Maximizing the Tuning of Ankle Foot Orthoses with the Material Science of Custom Fabrication

The trend of tuning the stance phase shank to vertical angle of ankle foot orthoses to maximize the impact of the orthosis on a patient's gait has been well established in the literature and in clinical practice. Recent advances of material science illustrate a means to optimize thermoplastic fabrication for a best practice approach. Material options as well as process parameters required for best practice will be reviewed including new data on the flexural modulus differential in thermoplastic sheet materials.

Learning Content:

Recognize the impact of extrusion on the physical characteristics of sheet plastic
Determine the machine direction for extruded plastic sheeting based on sheet dimensions
Recognize a material science composite alternative to standard extruded thermoplastic sheet stock

Gary Bedard, CO, FAAOP(D)

The speaker is the developer and patent holder of ProComp® the only thermoplastic prepreg composite that is a compatible with standard O&P draped encapsulation vacuum thermoforming. Mr. Bedard is a graduate of the University of Washington O&P program. He was the founding chair of the Academy Fabrication Sciences Society. Mr. Bedard has been recognized by his peers as the recipient of the Educator of the Year Award, Distinguished Practitioner Award, and the Titus-Ferguson Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Bedard has presented and published over 50 topics in the field and has been an invited speaker in 35 countries. He is the managing principal of Rhode 401 LLC.