The Advanced Reciprocating Gait Orthosis (ARGO) from
RSLSteeper offers the paraplegic patient a new level
of independence. The patented, low-friction, push/pull drive
cable and the all-metal, prefabricated pelvic girdle require
no adjustments. Back tubes are available in a range of sizes
to fit each patient. Knee-lock cables connect the hip and knee
joints, so users activate only one lever to sit and to stand.
When seated, the user simply bends forward from the hips to
unlock the knees. Gas struts assist with knee extension, making
it easier for the user to stand up. When the ARGO’s hip
joints straighten, the knees lock automatically, so the user
is ready for reciprocal gait.
Unlike
other RGOs, the ARGO features knee joints that lock automatically
in two positions: 105 degrees for sitting, and 180 degrees
for standing and ambulating. On each hip yoke there is a simple
mode-selector lever, which can be activated through clothing.
The push/pull drive cable is attached to a hip linkage on
each side. These linkages are in turn attached to the knee-lock
cables. Whenever the knee-lock cables are slack, the knee
joints are locked. In the sitting mode, the hips are free
to pull on the knee-lock cables. In reciprocal mode, they
are locked into the hip yoke to enable reciprocal gait.
Evaluating
the ARGO Candidate
The family of ARGOs can provide significant physical and psychological
benefits to users who are otherwise confined to a wheelchair.
However, walking with the aid of an ARGO requires considerably
more energy than using a wheelchair. After careful assessment
by a clinical team that includes an orthotist, a physical
therapist, and a physician, potential ARGO users must be counseled
to ensure their understanding of and commitment to upright
posture, but limited ambulation. To facilitate this process,
practitioners can request the loan of the Assessment ARGO,
a trial brace for use with potential ARGO candidates.
Assessment
ARGO Trial Brace |
Assessment
ARGOs are fully adjustable to help orthotists and therapists
evaluate, with a high degree of certainty, whether their paraplegic
patient has the upper-body strength, balance, and motivation
to be a successful ARGO user. Patients use the Assessment
ARGO in the clinical facility to practice sitting, standing,
and ambulating with parallel bars. If they master these skills
on the Assessment ARGO, you can be confident that an ARGO
is the correct prescription. In fact, demonstrating proficiency
with the Assessment ARGO may help in obtaining the required
"letter of medical necessity" from the physician. Assessment
ARGOs are available to qualified facilities on a loaner basis
for adult and juvenile patients.
Assembling
the ARGO
Due to the ARGO’s modular design, assembly time is reduced
from days for conventional RGOs to hours. Orthotists can either
fabricate the Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs) and assemble the
brace in their own shop, or they can have the brace centrally
fabricated from the patient measurement chart. If an Assessment
ARGO was used, this can serve as a template for the definitive
brace.
As
an alternative to traditional AFOs, many patients have found
that they prefer the convenience of Universal Foot Plates
(AR160/161). These substitutes for AFOs are easier for the
user to don, because they go over athletic shoes rather than
inside. The user simply slips their shoe into the Foot Plate
and secures the Velcro straps. We offer Universal Foot
Plates (AR160/161).
ARGO25
- weight limit 25 Kilos (55 pounds)
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