Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Terminal Knee Extender (TKE) - New Order!

Just received an order from Methodist Sports Medicine (MSM) - Indianapolis for 3 of our new TKE(Terminal Knee Extender). MSM has been using the prototypes for over a year and they are quite happy with the results for their patients who have extension lag post-operatively. Scott Hammersley , PT, ATC has been the lead therapist at MSM in developing the TKE's "10 minute protocol."

TKE (Terminal Knee Extenders) prototypes now being used at Indiana University, Butler University, Methodist Sports Medicine - Indy, Orthopedics of Southern Indiana, and Ben Davis High School.

X1 Blade for 5th Met Fracture

A mom called me on September 3 , 2010 about her son being able to shed a Bledsoe boot he was wearing due to a 5th met fracture and substitute with my X1 Blade for 5th met fractures. She explained that the fracture was healing, but her son was tired of the boot and ready to play football.

We both agreed it would be difficult for him to play football in a boot, but she thought that substituting the Blade for the boot might allow him to play.

I agreed and she purchased the X1 Blade for her sons healing 5th met fracture.

I have not heard back, but usually in this business - no news is good news.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Clyde's TKE (terminal knee extender)

Current Users of Clyde's TKE (terminal knee extender)

Butler University Sports Medicine, Indiana University Sports Medicine, Ben Davis High School (Indianapolis) Training Room, Methodist Sports Medicine (Indianapolis) , Orthopedics of Southern Indiana (Bloomington)

Clyde's TKE® Terminal Knee Extender is for a user who lacks passive extension of the knee following ACL reconstruction, total knee replacement, knee surgery, and/or trauma. Clyde's TKE allows patients to regain full extension through a simple, safe and effective rehabilitation routine.

Clyde's TKE - Terminal Knee Extender Features:

  • Simple to use, so patient compliance is high.
  • Very lightweight extension device (weighs approximately 2.5 pounds) - very portable for use during the workday.
  • Low-profile - easy to store away when not in use.
  • Patient easily adjusts the tension of the straps to tighten the leg positioning each day while the leg gains more and more extension capabilities.
  • A complimentary adjunct to physical therapy programs for patients with knee flexion contractures (extension loss)
  • Manufacturer warrants this product for one year against any defects in materials and workmanship.

Clyde's TKE - 10-Minute Protocol:

1. While seated upright on the floor place the thin rigid end of the device under the buttock.

2. Place the heel in the foam riser then it's the frame to the users comfort extension.

3. Place the passive pressure strap just above the knee applying the first slight pressure for two minutes.

4. Then every two minutes inflate the bladder with two puffs from the inflation bulb. The inflation elevates the heel naturally gliding the knee toward terminal extension.

5. The last two minutes? Well - the user should only be thinking about one thing. "Hey, when am I getting out of Clyde's TKE!"

This procedure is generally performed three times per day for ten minutes per session until full extension is accomplished.NOTE: It can also be advantageous in overcoming long standing extension problems by simply lengthening the application time. Always consult with your doctor or therapist and follow their recommendations.

Available Sizes: Universal size; can be used on both the right or left knee.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Bledsoe Walkers - The Walker's Walker

The Tarrant County Volkssport Walkers (non-competitive 10 K walks) tested the leading walker boots. The test was walked over an obstacle course of barriers people face every day -- steps, hills, grass, ramps and more. Afterwards, they answered a questionaire and discussed each of the boots. They dubbed Bledsoe the 'Walker's Walker.'

I prefer the Bledsoe boot because of the amount of thought and engineering Gary Bledsoe put into his boot line. It is the details that make the difference - like the lower heel height and narrower heel that make the boot walk like a shoe, and takes pressure off the patients back and knees.

The ability to shape the metal uprights to accomodate swelling and dressings is important to me. I can reshape the bars as the width changes over time making the boot more proprioceptive - feels less like a boat anchor.

The 3 degree dorsiflexed stance position of the boot helps propel my patients knee forward naturally during gait. Most of the other boots are set at neutral or even plantar flexed which unnaturally hyperextends the knee during gait causing a falling backwards sensation. Not fun.

