Feature
Diary of a Mission: Project Hope Belize — Part One
By Rob Kistenberg, MPH, CPO, FAAOP
This July the summer prosthetic mission trip to Belize, Central America, marked the ten-year anniversary of Sonrie Inc. and Project Hope Belize providing prostheses in Belize. The following is a diary of the mission trip recounting my ten-day expe...
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Feature
O&P Ascends Professional Summit
By Miki Fairley
"The O&P profession has the opportunity to control its own destiny and set the course for the next decade and beyond. Decisive action is necessary, not just to keep pace with other allied health professionals, but to be proactive in our own behalf...
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Feature
Exciting Vision for Practitioners in the Future
The 2005 Education Summit Report gives an exciting, optimistic vision in its look at the future "Five to Ten Years Out." For instance, here is the report's view of the practitioner in the near future: "The past decade has witnessed a significant...
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Feature
Northwestern Survey Identifies Research Priorities
Is research important in prosthetics and orthotics? Is enough research being conducted? What aspects of O&P are the most important target areas?
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Feature
The Orientation of a Homing Pigeon
By Chelan M. Pedrow
Chelan and her father at the Georgia Tech bookstore Ten of us awkwardly shuffle into Georgia Tech's fabrication workshop. Each chooses an area of workspace and a toolbox, and on command we open our new cases. The tools feel important but foreign.
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Feature
OSU-Okmulgee Announces O&P Technician Program
Oklahoma State University-Okmulgee has begun a new Orthotics andProsthetics Technician Program, the university announced. Studentsare developing multiple skill sets, including technician skills,fitting skills, and pedorthic fabrication skills, the...
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Feature
AOPA’s Sunriver Initiatives Move Forward
By Miki Fairley
The four initiatives to emerge from the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association's (AOPA's) Sunriver Initiatives are on track and moving ahead. This is the good news from AOPA President Walter Racette, CPO, in an interview with The O&P EDGE . Th...
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Feature
Competitive Bidding: Can Small Suppliers Survive?
By John Latsko
John Latsko If all goes as proposed, the largest, most accessible, and cheapest suppliers of certain durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) may gain Medicare business. Smaller, less accessible, and more expensiv...
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Industry Leader
Rosie Jované C.: Passion for Progress
By Miki Fairley
"If Rosie has ever met an obstacle she couldn't overcome, I don't know what it is."- Mel Stills, CO(E) Advancement of prosthetics and orthotics in Latin America has had a lot to do with a strong, vivacious, lovely lady with a passion for t...
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Today's Consumer
There’s Fighting for Your Life...and Then There’s Golf
By Sherry Metzger, MS
A New Zealand motorcycle tour ended in tragedy when one of the nine riders collided with an oncoming vehicle in December 2001. Rick Weber, 49, recalls how a series of "lucky" events saved his life that day, though efforts couldn't save his left le...
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Stepping Out
Neuropathy, Charcot Joint Disease and Partial Foot Amputations
By Séamus Kennedy, BEng (Mech), CPed
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," is a saying attributed to Benjamin Franklin. When it comes to neuropathy, this is certainly great advice. The presence of, or potential for, any form of neuropathy in a patient must be given full...
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Sports
Sports News
Injured Veterans Try Surfing with Roller Andy Powers (left) lost both legs in Afghanistan. Photo/Phil Klein A group of 12 veterans wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, many who are amputees, attended a surf clinic in August in Pismo Beach, Califo...
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Progress on Parity
California Becomes Fifth State to Ensure Coverage
By Morgan Sheets
California and Massachusetts are poised to becomethe fifth and sixth states to pass legislation requiringcomprehensive prosthetic coverage. AB2012 is awaiting Governor Schwarzenegger's signature.Sponsored by Rep. Bill Emmerson, the bill mandates...
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Got FAQs?
Got FAQs?
By Lisa Lake-Salmon
The future of your practice depends on knowledgeable billing and collection information. Understanding the full aspect of billing guidelines and procedures will effectively increase your reimbursement. This informative column will help providers a...
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Perspective
In Our Corner of the World
I called up my buddy Tom the other day to see if he wanted to go get some dinner (that's what we call lunch in the South; that meal you eat in the evening is "supper" around here). Anyway, he said, "No, I have a telephone hearing with a judge and...
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Viewpoint
See you in Hollywood...
By Tina Eichner
We put this issue to bed in the midst of planning for 2007 and packing for a trip to Florida for the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) 2006 National Assembly. Trade shows are a great opportunity to reconnect, re-energize, and ref...
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The Lamprey Gun Turret was
designed for the M-16, but functions well on sporting carbines,
bolt action or lever action rifles, over and under, side by side,
pump style and semi-automatic shotguns. It has a lockable ball and
socket to allow firing from a variety of positions and a pivoting
platform for smooth gun rotation.
A flexible synthetic polymer "yoke" conforms to various stock
surfaces without marring. It snaps onto the forearm of the stock
and can be pulled back tightening up for precise control.
Limited production FALL 2006.
For more information, contact:
TRS Inc.
800.279.1865
www.oandp.com/trs

