OSKAR

What is OSKAR?

The Optimal Segment Kinematic Alignment approach to Rehabilitation (OSKAR) is an orthotic method of treating children with lower limb neurological conditions caused by such conditions as cerebral palsy and spina bifida. It was originally developed by Elaine Owen MBE MSc SRP MCSP, a world-renowned physiotherapist who was awarded an MBE in 2012 for services to children with disabilities. OSKAR’s efficacy is proven by extensive evidence. We have also seen at first hand its effectiveness as Elaine has been working with us since 2015.

The OSKAR clinic is held in the London Orthotic Consultancy’s gait laboratory at our headquarters clinic in Kingston upon Thames. We have another OSKAR clinic at our Manchester clinic which is located at the University of Salford where we have access to the University’s Gait Laboratory.

Cerebral Palsy Treatment

Impairments from Cerebral Palsy range in severity, usually in correlation to the degree of injury to the brain. The primary effects of Cerebral Palsy are impairments of muscle tone, motor functions, balance and posture. Exact symptoms will vary from child to child.

At our OSKAR clinic we assess each child on the basis of the ICF guidelines, this stands for the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. It was approved for use by the World Health Assembly in 2001. It provides a framework within which our clinicians can measure and assess an individual’s physical functioning. Gait and walking patterns are assessed in our video vector gait laboratory. We can then set goals for the improvements we want to see with our orthotic treatments. Periodically we will objectively measure how we are doing against these goals, setting review dates that are appropriate for each child.

The clinical package is detailed below. It provides a comprehensive clinical service for the orthotic management of children requiring lower-limb orthotics, such as an Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFOs). From the initial clinical assessment and setting of specific goals, to the provision of the orthosis and measurement of the goals set, whilst managing any problems throughout the life of the orthosis – the objective is to provide parents with a complete holistic service that they can totally rely on which also provides objective outcome measurements.

OSKAR PACKAGE

All appointments in the OSKAR clinic are directed by one of LOC’s HCPC qualified senior orthotists (BSc) who have been working alongside Elaine since 2015. The comprehensive treatment package includes the following elements:

Clinical Assessment Appointment (2 hours)

Clinical history
Setting of parent/patient goals
Discussion of the International Classification of Functioning (ICF)
Range of movement, strength and spasticity
Gait laboratory video vector barefoot and in any current orthotics
Discussion of orthotic prescription, outcome measures and identifying agreed ICF goals using information from the assessment and gait laboratory videos.

Casting Appointment (1 hour)

Precise casting and specification of the custom-made orthosis.

Fitting appointment (2 hours)

Fitting of orthosis and footwear
Checking for comfort and marking
Initial visual alignment while standing and walking

Gait Lab Video Vector Fine-tuning (2 hours)

Tuning of the orthosis and footwear while standing and walking using the video vector gait laboratory

2 x Follow up reviews (2 hours)

Check of prescription and fine-tuning in the gait laboratory
Compare outcomes and review goals
Unlimited problem solving – Repairs of AFOs and re-soling of footwear

OSKAR Price List

OSKAR Clinical Package with Orthotist	from £1,800
OSKAR Clinical Package with Elaine Owen & Orthotist	£2,520
OSKAR Follow Up Clinical Package With Elaine Owen	£2,280
OSKAR Follow Up Clinical Package with Orthotist	£1,680
If you have any questions about the OSKAR Clinical Package, please contact LOC on 020 8974 9989