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Naked Prosthetics

Naked Prosthetics designs and fabricates durable, custom prosthetic devices specifically for those living with finger loss.

“Our mission is to assist people with finger amputation and to positively impact their lives by providing functional, high-quality finger prostheses.” With a range of options for varying degrees of finger loss, Naked Prosthetics finger prostheses continue to enable amputees to live active and independent lifestyles.

Product Range

PIPDriver™
Designed for individuals amputated at the middle phalanx. The PIPDriver™ is the most simple and intuitive to use. Because the device fits alongside the patient’s finger, we can anatomically match their PIP and DIP joints so it operates predictably and naturally. The PIPDriver™ offers exceptional daily utility. The second-generation PIPDriver™ combines the same reliable functionality with a new, sleek aesthetic design, improved hinges, and a variety of colour options for users.
ThumbDriver™
The newest product in our lineup shares its heritage with the MCPDriver™. It features a unique anchor design that tracks the patient’s natural CMC motion while still providing a rigid structure to react to the heavy forces generated by thumb opposition. The tip is positionable and articulates more subtly than in the MCPDriver™, which enables the most common thumb grasps.
MCPDriver™
Designed for amputations at the proximal phalanx, the MCPDriver™ restores the middle and distal phalanges. These dependently articulating pads help to create natural grip patterns. (The MCPDriver™ excels at restoring pinch, key, and cylindrical grasps as well as grip stability.) The durable metal frame and replaceable components allow users to return to particularly demanding lifestyles with confidence. The second-generation MCPDriver™ features improved aesthetic appearance and comfort, precision-machined components, and stylish colour options.
GripLock Finger™ *NEW*
The GripLock Finger™ is Naked Prosthetics’ elegant solution for amputations proximal to the MCP joint. This device can be worn in conjunction with our MCPDriver™, PIPDriver™ or ThumbDriver™, and provides the same colours and design choices our users love. Serviceable nylon fairings and silicone pads provide seamless aesthetics and improved grip stability while also preventing scratch damage to sensitive surfaces and objects handled by the user.

oapl have a vast array of experience treating patients with finger amputation.

To book an appointment with one of our prosthetists, please call us on 1300 866 275 or view our clinical locations here.

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WalkAide® 2

The WalkAide® II is an advanced functional electrical stimulation (FES) system for the treatment of drop foot. Designed to improve walking for individuals with the inability to safely and effectively clear their toes from the ground, the WalkAide® II uses FES to assist healthy nerves and muscles.

Why would I need to wear a WalkAide 2?

The WalkAide 2 Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) device is the 2nd generation of the original WalkAide which has helped thousands of people globally walk with greater confidence and safety. It is worn by people that are experiencing a condition called foot drop which is caused by lower limb muscle and nerve injuries, muscle disorders, and brain and spinal disorders. As a result, people will experience difficulty lifting their feet whilst walking which is where the WalkAide 2 device assists.

How does it work?

With each subsequent step, the WalkAide® II sends gentle, electrical impulses to nerves in the leg that tell the muscles to lift the toes. How does it know when to stimulate? Well, whilst wearing the WalkAide® II on the lower leg, an internal sensor identifies the leg motion and speed as the person takes just a few steps and then uses that information to create a customised walking program. Stimulation timing adjusts to accommodate changes in walking speed in real-time, ensuring appropriate stimulation with every step and enabling the user’s toes to clear the ground throughout their gait. Walking and training program adjustments can be made by the user to promote optimal results.

Features & Benefits

  • Design is slim and self-contained
  • Electrodes don’t need replacement
  • Device plugs in for charging
  • Fits under tight clothing
  • Footwear doesn’t need to change
  • Barefoot walking is possible
  • Smartphone app controls adjustments
  • Activity mode options include Gait mode and Training mode
  • App tracks number of steps walked
  • Water resistant against short splash duration
  • Additional benefits of FES may include increased range of motion, decreased spasticity, enhanced strength and endurance, increased gait speed and improved quality of life.1

1. Damiano DL, et al. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2013; 27(3):2000-2007; Downing A, et al. Int J MS Care 2014;16:146–152; El-Shamy SM, et al. AM J Phys Med Reahbil 2016 Sep; 95(9):629-63; Miller L, et al. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2017 Jul; 98(7):1435-1452; Prosser LA, et al. Dev Med Child Neurol 2012; 54(11):1044-1049; Stein RB, et al. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2006; 20(3):371-379; Stein RB, et al. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2010; 24(2):152-167; Street T, et al. The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine 2017; 41:3, 361-366.

Programming

The Walkaide® II is programmed by your physician through an application on tablet or smart phone. The program will be customised to suit your level of activity and comfort. The device settings can be adjusted directly through the app.