ESP created the AEGIS Ultimate
Liner as a more natural alternative for your patients. The
preflexed design insures an anatomically correct and custom-like
fit, maximizing comfort and mobility.
Two NEW Sizes: X-Small (New); Small; Medium; Large; X-Large
(New)
NEW Flexible Shuttle Umbrella
The NEW Flexible Shuttle Umbrella moves and works with the
Ultimate Liners incredibly soft and pliable pure
Silicone Gel, providing:
- Ultimate Durability
- Ultimate Comfort
- Ultimate Pin to Lock Alignment
Call today to try the NEW Ultimate Liner!
For more information, contact:
ESP LLC
888.932.7377
www.wearesp.com

A new solution for transradial amputees is now
available at SPS: the NEW Alpha® Upper
Extremity Liners from Ohio Willow Wood.
As the newest member of the Alpha® Family of
Liners, the Alpha UE Liner is formulated of the
unique Alpha gel, which surrounds the residual limb in a
skin-friendly layer of protection.
A unique oval-shaped distal umbrella matches upper-limb anatomy
more precisely, yielding maximum comfort and fit. Amputees may
choose from either the Original or Spirit fabrics for the outer
covering. Priced at the same great value as all other Alpha Liners,
the new UE Liners are a smart choice.
Available in either cushion or locking styles
For more information, contact:
SPS
800.767.7776
www.spsco.com

ReverseStepLock® is now available in 2400
Series® Size 6 for use in upper-extremity orthoses.
Pair this unique component with the new 2400 Series Free
Motion joint. Free Motion joints are
available in both the 2400 Series for use with thermoplastic and
2755 Series® for use in pre-preg or wet
laminations. Available in Sizes 5, 6, and 7 for child, youth, or
adult, the Free Motion joint features sleek
European styling and is designed to be snag-free. These components
are quality manufactured of light, strong electroless nickel-plated
OTS alloy for comfortable fit and durable finish.
For more information, contact:
OTS Corp.
800.221.4769
www.ots-corp.com

OCSI/NeuroFlex Inc. is introducing a new
Clinical Pathways Program. This free resource will
help facilitate orthotic brace selection for therapists and other
referral sources. The Clinical Pathways
OrthoticSelection Guide will allow a
clinician to easily select the most clinically appropriate orthotic
design and product model depending on the patients clinical
condition and treatment goal.
OCSI/NeuroFlex has upgraded its product line, featuring new,
superior fabrics, proprietary gel technology, and enhanced product
design. Call us today to receive a FREE Clinical Pathways
Orthotic Selection Guide.
For more information, contact:
OCSI/NeuroFlex Inc.
800.375.0207
www.ongoingcare.com

Solar SystemTM AFOs is proud to
introduce its Exoskeletal Dynamic Ankle Foot
Orthosis line. The system was designed by Hernan Luna,
CPO, LPO--resulting in an alternative, more dynamic solution for
treating patients and improving gait. The patent-pending
Solar System AFO line incorporates a rigid
structural "exoskeleton" with a more flexible molded inner
component, which together offer greater versatility and overall
mobility through ROM for patients using orthoses. The full line of
custom-molded orthoses is now available to orthotists, and an
Information Request Form can be completed online.
For more information, contact:
Solar System AFOs
305.828.3698
www.solarsystemafos.com

Prosthetists, are you tired of replacing Gel
suspension sleeves at your expense? What's the answer?
SleeveSavers are here!
SleeveSavers are designed to protect the inside
of your patients gel suspension sleeve by covering the proximal
edges of the socket. A specially developed heavy-duty material with
four-way stretch is used for this application. This inexpensive
solution can help to protect your patients sleeve for up to and
beyond six months. By distributing one with each suspension sleeve,
you can cut your replacements by 80 percent!
To protect the outside of your patients suspension sleeve,
consider SleeveArt® prosthetic
suspensionsleeve covers.
For more information, contact:
SleeveArt by Freds Legs Inc.
954.646.1026
www.fredslegs.com

