Leading Edge Technologies/Bionics
Next Step prosthetists and clinicians are actively involved
in the development of new prosthetic/orthotic technologies
and components. By working with prosthetic and orthotic
manufacturers, in addition to research facilities, we -
and our clients - have direct access to the latest technologies.
Our clients are often invited to beta-test new technologies
and components and are at the leading edge of new developments.
• Latest
Orthotic Technology
• Latest
Prosthetic Technology
• Latest
Prosthetic Research
Latest Orthotic
Technology
SAFO - Silicone Ankle Foot Orthosis
This unique award winning orthotic device for the treatment
of drop foot provides a flexible dynamic function, being
manufactured in silicone which gives unparalleled comfort
and cosmesis compared to traditional Ankle Foot Orthoses
AFO's. The traditional AFO's use rigid materials to support
the foot and ankle. This helps the patient, but walking
can often be uncomfortable and mechanical in appearance.
The SAFO provides the appropriate support and incorporates
a reinforcement to assist the lifting of the foot during
the swing phase of walking to prevent the patient from tripping.
The SAFO allows the patient to achieve a good "heel strike"
with a smooth transition to "toe off". This innovative product
is more comfortable to wear and aesthetically pleasing than
earlier aids, and provides improved proprioception to increase
walking speed with less effort.
Dorest Orthopaedic introduced a new product in 2005, the
SAFO Walk. The Silocone Ankle Foot Orthosis range was developed
for sufferers of drop foot condition as more comfortable,
practical and discrete alternative to the rigid AFO's traditionally
prescribed. The SAFO Walk is a more affordable version of
this bespoke product and comes in three skin tone colors
and has external velcro straps (see below).
The SAFO and SAFO Walk are now being prescribed for a number
of neurological conditions: CMT, Polio, Incomplete spinal
injuries and Hemiplegia. The SAFO and SAFO Walk are manufactured
by Dorset Orthopaedic, Ltd, located in England.
For more information, contact Arthur Graham at arthur@nextstepoandp.
com.
Dorset
Orthopaedic, Ltd
SAFO
SAFO
Walk
Latest Prosthetic
Technology
FLO-TECH® APOPPS
Next Step prosthetists have been fitting new amputees
immediatly post-op with FLO-TECH® O & P systems for
almost five years. FLO-TECH® offers the APOPPS, an adjustable
postoperative protective and preparatory system. The APOPPS
provides:
• Protection from
injury during the early stages of rehabilitiation.
• Easy access to
bandages and dressings for attentive wound care.
• Controlled early
weight bearing
• Control of swelling
and edema
• Maintenance of
knee flexion and extension alignment
• Volume control
as it prepares the residual limb for a definitive prosthesisę
FLO-TECH O & P Systems is once again introducing a new
level of postoperative amputee prosthetic rehabilititation.
The APOPPS transtibial SOFTIE and SOFTIE TF addresses the
fear that some vascular surgeon(s) have regarding the application
of any prosthetic socket for their dysvascular patients.
www.
1800flo-tech. com
Rheo Knee
Next Step was involved with the Massachusetts Institute
of Technology as a test site for Ossur's revolutionary new
Rheo knee, and we are now one of only a few prosthetic firms
in the U. S. chosen to fit the computer-assisted prosthetic.
The Rheo knee's microprocessor adjusts resistance 1,000
times per second during stance, maintaining knee stability
on uneven terrain. By identifying a variety of walking speeds
and then updating flexion and extension resistance accordingly,
the knee improves gait symmetry and efficiency. The Rheo
knee can be used with any foot component. The PDA user interface
is easily adjustable and supports multi-functional use.
Depending on activity, the knee's lithium battery holds
a charge for 24 to 48 hours and can be charged in 2 to 4
hours.
www.
ossur. com
Latest Prosthetic Research
The April 2010 issue of The O&P Edge features
an article on the Luke Arm with input from Next Step's Matt
Albuquerque.
READ:
DARPA's 'Revolutionizing Prosthetics' Projects Get a Grip
on Reality.
photo courtesy DEKA Integrated Systems Corp.
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"As a quad-amputee
with some major hurdles ahead of me, the team at Next Step
has always risen to the challenge and far surpassed mine
and my families expectations. They are informative, supportive
and always make time in their busy schedule. I would like
to say what a wonderful and professional group the employees
of Next Step are."
Monica Jorge
Ayer, MA
Quadrilateral Amputee
"I am very pleased with the SAFO. Last night my husband
and I went out dancing and I felt very confident with it
on. I don't think that Fred and Ginger have to worry about
us stealing their thunder, but I felt pretty good!"
Inarvis Burgos
age 47
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Active Step
