Ohio Willow Wood USA FAQ

Every once in a while, a new product comes along that radically changes the direction that an industry is headed. Many times, that innovation comes from a company that is new to the industry but, other times, it comes from a company that has been around a while. When an experienced company is open enough to look at a problem in a completely different light, you can get amazing results. That is what has happened with the Pathfinder™.

The Pathfinder™ was developed by listening closely to what amputees and prosthetists told us they needed from a foot. This foot gives unparalleled energy return to amputees. While that sounds really good, what it really means is that it takes less energy from people to walk across the street or run across the yard. It also means that you will experience less daily fatigue and that your body will have more energy every day.

Secondly, this innovative product provides unrivaled balance, from the first step! Historically, prosthetic feet have put a person's weight on the edges of the foot. The unique design of the Pathfinder's™ independent toes in combination with the pneumatic heel spring allow amputees to have the center of their weight on the ball of their foot.

Finally, the motion that this prosthetic revolution performs in unheard of. In fact, the polycentric motion created through this design is as remarkable as any ankle on the market today. But with the motion being created inside the design, it provides stability that is often lacking from a standard prosthetic ankle.

The true answer, though, to the question of what makes the Pathfinder™ great can best be answered by the people that are wearing it. Take a look at what our Pathfinder™ Amputees have to say about it. They're the best test of this foot. They use it everyday.

Alpha® Liners HAVE to be cleaned daily plus they MUST be disinfected once a week.

True success with these liners requires them to be snug and that fact alone leads to the creation of a "closed system" between the liners and your leg. To clean your Alphas®, wash them down every day with mild soap and water. Preferably, you should use the same soap that you are using for yourself so that you don't create the possibility of a reaction to a different type of soap. Allow the liners to dry on the drying stand overnight so that the next day they are fully dry and ready for your use.

Once a week, you need to disinfect the inside of your liners to prevent the build up of any bacteria or other material. Simply wipe a cleaned liner down with a light alcohol and allow the liner to dry overnight. That's all it takes!

Cleaning and disinfecting your Alpha® Liners in this manner will improve the life of your liners and also be certain to prevent any skin rash possibilities.

This is a question our Customer Care associates are frequently asked by amputees who use our products. Ohio Willow Wood’s direct customers are prosthetists, prosthetic facilities, and distributors who then sell to prosthetists. Ohio Willow Wood does not sell any of its products directly to amputees.

Why? Ohio Willow Wood works hard to provide products that assist amputees in leading a functionally, normal lifestyle and products that are comfortable to wear. With this in mind, we firmly believe amputees need the assistance and expertise of certified prosthetists to deliver quality care and to fit patients with the prostheses best suited for their needs.

Ohio Willow Wood products such as the Pathfinder™ Foot, the Impulse™ foot and ankle, and even our Alpha™ liners do require technical and medical knowledge to accurately evaluate and fit to amputees. Prosthetists are not medical doctors, but they do receive medical and technical training in order to practice. The American Board for Certification and the Board for Orthotic Certification are the two national boards that certify prosthetists and orthotists. Both boards require an individual to have a college degree or equivalent work experience, to complete a residency of one to two years, and to pass a certification exam before becoming practicing prosthetists. This education is what sets prosthetists apart from medical doctors, physical therapists and other healthcare professionals in providing the appropriate care to amputees.

If you have questions about your prosthesis or want more information on Ohio Willow Wood products, we encourage amputees to talk with their prosthetists. To receive literature about a specific Ohio Willow Wood product, call 1-877-699-2574.

It is of the utmost importance that amputees examine their Alpha® Liners daily for any sign of unusual wear, which usually indicates a change in the prosthetic fit. If you do see unusual wear on your liner, Ohio Willow Wood recommends you contact your prosthetist immediately.

Also, ask your prosthetist to show you how to correctly use Volume Management Pads, made of 3mm-thick Alpha® Gel, to manage daily volume fluctuation. This simple step can go a long way in extending the life of the liner. Volume Management Pads are extremely effective for dealing with volume loss, and are easy to use.

Although volume loss will sometimes result in discomfort on the limb, the area where discomfort is felt is usually not the area where volume has been lost. A Volume Management Pad will only be effective if it is placed onto the area where volume has been lost. For example, for transtibial amputees the area most likely to lose volume is the area at the back of the leg, even though the looseness may be felt on the front of the leg at the tibia.

Notice that we are not mentioning the use of socks to manage volume loss. Ohio Willow Wood recommends Volume Management Pads instead of socks because volume loss affects only the soft tissues and not the bony prominences. Adding socks increases the volume symmetrically – not just in the places where volume has been lost – and eliminates the Total Surface Weight Bearing effect that is crucial for preventing premature wear of the liner. Using selective padding to replace volume in the exact area where it was lost is the most effective way of addressing this issue.

For this same reason, it is best not to use Alpha® Gel Cups – which also add volume symmetrically – to attempt to address volume loss. Gel Cups are much better suited for instances where you need additional cushioning right from the start, such as for limbs that are very pointy or that have serious calluses on the distal end.

