Next Step Belt
One of the most enjoyable aspects of my consulting practice is the chance to see how other clinicians solve problems with their patients. I was recently examining patients with colleagues in Michigan when I learned of a prefabricated suspension belt that one patient had received from the University of California in San Francisco. This young lady was very enthusiastic about her suspension belt, commenting that this particular design more comfortable, more secure, and more convenient that other alternatives she had tried over the years. Unfortunately, she could not remember the name of the prosthetist or the name of the belt manufacturer.
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An online search at the American Board for Certification site revealed only one accredited facility with the initials "UCSF" in the name, and that led to the listing for an old friend, Walt Racette CPO. A call to Walt's answering service resulted in voice message the next morning that he remembered this patient well and had provided a "Next Step" belt from a company called Corflex.
Coreflex is a Massachusetts-based orthopedic soft goods manufacturer. Their "Next Step Belt" is made from nylon reinforced textured neoprene, with an elliptical section that folds around the contralateral pelvis. It is connected to the transfemoral socket by two chafes, which allows it to be easily removed for laundering or for use as an auxiliary suspension for selected activities.
Because both the anterior and posterior hook-and-loop straps are adjustable, the patient can fine-tune the orientation of the belt for the most effective rotational control. Another advantage of this design is that it is suitable for both right and left applications, so an inventory of six sizes will fit most patients. Additional information is available online at www.corflex.com .
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