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Few parts of the human body are as diverse and complex as the hand. Its extraordinary functionality is based on the perfect interplay between...
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Latest News
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Few parts of the human body are as diverse and complex as the hand. Its extraordinary functionality is based on the perfect interplay between nerves, tendons, 27 bones, 39 muscles and 36 joints, making a prosthetic replication one of the greatest challenges for medical technology.
The Michelangelo Hand is the most technologically-advanced and functional prosthetic hand available to the upper limb prosthetic user today. The innovation of the AxonBus Prosthetic System by Ottobock allows for an electronically positionable thumb, seven different hand positions and innovative, never-before-seen gripping functionality. The thumb, index finger and middle finger are controlled actively, while the ring finger and little finger passively follow the movements. It features a highly natural design with various hard and soft structures that model the physiology of bones, joints, muscles and tendons. A flexible and/or locked integrated wrist joint allows for natural body movements when completing activities of daily living.
People with amputations especially know how valuable it is to be able to master every day activities naturally, actively and without the help of others. Whether they’re cooking, driving, grasping objects such as a bottle or pen or playing cards, the Michelangelo Hand helps users integrate such movements into their everyday lives.
For more information about the Michelangelo Hand, please visit www.living-with-michelangelo.com or call 1-800-665-3327.
Plastic and high mechanical load capacity are no longer a contradiction in our modern technical world. With the CarbonIQ joint system, we are starting a new chapter in the history of orthopaedic technology. At a glance the Carbon IQ Joint system is lightweight, strong and durable, easy-to-use lock (one-hand release via cable), splash water resistant and safe - unable to unlock under load and automatically locks when standing up, without trapping clothes.
The Carbon IQ joint system (17PK1=*/17PA1=*) uses a proven technical thermoplastic strengthened with carbon fibre. Offering both the benefits of plastic and carbon unified to form an innovative, high-quality material combination for knee and ankle joints. The knee joint with wedge lock (17PK1=*), the double action ankle joint (17PA1=*), along with the foot stirrup (17PF1), make up the CarbonIQ joint system.
The NEW system is approved for a body weight of 220lbs. Indications include partial or complete paralysis of the leg muscles requiring fitting with an orthosis to ensure safe standing and walking. This joint system can be used for various purposes, such as cerebral palsy, post-polio syndrome, frontal and sagittal ankle/knee axis deviations, spina bifida, or traumatic paraplegia. Or for general nerve lesions: loss or weakness of the dorsiflexor or plantar flexor muscles, deficiency or weakness of the knee extensor muscles.
For more information on the CarbonIQ joint system or other Ottobock products, please contact your Ottobock Sales Representative or Customer Service at (800) 665-3327.
For wheelchair users, the winter season can be challenging and limiting whether trying to get around on busy city streets or in the countryside. The small front wheels sink into the snow making the wheelchair difficult to move and steer, leading many to instead choose to sit the winter out in the confines of their home.
Wheelblade skis are changing that. The only product of its kind in the world, Wheelblades were designed by Swiss inventor Patrick Mayer out of what he describes as "sheer need".
"I'm a quadriplegic myself as a result of a snowboarding accident and it has always made me very sad that wintertime restricted my mobility so severely, especially as I have always loved winter and the snow," says Mayer. "Wheelblades came from my desire to no longer have to face those limits in any season. The skis have made that dream come true and I want to share them with the many others who face the same difficulties I've come up against."
Small, high-quality skis that use a clamp lock to secure to the front wheels and with bindings to fit various sizes of wheels, including children's strollers, Wheelblades are lightweight, handy, and portable and can be installed in seconds. They function in much the same way as snowshoes do by spreading weight over a greater surface area and allowing the front wheels to glide more easily, while steering works similar to a ski.
Healthcare company Ottobock is the exclusive global distributor of the Wheelblades and is pleased to bring to the market a unique product that significantly improves mobility and as a result, quality of life.
Wheelblades are available for order at www.mobilitydirect.com or learn more online at ottobock.ca or e-mail mobility_solutions_canada@ottobock.com.
Ottobock has developed the first textile liner for forearm prostheses. The special feature: it is breathable and helps regulate the residual limb temperature in combination with a socket that is permeable to air. This means it protects the user from the cold in winter. But in summer, it ensures that heat does not build up next to the skin. The textile material also wicks away moisture and has an antibacterial effect.
Click here for more.
More on prosthetics and orthotics at www.ottobock.ca
Ottobock announces the introduction of the SACH+ prosthetic foot, a new generation of the proven and effective fitting solution for those with limb loss (SACH = Solid Ankle Cushion Heel). The new SACH+ foot offers greater benefits and new features for users at mobility levels K1 and K2.
Special emphasis was placed on a durable and robust design during development of the SACH+, with the combination of a newly developed glass-fiber-reinforced contoured core and functional foam. This combination provides more protection against bumps, dirt, and moisture, and allows for easier cleaning of its surfaces.
The feet easily fit into women’s and men’s shoes thanks to options for different heel heights and foot shapes. The 1S101 has a standard foot shape while the 1S102 and 1S103 are slimmer. They each feature a natural shape with a smooth surface, shaped toes and a distinct sandal toe.
The SACH+ feet are recommended for users who are unrestricted indoor walkers and restricted outdoor walkers. Allowable user weight depends on the foot size and is limited to a maximum of 275 lbs. For more information, go to www.ottobock.com.
