Do I need an appointment to see an orthotist/prosthetist?
Do I need an referral to make an appointment?
Does my insurance cover the costs?
What if my orthotic or prosthetic doesn't work?
What are Prosthetists and Orthotists and what do they do?
Elite & Terminator Knee Orthosis Donning Instructions
Elite & Terminator Knee Orthosis Care and Maintenance Instructions
Do I need an appointment to see an orthotist/prosthetist?
Yes, we book by appointment. In some emergency situations, however, we can see clients without an appointment, but scheduled clients would take priority.
Do I need a referral to make an appointment?
No. A doctor’s referral is not always necessary. However, most health insurance companies require a doctor’s prescription for coverage.
How much does this cost?
Your initial consultation with your orthotist/prosthetist is free. Clients are then responsible for any costs applicable for prescribed or non-prescribed orthotic and prosthetic devices. Our clinical and administrative staffs are happy to provide any estimates or information pertaining to your device.
Does my insurance cover the costs?
Not all services provided by Lethbridge Orthotic-Prosthetic Services are covered, either in full or in part, by Alberta Health Care. Most private insurers do cover certain orthotic and prosthetic devices. However, we are not always able to direct bill private insurance companies directly.
What if my orthotic or prosthetic doesn’t work?
Our orthotists and prosthetics stand behind the design fit and function of every custom made device. Often times an adjustment to the device is needed to accommodate individual needs is required.
What kind of shoes do I need?
In order for orthotics to function properly, appropriate footwear must be worn. For some this may mean temporarily sacrificing fashion. For others this may mean asking a boss or supervisor to approve supportive footwear at the workplace. In any case, the long term health of your feet will benefit from proper shoes. Remember, Your Feet Are Worth It!
What are Prosthetists and Orthotists and what do they do?
Prosthetists and Orthotists are unique paramedical health professionals who provide biomechanical devices; called prostheses and orthoses, to physically disabled persons to enable them to function better.
What is Prosthetics?
The field of prosthetics involves the design, fabrication, and fitting of artificial limbs (prostheses) intended to replace a portion of the body that has been lost through amputation or was absent at birth (congenital). For example, this may range from a cosmetic replacement to a prosthetic leg or a myoelectric hand or arm.
What is Orthotics?
The field of orthotics involves the design, fabrication and fitting of orthoses (braces or splints) intended to prevent or correct deformities, protect a painful part of the body or improve the function of a weakened extremity.
This may include anything from custom fabricated arch supports to braces for the knee, back, shoulder or arm.
TopWho Does this Work?
The design, fabrication and fitting of prostheses and orthoses are performed by certified Orthotists and Prosthetists. These individuals work together with physicians, surgeons, physical and occupational therapists and social workers to form a multi-disciplinary team to provide the most comprehensive care possible for each individual.
How Do they Work?
The patient may be referred to the clinical prosthetist or orthotist through a multi-disciplinary clinic or directly by his or her physician. Once a prescription has been developed, the patient is seen by the prosthetist or orthotist who then designs the device that has been prescribed. The clinician takes measurements and/or molds necessary to fabricate the device and supervises its fabrication by the technical staff. The prosthetist or orthotist then fits the device, and makes any adjustments necessary to ensure optimal functional use by the patient. Prosthetists and orthotists also frequently consult with physicians and/or therapists to recommend possible designs or different types of componentry for use in an orthosis or prosthesis based on their knowledge, experience and familiarity with a wide range of technology and device designs that are available.
Another key factor in aiding the prosthetist or orthotist in his or her ability to provide excellent patient care is their on-site manufacturing capabilities. This allows them to not only fit ready-made or centrally-fabricated devices, but to custom-modify those devices, or custom-fabricate a wide range of orthoses or prostheses at their facility to fit the specific needs of a particular client. And, if at a later date, modifications or adjustments need to be made, they can usually be done on-site providing the client with greater convenience and better service for their prosthetic or orthotic needs.
Together, the training, education, experience and manufacturing capability of orthotists and prosthetists equips them in their efforts to provide optimum fulfillment of their client's orthotic and prosthetic needs.
TopPatient Care
When an individual is in need of an artificial limb or an orthopedic brace, patient care is our area of expertise. Certified prosthetists and orthotists have completed an extensive training and certification process that includes, among other aspects, an emphasis on assessment, device design and fitting procedures. Also, once certified, a mandatory continuing education program ensures that certifees remain up-to-date with the latest developments in technology and other areas relating to patient care. Once a prescription has been provided to the client by the physician, the prosthetist or orthotist works with the individual to determine the optimal design of orthosis or prosthesis within the parameters indicated by the prescription. The orthotist or prosthetist consults the client to determine his/her needs, goals, objectives, the extent of the disability, and any other factors, which may affect the fit, and function of the device.
Elite & Terminator Knee Orthosis Donning Instructions
1) Position the brace properly. In order to function properly, the hinges of the brace must match the knee joint. This is best accomplished when the center of the hinges (as indicated by the small round screw) are aligned with the middle to top third of the knee cap. It is better to don the brace a little high rather than low as gravity will inevitably cause the brace to settle somewhat.
2) Tighten the suspension strap, located at the top of the calf section, while maintaining the hinges in the appropriate position. This strap should be done up tight as it is the means of holding the brace in its proper location. The strap should fit in the flexion fold behind your knee.
3) Tight the bottom strap to secure the lower shell of the brace to your leg.
4) Next, straighten your leg and tighten the two thigh straps on the the upper portion of the brace. The order in which the straps are tightened does not matter.
5) Finally, stand and check to see the brace is properly positioned at knee center and the straps are all securely in place.
TopElite & Terminator Knee Orthosis Care and Maintenance Instructions
Hinges -- The hinges on your brace are pre-lubricated. If sand, dirt or water get inside the hinges, they may require periodic lubrication. If you notice the hinges not gliding smoothly, a few drops of a synthetic lubicant can be applied. You can purchase this type of lubricant at a hardware store. With use and over time, the hinges may need to be tightened up as they tend to slowly loosen. We advise you have the hinges serviced every 6 months.
Straps -- The straps on your brace are non-elastic for maximum control. After considerable use, the Velcro fibers on your straps may not adhere as well and may need to be replaced.
Pads --Your brace is lined with padding that provides a comfortable interface between your leg and the frame. Certain straps may also have pads. Do not remove the pads from the brace or straps. Wipe the pads after each use to remove any moisture and let the pads air dry. You can also clean the pads with a mild antibacterial soap and rinse them off with fresh water. DO NOT wash the brace in a machine or dry it with any heat source.