There are more than 100,000 new incidences of strokes in the UK each year – that is around one stroke every five minutes.
1.2 million people in the UK live with the after effects of stroke every day, making stroke one of the most resource-intensive indications faced by the NHS today, and a huge challenge for many years to come.
The NHS and social care costs of stroke are around £1.7 billion a year in England. Therefore, stroke inevitably demands medical and therapy solutions founded on sound scientific principles, such as those provided by Ottobock.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) released the Stroke Rehabilitation in Adults [CG162] guidelines, in June 2013.
The guidelines advise the consideration of ankle–foot orthoses (AFOs) for people who have difficulty with swing-phase foot clearance after stroke (for example, tripping and falling) and/or stance-phase control (for example, knee and ankle collapse or knee hyper-extensions) that affects walking.
The treating orthotist will assess the ability of the person with stroke to put on the AFO or ensure they have the support needed to do so and the effectiveness of the AFO for the person with stroke, in terms of comfort, speed and ease of walking.
For those recovering from a stroke, the right rehabilitation aids – be that orthosis or electrostimulation – depend on the nature of their impairments, as well as their daily activities. The solutions selected will be tailored to their changing requirements over the course of their rehabilitation.
Hemiplegia – the loss of sensory and motor function on one side of the body – is often the greatest challenge faced by patients following their stroke. This occurs as a result of damage to the central nervous system. Stroke is a leading cause of disability in the UK – almost two thirds of stroke survivors leave hospital with a disability.
Mobility aids that are tailored to each stage of rehabilitation can substantially ease activities of daily living and promote mobility. Limb weakness is common after stroke and it is reported that over three quarters of stroke survivors report arm weakness, which can make it difficult for people to carry out daily living activities.
Functional Electrical Stimulation
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) reactivates the nerves that are no longer controlled by the central nervous system. Bioness have developed the L300 Go and L100 Go lower leg FES devices. Unlike FES devices commonly supplied within the NHS which require a control box/pulse generator via long wires, or a heel switch, the L300 Go and L100 Go utilise wireless technology. The H200 wireless is also available as a upper limb solution.
The simple design makes it easy for users to don/doff, with the potential for single-handed application. The self-contained electric pulse generator (EPG) uses accelerometers and gyroscopes to provide 3D motion detection in all 3 kinematic planes and enables users to walk without the need for a heel switch, opening up freedom of choice for footwear and allowing the user to walk barefoot. The 3D motion detection and learning algorithm provides consistent stimulation, deployed in 0.01seconds and adapts to the users gait dynamics.
Custom Made Orthoses
Our custom manufacturing unit at Ottobock Minworth specialise in hand crafted orthotics made to specification. The orthotist will design the orthosis depending on specific patient needs. Our experienced and award winning technicians ensure that each orthosis made is to the highest level of fit and comfort for your patient.
Ottobock Minworth blend cutting edge manufacturing techniques with traditional manufacturing skills to ensure the best possible outcomes for your orthotic device. A full range of AFOs, DAFOs, GRAFOs, and Stance control, Cosmetic and Convention KAFOs are available, complimented by Ottobock’s full range of world leading bars and joints.
Braces and Supports – Upper Extremity
Limb weakness is common after stroke and it is reported that over three quarters of stroke survivors report arm weakness, which can make it difficult for people to carry out daily living activities.
The Omo Neurexa plus is a shoulder support that prevents or reduce subluxation, resists pathological movement patterns, has a forearm support to further offload the shoulder joint. The Clima Cool material also aids with sensory feedback.
The Omo Neurexa plus can also be used in conjunction with the Manu Neurexa plus, or the Manu Immobil Long – a wrist hand orthosis that stabilises and supports the wrist where the wrist or hand is paralysed. Together, these products make up the complete upper limb solution.
Braces and Supports – Lower Extremity
Stock lower limb braces are designed to improve posture, mobility, walking speed and balance, as well as providing the end user with a greater sense of safety.
The WalkOn Range are dynamic lower leg orthoses, suitable for indoor and outdoor use. The primary feature of the WalkOn orthoses is that they are dynamic – a particular benefit for patients with permanent dorsiflexor weakness. The range is made of glass fibre (Flex) and carbon fibre prepreg materials (Trimable, Reaction and ReactionPlus) which provide easy energy storage and return during the gait cycle. The ergonomic design of the WalkOn orthoses means they are discreet and inconspicuous to wear.
Ottobock also offers a range of other lower limb braces for mild dorsiflexor weakness.
Stance Control Orthoses (SCO)
Stance Control Orthoses, usually available through NHS funding, are for patients with partial paralysis or absent knee extensor power. In general they allow for free swing phase and stable stance phase.
If you would like to know more about any of these products please get in touch via orthoticsuk@ottobock.com or visit our website for more information: www.ottobock.co.uk.