When you start out with a well fitting prosthesis and use Volume Management Pads for dealing with routine fluctuations in volume loss, then you are more likely to obtain the best possible comfort and durability from the Alpha® Liner.

If you have additional questions about volume loss or want more information on Ohio Willow Wood products, we strongly encourage amputees to talk with their prosthetists. To receive literature about a specific Ohio Willow Wood product, call 1-877-699-2574.

Although our Alpha® liners have proven to be very skin-friendly for most amputees, we do occasionally hear a few reports of skin irritations. Most of these cases can be traced to liner cleaning practices or fit. Here’s a checklist to try and help determine why your skin may be irritated.

How is the liner being disinfected? Sometimes amputees wash the liners daily but neglect the weekly disinfection of wiping the gel lightly with alcohol. If a rash appears after two or three months of using an Alpha® liner, this is the likely cause. You only need to disinfect the liner once a week…doing more frequently can dry out the gel. Review the instructions in the booklet entitled “Important Information for the Amputee Concerning the Alpha® Liner.” If you do not have a copy of this booklet, ask your prosthetist or request one from Ohio Willow Wood. Please note that using an anti-bacterial soap instead of alcohol is not an effective means of disinfection.
Have you started using a different soap recently for cleaning the liner? Sometimes a change of soap can trigger a skin reaction. For some amputees, anti-bacterial soap has caused skin irritations. Generally, the same soap you use in the bath or shower can be used for daily cleanings of your liner. In addition to soap and water, you may consider using O&P Basics Instant Antimicrobial Sanitizer which kills 99.99% of odor causing germs. In addition, it provides effective odor control that persists when wearing and using gel liners. The O&P Basics Antimicrobial Sanitizer also moisturizes the skin with softeners and emollients.
Be mindful of how you are donning the liner. Some amputees will grab the proximal edge (the top) of the liner and try to pull it as high on the leg as possible, like putting on a boot. This can lead to irritation along the proximal edge of the liner. Make sure you roll the liner onto the limb without grabbing or pulling.
Inspect the liner’s gel surface for gouges, holes or other damage. If you are scrubbing the gel when cleaning the liner, this can damage the gel. To clean the liner’s gel surface, gently wipe it with a soft cloth.
Be careful of what skin care products you use on your residual limb. Do not use talcum powder or any creams or lotions that contain animal fats or oils (lanolin, vitamin E oil, etc.) or hydrocarbon oils (petroleum jelly, silicone oil, etc.). These products can degrade the liner’s gel. If you are uncertain if a product may be harmful to the Alpha® liner gel, ask your prosthetist or contact Ohio Willow Wood at 1-877-699-2574 with a list of the product’s ingredients. If we don’t have an immediate answer, we’ll research it and call you back.
Is your residual limb sweating excessively? Sweat can get “trapped” in the liner and can cause some skin irritation. A quick preventative measure in this instance is to remove the liner, give it a quick rinse with clean water, blot the liner dry with a clean towel, and then don the liner. It is also important to try to prevent the sweating from happening again. Sweating is often the result of air getting between your limb and the liner, possibly because your limb has lost volume. Try applying Volume Management Pads to the area that has shrunk; if the sweating continues, contact your prosthetist.
Is the skin irritation happening with both liners or just one? If it is happening with only one liner, is there anything different about the other liner in terms of how it is being worn or cared for? Also, be sure you are alternating liners correctly.
You may be having an allergic reaction to the gel. While Ohio Willow Wood has never had a documented case of an allergic reaction to the Alpha® gel, it is a possibility. To rule this out, apply a clean piece of Alpha® gel somewhere else on your body for three to four days to see if the skin reacts the same way in that area. Ask your prosthetist to supply a piece of the Alpha® gel for this test.
If all the above checks out, contact your prosthetist. The fit of your liner may need to be checked. A liner that is too loose allows the residual limb to rub back and forth on the liner, abrading the skin. Likewise, a liner that is too tight may cause problems as well. There is also the possibility that you may have a fungal and/or bacterial infection of the limb and liner, in which case you may need to see a dermatologist as well.

If you have additional questions about causes of skin irritations on your residual limb after using Alpha® liners or want more information on Ohio Willow Wood products, we strongly encourage amputees to talk with their prosthetists. To receive literature about a specific Ohio Willow Wood product, such as O&P Basics Instant Antimicrobial Sanitizer, call 1-877-699-2574.

Whether a new amputee or a long-time amputee looking to change providers, finding a prosthetist you are comfortable with and who can provide you good care can be a challenge. Don’t get overwhelmed or discouraged though, there are resources to help you in your search. When starting a search for the right prosthetist for you, there are several places to contact for information.

