The Clinical Minute: Thuasne USA SpryStep Series Overview with Jak Kesselring, CO, MSPO

With so many AFO options in the industry, it can be difficult to know where to start when deciding on the most appropriate AFO for a patient. Jak explains that when looking at composite AFOs, it is important to consider the design, and then the indications for the patient. “When we specifically look at the SpryStep series, I like to start with the original. That's usually the one people are most familiar with.” He says. From this baseline, a clinician can choose to go up in stiffness with either the Plus or Max, which has a more anterior ground reaction force. Alternately, the clinician could choose to increase flexibility with the Flex.

Jak continues: “We really designed the SpryStep series with material applications in mind. They’re designed to avoid a bony prominence and make it low-key and lightweight for a variety of different patients.” Another feature they have in common is the blue footplate. A blue footplate indicates it is trimmable to fit the patient’s foot size. You may notice that the Flex has a blue strut, unlike the other AFOs, which are made from black composite material. The blue strut gives the Flex its flexibility and is not trimmable.

The SpryStep BOA strap dial is a feature that can be added to the calf on any of the adult SpryStep range of AFOs. The BOA strap dial allows clinicians to increase or decrease the circumference as the patient’ leg swells or shrinks throughout the day.

To learn more about the SpryStep series, chat with your Sales Account Manager or browse the SpryStep series on the SPS Online Store.

 

Thuasne USA SpryStep AFO Prescription Guide

In this video, Liz and Jak walk us through the Prescription Guide for the Thuasne USA SpryStep series. This guide was designed to make it easier for clinicians to work through the indications for the Original SpryStep, Flex, Plus, and Max.

 

 

From the top of the Prescription Guide featured in the video, we start with the question: “Is there a need for triplanar control?” If the answer is yes, a custom solution would be best to control the hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot.

 

If there is not a need for triplanar control, then the guide explores what motions and manual muscle testing we want to see in the patient presentation by asking the question, “How would you best describe the knee instability present?” Depending on the answer, the guide branches down into knee flexion instability or knee hyperextension instability.

Next, the patient activity level and manual muscle testing are considered from a high to low range. Depending on the patient’s presentation, the guide can help determine the best SpryStep AFO for a patient.

Click here to view a copy of Thuasne USA's Prescription Guide. For more information about the SpryStep AFO series, connect with your SPS Sales Account Manager.

 

 

 

Step 1: Take the patient’s measurements
Measure the foot length from heel to toe, and then measure the height from the base of the heel to the top of the fibular head. Subtract two centimeters from the top of the fibular head to be the measurement for the top of the brace.

Step 2: Find the right size
After you have collected the patient’s measurements, it is time to consult the sizing chart to determine the appropriate sized AFO:

 

 

Step 3: Trim the footplate
Take the original insert out of the shoe and put the patient’s foot on the insole. Make a mark on the insole. Then, take the insole and put it on top of the AFO foot plate. Center the insole on the strut to ensure the edge is posterior to the lateral malleolus. On the AFO, mark the heels and toes of the patient and trim the footplate.

 

Quick tip: When trimming the footplate, if the heel is too wide, only trim the medial portion of the heel area.

Step 4: Consider alignment
Consider the static and dynamic alignment of the patient as the AFO is sitting in the patient’s shoe. The SpryStep footplate is designed to have a profile to match the standard footwear pitch of about 3/8 inches with a 10 degree toe ramp angle. Make adjustments and put the AFO back in the shoe.

Step 5: Make final adjustments
Observe the patient’s gait and make any necessary adjustments, such as inserting a wedge in the shoe. If needed, insert the wedge in the shoe underneath the AFO and the shoe insert to achieve optimal alignment.

 

For more information, connect with your SPS Sales Account Manager or visit the SpryStep Pediatric AFO SPS product page.

 

For questions about the SpryStep AFO series, leave a comment below or email the Clinical Services Team.

Click the button below to learn more about Thuasne USA’s SpryStep Range

 

 

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See also:

The Clinical Minute: Townsend Thuasne SLEEQ Max TLSO

The Clinical Minute: Townsend Thuasne Action Reliever