Orthotics and Prosthetics
Orthotic and prosthetic services at Rancho are provided by outside contractors.
Prosthetic services (artificial limbs)
Currently provided by Hanger, Inc., a large public corporation with an office near Rancho. For more information see www.Hanger.com. Telephone: (562) 803-3322.
Orthotic services (orthopedic braces)
Provided through a non-profit corporation, the Los Amigos Research & Education Institute, Inc. Their offices are conveniently located on Rancho grounds. Telephone: (562) 940-7655.
The Orthotic Department dates back to the 1950’s when Rancho was primarily a polio treatment center. Several orthoses have been developed at Rancho that are widely used today. These include the HALO spinal immobilization system, the wrist-driven wrist-hand orthosis, which allows patients with hand paralysis to feed themselves and do other activities of daily living, and the Linear Mobile Arm Support, which provides arm support for wheelchair patients with upper limb paralysis.
Today the department provides a full range of orthotic services to the various diagnostic areas served by Rancho. Service is provided to both inpatients and outpatients. Common diagnoses that utilize orthotic management include:
- Spinal cord injury
- Head trauma
- Stroke
- Arthritis
- Muscle disease
- Diabetes
- Post polio syndrome
Orthotic devices provide body support and help increase mobility and function. The braces – called orthoses - include leg braces, back supports, hand and wrist supports, and specialized shoes and inserts. Most devices are custom made for each individual client.
Staff Orthotists are part of a multi-disciplinary team that works together to develop an assessment and treatment plan for our clients. Practitioners consult with Rancho therapists and physicians to determine the best design for each patient. The department’s on-site location allows quick response and follow-up to the needs of the medical center, as well as easy access for clinic patients.
Two areas where the department has especially strong involvement are post-polio syndrome and diabetes. Staff understands the unique needs of the post-polio survivor and, when indicated, can provide a light-weight, functional orthosis to help improve gait and function. The diabetic patient often benefits from specialized footwear and custom inserts to redistribute weight-bearing forces to help protect their skin.
Department practitioners, as well as the department itself, are accredited by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics-Prosthetics.
For additional information contact:
Darrell R. Clark, BS, CO
Director
dclark@larei.org
Tel: (562) 940-7655
Los Amigos Research
and Education Institute, Inc.