Other amputees: Ask other amputees for references. These amputees could be friends, neighbors, family or even strangers. These amputees can provide information about their past and present and the quality of care they provided. Listen carefully…make notes if that helps you remember what is shared. Suggestions from amputees who have amputations similar to yours can be especially helpful.
Amputee Support Groups: There are numerous local amputee support groups throughout the US as well as online support groups. Support groups can be helpful resources for just about every situation an amputee faces. Requests about good prosthetists in your area will probably garner a lot of input. Again, listen carefully and ask questions. Sift through the information gathered keeping in mind the variety of differing viewpoints and experiences from which support group members are speaking. Support groups may also offer books, videos and articles on various topics, such as working with a prosthetist, which may be worthwhile reviewing.

Once you have three or four area prosthetists positively referred from one or more of the above resources, you may want to meet with each prosthetist for a facility tour and interview. At these interviews, it is very important to ask questions about the prosthetist and their facility. These visits can help you decide which prosthetist is right for you. Take a notebook with a list of questions so you can jot down the answers as well as your observations and impressions of the practitioner, the staff and the facility. Before leaving, ask if the office can provide several patient names that you could contact for reference. New medical privacy laws may prevent the office from providing patient references, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.

For the interviews, your questions should pertain to a prosthetist’s education, training and certification, experience working with amputations like yours, cost and insurance coverage for office visits and your prosthesis (and/or components), and specifics about your particular prosthesis. You may also want to ask if the prosthetist has previously worked with your physician, physical therapist and/or occupational therapist, as applicable. Pay attention to how each prosthetist communicates…are your questions fully answered, did each of them listen to you, and were your concerns addressed to your satisfaction?

Once you’ve met with all the candidate prosthetists, review and compare the information you collected from each. If you find you forgot to ask a specific question, call the practitioner(s) and ask. Consider and compare each individual. Then decide which prosthetist you were most comfortable and confident with and which is best suited for your medical and financial needs.

If you have additional questions or would like more information about how to locate a prosthetist, Ohio Willow Wood suggests you contact the Amputee Coalition of America. You can reach the ACA toll-free at 1-888-267-5669 or visit their website at www.amputee-coalition.org.

Every amputee is different and has different requirements in their prostheses. It is difficult to make a blanket statement that one form of suspension is better than the other and have it hold true for every amputee. Below is a quick look at some of the pros and cons for suction and pin suspension.

The main disadvantage of the pin, or locking, suspension is called pistoning or milking. This is when the liner-clad residual limb stretches out while the leg is swinging through the gait within the socket. This happens because a liner is flexible and because the weight of the entire prosthesis is suspended from one point…the pin.

Another negative associated with pin suspension is that locks do not always release smoothly. This can cause amputees to sometimes beat on the lock to get it to release. Also, pins in locking sockets sometimes can become stuck or ‘hung up’ in the socket. This can contribute to the lock being hard to release and it can also cause difficulty in getting the socket secured and the locking mechanism engaged when putting on the prosthesis.

When donning a prosthesis that utilizes pin suspension, the pin must be centered exactly with the lock. If the pin and lock are not lined up precisely, the prosthesis will not go on. This can be especially frustrating for amputees who have poor eyesight or other visual impairments.

Lastly, most shuttle locks must be centered in the bottom of the socket to allow the pin to function correctly. However, the center placement requirement can limit a prosthetist’s alignment options.

With the disadvantages noted, locking suspension for BKs or AKs does have some benefits:

For AK and BK sockets using suction as a means of suspension, pistoning is not an issue because all the force and weight of the prosthesis are not focused on one small point at the bottom of the socket. Instead, the limb is held secure because air in the socket is forced out through an opening at the bottom of the socket which is covered by a valve to close the opening. By forcing the air out of the socket through the valve, a vacuum effect is created which holds the limb in the socket.

On the whole, amputees who wear a well-fitting suction socket often say it provides better suspension and control than other types of suspension they’d previously worn. Benefits of suction suspension include:

Suction suspension does have a few disadvantages. First, depending upon the fit of the limb within the socket, amputees may or may not need to use a suspension sleeve to help prevent air from entering the socket. The sleeve can add a little bit of bulk and a bit of weight to a prosthesis.

Secondly, amputees with very short residual limbs may not be able to use a suction socket successfully. This is due to the fact that when the knee is bent the socket’s fit on the residual limb is slightly loosened, which leads to a decrease in the suction of the socket.

Something else to keep in mind when considering suction suspension is volume changes in the residual limb during the course of a day. Amputees, who experience large amounts of volume changes, can have suspension problems later in the day. While volume changes will happen regardless of suspension method, amputees using suction will need to use volume management pads or socks to maintain a firm fit in their socket. While amputees with pin suspension should do the same, they have slightly less worries of their prostheses coming off because theirs are locked.

Again, one form of suspension is not necessarily the best method for every amputee. It is important for amputees to talk openly and honestly with their prosthetists in order to feel the most comfortable and secure in their prostheses.

If you have additional questions about pin or suction suspension methods or want more information on Ohio Willow Wood suspension products, we strongly encourage amputees to talk with their prosthetists. To receive information about suspension products from Ohio Willow Wood, call 1-877-699-2574.

