 |
How Could We Not? Ohio Willow Wood Introduces Pediatric Components
By Cheryl White, BSE At the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA)
National Assembly October 22-25 in Reno, some of Ohio Willow Woods
biggest news involved its smallest products--a new, complete line
of pediatric products. The products introduced in this new P-POD
(Pediatric Prosthetic and Orthotic Devices) line include
AlphaŽ Liners, feet, and endoskeletal and exoskeletal
components.
 With many years of experience in manufacturing
prosthetic components for the adult amputee population, Ohio Willow
Wood has now focused its expertise on the world of pediatrics. As
with all Ohio Willow Wood products, the P-POD components were
tested vigorously in the lab and then evaluated by a helpful group
of field testers. All P-POD feet and components have been
ISO-tested to a patient weight limit of 132 lbs. (60 kg).
Pediatric Alpha Liners
Alpha Liners, the fabric-covered gel socket interfaces that have
provided a high level of comfort for thousands of amputees since
1996, are included in the P-POD family. The pediatric versions of
the Alpha Liner are available in extra-small and extra-small-plus
sizes. They feature the same skin-friendly gel that is used
throughout the rest of the Alpha family of products--a
thermoplastic elastomer infused with mineral oil and safe for
sensitive skins. The high-level protection this liner provides for
the limb can be extremely beneficial, especially in cases where the
patient has had a surgical correction.
 |
Ohio Willow Wood's smallest patients seem pleased with the introduction of the P-POD line of products. |
|
The pediatric Alpha Liners feature the new Alpha
MAX fabric, which is far more abrasion-resistant than any other
socket interface fabric on the market. This highly durable fabric
will hold up extremely well under the demands of active
children--especially those who are crawling across the floor. The
fabric covering on the Alpha Liner allows the liner to be easily
rolled onto the patient's limb without the need to apply messy
lubricants.
Secure Suspension
Secure suspension is a crucial factor for any amputee, but it is
especially important for active children. The P-POD line includes a
Suction Pyramid Adapter to be used in conjunction with the Alpha
Cushion Liner. This 4-hole component contains a maintenance-free
one-way valve and can easily be attached to a socket that is
fabricated with the P-POD Laminated Socket Attachment Block.
Pediatric Feet
 As Ohio Willow Wood's Research and Development
staff began considering what types of feet to offer in this system,
they started by looked at the way children walk at various stages
of development. When children first begin walking, initial
foot-to-floor contact tends to occur in the midfoot to forefoot
area. The heel may not even contact the ground at all. In the
absence of a progression from heel to toe, there is very little
need for any type of advanced foot function. For these children, a
basic SACH foot design provides all of the structure that is
necessary. However, as children develop a more mature gait that
follows the normal progression of heel strike through toe off,
there is a need to provide them with a foot that offers some heel
compression as well as some toe response.
 To provide the necessary level of function for
these two phases of the child's development, Ohio Willow Wood is
introducing two feet in the P-POD line: a SACH foot and a pediatric
version of the Impulse energy-storing foot. The SACH foot is
offered in sizes 9-22cm, and the Impulse foot is offered in sizes
13-22cm. Children can start off with the SACH foot and then
transition into the Impulse foot as their gait develops. Both feet
are available in three colors (buff, tan, and medium brown) and
three toe stiffnesses (low, regular, and high). Three heel
stiffnesses (soft, medium, and firm) are available in sizes 15 and
up.
Connectors
To connect these feet to the prosthesis, the P-POD family
features a wide array of endoskeletal components: a 4-Hole Socket
Attachment Block for lamination into a socket, 4-hole pyramid
adapters, 22mm pylons, 22mm pylon adapters, and foot pyramid
adapters. For situations where there is not enough room between the
socket and the foot to install a standard pylon with two adapters,
the P-POD system also includes dual pyramid adapters in lengths of
27mm and 51mm. A pediatric titanium Symes Nut is also
available.
For exoskeletal applications, an Exoskeletal Ankle Block is
offered. The Ankle Block consists of an inner Laminating Core
surrounded by lightweight foam that can be shaped to the desired
contour. The Laminating Core is also available separately without
the foam.
Adapting to Growth
A common issue with any pediatric prosthesis is the challenge of
adapting to the child's growth without having to continually
replace the major components of the prosthesis. To help address
this concern, the P-POD line features a set of "Growth Plates."
These aluminum plates, available in heights of 1/8", 1/4", and
1/2", can be inserted between the foot and any of the P-POD foot
adapters (pyramids, Symes Nut, or exoskeletal adapters) to easily
increase the length of the prosthesis as the child grows. The
Growth Plates can be purchased individually or in a set that
includes one of each size. The plates can be stacked on top of each
other if desired, as long as the total height of the stacked plates
does not exceed 7/8".
Of course, if the Growth Plates are added to an exoskeletal
prosthesis, a gap will be created between the foot and the distal
end of the lamination, causing a cosmetic concern. To address this
issue, the P-POD family includes a Shaped Cosmetic Foam Ankle that
snaps into place on top of the foot to fill that gap. The ankle is
one inch thick, but can be trimmed to a shorter size if necessary.
The Shaped Cosmetic Foam Ankle can also be installed onto the foot
in endoskeletal applications to allow easy access to the pyramid
components without having to break a glue bond between the foot and
the foam cover.
The exciting new products are just the beginning for the P-POD
family of products. In the months and years to come, Ohio Willow
Wood hopes to add additional new components to give pediatric
patients the best possible function to be able to live their lives
to the fullest. From the infant who needs the protective cushioning
of the Alpha Liner while he is learning to crawl, to the youngster
who needs durable and functional components to help her tackle the
playground with ease, Ohio Willow Wood's P-POD system provides big
benefits for your small patients. Cheryl White, BSE, is the technical specialist for Ohio Willow Wood. She is responsible for developing instruction manuals, seminars, and all other technical information related to Ohio Willow Wood products. 
Table Of Contents - November 2003
|
|