 

Indications

  • Stroke
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
  • Familial/Hereditary Spastic Paresis

    oapl have a vast array of experience treating patients with drop foot and successfully prescribing the WalkAide 2 in conjunction with the NDIS and other state funding bodies. To book an appointment with one of our orthotists, please call us on 1300 866 275 or view our clinical locations here.

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5 Tips for Summertime Amputee Skin Care

Seasonal changes — spring to summer and summer to fall — present unique challenges for amputee skin care. Skin care plays a pivotal role as you maintain independence and mobility year-round. Whether it’s excess perspiration (summer) or dry skin (winter), most amputees have to make adjustments to their normal skincare routine according to the season. In the summer, hot temperatures and high humidity are the perfect conditions for excess perspiration, heat, and the growth of bacteria and fungus that contribute to a number of skin issues.

 

Greg Mannino Skiing​

We consulted Greg Mannino, a six-time Paralympic gold medalist, prosthetist, and amputee to create a list of summertime skincare tips. With proper skin care, amputees can enjoy the summer sunshine even when the temperatures rise.

1. Cleanse, Cleanse, Cleanse

“Cleanse, cleanse, cleanse,” that’s the number one advice from Mannino. Prostheses create a ready-made breeding ground for heat-related skin issues. The environment inside the prosthesis around the skin is moist and humid with sloughing skin cells. It’s the perfect place for problematic “critters,” as Mannino puts it, like bacteria and fungus to grow and irritate the skin. They’re easy to mistake for heat rash, which can be an issue in and of itself, but good hygiene can prevent painful infections, lesions, ingrown hairs, blisters, and sores.

Most amputees already know that skin hygiene is imperative to their everyday health and success with their prosthesis. But in the summer, skin care needs a new level of attention. Amputees experience more perspiration than average because the body has to compensate for a loss of skin surface area. In addition, prostheses trap body heat and take more physical effort to use, resulting in even more perspiration.

Frequent washing of the residual, liner, and/or sock with a gentle daily cleanser that contains antibacterial and antifungal ingredients keeps the skin and the environment around it as clean as possible. Some amputees can maintain their skin health with one cleansing a day. But others may need two or three cleansing sessions or showers a day followed by regular applications of antibacterial and antifungal products to keep the skin clean.

2. Have a Cleansing Plan When You’re Away From Home

Plan to keep your residual and prosthesis clean while you’re on summer excursions. When you’re at the lake, beach, or on a mountain trail, you may not have quick access to your usual cleanser or a clean water source.

But the heat, moisture, and bacteria build whether you’re close to home or not, and heat and sweat increase bacterial growth. Mannino suggests bringing along a cleanser, liquid-to-powder, and additional socks and liners. In a pinch, a small amount of hand sanitiser can do a quick cleansing until you have access to your cleansing and moisturiser products. The point is that some cleansing, even a small amount, is better than no cleansing at all.

When you’re cleansing in an uncontrolled environment, be careful what the liner, sock, or residual touches after it’s been cleansed and before you put the prosthesis back on. Try to get everything cleaned, dried, and donned without touching surfaces that may harbor bacteria.

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3. Change Liners and Socks More Often

“The real key is keeping the socket, liners, and socks clean — the cleaner, the better. The cleaner it is, the less likely you are to have skin breakdown,” says Mannino. You may need a few more extra liners and/or socks in the summer because it’s best to change them frequently. Be sure to cleanse them soon after taking them off so that sweat doesn’t cause odor or make any fabrics harden.

Clean sockets, liners, and socks are also vital because perspiration can cause them to slip and shift when you move. Not only is that uncomfortable, but it can also create sores on the residual and, “chaffing are where bacteria can enter the skin,” warns Mannino.

4. Moisturise Both Day and Night

Heat zaps moisture from the skin, and as the skin gets dry, it can alter the fit of the liner and/or sock. Moisturised skin stays supple and strong, making moisturisers a key part of summertime care. However, make sure the skin is completely dry before donning the prosthesis.

Antibacterial and antifungal moisturisers are a great daytime option because they provide hydration while fighting the growth of unwanted guests. Don’t forget about nighttime moisturization. The skin heals while you sleep, and a night moisturiser aids and promotes that healing.

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5. Be Proactive if You Know the Perspiration is Coming

If you know you’re going to work hard, exert yourself, and get sweaty, advanced planning can save your skin and mobility. “In the summer months, you may need to be proactive. If you’re going to sweat more, use a liquid-to-powder preemptively,” suggests Mannino.

A liquid-to-powder product acts as your first defense against excessive perspiration and chaffing. Liquid-to-powder products go on like a regular moisturiser, but they dry to a powder, creating a protective barrier that reduces friction and irritation. These types of products also moisturise to maintain skin integrity. However, for extreme workouts or adventures, when you know you’ll be pushing your physical limits like a race or all-day hike, you can also apply an antiperspirant to your residual the night before.

