SWASH WEBINAR QUESTIONS
Can the device be used on asymmetrical patients, i.e. diplegia or hemiparesis?
Yes, we have good results. Allow time for fitting and adjusting, as it is a little tricky. Suggest working with an orthotist with SWASH fitting experience.
Can the device be used under clothing?
Yes, under clothes is recommended and preferable (all our pictures are over clothes for marketing, but ideally SWASH should be placed under clothes.
Would you encourage use for a full day, or have sessions instead?
Clinical team decision. Some children wear the SWASH 6-8 hours. Some wear it just at night and others wear it just during therapy sessions. Tolerance and family dynamics play a big role in wearing time.
Lastly, is this presentation available to show my orthotic department?
A very similar presentation can be viewed via our website. https://www.allarduk.co.uk/education/online-education/hip-orthoses/swash-education
Is there a weight limit for the SWASH brace?
And would there be a maximum age you would recommend using for the SWASH orthosis? There really is no weight limit. SWASH candidate just has to fit into the size parameters. The GO pelvic section accommodates 31 inches – 35 inches. It is possible to extend that by adding additional Velcro to the anterior straps.
I have enjoyed the SWASH webinar and want to ask if you do come out to locations to show our therapy team the SWASH and your other orthotic products?
For your team to get the best understanding of SWASH, they can complete the online swash course. It is a prerecorded education presentation, that they can do at any time via this link https://www.allarduk.co.uk/education/online-education/hip-orthoses/swash-education
If we would like to use SWASH, do you have a rep to measure and prescribe and send us an invoice?
We can assist with this, but it is best that your Orthotist is the person to assess and together you and your orthotic team can prescribe and do the follow-ups.
How does the aftercare work and can we ask for adjustments and maintenance to be carried out by you. How does this work?
See above answer.
One of the contraindications Mr. Nelson mentioned was dislocated hips. My question is: is there a migration percentage beyond which you would not recommend that the brace be used with? Is there a reason you don't suggest the SWASH with a kiddo who has dislocated hips?
I have a young man (10-year-old) who does have a dislocated hip (>32% migration) and will be getting reconstruction in the spring of next year. He is currently using his SWASH while in an ambulation device called a MeyWalk and is actually doing OK with it. He also had used a Leckey MyWalk with the SWASH but the MeyWalk is easier to get him into so the school staff are using the MeyWalk with the SWASH to keep his legs at least neutral, otherwise he scissors quite a bit. He is also using the SWASH for a short period of time in his seating system (Leckey MyGo) and the staff report this helps with his adductor tone because otherwise he would squash the daylights out of the pommel. Can you let me know if this is OK to use with him, or if we need to discontinue it until he gets his surgery? I think the SWASH is the only thing that is keeping him on his feet at the moment, to be honest, even in a supported mode. If he doesn't use it while walking, then there isn't any point in continuing to let him try to ambulate, which he just absolutely loves to do. Hoping to get some clarification. Thanks in advance.
It is listed as a contraindication because we do not have any clinical studies or safe migration percentages to share.
On that note, we have been told of several cases where the SWASH has been used successfully on children with dislocated hips that are closely followed by their clinical team. It is obvious this young man is being closely followed. My personal thoughts are continued usage of the SWASH is fine.
Questions answered on the day
What angle uprights should I use for first time SWASH users ? 115 degree uprights
How much separation should I have at the knees during ambulation ? Goal is approximately 1 inch
Is there a particular size to order when doing multiple evaluations.? If working with younger children, size 2 because you can grow it to a size 3 and shrink it to a size 1
What do I do if I have a gap in the cuffs ? They are too small, rather have them slightly overlap.
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