Carrying on a tradition
Story by Journal Record Staff Writer Gregory Potts, Photos by Mark Hancock

The Sabolich family is synonymous with prosthetics, not only in Oklahoma, but also across the United States. Now, Scott Sabolich is carrying on the tradition as the third-generation prosthetics specialists in his family.

His grandfather, Lester J. Sabolich, opened a prosthetic facility in 1947. In fact, Lester was one of the very first certified prosthetics specialists in the United States. Scott's father, John, took over the practice in the early 1980s. John has since devoted himself to research and development, including the invention of the patented Sabolich Socket.

In fact, three generations of Sabolich's were recently featured in a History Channel special on the history of prosthetics.

SABOLICH CENTER: Salvador Dali artwork decorates the upper material of the prosthesis of Theron Thompson-Hogue, who has been a Sabolich patient for 15 years and now is employed by Scott and Kim Sabolich at their prosthetic and research center.

Scott says he specializes in difficult-to-fit prosthetic case and he strives to keep on the cutting edge of technology. A mold is taken of a patient's limb to ensure a perfect fit for the device and the limb is made right there in the Sabolich lab by a team of specialists.

Some patients don't realize what technologies are available today because their doctors don't know, said Scott. Others may have been using the same prosthesis for years and simply don't realized that things have changed.

According to Scott, prosthetic advances occur, about as rapidly as personal computer advances. Thus, due to wear and tear, as well as, desire for upgrades, many patients come in for replacement every few years.

Unfortunately, insurance companies don't always don't always see it that way. Policy coverage varies dramatically, Kim explained. Some will cover a limb up to $1,500 even though they often cost up to $10,000. Others will cover only the prosthetic device in a patient's lifetime. And some will set a lifetime ceiling cap of, say $50,000. For those who can't afford limbs, they seek help from the Oklahoma City-based Limbs for Life Foundation, which donates about $50,000 a year to those who need assistance.

There are 3 million amputees nationwide, including 56,000 new ones each year. Prosthetic patients generally fall into two categories, Scott explained. Some are elderly who typically lose limbs due to diabetes or circulation problems. Others are young people who lose limbs in traumatic accidents with motorcycles, cars, guns or machinery. Many of the young amputees can continue to be accomplished athletes with the help of their prosthetics.

One of Scott's clients received a basketball scholarship at Oklahoma Christian University of Science and Arts - the first amputee on the world to do so.

According to Scott, the advances in the last 10 years of so have been dramatic, borrowing technologies from the aerospace and robotics industries. Advances include the use of strong, but lightweight materials, such as carbon fiber and titanium. Other advances include more functional knees, twisting ankles, and feet with spring in them, which especially help runners.

Improvements have also been made in grasping hands. John Sabolich's latest efforts are in devices to simulate feeling, which could even further improve this situation. For instance, he is testing an arm device that gives the user a vibrating sensation when he has grasped something. The stronger he grasps the stronger the vibration.

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