SPS announces the immediate availability of the
smallest and newest lock in the Ohio Willow Wood product line: the
Mini G-Lock designed for upper-extremity and
pediatric prostheses.
Incorporating a standard pin lock design, the Mini
G-Lock allows the pin to be secured at the nearest groove
to prevent pistoning, shifting, or slippage. When used with the new
Alpha® UE Liner, transradial amputees receive the
full benefit of a complete upper-extremity solution.
To save time and energy during fabrication, a dummy is included
with each lock. Each Mini G-Lock includes two pins
to facilitate ease of use with the Alpha family of liners.
For more information, contact:
SPS
800.767.7776
www.spsco.com

When you are looking for value, you need only look
to SPS--introducing the VALUE-PRICED new green Cylindrical
Lock from Fillauer.
The green Cylindrical Lock incorporates the
dependable Fillauer locking mechanism in a versatile cylindrical
body with a 4-hole attachment base. This value-added design
features a fiber-reinforced, injection-molded cowl, deeper pin well
for easier insertion, and stronger 4-hole attachment.
The new green Cylindrical Lock can be retrofit
into other cylindrical lock sockets and is optimized for
thermoforming or lamination. With its focus on value, the
Cylindrical Lock comes ready to fit with two 1-in.
Fillauer shuttle pins and attachment hardware.
For more information, contact:
SPS
800.767.7776
www.spsco.com

PEL Supply now offers Keasy Thermoformable
Cone Liners. These thermoformable cones are used as a
liner between the residual limb and socket, worn with a fabric
prosthetic sock. Mainly for active patients, these durable liners
are seamless and smooth inside; no gluing required. Modifiable for
a comfortable fit, they are thermoformable between
300°-340° for four to five minutes and can be reheated
four to five times without affecting characteristics. Just
introduced to the US is the larger AK Liner, plus a new
Intermediate Liner used as an interface between the socket and a
gel or silicone liner to prolong the life of the liner.
For more information, contact:
PEL Supply Company
800.321.1264
www.pelsupply.com

Orthofeet is introducing innovative
athletic shoes, which are designed from the inside
out to provide unsurpassed comfort and protection.
Soft genuine leather along with elastic elements in the vamp
enhance comfort and eliminate pressure on bunions. Anatomical,
straight last, with over 5/16 in. added depth, provides relaxed fit
and ample room for thick orthotics. Unique smooth lining
construction, padded with extra foam, enhances comfort, and
provides excellent protection. Lightweight sole, with wide base and
mild rocker design, enhances stability and facilitates ambulation.
The athletic shoes are available in four
widths.
For more information, contact:
Orthofeet Inc.
800.524.2845
www.orthofeet.com

HOPE Orthopedic announces its
VertaLuxTM and VertaLux
LiteTM, a new bracing solution for comfortable
torso support and spinal motion restriction. A modular system for
precision fitting, the VertaLux features a fabric
front with a pocket containing a semi-rigid molded Kydex insert and
rigid posterior.
The VertaLux is available in LSO and TLSO,
Standard-profile, Mid-profile, and Low-profile styles; seven Unisex
sizes to mix and match for best fit; and polyethylene back or soft
back (VertaLux Lite).
HOPE Orthopedic offers same-day order fulfillment until 8 PM
Eastern, three-day shipping for the price of ground, and a flat fee
of $20 for overnight shipping.
For more information, contact:
HOPE Orthopedic
800.613.8852
www.hopeortho.com

Leading orthotists, orthopedic surgeons, and
neurosurgeons agree: custom-molded LSOs and TLSOs
are superior to prefabricated versions in biomechanical motion
control and patient compliance. Prefabricated spinal orthoses do
not control lateral flexion and rotation and are unable to control
motion in all planes as well as a custom. They do not accommodate
pendulous patients or provide adequate means to lock on the patient
pelvis.
The Spinal Solutions Custom Anterior Overlap
LSO/TLSO is the most cost-effective way to provide
superior fit and support. An all-inclusive price enables
cost-effectiveness while providing the patient with the ultimate in
triplanar motion control.
For more information, contact:
Spinal Solutions Inc.
770.922.2434
www.spinalsolution.net

