“If a prosthesis is optimally aligned for one heel height and the wearer plantar flexes it by even just a few degrees, the resulting angular mismatch will disrupt gait. A small linear shift will have much less of a gross effect” comments John Michael, CPO, in the paper: Changes In Heel Height Affect Amputee Gait, by Charlie Kupperman, published in the June 2004 edition of Biomechanics.

The unique BrioTM adjustable heel device addresses this issue by offering amputees a simple push button method of regaining optimal alignment to suit their choice of shoe. What makes the BrioTM particularly attractive is that it fi ts on any foot with a male pyramid and therefore allows the user to have their preferred prosthetic foot.

Saeed Zahedi’s paper on the Brio impressed judges so much at ISPO UK that he was awarded the Blesma Prize at the recent 2006 annual congress. Saeed discussed the issue of concern to prosthetists: that alignment perfected in the clinic is immediately lost as soon as the amputee dons a shoe with different heel height. Use of the BrioTM allows the wearer to return the plantar flexion angle to the optimal position thereby reducing adverse moments on their proximal joints.

Feedback from amputees suggests a high level of dissatisfaction with the functionality of feet with integral
ankle adjustment. The Brio solves this problem and puts the choice of both foot and shoe right where it should be: with the amputee and their clinician.

The Blatchford team headed off to Provence this month for ISPO France, which was held at the Palais du Pharo in the port city of Marseille. The Endolite stand was fortuitously positioned overlooking the harbour and conference attendees enjoyed with us the glorious views of the Mediterranean and the Château d’If, famous prison island and setting for Alexander Dumas’ novel The Count of Monte Cristo.

Endolite launched two new products at the Show: the BrioTM adjustable heel device and the TT Pro shock pylon. French prosthetists were very excited about the BrioTM and commented that its unique function would be hugely popular with amputees, as it elegantly solves the problem of changing heel height and still allows people to use their preferred foot. Marc Clemens gave his usual enthusiastic demonstration of the Smart IP programming to the crowd.

The stand showed a selection of Becker and Alps products distributed by Endolite France, Doug Turner and Bill Neumann demonstrated the latest E Knee Orthosis from Becker. Saeed Zahedi, Joe Mc Carthy and Jean-François Perales took part in the Scientifi c Sessions with a paper on the trials of the LAM Long-term Ambulatory Monitor and its positive impact on prescription in the rehabilitation programme at Kings Healthcare in London.

Endolite introduced a fresh look and some exciting new products at the 2006 AOPA Assembly in Hollywood, FL.

The Endolite workshop, presented by Saeed Zahedi, Director of Research & Development, and Alan Kercher, Manager of Technical Service & Education. was well attended and provided a great opportunity for attendees to get an in depth view of our latest Innovations, while earning CEU’s. Well known paralympians, Greg Mannino and John Siciliano provided active demonstrations of our new products, the Mercury Hi-Activity knee, Adaptive2, SmartIP, TT Pro, Elite Foot and Navigator foot.

Featured new items:
Navigator Foot – For K2 level amputees, offers multi-axial ankle motion and flexible keel. Ships fully assembled, NO foot bolt, low profile, integrated pyramid, and very durable
.
SmartIP – Microprocessor Knee Technology for active walkers – features patient self-programming to accommodate changes in foot wear and activities. Ensures a smooth gait and low energy consumption.

TT Pro – Shock and Rotation units – compresses and rotates comfortably to absorb impact and enhance energy return at toe-off.

BRIO – Adjustable heel height device – allows instant heel height changes while maintaining optimal alignment.

Mercury HA – Sleek, robust knee frame and hydraulic cylinder for active amputees up to 300 lbs.