The rocker panel is cool as it has four critical radii - heel strike, mid-stance, swing phase, and toe-off. The timing of these curves allows for a very smooth forward gait transition without having to have an articulation.

Thanks Gary for a well thought out design, and thanks for the economical J-Line of boots.

But, how about you extend the J-Line's aluminum arms to the length of all your other boots!


Tuesday, August 24, 2010

SESAMOIDITIS PAIN? X1 BLADE/CROCS COMBO MAY HELP


I have had several occasions to successfully treat sesamoiditis with a modified X1 Blade and Crocs Silver Insole combination.

Here is how I did it:

To take the load off the first met I trimmed the X1 Blade back - leaving enough of the blade to load the second metatarsal which will transfer the load to the 3rd, 4th and 5th met. The trim also creates a relief pocket for the sesamoids to nest in.

I Left the X1 Blade full length to stiffen the shoe for immobilization, and because the X1 Blade has a rocker bottom design it helps to maintan more normal gait like a good walker boot bottom such as the Bledsoe J Walker (excellent product + great price).

Finally, I placed the modified X1 Blade into the shoe containing the affected great toe. I then layer on a Crocs Silver Insole. I use Crocs Silver Insoles because of the unique Croslite material. The Croslite provides excellent shock absorbing value. I have measured many off-the -shelf insoles for their pressure relieving qualities using an AcuStep System; a Crocs insert works best.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Bilateral AFO's pre-Botox injections

Severe equines contractures - 15 degrees of plantarflexion bilateral. Right foot more involved. Patient's heels can get to neutral but still plantar flexed and beginning to get a breakdown behind right Achilles.
Fabricate bilateral padded polyethylene solid-ankle AFO's with air holes, derotation bars, set in plantarflexion with a neutral heel and a clamshell anterior front. Keep lateral border of the AFO long to maintain the lateral protruding talus.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Bledsoe Brace Due to Resection

Patient seen Friday for fitting of right Bledsoe knee brace. 41-year-old-female who has had a resection of 2 tumors right leg (one distal femur the other kneecap. Drain still present. Patient fit with simple 26" simple post-op hinged knee. Knee joint set at 30 degrees flexion/Dr requested 40 degrees - physician informed patient intolerance at 40.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Croc Insoles

I like the new Croc insoles. Great odor eaters!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Clyde's X1 Blade for Turf Toe - Testimonial #27

X1 blade really works!
Mark Powell (Gland, Vaud) 8/10/2010 4:38 PM
I have suffered from big toe pain for years. I finally sought help when it got too bad to ignore. Years of running and basketball led to hallus limitus/rigidus in both feet that was recommended for surgery by a podiatrist. I declined to have surgery, and bought two X1 blades instead. I can run and play basketball with virtually no pain, and I can walk pain-free for the first time in years. I shopped a lot via internet before choosing what to buy, I thought the X1 blades seemed like the best bet, and I'm completely happy with them. I enthusiastically recommend X1 blades to people with hallux limitus/rigidus who want to remain active and avoid surgery.

Clyde's X1 Blade for Turf Toe - Testimonial #26

8/10/10 I am a collegiate wr who has suffered with turf toe for multiple seasons. The pain finally reached the point where I could barely walk let alone practice. After reading all the reviews regarding the X1 blade I decided to give it a try. After about a week of using the X1 Blade in my shoes and cleats I am extremely excited to report that the pain has receded tremendously and I am able to practice and run at almost 100%. Thank you Clyde for giving me the opportunity to finish my football career!!!>

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

PFS - Plantar Fasciitis Strap

Great interim product before delivery of custom orthotic. The PFS elastic arch strap maintains a continuous elastic tension on the painful plantar fasciia. I like it better than taping for mild to moderate plantar fasciitis, and it can be worn at night vs. a clunky night splint.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Bledsoe Wraptor Ankle Stabilizer

My customers like this product - the new strapping design is excellent and my customers can choose from either the regular lacing or speed lace. The bit of neoprene under the heel helps dramatically with slippage and their SpacerMesh lining helps wick moisture away. And is less expensive than the ASO.
The Wraptor ankle brace prevents eversion or inversion by supporting the ankle in a biomechanically neutral position using non-stretch nylon figure-eight straps. The Wraptor is effective protecting the ankle either proactively or in the rehabilitation of acute ankle sprains. Fits both the right and left ankle. Also available with Speed Laces for quick application and removal.

