New braces out

[joybell322]

Hey, forgot to tell you guys something I learned about at conference. They are called phatbraces. They imitate the flex of normally-working foot & supposedly can eliminate some of the awkward gate. They didn't announce them at conference. One of the father's showed me his son's & said they really work. Unfortunately, the KAFO's are not quite in production yet, but I believe the AFO's are.

If anyone is interested, the site is http://phatbraces.com

Hope this helps some of you! I already have Lizzie's ortho looking into it. We hope that by the time she needs new braces, the KAFO version will be out.

[usolyfan]

I met an adult with these a year and a half ago. She was ambulatory and used a chair for distance. She really liked them.

[smoop]

Joybelle-- please be sure to tell me if your orthotist can do these. I'll drive to NY if I have to! I'm going to pass it along to our ortho at Hanger. Do you know if these are being made for small kids?

[joybell322]

The AFO's are being made for little ones. The man I met showed me the AFO's for his son who is, I think, 4 right now. The KAFO's should be done by fall, or so I hear. I'll let you know.

And if you end up driving to NY, look me up! You can stay with us :)

[Alvy]

Hey guys!

I'm currently using an AFO that's similar to the one posted. It's a carbonfibre AFO that allows a more normal walking gait. I'll post some pictures up on my profile soon so you guys can check it out? Btw, they don't come in cheap. I think all these new "gadgets" as I'd like to call them, come with a hefty price. But amazingly, they work pretty darn well. =)

[Alvy]

http://spinabifidaconnection.com/picture.php?albumid=93&pictureid=570

I wonder if the image will appear. This is something similar to the one that you posted. I'm currently using this AFO..=)

Oh, it pretty much allows dorsiflexion but not so much of plantarflexion hence foot is maintained at 90 degrees most of the time. You can view my photo album for more pictures of it without the shoe. There's this "ToeOFF" part at the front of the footplate which pretty much helps to clear your toes off the ground when walking. Also, it gives a sort of spring-like action with its energy-storing characteristic which helps to give you more clearance when walking, hence improve walking gait. One thing about this AFO is it pretty much stays in your shoe(s) all the time, when you need to remove your shoe(s), the AFO comes off with it as well of which the picture I've posted shows. Pros and cons I guess.

[evil_twinkle]

My son is almost due for new braces again. It's amazing how many variables there are in just an AFO. Thanks for the info!

Lisa
mom to E(9) and M(6)