LAS VEGAS — It is important to understand the functional differences among stance control orthoses (SCOs) in order to properly prescribe a device, according to Curt Kowalczyk, CO, clinical specialist for Ottobock, at the Hanger Education Fair and National Meeting, here.

According to Kowalczyk, clinicians must first understand the different types of SCO activations so they can prescribe the most appropriate SCO. These include ankle activated, position activated and weight activated. With those differences in mind, the clinician should use the patient’s ambulatory status to determine an appropriate SCO.

“Choose an SCO based on patient presentation and their history, ambulation pattern, environment, manual muscle test and passive and functional range of motion tests,” Kowalczyk said.

He also emphasized the importance of setting patient expectations for the device.

“Set the expectations for how it is going to function for them in their daily lives,” he said. “Consider extrinsic factors, like where and how they are going to use it. Realistically, what is that patient going to meet while out in the community?”

According to Kowalczyk, once a clinician understands the activation process of an SCO and the patient's needs for the device, the clinician can appropriately prescribe an adequate device.

For more information:

Kowalczyk C. Functional differences among SCOs. Presented at The Hanger Education Fair and National Meeting; Feb.5-7, 2013; Las Vegas.