Indications
Chronic and acute ankle sprains; abnormal eversion and inversion control; and as protective sportswear.

Ordering: www.indianabrace.com

Monday, January 11, 2010

5th Metatarsal Fracture (Jones Fracture) Orthotic

Welcome! It's Monday 01/11/10
Latest X1 Blade for 5th Met Fx to:

Indiana University "Called Clyde 800-253-6217 to order" 01/03/10 (5th met fx post-op/basketball) - Wabash College "Online order" 01/06/10 (Jones fx/wrestling)

Clyde's x1 blade® for 5th metatarsal fractures - a treatment option for 5th metatarsal fractures (jones) and post-op rehab.

how does it work? by loading the body and head of the 5th metatarsal on a more rigid but dynamic step (x1 blade®) this slight elevation unloads the base and tuberosity of the 5th without restricting the entire foot. a great orthotic as a transition into an athletic shoe from a walking boot or shoe.

Going Cyborg by Jillian Weise

GOING CYBORG
It was harder than usual to adjust to this new leg.
BY JILLIAN WEISE



On my birthday a few years ago, 1 taught class, called the guy 1 was sleeping with and then became a cyborg. I didn't know I was becoming a cyborg. I thought I was just getting a new leg. I've had 12 artificial legs in my life. The prosthetist said this leg would think 1,000 times per second about the ground. My parents said if I wanted the new leg, I better act fast. I was being released from their insurance. The guy I was sleeping with, Henry, said the new leg sounded hot, like something out of "Blade Runner." But 1 had never seen "Blade Runner."
I drove to the prosthetist's office. Whenever I say the word "prosthetist," someone inevitably says, "1 thought you said 'prostitute.''' 1 act like Ithinkit's real funny, too. I was annoyed about changing legs on my birthday. 1 told Henry not to plan anything.
The prosthetist led me down the hall toward the "walking room." The walking room had floor-to-ceiling mirrors and a runway with metal bars on both sides. Rod Stewart's "Maggie May" played. I put on the new leg. The prosthetist connected a laptop to the ankle. 'She said it ran software to communicate with the leg.
That was the first weird thing. I was leashed. Then I boarded the runway. She rolled alongside me on a stool. I took a step and felt the knee give. Another step. The leg beeped and buzzed. 1 asked her about the noise.
"I'm playing with the settings. Are you feeling resistance?"
1 was: 1 was psychologically opposed to a rackety leg. "1 don't want it to make noise." She said she could turn the sound off so it would just vibrate.
"Why does it even have to vibrate?"
"It only vibrates to tell you something." "What would it need to tell me?"
"Like ifitloses a charge or malfunctions."
How it might malfunction, I had no idea. This leg demanded entirely new thinking and new steps. I didn't know any of them. After a few clumsy attempts, 1 began to cry.
"Are you O.K.? What's the matter?" "Oh, nothing. 1 don't like the settings.'
[illian Weise is the author of a poetry collection, "The Amputee's Guide to Sex." Her first novel, "The Colony," will be published this spring.
"We'll find the right one. You'll see. Most people are thrilled with this leg."
"1 don't know howto walk," 1 said. Then 1 realized that she wouldn't understand. She knew how to walk.
"Your brain is confused," she said. As if this were comforting. "You're used to legs that require you to lock into a position. Get it?"
I did not get it. For five years I had walked on myoid hinged leg. 1 had been in my longest relationship with that leg and lived in three different states. I don't want to wax sentimental here and say it felt like dying, but it kind of did feel like dying. Goodbye hinge, goodbye foot, You're done. You're through.
Driving home, with crutches in the backseat and my old leg in the trunk, 1 wanted to tell Henry and my parents and everybody else: Damn you all for making me get this blasted leg! Why couldn't we fix myoid one? What's the point if! can't even walk on it?
It was embarrassing and frustrating and it was my birthday. Twenty-five years old. Also, Henry was not even mine. He belonged to some other woman, who lived in a different time zone, and had standard human parts, and liked to go camping, of all things. So what was I doing with him? Especially since 1 now required electricity and I couldn't make it from my car to my apartment without crutches.
There were roses by the door. From Henry. 1 couldn't even carry them inside. 1 called him: "Can we go to the mall? 1 want to hold on to your arm and practice walking. 1 want to pretend we're shopping for you. O.K.?"
"1 need a new jacket," Henry said. That's one of the reasons 1 loved him. 1 didn't have to say anything else. Henry was not a good boyfriend, obviously, but 1 still think he was a good person. He didn't teach me how to walk, but he gave me cover in Banana Republic and J. Crew as Itaught myself. Ithink if you're going to become a cyborg, you need a Henry. Someone to try on jackets.
Since then, I've been to the mall several times. Last spring 1 traveled to the southernmost city in the world. I had some problems. I did some buzzing. But I'm proud of it: I'm a cyborg. A few weeks ago, someone said, "1 don't think that makes you a cyborg since it's the leg that plugs into the wall."
"It's not the leg," 1 said. "It's my leg.".