It is an unfortunate fact that due to traumatic accidents, disease or birth defects, some children need prosthetic devices. Fortunately, prosthetic devices/equipment for young children have made great improvements over the last number of years. Parents and children today have a variety of products to choose from that allow kids to be active, healthy and....well, act like kids.

Just like adult prostheses, lower-limb prostheses for children include a liner, a socket, foundation components and a foot. Ohio Willow Wood’s pediatric product line, called P-POD™, was designed with the ultimate purpose of allowing kids to act like kids regardless of their amputation. P-POD products include feet, durable Alpha® Liners, and tough foundation components, even a growth kit that can adjust to the unpredictable growth spurts of children.

As children grow, the way they walk changes. When children first begin walking, initial foot-to-floor contact tends to occur in the mid-foot to forefoot area. The heel may not come into contact with the ground at all. At this stage, there is little need for advanced foot function. However, as children develop, their walking gait follows the normal progression of heel strike through toe off. This mature gait requires a foot that offers some toe response. Ohio Willow Wood has feet for both phases: P-POD SACH foot for the initial walking stages and the P-POD Impulse™ for the second, more mature phase.

The pediatric foot is connected to the prosthetist-designed socket by using foundation components. These components allow a prosthetist to offer a solid, dependable foundation for young amputees. Ohio Willow Wood offers a complete line of Endoskeletal and Exoskeletal solutions for various amputation and limb deficiency situations. All P-POD foundation components have been tested for durability and strength. The socket holds the residual limb, but it is best and most comfortable if the residual limb is covered with a liner before the socket is put on. A gel liner, like the Alpha P-POD Liner, hugs and cushions the limb while providing comfort and protection from sheer, impact and abrasive forces.

Aside from prosthetic devices, a helpful resource for young amputees and their families is a strong support network. There are numerous amputee support groups throughout the U.S. as well as online support groups. Support groups can be helpful sources to turn to for just about every situation a family with a young amputee faces. Support groups may also offer books, videos and articles on a wide-range of topics. To locate a support group, contact the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) toll-free at 1-888-267-5669, or for a listing of ACA member support groups by state and country visit http://www.amputee-coalition.org/npn_group_list.html.

The ACA also holds several events each year specifically for young amputees. The first of these events is biofit. Biofit events are held a couple times each year and bring young amputees together with accomplished, challenged athletes and parents together with professionals from the orthotic and prosthetic field. While the children get to play with their peers, parents can gain valuable information about prosthetics and product developments/treatments for young amputees. To find out more about biofit, follow the link to the ACA’s site: http://www.amputee-coalition.org/youth_biofit.html. Ohio Willow Wood, a founding sponsor of biofit, is proud to support the ACA and help young amputees redefine their physical limits. The ACA also has an annual summer camp for young amputees ages 10 through 17. To learn more about the camp, visit the following ACA webpage: http://www.amputee-coalition.org/youth_camp.html.

If you have additional questions about prosthetics for pediatric patients, we strongly encourage parents to talk with their children’s prosthetists. To receive literature or information about Ohio Willow Wood’s P-POD products, call 1-877-699-2574.

The specific answer for your question is best left to you and your prosthetist to answer. Each person’s residual limb is different and for some prefabricated liners work wonderfully. For others, who may have scarred, short or unusually-shaped residual limbs, custom liners may provide more protection and comfort. Following are a few aspects of the two liner types. We recommend you discuss your specific needs with your prosthetist for best results.

Prefabricated Liners
Prefabricated Alpha® Liners are great for amputees who have more regularly-shaped limbs. They work for a wide variety of amputees and activity levels. Each of the prefabricated gel liner styles has different characteristics.

Alpha Original – Comfortable and dependable, the gel conforms to the shape of the residual limb and protects against abrasions and shear forces.
Alpha Spirit – Flexible fabric sets this liner apart from other Alpha liners. While still delivering comfort and protection, the Spirit fabric allows for easier donning and doffing which aids amputees who have limited hand dexterity.
Alpha MAX – Three times more durable fabric on the Alpha MAX sets this liner apart from the Original and Spirit Liners. It is best suited to active amputees as its unique stabilizing strip gives added security.
Alpha AK – This liner offers exceptional fit and security for transfemoral amputees. All the benefits of the skin-friendly, mineral-oil-based gel are maintained in the AK liner.
Alpha P-POD – For active youngsters, Alpha P-POD liners feature MAX fabric for rugged durability. Easy to don and doff, the liner remains resilient enough to maintain its shape. These liners were designed to keep up with the busy lives of children.

Prefabricated Alpha Liners are offered in a variety of sizes. Prefabricated, transtibial liners in medium, medium plus and large sizes are also available in three gel patterns:

Custom Liners
Amputees, whose residual limbs are scarred, bony, short, or uneven in shape, may want to ask their prosthetist about the Alpha DESIGN Liners, Ohio Willow Wood’s custom liner. With DESIGN Liners, practitioners can determine the gel thickness and exact gel placement in the liner, providing amputees the most comfortable and best fitting liner ever. The customization is on the inside of the liner. From the outside, it is hard to tell a custom liner from a prefabricated Alpha Liner.

