 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
Leading Edge Technologies
•
Latest Prosthetic Technology
• Latest Prosthetic Research
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.
"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
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.
SAFO SAFO SAFO Walk
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 prosthesis
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.
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.
LATEST
PROSTHETIC RESEARCH
Next Step collaborates with DEKA
We are currently working in collaboration with DEKA Research & Development Corporation to help them design a better upper extremity prosthesis for our wounded veterans returning from battle.
© 2004 Next Step Orthotics and Prosthetics, Inc. All Rights Reserved