Thursday, January 7, 2010

X1 Blade Orthotic for Jones Fracture and 5th Metatarsal Fracture

Clyde's x1 blade® for 5th metatarsal fractures - a treatment option for 5th metatarsal fractures (jones) and post-op rehab.

how does it work? by loading the body and head of the 5th metatarsal on a more rigid but dynamic step (x1 blade®) this slight elevation unloads the base and tuberosity of the 5th without restricting the entire foot. a great orthotic as a transition into an athletic shoe from a walking boot or shoe.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Turf Toe - X1 Blade Blessed by Army Chaplain

01/05/10 - "Clyde-just wanted to thank you for the X1 Blade for turf toe. I like it so much that I have just ordered two more for everyday wear/preventative measures! I though my foot injury would push my army training back 6 months (whicih I could not afford to have happen), but your X1 Blade has been a blessing! Happy New Year!....Chaplain A.J. Marietta, GA

Monday, January 4, 2010

X1 Blade for Turf Toe to Poland / Pro Basketball

Diagnosis: "Small fracturtes in both Left big toe and Right big Toe.. I ordered The X1 about a month ago and I feel it has really helped me So i am ordering another pair .."

Gladiator Hoosier Model - Face Mask

Broken Nose Only / Basketball

Sunday, January 3, 2010

KAFO Adjustment

The patient was in the office today for adjustments to his KAFO. He had screws that became loose and he needed padding replaced. These adjustments were done. Otherwise, he stated that he is doing quite well with his brace and is not having any other problems. We will followup as needed.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Turf Toe : BraceBlogger.com

In cooperation with cutting-edge techno-wizards of the IndyCar racing industry comes Clyde's handcrafted X1 Blade®. The X1 Blade® is used by sports medicine physicians, podiatrists, athletic trainers, orthotists and pedorthists to treat turf toe (hallux rigidus), sesamoiditis, great toe arthritis, hallux limitus, Morton's foot, Winkle Picker's Disease, and broken great toes. The X1 Blade® is a premium insert also used by Foot and Ankle surgeons to delay (arthrodesis) great toe fusion, provide post-op support, or prevent recurring post-op pain.

Ideal Application

The performance-enhancing Clyde's X1 Blade® is IBC.com's world-class, energy generating orthotic. The reved up X1 Blade® is designed to treat turf toe (hallux rigidus) and other great toe injuries. Clyde's X1 Blade® adds a pain relieving zing at toe off that zingless taping, bulky wraps, and/or rigid steel or carbon graphite plates don't.

Indications

Turf Toe, Broken Toe, Morton's Neuroma, Gout, Bunion Pain, Hallux Limitus, Winkle Picker's Disease , Hallux Rigidus, Hallux Valgus, Sesamoiditis, Morton's foot, Metatarsal Stress Fractures, Midfoot Arthritis, Great Toe Amputation, delay great toe fusion

How does Clyde's X1Blade® Deliver the Zing?

