A Step Forward Orthotics and Prosthetics

Meet Charlie, this 2-year-old bundle of sunshine is hanging out with us today working on discovering the possibilities of his new KOALAA arm. Charlie was born with a limb difference resulting in a very short forearm, and undeveloped digits. As we all do through our infant stage of life, he has learned to use what he has, and became very comfortable with his abilities. Unfortunately, so many of the activities and devices that we encounter daily have been designed for two handed individuals. Take riding a bike or scooter for example, Charlie struggles with the safe and efficient use of handlebars and would love to keep up with his friends. Charlie was fit earlier with a traditional upper extremity prosthesis with limited success. The commitment to continual adjustments and the cost of new devices as he grew makes the decision to continue usage a tough one to make. The KOALAA offered Charlie and his family an affordable, adjustable, soft-sided, tool that was easy to put on and take off. He can velcro into it with minimal effort, bang it around on things without damage while playing, and take it off when he is done. It will grow with him and can be used with several different attachments as his needs change. He is happy as a clam to show it off at any chance he gets, and is not so willing to share it with others!

The KOALAA is not just for children, it is a device for any stage of life that will allow many users who have previously had limited success with a traditional prosthesis, or others that have not had access to prosthetic care, the opportunity to have a simple, easy, effective, and affordable tool to enhance their daily activities. If you would like more information please feel free to reach out, we love to talk about things we are passionate about!

Oh what a hard 19 months it has been. Time to laugh a little. Happy Halloween everyone!!

Today the FDA gave full approval for the Covid-19 Pfizer vaccine. Watch this story about the current condition of our neighborhood OHSU ICU Unit. Enough is enough!

What it's like inside OHSU's ICU, overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients For the first time, cameras were allowed into OHSU's medical ICU. What we saw was sobering.