3D Printing for Advancing Pediatric Orthotic Care With Invent Medical in Des Moines, IA

Micheala Hala

As a certified prosthetist orthotist, I co-lead the prosthetic and orthotic team at Limb Lab Des Moines, serving patients across central Iowa, from infants in cranial remolding helmets and lower extremity pediatric orthotic and prosthetic care to adults fitted with upper and lower limb prosthetics. Certified in the Ottobock MyCro Band, Talee, and Talee post-op cranial remolding orthoses, I treat infants with positional head deformities, including complex cases involving shunt placement and post-surgical care following craniosynostosis repair.

I work closely with physicians and physical/occupational therapists at Blank Children’s Hospital and their outpatient clinics, UnityPoint Health, University of Iowa Health Care, DMOS, and other leading institutions, from pre-surgical planning to long-term prosthetic and orthotic care.

What I love most about my job is the lasting relationships we build with our patients and families. They are often facing one of the hardest obstacles of their lives, and offering the right tools, expertise, and collaboration to support their journeys is the most rewarding part of what I do.

While studying athletic training at the University of Northern Iowa, I met an amputee working in O&P who encouraged me to pursue this career. I grew up building things with my dad, so I always knew I wanted to work with my hands and help motivate and uplift people. I fell in love with this field and went on to earn my Master of Science in Prosthetics & Orthotics from the University of Pittsburgh.

My husband and I were both born and raised in Iowa – Go Hawks! I completed both residencies here and practiced for several years before leading the Limb Lab team in Mankato, Minnesota. We are excited to be back in Iowa to raise our kids while I get to do what I love and help improve the field of O&P across the state of Iowa.

Stephen Sengbusch

When I was a kid, I never dreamed that I would be a Prosthetist Orthotist. Archaeologist, ghostbuster, or professional athlete seemed more reasonable. Through a slow build-up of exposure to orthotics and prosthetics (O&P), I have developed a real passion for our field. From watching my brother benefit from orthoses when he was young, to providing orthoses to my athletes in the training room, to then working as a fitter in the field, I gradually understood what I wanted to do when I grew up.

So, taking my knowledge and experience from my Athletic Training undergrad at the University of lowa, and my work-experience in O&P, I delved deeply into my graduate studies at Northwestern University and successfully completed my residency and exams to become a certified licensed Prosthetist Orthotist (CPO/L).

Having provided O&P care in my hometown of Des Moines for years, I’m thrilled now to be leading the expansion of the cutting-edge provider Limb Lab into the market. As I embark as a Market President for Limb Lab, I look forward to helping people increase their mobility and independence, and I’m so grateful that I get to call this my life’s work.

Madison Nastruz

I’m passionate about helping individuals and families overcome real-life challenges through personalized prosthetic and orthotic care. I earned my undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Iowa, and my Master’s degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics from Northwestern University. Following a prosthetic residency at the Veteran’s Administration in Minneapolis, I returned to my hometown to join Limb Lab. My approach combines engineering precision with compassionate support to improve comfort, function, confidence, and quality of life. 

I now practice as a certified prosthetist orthotist, supporting and replacing anatomy from head to toe. I work with patients across a wide range of orthotic and prosthetic needs, including a special interest in pediatric care. My experience includes cranial remolding orthosis (CRO) treatment for infants with plagiocephaly and brachycephaly (flat head syndrome), as well as post-operative craniosynostosis care and follow-up cranial remolding treatment. 

What I enjoy most about this field is combining problem-solving and technology with meaningful patient relationships and long-term connections with families. I’m especially excited by innovation in O&P that can expand what’s possible for the people we serve.