A Kevlar® blade segment (HCPCS L-2755) is hand routed through curlicues of unique HD composite fibers that energize the X1's lightweight all composite shell (HCPCS L-3031). The intertwined material-alchemy creates a strategic energy spot (Sweet-Spot) that expresses itself with a pain relieving all-out energy jolt (zing) at the instant of push off (usual maximum toe pain). The X1 Blade's ultra-thin velocity generating composite shell limits only the motion of the great toe versus the hostile and energy consuming nature of inflexible spring steel inserts, bulky wraps, or rigid carbon graphite plates that could cause further foot injuries! Just relax your great toe during walking or running and the X1's hybrid blade and whippy all-composite shell will put a safe and nimble pain relieving zing back in your stride.

Features and Benefits

* Fabricated by hand insures maximum energy return at toe off that conventional taping cannot provide.
* Contoured foot insert/plate induces more natural stride and reduces sympathetic stress to the opposite leg.
* Reduces risk of foot injuries caused by inflexible steel inserts or rigid carbon graphite plates.
* Does not limit the entire foot like rigid steel inserts and inflexible carbon graphite plates.
* Feather-light (.07 oz) stiletto-thin (.04 - .06") and invisible to x-ray.
* Made in the USA (Indy) - Indiana Life Sciences Supporter
* 90-Day warranty against defects caused by normal wear
* 30-Day Money Back Satisfaction Guarantee
* Same Day Shipping Options - International Shipping Available
* Medicare and insurance billing codes L-3031 & L-2755

Intractable Plantar Keretosis

Bilateral foot orthoses
This 36-year-old female only has seasonal allergies. She takes birth control pills and she is an active community ambulator. She had not recently has surgery, and she does not receive physical therapy. She has not previously had orthotic management.
The patient's primary complaint is that she has significant pain and discomfort in the ball of her foot secondary to callus formation. She has, what appears to be, a IPK plantar to the 3rd metatarsal head of the left foot, which appears to be very deep and it is very painful today. She has good range of motion and good flexibility about both feet. She has mild pronation. My recommendation for her is to fabricate foot orthoses for her dress and shoes and her sport-type shoes. I have recommended that she see a foot specialist regarding evaluation of the IPK and also recommended that she might try utilizing a Dremel tool to manage the callus formation of both feet.
Fabricate bilateral foot orthoses.
Casting and measurement.

In severe cases of calluses, which usually occur on the plantar aspect (bottom) of the foot, an IPK can develop. An IPK is, in medical terminology, an

* Intractable, meaning that it will not go away,
* Plantar, meaning bottom of the foot,
* Keretosis, meaning a deep seated painful callus that usually occurs under a weight bearing metatarsal (long bone of the foot).

What Can You Do?

Some treatments you can try are orthotics, padding, massage, paraffin baths, and other conservative methods

If these methods do not relieve the problem, surgical intervention is necessary. There are many types of surgeries to employ to correct this problem. A "V" osteotomy (cutting of the bone) is the most common osteotomy for the second, third and fourth metatarsal, and an oblique osteotomy for the fifth metatarsal.

Sometimes internal fixation, pins or screws, are used to help stabilize the bones when surgery is indicated. These surgeries are usually done under a local block anesthesia, and the patient is usually ambulatory (walking) immediately after the surgery in a post operative Cast Walking Boot. The newer medications make this procedure safe and pain free, but your doctor needs to be consulted as to specific cause for the specific treatment.

Friday, January 1, 2010

Turf Toe

I am a division 1 cross country ski racer who developed turf toe five years ago from skiing. I tried to protect the injury with a full steel insole for years. The full steel insole made my shoe uncomfortable because of the amount of space it took up. It also restricted my entire foot and painful toe like being in a tight prison. I gave the X1 Blade turf toe insert a try and was amazed at how comfortable I was as my foot had tremendous range of motion while protecting my turf toe. You can feel the sophistication of this design.