Today's Consumer
Delivered to America on the Wings of a Prayer
By Meredy Fullen
How she came to us is as much an inspiration as her breathtaking performance in the 2004 Paralympic Games held in Athens, Greece. Jessica Long, America's youngest Paralympic athlete, can stand proud with a fistful of three gold medals and a heart full of dreams for a future beyond anyone's imagination.
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Feature
Paralympics Shatters Records, Raises the Bar
By Miki Fairley
It was a time to break records. The 2004 Paralympicsin Athens, Greece, saw 304 world records and 448 Paralympic recordsshattered. A total of 136 nations participated, breaking theprevious high of 123 nations represented at the 2000 Games inSydney,...
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Feature
Not All the Gold is in Medals
By Miki Fairley
The nearly 4,000 athletes participating in the AthensParalympics came from countries small and large, industrial,developing, and third-world. Their equipment, prostheses, andorthoses included everything from the latest technology to whatbeing call...
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Feature
John Register: Sports and Kids Are His Life
By O&P EDGE Editorial Staff
John Register has loved sports most of his life.Growing up in Oakbrook, Illinois, on the west side of Chicago, hisfavorite sport was baseball. During his freshman year in highschool, he faced his first athletic setback: the baseball coachtold him...
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Feature
Paralympic Academy Inspires Young Athletes and Coaches
By John Register
The inaugural Paralympic Academy, sponsored by USParalympics, was more than a success; it transcended myexpectations and the lives of the six children and coaches who wontrips to Athens, Greece, to experience the 12th ParalympicGames. In chairs, f...
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Feature
Otto Bock Paralympics Repair Workshop: Technicians Find Creative Solutions for Athletes
By Miki Fairley
For several years, Otto Bock HealthCare,headquartered in Duderstadt, Germany, has provided the exclusiverepair service for orthotic and prosthetic devices and wheelchairsat the Paralympics. The company generously offers its services freeto athlete...
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Association Spotlight
ACA Adds Prosthetic Parity Reference Page to Website
The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA), Knoxville,Tennessee, has moved forward with its Access to Care and HealthPromotion Initiative by adding a new Prosthetic Parity ReferencePage to its website. After identifying access to care and health promo...
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Got FAQs?
Reimbursement Q&A
By Lisa Lake-Salmon
The future of your practice depends onknowledgeable billing and collection information. Understanding thefull aspect of billing guidelines and procedures will effectivelyincrease your reimbursement. This informative column will helpproviders and t...
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Profile
Charles Emerson, CO
Charles Emerson, CO Faith Prosthetic Orthotic Services Inc. Concord, North Carolina What is your favorite sport? NASCAR racing.
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Perspective
Dreaming of Gold
By Tabi King
Didn't we all dream of Olympic Gold? I'll neverforget watching four-time Olympic gold medalist Olga Korbut show uswhat gymnasts can really do. Other memorable moments were watchingNadia Comaneci define gymnastics with perfection; watching CarlLewi...
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Viewpoints
From the Editor: Human Spirit Shines at Paralympics
By Miki Fairley
Once again, the Paralympics has shown the power of the human spirit. And in this issue, wecelebrate that power with coverage of the Paralympic Games inAthens. For instance, 12-year-old Jessica Long came from an orphanage inRussia to a loving adopt...
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Apis Footwear, a member of the Footwear Industry
of America and the World Shoe Association, proudly shares the
Mt Emey Therapeutic Footwear Line.
Mt Emey Footwear, available as shown and in
additional styles, can be ordered in Ladies' sizes from 4.5 through
15 and widths from 2A to 7E. Features include: extra soft leather
uppers, removable multi-density tri-ply cushion with Plastazote or
leather cover, extra length counter support, and durable HD EVA
outsole.
Visit Apis' website or call toll-free for additional products or
to order from the 100,000 pairs of in-stock shoes.
For more information, contact:
Apis Footwear
888.937.2747
www.bignwideshoes.com

You wanted it to be easier and so did we. We have
finished revamping the fabrication procedure of the
Air-Lock and also changed the two connectors used
with it. The changes make for easier and faster fabrication, and a
much cleaner finish. The Air-Lock offers a
complete fitting system from test socket to definitive socket. This
system uses a one-step fabrication process with alignment built-in.
In addition, by not using a dummy in fabrication the
Air-Lock offers airtight suction suspension for a
superior fit and security. Give us a call to find out more, and
look for ways to win free stuff from Coyote just by reading the
fabrication procedure.
For more information, contact:
Coyote Design
800.819.5980
www.coyotedesign.com

Orthofeet introduces Model 715,
a stylish women's lace shoe designed to provide extra protection
without compromising fashion.
Model 715 features a soft, Napa and suede,
stretchable leather upper, which conforms to foot contours,
accommodating forefoot deformities and alleviating pressure. The
sole's high flanges hide the extra depth, making it look like
a low-contour women's shoe.
Model 715 comes with Orthofeet's unique
performance features: seamless lining and extra foam padding for
comfort and protection; anatomical last design to supply ample
midfoot and toe box space; and ergonomic sole construction to
enhance stability and alleviate forefoot stress. Model
715 has received A5500 SADMERC Code Verification.
For more information, contact:
Orthofeet, Inc.
800.524.2845
www.orthofeet.com

