deroyal Rep marketing and selling directly to the physicians.
Ortholign system from Deroyal is a good choice and is tolerated well by the patient.
I understand that the Vertalign system from Bremer is pretty good and we are looking at stocking them. Hopefully they’ll consign them.
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We use AirBacks a lot, even though I don’t like them. A more sensible approach is to measure the patient before the surgery and have the device waiting for them after
If you want rigid plastic, Atlanta International, (now deroyal owns) is the best we have found for the prefab rigid. We used to stock a few different lordoses and pendulous or neutral front. We used the smooth overlap with the LSO front with a sternal extension. Now if we need rigid, we just order overnight custom. The doctors here are fine with that. For prefab braces on the smaller, (not huge) people, we like the Ortholign and Ultralign from Deroyal, was and atlanta product also, now labeled as deroyal. It is a modular system that can fit a lot of people and controls reasonably well.
The previous parties are correct about the VertAlign TLSO AND LSO ,custom fitted. However, you must have a well trained orthotic fitter or orthotist for best results. ( BremerGroup also provides free of charge a training at the consignment site which carries 4.3 CEU’s from ABC.) A 97% patient fit rate can be accomplished from the consignment inventory of prefabricated
components, placed on site free of charge in a short time in skilled hands.. Who would be fitting these TLSO’s and LSO’S ?
Also, the Bremer Group has the ComfAlign LSO which can be fit from fewer sizes and has a ratcheting closure system that is simplier to fit and many spine paitients find easy to use. All of these Bremer products have been presented to SADMERC for coding verification and are listed on the
SADMERC product Classification list. ( Please see the following web
address: www.palmettogba.com then go to SADMERC Product
Classification List then TLSO’s or LSO’s . They would be glad to send you literature if you will e-mail your address to [email protected]
Please check our website, www.bostonbrace.com under products you’ll find the Terrapin TLSO (L-code 0464 )and LSO (K-0648) Feel free to call me if you have any questions. Regards, Martin Andersson Boston Brace Cell
phone: 978 660 3070.
We use prefab Spinal Technology TLSO and LSO for the ER patients on the weekend if of course the measurements fall within the range. The are made out of polyethelene plastic lined with aliplast and have adjustable velcro straps. The have flat and pendulous fronts that overlap with the posterior portion. The company provides good customer service and our materials manager keeps the full set in stock for us to use on the weekends.
WE USE ASPEN , OPTEC, SPINALTEC, AND BOSTON
You may what to consider a co. that does not market and sell direct to hospitals and Dr’s like Bremer and DeRoyal does. Just my opinion
We tried several prefabed LSO’s and TLSO’s to determine which might be best for our practice. After considering several devices we choose the Oasis from Optec. They are working out fine, but customer service at Optec could be improved. Good luck!
Don’t stock too many LSO/TLSO because now a new trend is the manufactures (especially DeRoyal) is Stocking the hospitals and Dr.
offices and having a stock and bill program.
