Stroke
Ottobock uses modern device solutions to pursue the goal of enhancing the focus on rehabilitation following acute treatment after a stroke.
Frequency, symptoms and rehabilitation
In about 79 per cent of all cases, a stroke is caused by the blockage of a blood vessel that supplies the brain, for example, due to a blood clot. This leads to insufficient blood circulation.
Almost 13 per cent of patients are affected in precisely the opposite manner due to damaged vessels and the like, namely a haemorrhage in the brain. In either case, the supply of blood to certain regions of the brain is no longer sufficient due to a local circulatory disorder.
Frequency
According to the latest estimates, about 270,000 first-time strokes occur in Germany each year. Around half of the surviving patients still have a permanent disability a year after their stroke and depend on the help of others. Nearly 1.3 million Germans are now affected by the consequences of this illness. The number of stroke patients is expected to increase dramatically in the coming decades as the population ages. Based on reliable projections, the Erlangen stroke registry predicts there will be 3.5 million patients and direct treatment costs amounting to 108 billion euros. This means strokes are one of the biggest challenges facing Germany’s healthcare system.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a stroke and their severity can vary considerably between individuals. They include:
Impaired vision
Limited field of vision
Disturbances in spatial perception, double vision
Speech and speech comprehension disorders
Paralysis, numbness
Impaired sense of touch
Drooping at the corner of the mouth – the leg and arm may exhibit similar symptoms (drop foot and drop hand)
Shoulder pain
Unstable knee joint function while standing
Torso instability
Dizziness with uncertain gait
Spasticity in various forms and degrees of severity
Rehabilitation
A phased model set up by Germany’s Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft für Rehabilitation (Federal Working Group for Rehabilitation) is used in the field of neurological rehabilitation. First, the patient’s need for assistance is assessed by the attending doctor and therapist. Depending on their needs, a specific rehabilitation phase is considered. Neurological rehabilitation is divided into the following phases:
Phase A: acute medical treatment
Phase B: medical and therapeutic rehabilitation, early rehabilitation (in some cases, there are still extreme limitations (coma) for the most severely affected patients, who can only participate in treatment to a limited extent)
Phase C: medical and therapeutic rehabilitation (impaired self-sufficiency)
Phase D: medical and therapeutic rehabilitation (mobility at ward level possible)
Phase E: medical and occupational rehabilitation (reintegration, reorientation if applicable)
Phase F: curative care, maintenance measures
There have been considerable advancements in acute care over the last few years. Ottobock uses modern device solutions to pursue the goal of enhancing the focus on rehabilitation following acute treatment. From wheelchairs that provide support in the early rehabilitation phase, to products for drop foot (orthoses, functional electrical stimulation (FES) in the form of surface stimulation or an implant), through to orthoses that stabilise the shoulder, knee and wrist – Ottobock offers a broad selection of modern product solutions.
Back to everyday activities: three steps to an Ottobock orthosis
- Here you’ll find an overview of all the orthoses and supports that could potentially help you. Take the list with you to your next doctor’s appointment.
- Talk to your doctor about which orthosis is best suited to your symptoms and condition. Your doctor can then write you a prescription for the appropriate orthosis.
- Take your prescription to a medical supply company. They’ll give you your new orthosis and adjust it to fit your exact body measurements.
Ottobock orthoses and supports for stroke
The illustrated products represent treatment examples. Many different factors determine whether a product is actually suitable for you and whether you are capable of taking full advantage of the functionality of the product. Based on a detailed examination (anamnesis), your doctor and O&P professional will work with you to determine the treatment that is likely to be most suitable for you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
People with permanent dorsiflexor weakness depend on a medical aid that lifts their foot while walking.
People with permanent dorsiflexor weakness depend on a medical aid that lifts their foot while walking.
That is precisely what the WalkOn does. It helps lift the foot during the swing phase, so that the gait becomes safer again while the risk of stumbling and falling is reduced. The tip of the foot no longer gets caught as easily on small obstacles or uneven ground.
The ankle foot orthosis is made of a modern carbon fibre prepreg material which is very lightweight. There is a carbon fibre spring at the back that extends from the Achilles tendon to the calf. For users with residual musculature, the WalkOn provides support while walking. At toe-off the orthosis releases previously stored energy so that walking becomes smoother. The ankle joint is stabilised at the same time.
