Article

PURPOSE: To develop a low cost, safe, intuitive, and reusable post-operative
lower leg support that can be delivered rapidly and usable for several months
with minimal maintenance. METHODS: The lower leg support consists of a removable
contoured pad secured to a support surface. This surface is attached to a double
ball and socket arm which allows six degrees of freedom of movement. The double
ball and socket joint is attached to the client's wheelchair using a "U-bolt"
type clamp. RESULTS: The lower leg supports have been used clinically 14 times
since September 2008. Financial records indicate the construction costs of each
lower leg support are approximately $150 CDN ($90 parts, $60 Labour) which is
below the $300 CDN limit for post-operative seating modifications in BC. Re-using
these supports for other clients only increases their cost effectiveness. The
intuitive operation of the lower leg supports enables quick and easy adjustment
of the individual leg supports. Caregivers and community clinicians have used the
leg supports during convalescence then returned them to be re-used. CONCLUSIONS:
The functional longevity, easy installation, low cost and intuitive operation
makes these leg supports suitable for post-operative lower leg positioning.

Langue : ANGLAIS