original inquiry
Question for the list serv regarding Spiral AFO

The literature Hans?Richard Lehneis has written regarding the Spiral  
AFO, in?his fabrication technique a plastic referred to as Nyloplex  
was used to fabricate the AFO. It seems not to be used secondary to  
durability of the material. We have used?wet laminations, pre-preg  
carbon fiber to?fabricate these orthoses, but when we get the lay-up  
to the point where they will not fracture, the transfer of potential? 
to kinetic energy?and transverse motion in mostly lost.?

Does anyone know where to obtain Nyloplex? Has anyone used any other  
materials to fabricate Spiral AFO?preserving?the principles behind them?


A second?unrelated question.
I was asked by an orthopedic surgeon, whom was performing a total  
knee replacement on a transtibial amputee, if there was any  
scientific data on the increase or decrease of the life span of a  
total knee when used with a prosthesis or the impact a knee  
replacement has on an amputee?

Responses

Try Fillauer

Did you happen to notice the date on Mr Lehneis writings?  Nyloplex  
is a pain to work with and I have not seen it since I was in school  
in the mid 80's.  Todays materials are significantly better.   As a  
study of material improvement , you may want to look at nyloplex  
compared to carbon.  Try older providers like the Eschens in NY (NPI)  
or SPS.  Good luck.    Teri Powers_Watts CPO
I have a nyloplex brace I made as a student in '83 if you cannot find  
the material.

With regard to your first question, I used a few of the nyloplex  
spiral AFOs and was a friend of Richard Lehneis. He was a true  
pioneer and warrior for the O&P profession. The spiral AFO seemed to  
work well, but premature failure problems eventually caused its  
demise. Nyloplex looked like acrylic or PETG with an amber color and,  
of course, it was reinforced with nylon, I think. To find this  
material, should you still be interested, I would approach the  
automotive taillight lens or the aircraft industry. But, I would  
surprised if it is still available. Hope this helps some.

Wil Haines, CPO

Derrick,  Nyloplex is no longer available as during the manufacturing  
process of the plastic, not the brace, it released carcinogens and  
other toxins into the air. The plastic itself was safe during the  
manufacturing process and patient use. We have encountered the same  
problem you are experiencing in search of a substitute material. My  
brother Fred may be better able to assist you with this dilemma. I  
will forward this email to him.

H. Richard (Rick) Lehneis, Jr., CPO
Lehneis Orthotics and Prosthetics Assoc., Ltd.
13 Bedell's Landing Road
Roslyn, NY 11576

You could try Ortholen. Nyloplex is like Roduer, Not sure how to  
spell it. I have worked with it in the past and it breaks easily. You  
might also try a flexable resin with C/F and see how it turns out,
Mike Dodd CO

fillaure  tenn.  ron cartaya  miami fl

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