Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Cerebral Palsy - Swash Hip Orthosis

SWASH hip orthosis

Cerebral palsy.

This patient will be 7 years old in a few more weeks. She will be receiving Botox injections in the adductor muscle groups in both legs in the next couple of weeks.

Measurements were taken of the patient today and an appropriate SWASH hip orthosis was fit to the patient. Proper donning and doffing instructions were given to mom. Several adjustments were made to properly fit the patient. Growth adjustments can be made to this orthosis. While she was wearing the orthosis, standing and attempting to take steps, she could adequately clear her feet without scissoring. When she was sitting, she had very good sitting balance. Mom informed me that the therapist also wanted her to sleep in this orthosis. I instructed the mom to begin the patient on a gradual wearing schedule starting with 2 hours today, 4 hours tomorrow, 6 hours the next day and 8 hours the following day. Once she has reached the 8-hour point, she was told to allow the patient to sleep in the orthosis. I encouraged her to allow the patient to wear something snug fitting under the orthosis, possibly tights. The patient appeared to tolerate the device well. I gave mom the Alien wrenches if changes needed to be made in therapy. I marked the initial spots of the settings. I told mom if she has any problems or questions, or if she did not feel comfortable making changes, or if the therapist did not feel comfortable making the changes, to please return. The patient will be seen as needed.

Evaluation, measurement and fitting.

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