Stance Control Orthotic Knee Joint®
Practitioner Qualification Course

Abstract

For many decades, rehabilitation experts have been searching for an orthosis that will safely support a weakened or paralyzed leg without locking the knee and interfering with swing phase function.  [Michael JW, Bowker JH, Prosthetics/Orthotics Research for the Twenty-First Century, Journal of Prosthetics & Orthotics 6:4, 1994]  Due to the loads applied combined with the requirement to make the joints as thin and light in weight as is practical, this has proven to be an elusive goal despite concerted efforts by many researchers worldwide.  Following several years of collaboration with National Aeronautical and Space Administration scientists, an orthotic joint offering this clinical function has been developed.  


Horton’s Stance Control Orthotic Knee Joint [SCOKJ®] automatically engages and disengages a lock against flexion, simultaneously offering the patient stance phase security and swing phase toe clearance.  No other mechanical orthosis offers this combination of clinical function, and preliminary studies suggest that permitting knee flexion during swing phase is likely to substantially reduce the energy cost of ambulation for the users.  [Kaufman KR, Irby SE, Mathewson JW, Wirta RE, Sutherland DH, Energy-Efficient Knee-Ankle-Foot-Orthosis: A Case Study, Journal of Prosthetics & Orthotics 8:3, 1996]

This one-day Qualifying Course will provide the experienced prosthetist-orthotist specific training necessary to provide this new capability to their orthotic and prosthetic patients.  Topics covered will include a review of the kinematics and kinetics of normal and pathologic gait; biomechanics of the SCOKJ®; indications, contraindications, and cautions; technical and fabrication considerations; and patient education and safety requirements.  The multimedia presentation will include a number of video case vignettes to illustrate the key concepts.  Attendance and participation in a Qualifying Course and successful completion of a written examination on the topics covered are prerequisites to order the SCOKJ®.