Introducing the new Triton Family of Feet. Leading an unhindered every day and professional life, being active in leisure time and sports, taking on challenges, but also just spending time with family and friends. All this stands for a good quality of life. Quality of life involves independence and mobility – the ability to decide on your own goals and how to reach them.
Ottobock continues to support people with many different mobility areas by creating products which continually push the limits of performance. This is seen through the recent introduction of the new Triton family of prosthetic feet, consisting of the 1C60 Triton, 1C61 Triton Vertical Shock, 1C62 Triton Harmony®, 1C63 Triton Low Profile and the 1C64 Triton Heavy Duty.
The anatomy of the natural foot is reflected in the curved, triangular form of the Triton feet. The interconnection of heel and forefoot by a plantar fascia like carbon base spring allows for an extremely smooth transition of forces during rollover – just like the human foot.
Thanks to the innovative design, the Triton feet are suited for a broad range of applications. Even under high load the feet offer excellent function.
To learn more about the Triton family of products, please visit yourlife-youradventure.com or call our Customer Service team at 1.800.665.3327
With great excitement Otto Bock announced the launch of the 1C60 Triton foot. Our goal was to develop a prosthetic foot that offers outstanding functionality, both for everyday life as well as for more demanding activities. By working closely with amputees, we have created a product that has achieved that goal.
The 1C60 Triton consists of a set of flexible carbon springs that form a cohesive system via the base spring, made of high-performance polymer. The structure acts as a flexible unit and contributes to the extremely smooth roll over that is experienced with this foot. While highly flexible, it also maintains incredible stability through all phases of the gait cycle. The segmented forefoot section ensures controlled movements and provides secure support when encountering uneven terrain. The forefoot design also responds well to activities that require rapid change of direction. With this in mind, the 1C60 Triton is ideally suited to the needs of Mobility 3 and 4 clients.
More information here under RESOURCES, or visit the Triton website or contact our customer service team at 1.800.665.3327.
We are pleased to announce that Tom Brown has been promoted to Manager, Sales & Marketing for Technical Orthopedics effective July 1st 2011. Tom has enjoyed a successful sales career with Otto Bock since 2007 and this change recognizes his level of contribution to Otto Bock.
Otto Bock HealthCare Canada has received the prestigious Corporate Award from the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled People (CFPDP). The 2011 award was presented in Toronto at the Great Valentine Gala, an event that provides an enduring tribute to the achievements and aspirations of Canadians with disabilities.
The Great Valentine Gala’s Corporate Awards were established in 1991 to recognize companies who have made an outstanding contribution in assisting persons with disabilities, especially in the workplace. These contributions have taken many forms that include ongoing financial donations, volunteering for various corporate and Foundation events to assist persons with disabilities, and sponsorship of major events and initiatives. But the Foundation stresses it is primarily in the workplace that these companies have led by example.
In announcing the selection of Otto Bock Canada as a Corporate Award winner, the CFPDP states, “Otto Bock HealthCare has been an international leader in rehabilitation technology for more than 90 years, with an extensive line of products including prosthetics, orthotics, mobility devices such as wheelchairs, and neuroimplants. Otto Bock HealthCare’s corporate vision to restore and maintain human independence has helped millions of people with disabilities to achieve a life of greater opportunity.”
Says Otto Bock HealthCare Canada President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Agro, “It is a great honor to receive the recognition the Corporate Award brings. There’s a very real sense that our work has value and importance for others, and employees at Otto Bock share this vision. Our employees come to work knowing we will provide products that make a difference in people’s lives. It might be a foot for someone in Calgary or a hand for someone in St. John’s, but you know somebody’s life is going to be significantly enhanced.”
Bert Harman, President and CEO for Otto Bock North America concurs. “We know the products we touch let people do things such as dance at their daughter’s wedding or go fishing with their grandson. ‘Quality for Life’ isn’t an empty slogan to us, and we continue to measure our success by how well we serve the people who ultimately use our products.”
Otto Bock is also a long-term partner of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and was pleased to be in attendance when the 2010 Winter Canadian Paralympic medal winners received King Clancy Awards at the Gala. Otto Bock’s support of the athletes and the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver included an exhibition on topics related to the Paralympics entitled "Spirit in Motion – Discover What Moves Us".
As you work with your child’s Prosthetist, the challenge is to support your child’s activities while addressing his or her need for durability and keeping up with his or her physical growth. Children’s needs differ from adult’s needs in many ways, and prosthetic components need to be designed differently to meet those needs. Creating a prosthesis starts with assessing the child’s potential activity level and identifying the activities they may want to participate in. It also takes into account their weight and other physical factors.
Connecting with other families facing similar challenges is a great way to share your experiences and exchange advice. One organization that helps do this is the Amputee Coalition of America. They have information and support networks to tap into for those living with limb loss.
Your Prosthetic clinic is also a great resource for information and support. From learning how to care for your child's prosthesis to tips on conquering new activities, they are experts you can rely on.
Just as children wear out and outgrow shoes, it is not unusual for them to wear out parts of their prosthesis, or outgrow the portion that surrounds their residual limb (called the socket). Several factors contribute to ensuring that your child is as independent and mobile as possible: socket fit and prosthetic alignment, training, and component selection among them. Addressing each area helps build the ultimate tool to keep your child on the move.
