7 Steps to Ella's Orthotic Being A Success

  •  STEP ONE
We met Ella and discovered she was adorable and amenable to work with.  Discussed working with her, working with her carer, expected rehabilitation needed and outcomes with and without the orthotic, estimated costs and time frames.

  • STEP TWO
Images taken of Ella - still and moving.  Measurements taken of her foreleg as required to assist in creation of her orthotic. Casting mold made of her leg for orthotic manufacture.  Images, measurements and mould sent to the US for fabrication.

  • STEP THREE
Fitting day! This is the day we return to see Ella and try her new orthotic on for size. The orthotic fit is checked.  Her carers are taught how to care for the orthotic, how to break the orthotic in (like a new pair of shoes), what to look out for, what to expect and how to assist Ella in learning to wear it.

  • STEP FOUR
2 week breaking in period where the carer works with Ella to slowly build up the amount of time in the orthotic and assists her walking in it to learn how to walk, run and play in the orthotic.

  • STEP FIVE
1st assessment of function and fit of the orthotic. This is to check for any rub marks on the skin or any problems with the fit of the orthotic. Being a custom made device that we expect her to be wearing for 8 hours a day, we need to ensure the device fits properly and is not creating any sores. We expect 1-2 adjustments to be made per device at the start.
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  • STEP SIX
Rehabilitation starts. Ella is taught various exercises to build up her stamina and strength.

  • STEP SEVEN
One month, 3 month, 6 month and then 12 monthly checks to ensure the orthotic is still sitting correctly. Check there are no problems. After this, we expect to only need annual checks of her device. 
Ella riding in the cart to go on the school run; it's too far for her to walk!
Marking important landmarks - Ella's orthotic is made and marked for fitting.
Ella checking out her new support structure prior to fitting