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!