Feature
Apples to Apples: ISPO Proposes Model for Research Participant Data
By Garrison Wells
Ask any business owner: Attempting to set standards that are consistently adhered to in a single company can be tough. In an entire industry, the process can be rife with pitfalls. But what about setting standards on a worldwide basis, where cultu...
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Feature
Hands across the Ocean
By Kate Hawthorne
International Group Collecting Data On Multiarticulating Hands After three years and six meetings on two continents, the Strategic Consortium for Upper-Limb Prosthetic Technologies (SCULPT) is set to launch its first international study of upper...
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Feature
The Poetry of Osseointegration
By Phil Stevens, MEd, CPO, FAAOP
Patient-Oriented Evidence that Matters...to Patients Over the last several years, there has been a steady escalation of interest in and research associated with the use of osseointegration (OI) as a means of managing unilateral transfemoral amputa...
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Feature
2012 Election Overview and Implications for the O&P Profession
By Peter W. Thomas, JD, and Theresa T. Morgan
The Washington DC political environment changed only slightly as a result of the 2012 national elections, despite a lengthy campaign season that resulted in unprecedented political spending over the past two years. President Barack Obama won reele...
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Today’s Consumer
Leo Millar: Drive at the Heart of All He Does
By Betta Ferrendelli
11-year-old Leo Millar aims to be a future golf champion. Photographs courtesy of Ian Millar. Leo Millar was born without a right hand, but that hasn't stopped the 11-year-old from becoming a brown belt in karate or becoming a masterful skateboarder.
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Industry Leader
Joan Edelstein, MA, PT, FISPO, CPed
By Séamus Kennedy, BEng (Mech), CPed
Dedicated to O&P Education Edelstein at the University of Wisconsin, top row second from left. Photographs courtesy of Joan Edelstein . For 30 years—from 1961 through 1991—Joan Edelstein, MA, PT, FISPO, CPed, was a senior research scientist i...
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Perspective
O&P Abroad: Recirculation of O&P Wealth
By Dino Scanio, CO
Scanio and his patient celebrate after she receives her first set of AFOs. The Florida O&P Outreach Team (FOOT Foundation) completed another trip to Guatemala on September 22, 2012. More than 40 children were fit with much needed orthoses and pros...
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Better Business
Thinking Outside the Clinical Box—Facility Offers Fitness, Wellness, and Social Space
By Miki Fairley
Even in a profession noted for dedicated practitioners and quality facilities, Prosthetic & Orthotic Associates of Central Florida (POA), Orlando, and its owner and president, Stan Patterson, CP, stand out. In a tight economy where many healthcare...
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O&Pedia
Welcome to O&Pedia
Welcome to O&Pedia O&P, just like every other industry, profession, sport, and hobby, has its own "language"—an amalgamation of acronyms, words, organizations, processes, and procedures. Although those new to the profession may most often stumb...
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Shop Talk
Shaping Covers and Applying Skin
By Ronnie N. Graves, BOCPO, LPO, CO, CTP
There are many different types of prosthetic leg covers and fabrication materials. You need to know upfront what your end result should be before you make a decision about components. Depending on the circumstances, you may be following the prosth...
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Face to Face
Jennifer Klein, CPO, MS, PCT
Born and raised in Redding, California, Jennifer Klein's journey in O&P and healthcare has taken her not only around the country but also around the world. After completing her bachelor's degree in O&P at the University of Texas Southwestern Medic...
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Got FAQs?
Got FAQs: New lower-limb prosthesis L-Codes for 2013 and addition codes for L-1840, L-1844, and L- 1846
By Lisa Lake-Salmon
Whether you are new to O&P billing or have years of experience, denials can be frustrating to handle and difficult to appeal. Count on "Got FAQs?" to provide you with the information you need to save time and frustration. This month's column addre...
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Industry Review - Conferences
Little Rock Welcomes the PFA 53rd Annual Symposium & Exhibition
By Margaret Hren
PFA President Jay Zaffater, CPed, presents Dane LaFontsee, CPed, with the Seymour Lefton Lifetime Achievement Award. Jeremy Long, CPed, demonstrates hands-on casting techniques. His "patient" is TamaraDaulton, CPed, LPed.
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Viewpoint
One of These Things Is Just Like the Other…
By Karen Henry
Or is it? Infants instinctively use comparative thinking to distinguish their mothers from other individuals. Indeed, this type of thinking is fundamental to the learning process.
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EDGE Direct
Clinical Benefits are Critical to Reimbursement Success
EDGE Direct Since 1999, C-Leg has been the subject of more than 40 clinical studies of microprocessor-controlled knees (MPK). Not in-house studies, but published, peer-reviewed clinical research—the kind that makes payers sit up and take notice....
