Technical Advice & Tips
Modifying: AFO Part 1
In this two part video I show my technique for positive model rectification, or how I modify the plaster model.
TURBO AFO (Vacuum Forming/Pulling Plastic)
Vacuum forming technique for turbo AFO. Technicians vacuum form plastic to plaster model.
This video illustrates the technique for incorporating a long reinforcing polypropylene strut.
http://youtu.be/PKQOK2Wv-zI
I’m a Technician, Not a Magician By Tony Wickman, CTPO
The phrase “work your magic” is both a compliment and a curse. On one hand, it is a tremendous vote of confidence when someone clearly believes I have the skill, experience, wisdom, or whatever to turn a bad cast into a functional orthosis. On the other hand, I know who is hiding behind the curtain, and it’s just me. Yes, I have been doing this for a long time, and yes, I have seen a lot over the years. But, no, I am not in possession of any extraordinary powers. I know a lot of people who also have been doing this for so long that their skill, experience, wisdom, or whatever gives them the appearance of possessing magic powers as well, but sadly they don’t have magic powers either. The cold, cruel fact of the matter is that most of us just do the best we can.
I found this excellent article by Tony Wickman CTPO on the following web site www.oandp.com and on their Edge Publication. This is a very indepth web site/publication and it is well worth looking at on a regular basis. Many thanks to O&P The Edge for allowing us to use this article and link on our site.
To read this article in its entirety, see the September 2010 issue of The O&P EDGE: http://www.oandp.com/articles/2010-09_08.asp)
Coneiak Polishing Arbors
NEW Coneiak Polishing Arbors – now available in the UK from Algeos
These silicone grinding and polishing arbors work well with any standard thermoplastic material within the O&P industry.
Recommendations:
- Only use coneiak arbors on thermoplastic material – do not use on carbon materials
- Use manufacturers recommended speed for type of material being polished – guide available on request
- Always pull the material towards you in one direction
- Always keep the material moving. Do not focus on one spot