I am considering putting an adult T8-T11 in an rgo in combination with bilateral e knees. Any one with experience in this? I have two primary concerns:
1). will the patient benefit from the e knee, will energy requirement in an rgo be decreased if knee flexion is allowed to occur or is this simply too much technology w/out any true benefits?
2). overall cost of the two devices, each is costly without the other combined. My client is medicare, I would have to absorb a significant amount on the e knee. Will this affect my patient’s ability to qualify for a new wheelchair through medicare (manual, graphite)?
I think it is important to try new things, but wanted a sanity check. The gentleman is perfect for an rgo, no knee, hip or ankle contractures, 4 yo post gunshot wound, great upper body strength, good trunk control, independent in wheelchair functions, transvers, etc…
very motivated and we spent an hour discussing the limitations of the orthoses, appears to have a realistic view that this is not a replacement for his wheelchair. His friends are doing a benefit to raise money for his 20%.
Thank you for your thoughts.
Anne Pare’, CO, LO (I have to put the abc before the licensure or else I am loco 🙂 )
