Utilizing Orthoses to Optimize Patient Outcomes (Austin)

Utilizing Orthoses to Optimize Patient Outcomes

We have come a long way from locked knee KAFOs and stiff AFOs. The awareness and utilization of this technology will maximize patient outcomes. This seminar will cover orthotic bracing including AFOs, KAFOs, SCOs, and SSCOs. In addition, we will also discuss a microprocessor KAFO designed to provide a new level of safety and a more natural gait. The course will provide understanding of the requirements for activation for all Stance Control and Swing and Stance Control orthoses as well as how to optimize patient strengths to achieve these requirements. The participants will gain understanding of what happens during gait cycle in relation to the orthoses, and how patients can activate the system they are wearing. The course will provide therapy suggestions for providing increased safety, stability, and activation of the systems according to patient needs and system requirements.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the course, the participants will be able to:

• Determine patient candidates for Stance Control as well as Swing and Stance Control patients.
• List three types of Stance Control activation and understand what each type requires for occurrence.
• Differentiate between the gait phases and how the microprocessor KAFO is working respectively
• Design an individualized gait training based on physical findings of the user and the technical possibilities the microprocessor KAFO offers
• Teach the patient how to walk with the microprocessor KAFO and operate it in different activities (motoric control)
• Describe the likelihood of outcomes for the patient

Location:

Join us at the Ottobock North American HQ in Austin, TX. The training will take place in our state-of-the-art classroom facility.

Presenter:

Gerry Stark, PhD, MSEM, CPO/L, FAAOP(D)

Gerald Stark, Ph.D, MSEM, CPO/L, FAAOP(D) is the Orthotics Manager for Ottobock Healthcare based in Austin, Texas. He has written and presented numerous topics in O & P nationally and internationally. In his 27-year career he has held various administrative positions in Engineering, Clinical Care, Product Development, and Education. As well as mechanical engineering degree and Masters of Engineering Management, he holds a Ph.D in Organizational Learning and Leadership from the University of Tennessee of Chattanooga. He currently serves as Chair of the Research Council for the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists. He has been honored as “Outstanding Engineering Alumni, “Outstanding Doctoral Student” and “Outstanding Clinical Educator” by his affiliated universities and the Academy.

Target Audience:

• Orthotists and orthotic assistants
• Physical therapists and assistants

Credits:

• 4 (s) ABC CEUs
  • NOTE: Category I ABC CEUs will be awarded to Certified Orthotists, Orthotic Assistants, and Orthotic Technicians. Category II ABC CEUs will be awarded to those with all other certifications.
• 4 PT CCUs (Approval# 70760TX)