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The AIRPUCK™ system is a cost-effective
vacuum reservoir that can
maintain negative pressure within the
prosthetic socket for extended periods
of time (6-10 hours). The AIRPUCK
system completely seals the distal
aspect of the socket, allowing users to
open the valve and remove air in the
socket to achieve vacuum suspension.
The vacuum barb is neatly concealed
in the valve housing. Blister pull
fabrication makes an air-tight socket
a breeze. No hoses, barbs, or ports to contend with. The AIRPUCK
is a self-sealing, modular, drop-in vacuum component.
Patent pending.
5280 PROSTHETICS LLC
800.460.0288
www.5280prosthetics.com
Say goodbye to old-fashioned sockets and welcome the next generation in prosthetic-limb connectivity—the patent-pending HiFi™ Interface. Unlike traditional sockets that simply fit the periphery of the residual limb, the HiFi Interface captures and controls the residual bone. The patent-pending HiFi Imager, with its skeletal-capture technology, is a device used for transfemoral patients during the casting/scanning phase.
Upper- and lower-limb patients report a significant
increase in control, function, performance, and
comfort. "The HiFi feels more like a part of me."
Register for an upcoming HiFi training course at www.joinhifi.com
biodesigns inc.
800.775.2870
www.biodesigns.com
Cascade Orthopedic Supply is proud to announce the opening
of a new distribution center in Chicago, Illinois. Patient
care facilities local to the greater Chicago area will now have
access to same-day inventory, and next-day ground service
will be available to most patient care facilities located in the
surrounding areas. The new distribution center will allow the
company to deliver quality prosthetic products to customers and
continue setting industry standards as the largest independent
O&P distributor.
Cascade Orthopedic Supply
800.888.0865
www.cascade-usa.com
Spinal Technology is a leading
central fabricator of spinal orthoses
and upper- and lower-limb orthoses
and prostheses. Our ABC-certified
staff of orthotists and prosthetists
collaborate with highly skilled,
experienced technicians to provide
the highest quality products and
fastest delivery time, including
weekends and holidays, as well as
unparalleled customer support in the industry.
Spinal Technology is the exclusive manufacturer of the
Providence Scoliosis System, a nocturnal bracing system
designed to prevent the progression of scoliosis, and the
patented FlexFoam™ spinal orthosis.
Spinal Technology
800.253.7868
www.spinaltech.com
The DLA Partial Foot Prosthesis
(PFP) is a novel approach to
partial-foot amputations. The
concept is to rehabilitate these
patients using a thin, dynamic
carbon-fiber AFO with a slightly
dorsiflexed socket-type foot
orthotic and toe filler. This is a
new, lower-profile design that reduces shoe fit issues.
The full footplate carbon-fiber AFO supports and enhances a
more natural gait, allowing toe spring in the third rocker. The foot
orthotic design disperses pressure and prevents callusing. The
antimicrobial X-Static® interface provides excellent cushioning.
All combined, it allows patients to remain more active while
providing necessary protection.
Hersco Ortho Labs
800.301.8275
www.hersco.com/partialfoot.htm
The Tactical Soleus is available in limited quantities, and $200 of every Tactical Soleus sold will be donated to Purple Heart Homes. This organization is committed to providing housing solutions for service-connected, disabled veterans. The Tactical Soleus is engineered and manufactured in the U.S.A. and custom built for the heroes among us. College Park has removed unnecessary weight while retaining superior strength. A new heel-spring design and a new mid-spring design, combined with a new belt-attachment system, have created a foot that is 40% stronger and 10% lighter.
College Park Industries
800.728.7950
www.college-park.com
KiddieROCKER™ is the newest addition to Allard's pediatric
dynamic response AFOs. Developed for your pediatric population
with more involved pathology, the extra rigidity offers enhanced
balance and posture control, especially for weak quadriceps.
Features and benefits include:
- Carbon composite with anterior shell, lateral strut, and engineered footplate with open calcaneal design.
- Allows integration of your custom foot orthotic to help control ground-up forces.
- Lateral strut can serve as a base for a T-strap to control excessive ankle eversion.
- Anterior shell assists in management of proximal deficits by helping manage either knee hyperextension or crouch gait.
Allard USA
888.678.6548
www.allardusa.com
Educate Referral Sources about Your Clinic.
Regular, ongoing communication with your
referral sources is critical to growing your
business. Here are just a few ways that
EDGE Custom Publications can help:
- Brand your clinic and build your reputation.
- Tell readers about your company, your specialties, and your patient outcomes.
- Create ongoing marketing campaigns with your own referral-source-focused mailer.
- Customize a publication to suit your needs and patient populations.
- Include contact information, maps, directions to your location, clinical services provided, and provider networks.
