PODIATRIST INFORMATION

The information contained in this section of the website is intended to provide Podiatrists with an overview of the techniques, options, materials and specialised services QOL provides.

>> OUR APPROACH

>> ORTHOTIC OPTIONS

>> PTTD,CHARCOT FOOT AND OTHER SPECIFIC CONDITIONS

>> OUR STAFF

>> ORTHOTIC PHOTO GALLERY


OUR APPROACH (back)

Our Service
For over twenty-four years we have specialised in the manufacture of handcrafted orthotic devices. If you provide us with quality casts and a well considered prescription we will provide you with highly individualised and accurate orthotic devices.

Orthotic Design
We believe that you as the Clinician should have complete control of the orthotic design. To facilitate this we have provided a vast array of options, techniques and materials on our Prescription Form.

Support
As part of our service we provide technical and professional support to assist in converting your clinical findings and patient needs into an orthotic that will perform well for your patient.

The Orthotic
We modify the positive cast to your specifications and then vacuum form your chosen shell material. Posts, covers and padding are added as requested. This positive cast method allows you to choose the orthotic shell material from the following:

The Traditional Approach
While we are continually improving and refining the art of orthotic manufacture we hold fast to the traditional approach which has worked well for so long. We do regularly adopt new techniques and materials which complement our manufacturing process.

The Quality
We consider that our orthotic devices are manufactured to a very high standard. We believe that careful attention to detail is critical to producing quality orthotic devices

New Clients
Due to the fact that QOL is well established in the orthotic industry we do not always have the capacity to service new clients. We wish to continue to provide a high quality of service to our existing clients so are only able to manufacture for new Podiatrists as our capacity allows. If you are interested in using our Lab service please call to discuss our current situation.

ORTHOTIC OPTIONS (back)

Your negative casts
We prefer negative casts that are taken non weight bearing with the subtalar joint in neutral position and the forefoot fully loaded. The forefoot to rearfoot relationship you capture in your cast will be replicated in the finished orthotic.

Please self assess the accuracy of your casts, mark the metatarsal heads and any other significant features including prominences that need to be accommodated before sending them to the Lab.
Casts need to be fully dry and packed well in a strong box prior to postage.

Our cast modifications
Our prescription form offers plenty of options for you to indicate the plaster modifications you require.
These options include:

  • Intrinsic forefoot posting
  • No filler 2-4 (built in transverse met dome)
  • Medial heel skive
  • Inverting or everting the cast
  • Normal medial arch plaster
  • Minimal medial arch plaster
  • Orthotic anterior edge shape
  • Plantar fascia accommodation
  • Specialised instructions to accommodate prominences/lesions

We take our time to get the cast modifications right as they are the foundation on which a good orthotic will be made.

Orthotic shell materials
We modify the positive cast to your specifications and then vacuum form your chosen shell material. This positive cast method allows you to choose the orthotic shell material from the following –

Thermoplastic Carbon Fibre EVA

EVA ILA Fillers
You have the option to use 3mm or 6mm EVA to reinforce the medial arch of the orthotic. You may choose to do this to strengthen the device. Alternatively you may choose to use a slightly thinner shell material to allow some flex in the device. We can then reinforce the shell with thin EVA to reduce the possibility of the orthotic "bottoming out"�.

Orthotic shell shapes
QOL offers the following shell shapes to provide you with the best orthotic device to suit your patients needs.

  • Standard
  • Narrow
  • Wide
  • Wide at midfoot
  • Medial Flare
  • Lateral flare
  • Gait plates
  • Keyhole
  • Coathanger
  • Three different anterior edge profiles

Orthotic Extrinsic Posts
QOL offers a choice of posting techniques and materials to customise your orthotic device.

Covers and cushioning
To customise your orthotic and padding needs, QOL provides a range of materials in a variety of textures, colours and shock absorbing properties.

POSTERIOR TIBIAL TENDON DYSFUNCTION, CHARCOT FOOT AND OTHER SPECIFIC CONDITIONS (back)

QOL has the ability to design and manufacture orthotic devices for a wide range of biomechanical, medical and clinical needs. These specific conditions include:

QOL provides a consultation service to assist you in the design of these specific orthotic devices.

OUR STAFF (back)

The Consultant Podiatrist
Our consultant Podiatrist Linda Garbett has extensive experience in Biomechanics and Orthotics both from an academic and clinical perspective. Previously she has lectured at the Queensland University of Technology and is currently engaged in private practice in Brisbane where she leads a team of six Podiatrists.
Linda has been the major influence in establishing cast modification techniques and orthotic design parameters. Linda also contributes by keeping us informed of new ideas and techniques emanating from the Podiatry profession.

The Laboratory Manager
Our Lab manager Tony Garbett has worked with Linda to develop and refine the techniques and procedures necessary to allow us to produce effective and accurate orthotic devices.
QOL clients are regularly in contact with Tony to explore the possibilities of orthotic design for their patients. Tony is responsible for managing the day to day operations of the Lab.
Tony is from a technical background and enjoys being involved in the design and manufacture of specific lab equipment.

The Staff
Queensland Orthotic Laboratory produces quality handmade orthotic devices. QOL management would like to acknowledge the people who's hands make this possible.
Our dedicated team take pride in their work as they are very aware how important the finished product is to our clients and their patients.


ORTHOTIC PHOTO GALLERY (back)