Chris Guaragno, CPO, on Patient-Centered Care and the Limber UniLeg

At Limber Prosthetics, we value partnerships with clinics that combine clinical expertise, a patient-centered philosophy, and a commitment to advancing prosthetic care. This month’s Clinic Spotlight features Next Step Technologies and CPO Chris Guaragno, based in Danbury, CT. Chris and his team integrate a multidisciplinary model that includes physicians, physical therapists, and patients to deliver individualized care and great outcomes.

With over 20 years of experience in O&P, Chris began his career as a technician while studying anatomy and physiology. Initially hesitant to enter the field, he eventually pursued prosthetics as a career, continuing the path set by his father, William Guaragno, CPO, who began practicing in 1979. Today, two additional family members have joined the Next Step Technologies team, and together, they bring clinical experience and a focus on patient mobility to their community.

Discovering the UniLeg: Meeting Specific Patient Needs

Chris was introduced to Limber Prosthetics in 2024 through Limber’s Chief Operating Officer, Walker White. He was particularly interested in the UniLeg’s lightweight design and its ability to be used in wet and sandy environments. “I loved the fact that you can take it into the water and still get all the features of dynamic energy return as well. I have a lot of patients here in CT that love the beach and using a traditional swim leg can be tedious and awkward at the beach,” he said. “The UniLeg gives them the freedom to use their device at the beach and in the sandy, dirty environment without switching limbs.”

Although initially cautious about adopting new technology, Chris’s outlook changed after his first fitting. “I was impressed by how well it performed compared to what I expected,” he noted.

Digital Workflow and Clinical Integration

Chris describes the scan-and-order process of the Limber Clinical App (LCA) as straightforward and easy to integrate into his practice. “The app is so easy that I let my technician handle most scans now,” he said. By streamlining data capture and device ordering, the app allows his team to devote more attention to direct patient care. He also emphasized the consistent support and responsiveness from Limber’s team, which has been valuable as he continues adopting the digital workflow.

Device fitting is similarly efficient. “Installing the lock, adding the foot shell, and adjusting the bumper for gait takes just a few minutes,” Chris explained. The simplified process minimizes time spent on assembly and supports a smoother clinical workflow.

Clinical Outcomes and Patient Response

After two decades in the field, Chris views the UniLeg as a distinctive option compared to traditional prosthetic designs. “For moderate to active ambulators, it’s a one-of-a-kind option,” he said.

Patient feedback has been notably positive, particularly regarding the prosthesis’s reduced weight and improved comfort. Chris shared the example of a bilateral amputee patient who had used heavy prostheses for over a decade. “Because the UniLeg is tailored to his weight, he now has much lighter limbs and is excelling in physical therapy like never before,” he explained. For both Limber and Next Step Technologies, outcomes like these underscore a shared commitment to improving mobility and quality of life for individuals with limb loss.

Chris currently considers moderate K2 to active K3 patients to be the most suitable candidates for the UniLeg, especially those interested in water-based activities. Traditional transtibial prostheses are not typically designed for water exposure, as materials like metals, plastics, and foams may degrade or corrode, and mechanical components can trap moisture, leading to damage. By contrast, the Limber UniLeg is constructed from water-resistant materials in a single-piece design that withstands environmental exposure. This allows patients to engage in activities such as swimming or walking on the beach without compromising the integrity of the prosthesis.

Looking Ahead

Chris believes that digital design and additive manufacturing will increasingly shape the future of orthotics and prosthetics. “I believe 3D printing is going to be the future of orthotics and prosthetics,” he said.

When asked if he would recommend the UniLeg to fellow clinicians, his response was direct: “Definitely. In this industry, most manufacturers are always trying to reinvent the wheel, but the UniLeg offers a whole new option for patients.”

At Next Step Technologies, the Limber UniLeg is being incorporated as part of a patient-centered approach to care, with the goal of expanding access to lightweight, functional solutions. Limber is proud to collaborate with clinicians like Chris Guaragno who are committed to advancing patient outcomes through digital innovation.