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Conclusion

When all is said and done, “You can prevent many of your own skin issues with good skin care and cleanliness,” says Mannino. Good skin care is part of life for amputees, but a proactive approach during the summer increases your chances of fully participating in your favourite activities. Cleanse, moisturise, and think ahead to make sure your skin stays strong enough for the rigours of life as an amputee.

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VACOped – The New Standard for Managing Foot and Ankle Trauma

The VACOped boot by OPED is revolutionising the way we manage foot and ankle fractures and is now considered the gold standard for treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures. Unlike conventional treatments, the VACOped allows the foot and ankle to remain dynamic while still providing the support necessary for a full and quick recovery.

The VACOped utilises VACO12 technology as a main feature of stabilisation. The VACO12 system within the VACOped uses as many as 20 million small polystyrene beads that each make contact with up to 12 other surrounding beads. Energy is transferred along the poly beads but is dispersed and weakened as forces are absorbed from bead to bead.

 

This limits the chances of movement within the boot due to impact. Like a bean bag, the liner is filled with polystyrene beads that mold around the foot and leg of the wearer. Air is vacuumed out of the liner so that the poly beads contour around the foot and ankle to provide customised protection. This works with a rigid plastic outer shell to make VACOped very cast stable for the wearer.

 

The VACOped is unique in that it can easily be removed and reapplied. Physicians are able to easily check the fracture site, and physiotherapy can be done at any time. The simplicity with which the VACOped can be removed and reapplied not only means that patients are also able to wash their limb, but the removable liners which cover the vacuum cushion can be easily washed and replaced.

The vacuum technology used in the VACOped’s fracture stabilisation system ensures the boot will re-mold perfectly to the shape of a patient’s limbs, no matter how many times it is removed. The removable sole of the VACO range of boots means they can also be worn at night without soiling bed linen.

The vacuum stabilising system VACOped consists of a modular, honeycomb shaped plastic shell and a vacuum inlay that together offer stability equivalent to a plaster cast. The co-operative patient can put on and remove the VACOped independently. Physical therapy is also possible to preserve dorsiflexion/extension in the ankle joint in the early post-operative phase. Various adapters on the posterior range of motion (ROM) hinge enable restricted dorsiflexion/extension while maintaining lateral stability.

What foot and ankle conditions does the VACOped address and how?

Achilles Tendon Repair

The VACOped was primarily designed and engineered for the treatment of the Achilles tendon rupture. The Range of Motion (ROM) hinge allows the practitioner to set the ankle at different angles of plantar or dorsiflexion and allows for free ROM or a controlled degree of ROM.

Controlled joint movement is an important part of the late rehabilitation phase, allowing the joints and muscles to gradually regain strength. Unlike other conventional treatments which do not allow for any movement, the VACOped ROM function can be set in increments of five degrees.

In the study by Dolphin et.al. Patients who were treated with the VACOped showed better tendon quality post-treatment as well as a decreased rate of re-rupture

Malleolus or Ankle Fractures

The frame design in collaboration with the vacuum cushion allows for cast stable immobilisation in the boot. Unlike other conventional treatments which do not allow for any movement, the VACOped‘s ROM (range of motion) function can be set to allow the patient to walk normally with the boot in situ and ROM at the ankle. This allows the muscles to regain strength and reduces the rate of thrombosis as the calf muscle contracts through gait and moves blood back to the heart.

 

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How does the VACOped differ from existing technology?

Currently Achilles ruptures are treated in an emergency department with a plaster of paris backslab, the ankle is set in plantar flexion and a crepe bandage wrapped around. In the following days, the patient will attend an orthopaedic clinic where they will be fitted with a CAM walker and a heel wedge. Generally these heel wedges are a stack of 3 or 4 wedges connected to one another but which can be pulled apart. The wedge is positioned under the heel and encourages the ankle into plantar flexion. Because the wedges are bulky and the boot is designed for an ankle in the 90 deg position, the walker and wedge can become ill-fitting and uncomfortable for the patient

The alternate treatment to this is to use a goniometer to measure 30 deg of ankle plantar flexion and the patient has a full plaster cast or synthetic cast applied to the leg. Every two weeks the angle is adjusted by 15 deg until the patient reaches the neutral position. Limitations to this method are: Time to apply the cast, remove and re-apply at least twice. A skilled cast technician is required to set the cast and perform this method. Further limitations include the patient cannot weight bear at all in the cast, particularly when it is set in plantar flexion. This results in the atrophy of the foot and leg muscles.

Conclusion

The VACOped boot represents the modern standard of care for foot, ankle and Achilles injuries. With the ability to provide cast stable immobilisation and a short application time. The VACOped also offers an ankle range of motion function (-15° to +30°). Because the modular boot is designed to move and flex at the ankle it allows true plantar flexion without the ill-fitting nature of the walker and wedge method described above.