Ohio Willow Wood introduces the first truly
customized, elastomer, gel-based liner, the Alpha®
DESIGN. Prosthetists now have the ability to provide
patients, especially those with unique limb shapes, with the most
comfortable liner possible.
Alpha DESIGN liners can be easily created with
OMEGATM Tracer 7.0 CAD system or from plaster casts.
After capturing the limb shape, practitioners determine how much
elastomer gel to apply throughout the liner and where. Prosthetists
can also choose the fabric style and color of the Alpha
DESIGN liner.
Ohio Willow Wood's customized liners ship in 48 hours of order
receipt.
For more information, contact:
Ohio Willow Wood
800.848.4930
www.owwco.com

OPTEC's new addition to the TLC hip abduction
product line in the TLC HP is designed to provide
your patients with increased support, comfort, and unsurpassed
functionality.
The TLC HP features:
- Increased lumbar & lateral support
- Universal: Pelvic Band; Thigh Cuff; THC hip joint
- Posterior panel for adjustment circumferentially and hip
development
- Breathable foam liner to absorb moisture, increase air
circulation, and prevent skin breakdown
- Gender adaptable to accommodate both female and male
patients
- Available in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and
Extra-Large
For more information, contact:
OPTEC Inc.
888.982.8181
www.optecbrace.com

Pelvic migration is the number one complaint from
patients who wear a hip orthosis. When the patient sits, the pelvic
band migrates up into their chest. Why? Standard, fixed axis hip
joints do not mimic the natural movements of the body.
The Hip Tracker Tricentric Hip Joint is the
only joint on the market that allows the pelvic band to "track" the
pelvis through flexion as the patient sits. Precisely proportionate
gears are used to create the world's only polycentric hip joint
that mimics the proximal end of the femur as it articulates with
the hip bone.
The Hip Tracker eliminates all the discomfort
associated with a migrating pelvic band.
For more information, contact:
Spinal Solutions, Inc.
800.922.5155
www.spinalsolution.net

Otto Bock HealthCare announced a trio of products
designed to increase options for upper extremity specialists.
New electrodes dramatically increase
sensitivity while reducing the interference of electrical signals
so common in today's electronic world. The result is a responsive
device that improves patient outcomes and is closer to natural
function.
The Size 7 hand provides an intermediate hand
size for small-framed adults or growing teens. Like all Otto Bock
upper extremity components, the new hand is easily interchanged
with other terminal devices.
MyoSelect represents an improvement in upper
extremity fitting. A simple device expands programming options
without the limitations and difficulty of coding plugs.
For more information, contact:
Otto Bock HealthCare
800.328.4058
www.ottobock.com

The new Otto Bock Axtion foot
delivers value in a lightweight 13.6-ounce package. Characterized
by smooth rollover and great energy return, its low 2 1/8"
clearance makes it ideal for fitting with the C-Leg®
microprocessor-controlled knee or a Harmony® System. Like
other Otto Bock Custom-Made feet, the Axtion is
customized to an individual's weight and activity level and is
available in sizes 22 to 31 with a standard three-year
warranty.
Otto Bock HealthCare
800.328.4058
www.ottobock.com

Seattle Systems has added four AFOs to complete
its Custom Sure Step Collection to accommodate a
wide range of patients.
Beginning in October, Seattle Systems is offering a
Custom Sure Step Starter Kit for first-time users.
The kit includes a medium cast stock, casting instructions, product
literature, and return address packaging to simplify the ordering
process.
Within hours of receiving the order, Seattle Systems uses its
newly installed CAD/CAM to digitally scan the cast to create a
positive patient model. This investment in technology, which also
includes shape modification applications, allows Seattle Systems to
deliver an accurate, custom-fabricated AFO back to the practitioner
in five days or less - guaranteed.
- Accuracy of fit, quality construction and proven designs
- Four ankle configurations, 12 Custom Sure Step models in
all
- Five day turnaround
- Affordably priced
For more information, contact:
Seattle Systems Inc.
800.248.6463
www.seattlesystems.com

Designed especially to keep diabetic patients'
feet dry, the Thermawear Foot Gauntlet also helps
relieve pain and provides support.
Made of a breathable neoprene that is porous but does not absorb
water, this design with a free flow of air allows perspiration to
escape the gauntlet before it is absorbed into the lining, thus
reducing trapped moisture. To prevent irritation and to provide
comfort, a soft, silky material is applied between the neoprene and
the skin.
The Thermawear Foot Gauntlet is available in
four sizes small, medium, large, and extra large. The
manufacturer's suggested L-code is L-1902.
For more information, contact:
Cascade Orthopedic Supply
800.888.0865
www.cascade-usa.com

A very popular item, the original Multi
Podus® boot from RCAI is now available through
Cascade Orthopedic Supply.
The Multi Podus boot is perfect for systematic
treatment of foot drop, foot and ankle contracture, hip rotation,
and pressure sores. The floating heel design eliminates pressure or
friction on the heel, enhancing blood circulation and healing.
Constructed of lightweight Kydex®, the Multi Podus
boot is available in five adult sizes and three pediatric
sizes. The MPO Active and Phase II can also be ordered.
Cascade Orthopedic Supply
800.888.0865
www.cascade-usa.com

The College Park ALX System
allows the use of standard endoskeletal components to more
precisely align the prosthesis without the need for bulky alignment
devices. The ALX System makes it easy to
accurately transfer the achieved alignment to the finished
limb.
In just four simple steps ALX System enables
you to accurately align with endoskeletal componentry! Lock in
transfer jig; remove endo components; span; and laminate to desired
finish.
For more information, contact:
College Park Industries
800.728.7950
www.college-park.com