Amputees Sharing Knowledge (ASK)
Date: February 9, 2012
Time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Location:
New Hanover Rehabilitation Hospital (front lobby classroom)
2131 South 17th Street
Wilmington, NC
Amputees Sharing Knowledge
ASK meets the second Thursday of each month and is a casual gathering designed for people who have had, or may be facing an amputation. Friends, family or anyone else interested is invited. Our purpose is to provide information, answer questions and allow people to share information and experiences.
For more information please contact:
Laura Dinehart, OT: (910) 815.5613
Tim Marahrens, PT: (910) 395.5627
Mike Stine, PT: (910) 342.3288
Wilmington Orthotics and Prosthetics is pleased to welcome Matt Dunn to our staff. Matt comes to us with several years experience as a prosthetic and orthotic technician. His skills will help us continue to provide products of outstanding quality and craftsmanship!
Wilmington Orthotics and Prosthetics is also pleased to have Bryan King spending some time with us. Last year Bryan lost his leg above the knee in an accident. He was fit with a prosthesis by Wilmington Orthotics and Prosthetics and received PT next door at First Step Therapy. Bryan did great and now does anything and everything he wants. Along the way, Bryan became interested in the orthotic and prosthetic field and has since been accepted to Centry College in Minnesota. Until school starts, Bryan will be gaining hands on experience by working with Jon, Art and Matt. Bryan already brings a wealth of related experience and we look forward to his time with us.
Carolina Canines
Frequently, Wilmington Orthotics and Prosthetics get involved in custom projects. About two years ago we were approached by Rick Hairston of Carolina Canines (www.carolinacanines.org) with a request to modify a dog harness. Carolina Canines is a local non-profit organization which provides service dogs free of charge. A service dog is individually trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability. Since placing their first dog in December of 1999, Carolina Canines has placed 38 service dogs. These dogs have gone to serve people with many different diagnoses including multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy and amputees.
After looking at the needs of the dogs as well as their handler, our prosthetist/orthotist Jon recommended changing the overall design of the harness. He proposed a design with a handle which would lock in the upright position but also be able to fold. The folding harness would allow the dog to more easily fit under tables and desks when necessary, as well as make it easier to get in and out of vehicles.
After a few prototypes, Jon ended up using Becker (www.beckerorthopedic.com) bale lock hinges with a cable release. This type of system is frequently used with long leg braces. The design worked perfectly and has been used with almost fifteen dogs so far.