Fidelity Orthopedic was one of the pioneer facilities in the use of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacture of prosthetics. The use of this technology gives us a time-efficient and precise system that makes of the lives of our patients better. CAD/CAM allows us to library patient information, acquire residuum shape data, design and modify the prosthetic socket shape and carve a positive model. This record is stored for future modifications or replications.

In addition to the Otto Bock C-Leg® microprocessor-controlled knee-shin system, we are also having great results using digital photography to create a ThermoLyn ® socket for fitting the following day. This alternative to plaster casting allows us to create and edit all data for a test socket in a single step.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clear Check Sockets

There is a great benefit of the clear check socket to the patient and to the third party payer.

These clear test sockets are made with Thermolyn ® thermoplastic. This material may be easily heat-relieved for making final fitting adjustments, yet it still maintains its overall high strength. This socket use in dynamic programs allows us to observe the socket fit and make the adjustments to the socket while the patient wears it during the “break-in” period. When the patient’s limb “stabilizes”, the clear check socket can be used to create a top quality, cost-effective definitive socket.

This means fewer sockets billed to the third party payer because of volume changes in the residual limb.

Endoskeletal Prostheses

In the past, an exoskeletal prosthesis (a prosthesis which derives its strength from the outer surface of the device, typically reinforced plastic) was fit and fabricated for all patients because of the durability.

We now have the ability to provide a lower-limb endoskeletal prosthesis whose strength comes from a central tube, or pylon, on the inside of it. The shape and appearance of the prosthesis are provided by a covering, usually made of foam or polypropylene.

The great advantage of the endoskeletal prosthesis is that the components are lightweight (often weighing only three to five pounds) while, with the use of materials such as carbon fiber and titanium provide the strength and durability that is essential for patients of all ages and levels of activity.