2/21/2008  Charlotte, NC Charlotte Post features Impact Prosthetic Solutions! Quality of life, limbs Charlotte company helps amputees get back on their feet Published Thursday, February 21, 2008 by Ryanne Persinger Denise Selvey lost her left leg below the knee. Since then the diabetic mother of two has been fitted for a prosthetic limb. It all started in 2004 when Selvey was sunbathing on her deck. That’s when her doctor believes she caught a foam bacterial infection. "Diabetics are prone to ulcers, when they have a cut or burn they really have to watch it because it will get infected easily,” Selvey said, adding that is probably what happened to her. At first her feet went numb, then she had two toes on her right foot amputated, followed by the amputation of toes on her left foot, then half her left foot was cut off, and more recently her left leg was amputated below the knee. She had nine surgeries altogether. “I’ve been through a great ordeal,” Selvey said. “But I’m getting through it.” Rico Phronebarger and Rondell Richardson own Impact Prostheic Solutions in Charlotte. Phroneberger is a technician; Richardson is certified in prosthetics and orthotics. Selvey spent six months in a wheelchair and on crutches before going to see Rondell Richardson, two years ago, who fitted her for a shuttle lock prosthetic connector. The connecter allows Selvey to connect or disconnect the prosthetic limb from the amputation using a shuttle lock mechanism. The pair opened Impact Prosthetic Solutions located at 1931 J.N. Pease Place, Suite 104, two months ago. The majority of their patients are African American and suffer from diabetes like Selvey. (Diabetes) causes pain for everybody,” said Selvey’s daughter, Dezmonee. “I was scared,” the 12-year-old said. According to the International Diabetes Federation, diabetes is the leading cause of amputations and blacks are 2.7 times more likely to suffer from lower limb amputations. “We’re seeing a higher occurrence of amputees because of diabetes,” Pronebarger said. “It’s kind of sad.” Richardson said some patients suffer from trauma such as car and horse accidents, though it’s rare compared to patients with diabetes. Whatever causes a patient’s ailment, he said his biggest concern is helping patients return to as normal as possible. “Your prosthesis should not limit you,” Richardson said. “We’d like to get (patients) back to where they were or beyond. There’s so much technology and advancement that is new now.” Prosthetics have grown from the tourniquet cuff systems and belt systems. Now amputees have life-like solutions of movement similar to arms and legs. Impact was also the first prosthetic company in Charlotte to offer the PROPRIO Foot (bionic foot). Richardson and Phronebarger have known each other for five years, and worked together for three before going into business. “We relish the opportunity to work with patients.” Richardson and Phronebarger plan on expanding the business, but for now they’re settling into their new office in the University area. “They work well together,” Selvey said about the two men. On a personal note, the 33 year-old said diabetics should watch their diet and take care themselves especially when it comes to a cold or a cut. “Our immune systems are not as strong,” she added. Patients interested in going to Impact need a referral from their doctors or they can suggest their doctor to refer them to the business. For more information, call (704) 510-2204. Copyright © 2007 Charlotte Post If you have any questions or comments regarding these details please contact news@iprosthetics.com.