No SMOs aren't toasted marshmallows with graham crackers and chocolate. They are Supra-Malleolar Orthosis braces. And Whitney will be getting a pair soon. Her physical therapist helped take the necessary molds this morning. Whit was brave and calmly watched Cinderella while all this was going on.The braces themselves are quite a bit different from the DAFOs she's been wearing for the last year. SMO braces only come up just past the ankle, whereas Whitney's current DAFOs come up almost to her knee. The physical therapist is confident Whit has enough leg strength and now just needs to make sure her ankles don't flex inward. I'm sure it'll take some getting used to, but anything to help her better support her own weight is welcome.
By not going as far up the leg, the SMOs will allow much more ankle movement. We're hoping that will allow for some more natural walking movements. It should also be much easier for Whit to go up and down stairs.
Best of all Whit got to choose a pattern with doggies for the velcro straps. The measurements and molds will be sent off and we should get the new braces sometime next month. I'll report back on how it goes.
3 comments:
Good job holding still for your molds, Whitney! I hope you like them and that they are a good fit. It seems like the SMOs would be more comfortable in the summer heat than the DAFOs. Let us know how they work out.
Are the SMO's also made by Cascade? We have DAFO's that are hinged for our Kenzie and are looking for another less restrictive alternative? Darcy
Hi Darcy,
I'm pretty sure the therapist said these new braces were made by Cascade as well. We'll know more when they arrive and can see what information they come with. I'll make sure to post an update. We're pretty excited about how they might help.
Nate
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