I have not tried these braces. There is no way I could walk at all without my AFOs, I do not have the stability/control he has without orthotics. My guess is the man in the video has sensation, which for me is very limited (although, miraculously for 6 years post-SCI, still improving). Carbon fiber is a strong and dynamic material, definitely superior over any plastic, and has energy-storing property. Replacement of calf function is a major gain. But I think that support of shin is superior to support lying behind muscle, which could alter muscular function and/or cause skin irritation (may be indetectable until too late if lacking sensation)
Post by kilg0retr0ut on Apr 4, 2015 10:27:56 GMT -8
I'm going to keep this sorta active. I have sent them back for more adjustments. As you said Wavewolf if I can get my feet to tolerate them I'll be in business.
I starting using these two months ago and they make a world of difference over my plastic hinged AFOs. I can now stand unassisted and walk with either forearm crutches or canes at twice my previous pace. I do have some difficulty navigating inclines and it is much harder to stand up from a seated position but I am still getting used to them. A friend in Florida told me about his and he is walking unassisted. Here is his video:
They are also helping me strengthen my weak hips and glutes. At some point within the next few years I expect to be able to walk unassisted because of these braces since I can actually feel them propelling my forward. BTW, I am an L1 burst fracture incomplete as of July 2013.
Post by kilg0retr0ut on Apr 14, 2015 7:41:18 GMT -8
Thanks for the info Sponzinn. Can I ask you how your feet are holding up. These braces are awesome. My hinged plastic had no spring, no shock absorption. I can feel the spring in these. My problem is the booty thing is hard on my feet. I'm hoping they can pad it somehow. How many hours can you wear these at one time? Thanks again for the reply. Mark
Mark, I had a pressure point when I first tried them on at the top of each ankle cuff but my Orthotist glued some padding along the upper edge which worked. They seem to squeeze my feet but don't leave any pressure marks. I have worn them as long as an entire day but usually take them off whenever I know I'll be sitting for a while. I also thought the leaf string was too stiff but it has broken in somewhat. Mike
Hello everyone! I am the guy in the video that Sponzinn posted. I have had my Phat Braces for 1 year now and have worn them everyday. I cannot say enough about them personally. I have limited feeling/movement from the waist down and these have helped tremendously. This braces are light years ahead of the old white plastic ones that I wore for 18 years. They are pricey and not every insurance will cover them but it was well worth it for me and my quality of life.
I will try and do another video soon and will answer any questions that I can if you have any. Thanks again Sponzinn for introducing me to this forum!
Post by kilg0retr0ut on Apr 14, 2015 8:36:54 GMT -8
This is excellent, Thank You for joining. This really has my hopes up. I only had a short time with them but it was a great feeling. My right foot was tight (almost pinched), the Orthodic guys were great about recasting it. I'm waiting to see them soon. I'm pumped.
I think once you get them fitted correct you will like them. These come higher on my legs than the old white plastic ones which help so much with standing. I feel as if I walk semi-normal again. Before when walking without my cane my hip would be hurting within 15 yards to the point that I was unsure if I could make it back to my cane. No hip or back pain since putting my Phat Braces on. I give mine a good workout because I am very active. I work 5 days per week and do a lot of strenuous work around our home. These have held up without the first issue. I wish they would offer me a position to sell them because I believe in the product that much lol.