When using OMEGA™ Tracer (a CAD program offered by Ohio Willow Wood), prosthetists can completely control the thickness and pattern of gel in a DESIGN liner to best match the unique contours of limbs. Gel may be distributed exactly as needed:

Knowing which liner is best suited for you is a conversation every amputee should have with their prosthetist. If you want more information on Ohio Willow Wood’s Alpha® Liners, we strongly encourage amputees to talk with their prosthetists. To receive literature about a specific Ohio Willow Wood product, call 1-877-699-2574.

Yes, there is a better way! You are not alone…many AK amputees are uncomfortable with the plaster molding process some practitioners use to create new sockets. The process can be long, uncomfortable and can be very intimate. And the quality and fit of your socket ultimately depends on how well the practitioner or technician molded the plaster.

So what’s the better way? CAD, which stands for Computer Assisted Design, entered the O&P industry in the early 1990s and has steadily gained a following. The advantages CAD systems offer can vary as some systems are very basic while others actually allow practitioners to utilize their skills for better end results. An example of the latter is Ohio Willow Wood’s OMEGA™ Tracer^® CAD system.

OMEGA Tracer offers a variety of features and functions to prosthetists and orthotists. In regards to capturing the shape of an amputee’s residual limb for a new socket or a custom liner, the practitioner can use the system’s T-Ring™ II, which is a hexagonal-shaped tool, that is centered around the residual limb. The practitioner then presses a button and the limb’s shape is digitally captured and then displayed three-dimensionally on a computer screen. The T-Ring II can be used for both AK and BK amputees. For spinals, AFOs and other orthotic devices as well as AK sockets, shapes can be created and displayed on-screen from measurements taken by the practitioner.

Once the amputee’s limb shape is captured, the prosthetist can design an amputee’s socket and completely take into account any invaginations, bony prominences or other unique limb features. In addition, practitioners can design custom Alpha® DESIGN Liners for BK amputees after their limb shapes are captured. When a socket and a custom liner are both created in a single patient visit, OMEGA Tracer will allow the practitioner to ‘see’ on-screen how the two components will fit together.

The OMEGA Tracer CAD system offers many other benefits for practitioners and their patients. The quick and easy shape capture available from the T-Ring II is one of the features most appreciated by amputees. But the end result of a well-crafted and secure-fitting socket and/or custom DESIGN Liner is the ultimate end benefit for amputees.

Getting new sockets should not be a process amputees dread…there is a better way. If you want more information on alternatives to plaster casting such as Ohio Willow Wood’s OMEGA Tracer CAD system, we strongly encourage amputees to discuss the options available with their prosthetists. To receive literature about a specific Ohio Willow Wood product, call 1-877-699-2574 or visit our website at www.owwco.com.

This and similar questions are being asked a lot by amputees and their prosthetists. Listed below are a few tips to what individuals can do or should know.

Educate yourself – How many people actually read their medical insurance coverage handbooks? Most likely, not many…until we get a claim denied or the portion to pay is higher than expected. Take time to carefully review what your insurance does and does not cover, what qualifications/requirements must be met before coverage occurs, what their requirements are to appeal a denied claim, and if the insurance plan has a lifetime maximum for different procedures or equipment. It may sound overly simple, but knowledge of your insurance company’s practices can be a powerful tool in dealing with them.
Choose the plan best suited for you – There are a couple different types of medical insurance plans. Do your research of what options your employer or private insurance agent offers and select the plan that best suits your needs. You may want to check with your prosthetist to see which medical insurance plans they work with routinely and have positive results on coverage. Here’s a quick breakdown on the different options:
1. Fee-for-Service Plans: These types of plans allow subscribers to visit the medical caregiver of their choice and charge a coinsurance fee and deductibles. Subscribers are reimbursed for part of the covered medical expenses but insurance will only provide coverage for those procedures included in its benefits summary. Be careful of what this plan considers the ‘going’ rate for medical procedures. If the subscriber-chosen caregiver charges more than what the insurance plan considers the going rate, the subscriber may be responsible for the lion’s share of payment.
2. Managed Care Plans: Consist of three plan types: Preferred Provider Organization, Point of Service, and Health Maintenance Organizations. Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) and Point of Service (POS) plans are very similar. Both allow subscribers to go outside the plans’ list of preferred service providers, but premiums may be higher. For out-of-plan caregivers, subscribers will share the greater portion of costs. PPOs usually don’t require medical work to go through a primary care doctor, while POSs do. Both managed care plans will typically involve co-pays and deductibles. Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) work to keep medical care costs low and set a fee structure of what providers can charge for services. HMOs do not typically allow subscribers to select their medical caregivers. Co-payments and deductibles are also common in HMO plans.
Take Charge – Insurance companies want and need new business…they just don’t want to look like they do. Individuals have the power to work with their employers’ benefits managers to speak up about what is needed to be medically covered in order for an insurance company to get new business. Check with your employer’s human resource or benefits manager to see how your needs can be expressed when negotiating for new or renewal of the company’s insurance plan(s).
Don’t give up easily – When a medical claim has been declined, insurance companies do provide an appeals process. It is your responsibility to find out what this process is and to meet it if you decide to appeal a denied claim. Do your research. If the appeals process seems too overwhelming, locate a patient advocate or lawyer to help you.

