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2018Prosthetic Limb Alignment Leaps Into 21st Century
Over the years, a good functional prosthetic outcome has depended largely on two elements: a well-designed, comfortable socket with dependable suspension, and proper alignment of the limb componentry to provide the most efficient gait possible. Historically, alignment has been a learned art, not easily mastered. But now in the 21st century alignment has become measurable science enabling prosthetists to maximize amputee gait performance in minimal...
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22
2017The History Of The Orthotic And Prosthetic Professions
The origin of orthotic and prosthetic practice is traceable back to ancient times. The first orthotic craftsmen applied leather, textiles and the metals at their disposal to splint-making and bone-setting. The earliest prosthetists emerged from mankind’s physical and spiritual need for functional and cosmetic wholeness in response to limb loss in battle or an accident or a congenital absence. Evidence exists of prosthetic limbs being...
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27
2017Knee Disarticulation – Prosthetic Pros And Cons
Joint disarticulation at the knee, ankle and hip level ranks with the more controversial practices of amputation and prosthetic management. Knee disarticulation has been an option for more than 180 years and offers many benefits, but because the procedure also elicits assembly and cosmetic challenges, surgeons and patients more often opt for a higher level (and usually less-functional) transfemoral amputation. Thus, knee disarticulations have been...
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27
2017Developing The Prosthetic Prescription
The impressive advances of prosthetic materials and designs in recent years have significantly changed the way prosthetic limb prescriptions are created. Gone are the days when the construction of a new prosthesis was primarily determined by the amputation level. With today’s medical-surgical capabilities for extending life, the many componentry options available, and our existing reimbursement climate, it is important that those involved in a new...
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10
2017First Line Of Defense For Diabetic Feet
Diabetes has appropriately been described as a public health problem of epidemic proportions in the United States. More than 25 percent of the estimated 23.6 million people with diabetes in the U.S. will develop significant foot problems. People with diabetes are prone to peripheral neuropathy and may have essentially no sensation in their feet. As a result, tissues already overly susceptible to poor circulation, infection...
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