Asheville and Charlotte Orthotic and Prosthetic Centers are developers, manufacturers and marketers of prefabricated, semi-custom and custom orthotic and prosthetic devices.These products are designed and crafted from the guidance and technology developed in Germany and Austria, countries renowned for their advances in the field. While the ideas, techniques and materials may come from Europe, the final products are actually built in the laboratories of
North Carolina.

 

A prosthesis is an artificial extension that replaces a missing body part.

 

An orthosis is an external device designed to correct a deformity or misaligned body part. An orthotic device can also be used to alleviate symptoms of a disease.
Along with your physician, we will be able to find the absolute best tool to help you live life with comfort and ease. Every device that leaves our laboratory is personally crafted with a special touch.
 
 
The orthotic and prosthetic industry began with metal braces and similar devices. Children who fell victim to polio in the 1950s were generally fitted with a metal brace. These devices are sturdy, resilient and cost effective, yet can also be bulky and noticeable.
 
The prosthetic and orthotic industry later moved to polypropylene. Polypropylene is lightweight and has excellent flexural and impact strength. It is also resilient to outside elements. However, it’s not easily manageable and can be difficult to bond because it’s already a pre-made material.

One of the newest and more advanced technologies available is prepreg. With prepreg, a carbon fiber material, we can make an orthosis thinner and in more control, because strength can be added or taken away depending on where it’s needed. Prepreg is more aesthetic and energy storing, so when a patient loads energy into a device (stepping with the heel, for example) it is returned. Less surface area on the patient means the appliance is very discreet, and is less apt to hit your ankle. So far, this is the most advanced technology that best replicates the functioning of a natural human foot.  Every prepreg device is custom made at our offices to fit each
individual person.

 Myoelectrics – "Myo" comes from the ancient Greek word for muscle.
Myoelectrical arm prostheses are powered by battery-operated electrodes contained within the prosthesis. Electronic sensors inside the prosthesis detect when the user's arm muscles contract. They then convert the body's electric signal into electric power, which will move a motor in the hand, wrist or elbow.
Our Famous Clients Include:
–   ­A player for the Chicago Bulls Basketball Team
–  Bob Dole
– Buffalo Bill's wife of Howdy Doody fame 
 
We put powder coating on the joints and other metal parts of a brace to provide a protective finish and cosmetic appearance to an orthotic device. We can also use powder coating to give a personalized look with different available colors.
 
Adam is manufacturing an above-the-knee socket. The socket is currently in the laminating phase.
Spencer is fabricating a custom knee brace. At this point, he is heat-setting the device in an infrared oven.  
Sean and Adam are forming a TLSO (Thoracic Lumbar Sacrial Orthosis).  
This is a prepreg designed by Andrew Adkisson.