Medical insurance carries the same caveat as other goods and services…buyer beware. Knowing what your options are in advance and making educated decisions and choices can make dealing with medical insurance companies less intimidating and less stressful.

If you have additional questions or would like more information about how to work with medical insurance companies, including the appeals process, Ohio Willow Wood suggests you contact the Amputee Coalition of America. You can reach the ACA toll-free at 1-888-267-5669 or visit their website at www.amputee-coalition.org.

Good question! And the answer, in short, is no. Whether or not to wear a cosmetic covering over a prosthesis is a very personal decision. In today’s socially-conscious society some amputees want to blend in…and a cosmetic covering allows them to do so. Other amputees don’t mind looking a bit unique and not blending in. They are comfortable with their metal pylons, knees, ankles and such exposed

Every amputee must make their own decision on this matter. But keep in mind that there are many options available. Amputees can even have a non-covered prosthesis for every day wear and then a cosmetically-covered prosthesis to wear for special occasions where blending in is important to them. How detailed amputees desire cosmetic covering to be is another area in which options exist. Coverings can be highly customized to show many details or can be kept simple. What materials cosmetic coverings are made of can also vary…from silicone to PVC. These options and the decisions made about the options do impact not only how the covering appears but cost, durability and quality as well.

Ohio Willow Wood does offer cosmetic coverings for lower-extremity amputees. Transtibial and transfemoral coverings are both available. These coverings are made of foam and are popular due to their consistency and firmness. AK foam cosmetic coverings are preflexed to 30 degrees and are also preshaped; but can be easily shaped by practitioners for a more personal appearance. A more flexible foam is used in the knee section of AK covers so that flexion and extension of the knee are not restricted.

Deciding if you want a cosmetic covering can be a tough decision and deserves some personal reflection. But be sure to make an informed decision as well. Talking with other amputees, both those who do and do not wear cosmetic coverings, may help you gain perspective and insight on this matter. And talking with your prosthetist about the options available can be an invaluable source of information.

If you have additional questions about cosmetic coverings or want more information on Ohio Willow Wood products, we strongly encourage amputees to talk with their prosthetists. To receive literature about a specific Ohio Willow Wood product, call 1-877-699-2574.

It is true that prosthetists today have more choices than ever when choosing the correct prosthetic foot for their patients’ daily needs. It may seem overwhelming. It becomes easier to determine which foot is right for an individual by categorizing prosthetic feet on patient activity level.

The prosthetic industry uses 5 grades of amputee activity levels by which feet are categorized:

LEVEL 0 –	Mobility is very low to non-existent. These amputees are not prosthetic candidates.
LEVEL 1 –	Mobility is limited. Amputees have the ability or potential to use a prosthesis for ambulation on level surfaces at a slow pace. For example, this activity level is common for amputees who need to move from the bedroom to bathroom.
LEVEL 2 –	Amputees have the ability or potential for ambulation with enough mobility to traverse low level environmental barriers such as curbs, stairs or uneven surfaces. This activity level is typical of the limited community ambulatory who might take a short walk on the sidewalk or who goes to the local pharmacy or grocery.
LEVEL 3 –	Amputees have the ability or potential for ambulation with varying pace. This activity level is typical of amputees who can easily get around their community and can traverse most environmental barriers. These active amputees may have vocational, therapeutic or exercise activity that demands prosthetic utilization beyond basic locomotion.
LEVEL 4 –	Amputees have the ability or potential for ambulation that exceeds basic ambulation skills, exhibiting high impact, stress or energy levels. This activity level is typical of the prosthetic demands of a child, active adult, or athlete.

Most manufacturers will classify their prosthetic feet by the activity levels listed above. When working with a prosthetist for a foot best suited to your lifestyle, it is critical that you are honest in sharing your activity level before amputation and what it is today. Ohio Willow Wood strongly encourages amputees to evaluate not only their current activity level but also the activity level they aspire to be at. Discussing your goals with your prosthetist is a smart idea so that the prosthetic foot chosen can help build muscle strength that will aid in goal achievement.

For example, the Pathfinder® II foot is best suited for amputees who are at level 3 or 4 on the activity scale. However, the Pathfinder II works to maximize the potential for low-activity amputees. So an amputee currently at an activity level 2 may start with a low-activity foot, such as Ohio Willow Wood’s Earthwalk™ 2. As the amputee starts to rebuild muscle strength on their amputated side, the amputee may graduate to an Impulse™ foot (level 3-4), or to a Pathfinder II if they plan on being athletically active.