Spinal Solutions launches the VertiLok LP
Soft Spinal System:
- Extra-thick padding for added comfort
- One piece anterior opening for easy donning and doffing
- Ventilated stretch binding aids in achieving maximum
compression
- Ventilated stretch binding increases the range of patient
sizing
- Dual closure system allows patient to initially don the
orthosis with compression, then maximize compression by using the
pull straps
- Abdominal compression is aided by a rigid, non-removable
plastic panel
- Lumbar compression is aided by a rigid, removable, and
re-formable plastic panel
- Suggested HCPCS Code L-0637
For more information, contact:
Spinal Solutions Inc.
770.922.2434
www.spinalsolution.net

The EZ Stride composite has helped thousands of
patients enjoy the freedom of walking without restriction. Now,
more patients are candidates to enjoy that freedom with the new
EZ Stride-ATB (Anterior Tibia Brace), applicable
to footdrop patients. This AFO effectively assists the patient
return to a more normal gait cycle while minimizing pressure on the
tibia. The EZ Stride-ATB, a dynamic floor reaction
device that is stronger, lighter, and thinner, is designed to
prevent excessive "push out" of the shoe. The EZ
Stride-ATB can be fabricated as a lateral or medial
support strut, prefabricated, custom to cast, or custom to
measurement. SADMERC-approved L-1932.
For more information, contact:
Spinal Solutions Inc.
770.922.2434
www.spinalsolution.net

The EZ Stride Complete Ankle Support
System provides these benefits:
- When used in conjunction with a lateral strut will help prevent
eversion (pronation)
- When used in conjunction with a medial strut will help prevent
inversion (supination)
- Will help keep the ankle and foot in a neutral position
- Maximizes ankle stability
- Easily fits into any shoe
- High-grade leather increases longevity of the brace
- EZ donning and doffing
- High-strength hook-and-loop closure that is
patient-friendly
Available in black leather only.
For more information, contact:
Spinal Solutions Inc.
770.922.2434
www.spinalsolution.net

The Versa ClampTM, new
from Freedom Innovations, provides two fitting solutions when used
in conjunction with the companys SilhouetteTM Prosthetic
Foot. The extended 34mm tube clamp can be paired with pre-cut
spacer rings to provide an easy fix for clinicians that have cut
the pylon of the Silhouette too short.
Simply insert the 1/8-in., 1/4-in., or 3/8-in. rings, or any
combination of the three, into the clamp to build back to the
needed pylon height. The Versa Clamp also allows
easy use of the Silhouette Prosthetic Foot with pin locking
systems, which require pin extension past the pyramid adaptor.
Available for purchase from Freedom Innovations or through SPS.
For more information, contact:
Freedom Innovations
888.818.6777
www.freedom-innovations.com

New from Endolite, the TT PRO
perfectly balances shock absorption and energy management.
- Energy-efficient coil spring for vertical compression
- New torsion rod provides 30 degrees of rotation each direction
from neutral position
- New bearing surface responds over a greater range of the stance
phase
- Instant compression at heel strike and smoother energy return
at toe-off
- 30mm pylon and clamp option available
For more information, contact:
Endolite
800.548.3534
www.endolite.com

CareCredit, the nation's leader in patient
financing, offers a new brochure illustrating how
O&P practices can use patient payment plans to
help more patients overcome cost concerns and obtain the optimal
technology they need.
Featuring data from industry studies and practice and patient
research, the new brochure details how offering
CareCredit as a value-added service has been proven to increase
care acceptance and revenue, reduce accounts receivable and
collection costs, and improve cash flow.
CareCredit offers a comprehensive range of 3-, 6-, 12-,
and 18-Month No Interest and 24-, 36-, 48-, and 60-Month Extended
Payment Plans to fit patient budgets.
For more information, contact:
CareCredit
800.300.3046
www.carecredit.com

Ohio Willow Wood has adapted its revolutionary
lower-extremity Alpha® Liners for
use by above-elbow and below-elbow amputees.
The Alpha UE Liner surrounds a residual limb in
a layer of skin-friendly, mineral-oil-based gel containing Vitamin
E. The liner gently adheres to the skin to protect
against abrasion and breakdown. The Alpha UE Liner is offered in a uniform, 3mm gel thickness
and in three sizes. An oval-shaped umbrella allows for a
comfortable fit. Alpha UE Liners are
heat-moldable, allowing prosthetists to tailor a liner's fit within
their facilities.
For more information, contact:
Ohio Willow Wood
800.848.4930
www.owwco.com