ViaFit Precision Orthotics & Prosthetics recently partnered with Ottobock to customize and fit their revolutionary prosthetic device, the Dynamic Arm, for a patient with a rare forequarter amputation. This uncommon amputation involves the loss of the entire arm, shoulder and clavicle, and is a very difficult amputation to fit with a prosthetic device. ViaFit clinical practitioner David Telford, a certified and licensed prosthetist/orthotist, was challenged to find the best prosthetic option for his patient. Ultimately, Telford and the ViaFit team determined that the Ottobock Dynamic Arm was the ideal choice.
Ottobock, an orthotics and prosthetic device developer, and manufacturer of the Dynamic Arm, offered Telford the opportunity to bring ViaFit’s patient to the Ottobock Innovation Center in Minneapolis, MN for an intensive four-day session where they worked together to customize the Dynamic Arm for the forequarter amputation patient.
The Dynamic Arm is a computerized, myoelectric device that utilizes delicate sensors placed on the patient’s skin to read the electric currents on the nerves. The Dynamic Arm is able to interpret complex muscular signals, allowing for the prosthetic elbow, hand and wrist to move in a more natural way. David Telford worked with Ottobock clinical specialists to customize the Dynamic Arm for the patient. Together they fabricated and tested custom sockets, all while making real-time adjustments to complete the fitting in a timely manner. An occupational therapist was also onsite to work with the team.
“The partnership between ViaFit and Ottobock means more than a technological collaboration in the field of orthotics and prosthetics,” says Telford. “It means we’re making a difference to our patients and their families.”
The opportunity to connect with clinical experts at Ottobock provided the ViaFit team with a unique and valuable educational experience, and an opportunity to work with the latest and most complex prosthetic device technology. Because of the teamwork of the Ottobock and ViaFit clinical practitioners, the patient received optimal care, improving his quality of life while building the expertise of ViaFit practitioners, who can utilize this knowledge with future patients.