Be sure to discuss your activity level and your goals, as well as specific foot features, such as weight, energy return and response, with your prosthetist for prosthetic feet that are classified for your activity level. If a foot you just received isn’t responding as needed, be sure to let your prosthetist know as soon as possible. The foot may just need a simple adjustment or it may not be the right foot for you. The key is to make informed choices.

If you have additional questions about prosthetic feet and activity levels or want information on Ohio Willow Wood products, we strongly encourage amputees to talk with their prosthetists. To receive literature about a specific Ohio Willow Wood product, call 1-877-699-2574.

Many amputees find value from amputee support groups. There are more than 250 support groups throughout the US. What to expect from support groups is an understandable and reasonable question.

Not all support groups are the same. But in general, all should exist to provide new, as well as long-time amputees, emotional support, helpful information and social activities. A group which only shares sad, depressing stories and complains probably won't be very helpful to many amputees. Instead, look for a group that is upbeat and exhibits positive, encouraging interactions among members.

The environment at support groups is often friendly, compassionate, accepting and very non-intimidating. Participation is commonly voluntary. You can be as active and involved as you feel comfortable. Some groups may do more social activities than others, but most have at least a few traditional meetings that convey helpful information to members. Topics of discussion may vary and could range from very private issues like personal hygiene and sexual issues, to topics about how to get around in public or driving tips.

Support groups are not for everyone. However, attending a few meetings is the only way to know if it suits you or not. To locate a support group, ask your prosthetist or look for information in their office’s waiting area. You may also ask other amputees for recommendations or search online for the closest group. The Amputee Coalition of America’s website (www.amputee-coalition.org) offers a searchable database of amputee support groups that are registered with the National Limb Loss Information Center. If there is not a support group in your area, you may find one online. The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) does offer an online support group which is real-time and professionally-facilitated.

If you have additional questions about amputee support groups, we strongly encourage amputees to talk with their prosthetist or contact the ACA toll-free at 1-888-0267-5669.

Amputees who want an extra feeling of security are usually those most interested in using suction seals. Your comfort and confidence in how your prosthesis fits is critical. If you feel as though your socket is loose or just not as snug as you like, ask your prosthetist if a suction seal is right for you. There is no hard and fast clinical rule determining who should use one and who shouldn’t.

Suction Seals can be used with either locking or suction sockets, but are most commonly used with suction sockets. The Alpha® Suction Seals can be used in conjunction with any suction suspension product to obtain added security and an air-tight seal. Some sleeves, like the Alpha Spirit Suction Seal allow for the use of Velcro® tabs that give superior suction suspension as well as an airtight seal.

If you have additional questions about suction seals, we encourage amputees to talk with their prosthetists. To receive literature about Ohio Willow Wood Alpha suction seals, call 1-877-699-2574.

So, you’re leaving for vacation with your liners? Have a great time! Following a few simple tips about the summer heat and caring for your Alpha Liners will help vacation go off without a hitch!

If you’re going to be packing a spare Alpha Liner in a suitcase, here’s a handy way to help keep its shape: put some socks or a t-shirt in a plastic bag and roll the liner over it.
Alpha Locking Liner users can use this technique for drying their liners without having to pack a bulky drying stand: take a shoe string (or other similar string), tie a slip knot on both ends, slip one knot over a coat hanger, slip the other end around the pin on the end of the liner, and hang the liner to dry.
Avoid leaving Alpha Liners in hot places (like the trunk of your car), because the heat can cause the liner to deform.
Just because you’re on vacation and away from your daily routine, don’t forget to clean the Alpha Liners daily and disinfect them weekly! To help minimize odors, remember to pack a supply of O&P Basics Instant Sanitizer.
Remember to pack some Volume Management Pads to help deal with daily volume fluctuations.

Also, if you plan on packing your drying stands but can’t fit them in a suitcase, take them to your prosthetist to be trimmed down. Your prosthetist will be able to make the drying stands shorter but still fully functional.

If you have additional questions about traveling with your Alpha Liners (or your prosthesis in general), we encourage amputees to talk with their prosthetists. To receive literature about a specific Ohio Willow Wood product, call 1-877-699-2574.

You are not alone. Many Americans struggle with their weight as the US has seen obesity rates rise since 2000. The root cause of obesity is when an individual consumes more calories than what is expended.

A person’s weight has a direct impact on how comfortable, or not, a prosthesis will fit. Plus or minus 10 pounds on an amputee can alter a prosthesis’ fit. When an amputee’s weight increases by 10 or more pounds, they may experience pain and discomfort, change in gait, skin breakdowns and stress on other parts of the body. Typically the more weight gained, the greater the discomfort and stress on the body.

Your prosthesis is made uniquely for you. Rapid weight loss will also impact the fit and comfort of your prosthesis resulting in a socket that may be too loose. This can put your residual limb at risk for unwanted trauma resulting in discomfort of your current prosthesis. A loose fitting socket will at times result in pressure at the distal end of the residual limb, distal patella or distal region of the medial condial.

