Orthotics

Stage-adapted Rehabilitation – the TriStep Principle

Three steps that lead to therapeutic success: The innovative concept of the 50S8 Malleo TriStep ankle orthosis supports a step-by-step systematic rehabilitation with only one orthosis being necessary over the entire period of therapy. The TriStep principle facilitates targeted, individual adaptation to the specific needs of the patient. As therapy progresses, individual functional and stabilising elements are removed in three steps. In this way it is ensured that the patient’s mobility and flexibility are not unnecessarily restricted, and the supporting function is limited to whatever is necessary.

The primary purpose of the Malleo TriStep is to support the affected ligaments during rehabilitation. The Malleo TriStep also promotes the establishment of muscular balance and the creation of corresponding coordination in harmony with external and internal stability.

This three-step method of treatment has already been successfully implemented by Otto Bock in the 50R30 Lumbo TriStep, a bridging orthosis for lumbar spines. The positive experiences gained with the step-by-step reduction of supporting function were the basis for the decision to follow a similar concept for the new 50S8 Malleo TriStep ankle orthosis.

The following indications can be cared for and treated with this orthosis:

Acute and chronic instabilities of capsular ligaments and injuries to the ankles (upper/lower ankle joints), diseases and injuries of the peroneal tendons as well as inflammatory and degenerative ankle diseases (upper/lower ankle joints).

The multifunctional options for applying the Malleo TriStep make it a reliable companion for patients during all three phases of rehabilitation. Even after the actual treatment has been concluded and mobility has been fully re-established, further application of the Malleo TriStep may be advisable for reasons of prevention. It continues to provide the affected ankle with additional support and increases internal muscular safety.  Both can prevent further injuries.

The new Generation

The new hyperextension orthosis 28R140 Dorso Arexa merges functional improvements with respect to customised adaptation and daily use on the one hand, with innovative design on the other. Instead of the four sizes that the previous version required, only a single size is now needed. And this size now even covers an expanded fitting spectrum up to 150 cm waist circumference.
This feature is made possible with the help of extension elements that are applied with a simple click system. Furthermore, the new Dorso Arexa features an extra-long waist strap that can be shortened to the respectively required length. A precise patient-adapted adjustment of the circumference can now be easily achieved. The length of the Dorso Arexa can also be individually and continuously adjusted. 

The auto-adaptive pads as well as the non-irritating padding provide for especially comfortable wear. A particularly decisive advantage for the patient during daily usage is the easy manner in which the orthosis can be applied and removed. The bilaterally and centrally positioned ratchet closures are easy to use.

The progressive, sporty design and the good wearing characteristics increase patient compliance. The Dorso Arexa is water-resistant and can be used without any restrictions even during water therapy.

This orthosis is indicated for stable traumatic vertebral body fractures of the lower thoracic spine and the upper lumbar spine (also osteoporotic ones) without neurological problems (TH10 through L2). The 28R140 Dorso Arexa straightens the spinal column in the sagittal plane and sets it. Based on the 3-point system (with lumbar, sternal, and symphysis pubis support pads), the orthosis causes a lordosis, thereby relieving the anterior body of the spinal vertebrae. Your patient’s pain is reduced.

Effective Relief for the Shoulder

With its unique functionality in post-operative and post-traumatic shoulder care, the 50A10 Omo Immobil shoulder-joint orthosis provides outstanding benefits to the patient. Immobilisation of the shoulder joint can be adapted to the specific needs of each individual patient.

Besides providing functional placements of the shoulder in 0°, 15°, 30°, 60° or 90° abduction, the Omo Immobil also facilitates positioning in 0°, 10°, 20° or 30° external rotation. All combinations of abduction angles and external rotation angles can be quickly accomplished with a few movements. The Omo Immobil provides the shoulder with effective relief and specific rehabilitative support.

Supports Shoulder and Therapy

The 5065 Omo Neurexa alleviates shoulder pains as they can appear after a stroke or in conjunction with injuries of the central or peripheral nervous system. Otto Bock has developed and tested this functional shoulder orthosis together with Prof. Dr. med. Stefan Hesse of Berlin.

The Omo Neurexa recentres the head of the humerus and, by correcting the arm position, it counteracts spasticity. At the same time, the free functional treatment and activity of the shoulder girdle and arm are facilitated. Besides the particularly high degree of wearing comfort, the patient benefits from the fact that the Omo Neurexa can be very easily adapted to the specific patient and improves both body posture as well as gait pattern.

Now with even more Functionality

The Genu Arexa success story, which began with the German Design Prize in gold at the beginning of 2008, now continues: It now offers even more functionality and comfort. Besides treatment of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the collateral ligaments (MCL, LCL), the new version of the Genu Arexa now also facilitates treatment of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).

The three most significant innovative characteristics of this knee joint orthosis are the auto-adaptive wings that adapt themselves to the leg form, a Click2go system for tool-free adjustment of the flexion and extension adjustments, as well as tibia pads, which provide for more rotational stability.  Anatomically formed Technogel support pads with a fabric coating ensure optimum pressure distribution and are very skin-friendly.

Electronics in Orthotics

The E-MAG Active is the first electronically controlled system knee joint with a secured stance phase and a free swing phase that works independent of the ankle joint and the foot sole. Experience with the E-MAG Control joint system, which has already been in service for two years, has been incorporated into this innovation.

The E-MAG Active is a further milestone in the development of knee joints in the field of orthotics. It opens up access to a further patient group in the field of stand-phase controlled KAFO (knee-ankle-foot orthotics).  The E-MAG Active joint system offers patients a significant increase in mobility and safety. It facilitates a more natural, fluent gait pattern, and thus increases the patient’s quality of life.

The principle of the E-MAG Active is just as innovative as it is consistent: While the patient is walking, an intelligent sensor system measures the position of the leg and controls the orthotic joint system accordingly. The decisive advantage: The patient is in a position to use the orthotic joint even if he has no function in his ankle. Because the joint switches independent of the ankle joint and the foot sole. No electronic components are required in the lower-leg section of the KAFO. The software is self-adjusting and requires no further settings. A choice of different flexion angles (5°, 7.5° or 10°) is available.

Using the E-MAG Active avoids contractures and joint damage resulting from immobilisation. Muscle development of the existing muscles is promoted, the contralateral side is relieved and compensation movements are avoided. The E-MAG Active is suitable for many patients who have an increased need for mobility, but who hitherto were not able to receive adequate orthotic care or who rejected such care. The reasons for this may have been anatomical in nature, such as reduced leg length, severe valgus or varus deviations in the knee and ankle joints, or a severely atrophic leg. The E-MAG Active can be used for patients with poliomyelitis, post-polio syndrome or partial paraplegia, and who meet certain requirements.

Only certified technicians are authorised to fit patients with the E-MAG Active. Otto Bock conducts certification seminars fort his purpose. The first dates for these seminars have already been set. Registrations for the 29.08.2008 seminar are being received at phone number 05527/8481230.

A better Feeling

The successful Sensa Line has been expanded with the Lumbo Sensa lumbar support and the Manu Sensa wrist support. Sensa Line active supports now cover the most important body regions ankle, knee, back, elbows and hand.

All of the devices in this product line have a physiological compression effect, stabilise the muscles and thus support sensorimotor functions. Pain can thus be counteracted with a targeted therapy. A three-dimensional flat knitted fabric with open-mesh sections, breathable and non-irritating to the skin ensures wrinkle-free fitting with every type of movement and comfortable compression.