Post by rowland on Apr 1, 2021 15:28:31 GMT
I recently got out my old thermoplastic KAFO and wore it for a few days instead of my usual metal and leather one.
The first thing I noticed is that it is stricter in controlling my leg because the plastic shells at calf and thigh have greater contact with my skin and muscles. I find this aspect less comfortable than the metal and leather one which makes contact at fewer points. The main points of support are the same.
At the foot, the boot gives support via the caliper sockets. In the case of the Metal & leather the sockets are flat slots with hinges at the ankles The thermoplastic has round sockets. It does not have back stops and perhaps I need them but the strap at the back of the heel which holds the caliper in the sockets limist the range of foot movement up and down.
At the knee the plastic brace is more rigid. Both braces have a restraining strap below the knee but the lack of the plastic shells make the M&L easier to wear.
The M&L is definitely more comfortable on the thigh because the plastic shell presses on the thigh muscle and makes it sore.
The M&L brace leaves the thigh free of pressure and accessible for scratching, etc.
To my surprise the thermoplastic brace gives similar support to the ischial ring that was added to my M&L brace about a year ago.
I had forgotten that the thermoplastic brace has padding on the top edge covered with a chamois leather lining lapping over the top and extending over the whole of the inside of the thigh-shell. So it is very comfortable at least in cold weather. I remember that in hot weather it stinks!
In any case the metal and leather one was what I had always wanted. So I was likely to prefer it in any case.
The first thing I noticed is that it is stricter in controlling my leg because the plastic shells at calf and thigh have greater contact with my skin and muscles. I find this aspect less comfortable than the metal and leather one which makes contact at fewer points. The main points of support are the same.
At the foot, the boot gives support via the caliper sockets. In the case of the Metal & leather the sockets are flat slots with hinges at the ankles The thermoplastic has round sockets. It does not have back stops and perhaps I need them but the strap at the back of the heel which holds the caliper in the sockets limist the range of foot movement up and down.
At the knee the plastic brace is more rigid. Both braces have a restraining strap below the knee but the lack of the plastic shells make the M&L easier to wear.
The M&L is definitely more comfortable on the thigh because the plastic shell presses on the thigh muscle and makes it sore.
The M&L brace leaves the thigh free of pressure and accessible for scratching, etc.
To my surprise the thermoplastic brace gives similar support to the ischial ring that was added to my M&L brace about a year ago.
I had forgotten that the thermoplastic brace has padding on the top edge covered with a chamois leather lining lapping over the top and extending over the whole of the inside of the thigh-shell. So it is very comfortable at least in cold weather. I remember that in hot weather it stinks!
In any case the metal and leather one was what I had always wanted. So I was likely to prefer it in any case.