What to do?
If you are going to start a weight loss program, work with your prosthetist so they can keep a close eye on the fit of your prosthesis. The key is to make sure you lose your weight in a smart manner. First, eat healthy foods, making sure you get the vitamins and minerals necessary. Next, get active! For example, simply walking for 30 minutes a day, everyday can burn fat and build muscle, which in turn speeds up your metabolism. The benefits are even better if you walk for 60 minutes every day.

To date, Ohio Willow Wood has not received any confirmed reports of allergic reactions to the Alpha gel. Testing by an independent laboratory regarding the biocompatibility of the gel yielded negative results for lysis (the dissolution or destruction of cells), toxicity, skin irritation, and delayed skin sensitivity with repeated exposure. Given these results, it is possible but not likely to have an allergic reaction.

To help rule out an allergic reaction, place small pieces of clean, un-used Alpha gel (ask your prosthetist for this) somewhere on your body other than your residual limb. If possible, leave the small pieces in place without removing them for three or four days. After three to four days of having the gel piece on your skin, examine the skin to see if a rash is present. If this area develops a rash, talk with your prosthetist or an allergist. If no rash exists, you aren’t allergic. However there could be several other reasons why you may think you are having an allergic reaction in the form of a rash:

1. Not cleaning the liner daily – Alpha Liners need to be washed daily. Neglecting to clean regularly may cause a rash to occur on the residual limb. This is usually caused by a build up of bacteria that are normally on the skin.

2. Insufficient rinsing and incorrect drying of the liners – Ohio Willow Wood recommends you use the same soap in the shower or bath for the daily cleaning of Alpha Liners. Be sure that the liners are thoroughly rinsed. Soap residue from insufficient rinsing may cause an irritation to develop.

Some high detergent soaps or soaps with strong perfumes can also cause irritation. If this turns out to be the cause then a mild face soap free of perfumes may alleviate the problem.

Also, after drying the gel side of the liner with a clean, lint-free cloth, place the Alpha Liner on its drying stand with the fabric side out. Drying the liner gel side out can damage the liner and can allow dirt and particles to stick to the gel, which can lead to skin irritation once donned again.

3. Not disinfecting the Alpha Liner weekly – Do not neglect the weekly disinfection of an Alpha Liner. Disinfecting is done by simply wiping the gel lightly with alcohol. You only need to disinfect the liner once a week … doing more often may dry out the gel. If a rash begins after two to three months of using the Alpha Liner, lack of disinfecting the liner can cause a rash which could be mistaken for an allergic reaction.

4. Use of Antibacterial Soap - Using an anti-bacterial soap instead of alcohol is not an effective means of disinfection. For some amputees who wear Alpha Liners using antibacterial soap for their daily cleaning may have actually contributed to a rash on their residual limbs.

5. Air Trapped between the Liner and the Skin – If an amputee’s Alpha liner is not properly sized, air can get in and become trapped between the skin and the liner. This can result in excessive sweating. A rash may break out because the sweat is held against the skin for a period of time.

If your limb is sweating significantly, remove the liner and wash or rinse the sweat off the liner and limb, blot dry with a clean, lint-free cloth and don the liner again. Tell your prosthetist of excessive sweating and any fit concerns.

For proper care and cleaning practices for Alpha Liners, please review the instructions in the booklet entitled “Important Information for the Amputee Concerning the Alpha® Liner.” Ask your prosthetist for a copy or request one be sent from Ohio Willow Wood to your prosthetist for you by calling us at 1-877-699-2574. You may also request a free Alpha Care CD, which covers the proper care of Alpha Liners, be provided to your prosthetist for you.

Whether to use locking or suction suspension is a decision you should talk over thoroughly with your prosthetist. Many amputees find one suspension method works better for them than another. It is all about personal comfort and security.

However, Ohio Willow Wood does offer a new way to try suction suspension or locking suspension that does not require a new socket. The Alpha® Interlock™ Suspension System allows prosthetists to give their patients multiple suspension options from one quick and convenient system. The Alpha Interlock Suspension System allows a prosthetist to incorporate, for example, the Alpha Suction Insert for suction suspension in a prosthesis. If the patient decides that suction suspension isn’t secure enough or doesn’t like it for some other reason, the prosthetists can simply remove the Alpha Suction Insert from the prosthesis and replace it with an Alpha Lock or an Alpha Locking Lanyard, for AK amputees. No new socket is required with this unique distal adapter which saves patients and their prosthetists time and money.

The key to this interchangeable suspension system is a newly-designed distal adapter that can be easily fabricated into a laminated or thermoplastic socket. Each suspension device (Suction Insert, Alpha Lock and Alpha Locking Lanyard) has been engineered to precisely match up with the distal adapter. The result is that a prosthesis can be interchanged from a pin lock, a lanyard lock or a suction device without remaking a socket.

Talk with your prosthetist to determine if the Alpha Interlock Suspension System could be right for you. If you have additional concerns or questions regarding suction suspension or locking suspension, discuss them with your prosthetist. To receive literature about the Alpha Interlock Suspension System or another Ohio Willow Wood product, please call 1-877-699-2574.

Frequently Asked Questions