Fellow practitioners:
We have a patient who is looking for a KAFO with state-of-the-art =
materials and components. He is a world traveler who spends =
considerable time in remote areas of the world such as Laos, Cambodia, =
etc. =20
He has two diagnoses.=20
1) He has a varus knee with ligament laxity. The varus thrust with each =
step causes him discomfort. He wants the brace to block that varus =
thrust.
2) He has hemi-paresis with equino-varus from a recent stroke-causing =
his foot to drag. He has lateral instability at the ankle – further =
adding to his knee varus problems. He wants the brace to take care of =
the foot drop and lateral ankle roll. He has moderate hyperextension of =
the knee due to the stroke.
He has good quads so he would want a free knee. The physician has =
specified polycentric knee joints – that may be optional.
His needs are well defined by him. He wants a high-tech KAFO that will =
withstand salt water immersion. He wants the brace to hold up under the =
worst of conditions, and for many years. He wants it to be ultra-light. =
He says he wants it to be right, and perfect.
His travels require that the brace be done before March 20th when he =
leaves for overseas.
He doesn’t want stainless steel as it too heavy. He doesn’t think =
polypropylene will hold up under his use. He would prefer something =
other than carbon graphite as it might delaminate. He mentions titanium =
as a possibility. He is hoping for some exotic new materials and =
components. =20
He is willing to pay for this brace himself – above what insurance will =
pay.
He is willing to fly anywhere in the country in order to work with =
someone who can meet his bracing needs. If we pass on this project he =
will need someone else in a hurry.
We are looking for new ideas, etc. on new materials and components that =
may be available and workable by his deadline.=20
Any ideas, experiences, or names of interested facilities will be =
greatly appreciated.
Mike Raney, PhD, CO
Conner Brace Co.
Austin, Texas