VACOped allows for greater freedom of movement than a plaster cast as it can be removed for hygiene reasons or a practitioner wants to check a wound. The total contact nature of the device can significantly reduce recovery times as seen in the study by Honigmann et al.

Clinical Evidence

VACOped Facts & Figures

  • Functional dynamic bracing and functional rehabilitation for Achilles tendon ruptures: a case series Dolphin, P. (Philippa); Bainbridge, K. (Kelly); Mackenney P. (Paul); Dixon, J.(John). 2016
  • Non-surgical treatment of Achilles rupture: Does duration in functional Weight bearing orthosis matter Randeep Aujla  MBChB *, Amit Kumar, Maneesh  Bhatia. 2015
  • The dynamic vacuum orthosis: a functional and economical benefit? Jochen Franke & Sabine Goldhahn & Laurent Audigé&Henry Kohler&Andreas Wentzensen. 2007
  • After treatment of malleolar fractures following  ORIF—functional compared to protected functional in a vacuum-stabilized orthosis: a randomized controlled trial Philipp Honigmann, Sabine Goldhahn, Jan Rosenkranz, Laurent Audigé, Daniel Geissmann, Reto Babst. 2005
  • Cast Immobilization or Vacuum Stabilizing System? U. Stöckle, B. König, A. Tempka, N.P. Südkamp · Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Charité, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Humboldt University Berlin. Unfallchirurg. 2000

For more information on the OPED range of boots including the VACOped, VACOcast and VACOpedes, call us on 1300 866 275 or email info@oapl.com.au

 

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The NEW oapl Plantar Fasciitis Sock

OAPL is excited to launch our NEW Plantar Fasciitis Support sock! It has been designed in-house by our team of podiatrists to offer relief of plantar fascial symptoms, heel and arch pain, and ‘first step’ morning pain.

Designed with multizone compression to relieve swelling and discomfort, our new Plantar Fasciitis sock includes an innovative silicone heel cushion for pressure release and advanced cushioning in every step. Providing you with a product that serves as an all day, everyday management solution for a range of heel and foot conditions.

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What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis stands for ‘inflammation of the plantar fascia.’ The fascia runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel bone to the toes. It forms part of the arch of the foot and functions as one of our shock absorbing mechanisms. Unfortunately, the cellular makeup of the fascia is not as elastic as muscle tissue and is limited in its ability to elongate or stretch. Functionally, the cellular makeup of the tissue is prone to breakdown given too much traction placed on the fascia (for multiple reasons) leads to microtears, which in turn leads to irritation; inflammation and ultimately pain.

Symptoms wise, Plantar Fasciitis usually causes discomfort and pain in the heel region. Some people make experience arch pain. Both heel and arch pain discomfort are related to Plantar Fasciitis however pain experienced in the heel is far more common than arch pain.

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Key features

  • Medical grade compression to reduce swelling and discomfort
  • Anatomic silicone heel insert built into the sock to relieve and elevate the heel
  • Machine washable, breathable fabric
  • Can be worn with or without footwear

Other uses:

  • Chronic sore feet when standing for long periods
  • Elderly patients suffering from fat pad atrophy in the heel
  • Sever’s disease

Sock Care:

The Plantar Fasciitis Support Sock is made from a combination of polyamide, elastane, polyurethane, and cotton. The polyester insert is made from silicone. To ensure correct care of the sock, it is recommended that our sock is hand washed in cool water. The sock should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight. It is not suitable for bleaching, ironing, or tumble drying.

Sizing

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For more information on our new Plantar Fasciitis Sock, you can view the product on our online shops. Alternatively, feel free to call us on 1300 866 275 or email us at info@oapl.com.au 

 

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Smart Orthotic Technology S.O.T.

Resting Hand Orthosis

S.O.T is a resting splint for the spastic and paretic hand, when the goal is to maintain or increase the mobility of the hand.

The orthosis is smooth and lightweight. The S.O.T has an aluminium core which allows adjustment to the desired position. The aluminium core is embedded into polyethylene foam, which is covered with fabric. The brace is delivered in a resting position. A resting position can offer pain relief, relaxation to the hand and it also provides a good biomechanical position that may reduce the risk of flexor shortening of the wrist and fingers.
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The orthosis anatomic configuration supports the important thenar muscle, the CMC- and MCP joint, which is particularly important for the intended patient groups, when the thumb tends to adduct in the CMC joint and hyperextend in the MCP joint. S.O.T Resting splint increases the conditions for an effective grip.

Recommended application:
Stroke, CP, rheumatoid arthritis, radialis paresis, muscular dystrophy, edema or plexus injury.

 

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