People with permanent drop foot depend on a device that lifts their foot while walking.
People with permanent drop foot depend on a device that lifts their foot while walking.
This is precisely what the WalkOn Trimable does. It helps to elevate the foot during the swing phase, making the gait safer again while reducing the risk of stumbling and falling. The tip of the foot no longer gets caught as easily on small obstacles or uneven ground.
The ankle-foot orthosis is made of a modern carbon fibre prepreg material which is very lightweight. A carbon spring at the back extends from the Achilles tendon to the calf. For users with residual musculature, the WalkOn Trimable provides support while walking. The orthosis releases previously stored energy at toe-off so the gait becomes smoother. The ankle joint is stabilised at the same time.
People with permanent drop foot depend on a device that lifts their foot while walking.
People with permanent drop foot depend on a device that lifts their foot while walking.
This is precisely what the WalkOn Flex does. It helps to elevate the foot during the swing phase, making the gait safer again while reducing the risk of stumbling and falling. The tip of the foot no longer gets caught as easily on small obstacles or uneven ground.
Thanks to the material (glass and carbon fibre composite) and special design, the WalkOn Flex is particularly suitable if you are looking for more flexibility in the ankle joint and knee. If you have sufficient residual musculature – your orthotist will provide you with detailed advice regarding this – the WalkOn Flex will give you good support, especially on uneven surfaces.
Available in sizes for children and adults.
People with permanent drop foot depend on a device that lifts their foot while walking.
People with permanent drop foot depend on a device that lifts their foot while walking.
That is precisely what the WalkOn Reaction does. The carbon orthosis helps to lift the foot during the swing phase, making the gait safer while reducing the risk of stumbling and falling. The tip of the foot no longer gets caught as easily on small obstacles or uneven ground.
Thanks to its special design, the WalkOn Reaction supports the knee joint as well. When the foot lowering musculature is impaired as well, you also benefit from the high energy return of the orthosis, which is activated during the rollover motion of the foot. This lets you walk more naturally again.
The C-Brace opens up entirely new possibilities for users with its microprocessor sensor technology. Flexing under load while sitting down, navigating slopes, walking on uneven terrain, or going down stairs step over step–all this defines a new level of mobility.
The C-Brace opens up entirely new possibilities for users with its microprocessor sensor technology. Flexing under load while sitting down, navigating slopes, walking on uneven terrain, or going down stairs step over step–all this defines a new level of mobility.
The C-Brace is smaller and lighter, so the user does not need to exert as much energy while walking. This also allows the user to wear the orthosis underneath their clothing. The microprocessor sensor makes the entire gait pattern more dynamic and responsive. The user can also change settings on their joint: switching to cycling mode, using the smartphone app.
The E-MAG Active was developed for users who, due to muscle weakness or a complete failure of the knee extensor muscles, are unable to stabilise their knee joint unassisted.
The E-MAG Active was developed for users who, due to muscle weakness or a complete failure of the knee extensor muscles, are unable to stabilise their knee joint unassisted.
An intelligent sensor system measures the leg position while walking and controls the orthosis joint accordingly. Therefore the knee joint is unlocked automatically while walking: the leg can swing freely. The PreLock function securely locks your knee joint for the stance phase even if you have not fully extended your leg yet. You can stand safely and walk more naturally with the E-MAG Active.
Even users who have no ankle functionality whatsoever are able to use the E-MAG Active.
People who have suffered a stroke or brain injury, or are living with conditions such as MS, or incomplete paralysis often experience drop foot which can affect their ability to walk.
People who have suffered a stroke or brain injury, or are living with conditions such as MS, or incomplete paralysis often experience drop foot which can affect their ability to walk.
The Bioness L300 Go system is designed to improve mobility. By stimulating the nerves and muscles responsible for lifting the foot, it helps you achieve a smoother, more natural gait, making walking safer and more efficient.
The Bioness L300 Go also promotes muscle rehabilitation by initiating dorsiflexion and supporting knee flexion/extension. With the Bioness L300 Go, users often experience enhanced mobility and greater independence, reducing the need for assistive devices while regaining confidence in their ability to walk unaided.