Ms. Laura Platter has recently worked with our Western Maryland office staff, Rebecca (Becca) Frost, CPO and Heather Iman, Patient Services Representative , on a new Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis or KAFO.
Ms. Platter was diagnosed with cancer of the pelvis and spinal cord at 7 years old. She underwent extensive surgeries, including resection of the tumor, radiation, and reconstruction of the sciatic nerve (which provides control of the muscles of the left leg). Her first orthosis from Dankmeyer was an AFO, or ankle foot orthosis, for her left leg.
In 2015 her mobility was further impacted by a car accident. Her left leg was fractured, resulting in more surgeries. One operation fused the bones in her leg - meaning she has no movement in her left knee, ankle, or foot. As a result of all of the trauma, there is damage to her nerves, skin and bones which leaves Ms. Platter’s leg very sensitive to touch, as well as a limb length discrepancy (the left leg is shorter than her right leg).
Ms. Platter has tried a number of different orthotic options over the years, but more recently has been using a walker and hopping to get around, which is tough on the rest of her body. While she has considered amputation, it is not an option at this time, so she has come back to Dankmeyer to find a creative solution.
Becca, along with our clinical and fabrication teams, has designed a new, unique KAFO for her. This new KAFO has a prosthetic foot at the bottom, allowing her to bear weight on both legs, correct her leg length discrepancy, and protect her sensitive skin. It also allows her to wear a regular shoe to match what she wears on the right side. The prosthetic foot helps to provide motion similar to an ankle, making it easier to walk around. In Historic Western Maryland, which has a lot of hills and brick sidewalks, this is a great mobility advantage.
Using this orthosis has allowed her to take her first steps without a walker for the first time in 15 years! Ms. Platter is so very happy with her new KAFO and relieved that for the first time in a very long time, she can walk without pain in her hands or legs, and without fear of falling.
We are so proud to be a part of Ms. Platter’s care team and can’t wait to see what she does with her new mobility! Take a look at this change from test walk to delivery video clip!