EDGE Custom Publications
866.613.0257
www.oandp.com/edgecustompubs
Orthomerica® gauntlets are now able to be worn throughout a patient's volume changes via unlimited heat adjustments to the plastic material sandwiched between the leather or synthetic material. A unique plastic allows for a dynamic orthosis, saving both time and money. Our unique, innovative designs have been tested and refined in high-volume orthotic centers. The resulting high-quality custom AFOs and synthetic and leather gauntlets offer optimal fit and are less expensive in today's ultra cost-conscious environment, without compromising comfort or function. Orthomerica's experienced custom fabrication team delivers prompt, exceptional service at highly competitive prices.
Orthomerica
877.737.8444
www.orthomerica.com
The avalon foot provides 12° of controlled ankle motion, allowing the user to safely negotiate stairs, ramps, and environmental obstacles with increased confidence and security.
Benefits include:
- Dorsiflexes from midstance to toe off for a smooth rollover.
- Remains dorsiflexed through swing phase for improved toe clearance, to minimize the risk of falls.
- Provides a more natural gait; reduces the need to compensate by hip hiking, circumduction, or lifting the knee to clear the toe during swing phase.
- Biomimetic ankle motion encourages equal loading during ambulation, which leads to less stress and thereby preserves the sound side.
Endolite
800.548.3534
www.endolite.com
Optec is proud to announce that we have made our way into the world of social media and we want you join us in this new adventure! We've been looking for a better way to provide more value for you, and what better way to connect than with Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and YouTube. Keep up with the latest Optec and industry news, keep checking in with us for our current special, or better yet share your stories.
So, come "like" us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and get inspired on Pinterest.
OPTEC
888.892.8181
www.optecusa.com
The Stride4™ is the latest addition to the Stride family of stance-control orthotic knee joints from Becker. The Stride4 knee joint is comprised of a four-bar linkage mechanism, whereby the upper and lower aspects of the joint do not purely rotate about one fixed center of rotation. Instead, the joint motion involves some translation, in addition to rotation, to more closely mimic anatomical knee motion.
Features include:
- Three operation modes: stance control, free motion, and locked with stance phase knee flexion.
- Integrated extension assist.
- Free motion option.
Becker Orthopedic
800.521.2192
www.beckerorthopedic.com
The echelonVT merges the fluid movement of our hydraulic ankle with the responsive function of our e-carbon foot springs and machined titanium spring. This combination results in a smooth heel-to-toe transition on all surfaces, absorbs ground forces, and provides energetic tibial progression and up to 15° of axial rotation.
- Self-aligning feature provides comfort while standing or traversing varied terrain.
- Independent, hydraulic-controlled plantarflexion and dorsiflexion.
- Hydraulic ankle dorsiflexes, which allows for greater toe clearance in swing phase.
- A dynamic, precision-engineered spring enhances the ankle's fluid movement.
- Foot shell and glide sock included.
Endolite
800.548.3534
www.endolite.com
Available at SPS, the reliable, speedy, and versatile bebionic3
can be configured to handle almost anything your patient needs
to do. bebionic3 is designed to be stronger and more durable
so it can be worn daily and withstand the stresses and strains of
constant use.
SPS
800.767.7776
www.spsco.com
Accommodate, NEVER correct! People with Charcot foot, edema, hammer toes, bunions, and RA foot pain cannot tolerate much correction or pressure caused by footwear. Proper fitting of footwear is essential, and our Mt. Emey therapeutic line offers shoes for any of these conditions. Whether accommodating for depth, width, size, or even for shape, select from our variety of shoes from our therapeutic line to fit that special foot of your patient. Call our friendly customer service department for more information or free samples.
Apis Footwear Co.
888.937.2747
www.bignwideshoes.com
Give your patients the most advanced KAFO technology combined with the most advanced fabrication! Ottobock's line of KAFOs is now available in prepreg, resulting in KAFOs that are up to 40 percent lighter than laminated alternatives. Prepreg also creates more consistent fabrication outcomes and avoids unwanted buildups.
Ottobock Fabrication Services offers decades of expertise, exceptional customer service, and an unparalleled reputation for quality. Our expert services include water transfer, lamination, and prepreg carbon fiber. You can count on timely turnaround and delivering the results you want.
Ottobock
800.328.4058
www.ottobockus.com
Ability Dynamics is a medical-device company created with a passion for helping amputees through the utilization of advanced technology.
Our state-of-the-art Rush Foot™ uses Flexeon™, a specially formulated, reinforced fiber-composite material that is nearly indestructible and three times more flexible than carbon fiber. This translates into fewer repairs, maintenance, and warranty claims.
Our full rocker sole is designed for the needs of above the knee amputees. The half rocker sole is designed for the needs of below the knee amputees.
Ability Dynamics
855.450.7300
www.abilitydynamics.com
- Three mounting options.
- Water-resistant case.
- High interference rejection.
- Gain adjustments on preamp.
- Compatible for use with Utah Arm 3 and 3+ (kit: p/n 3010782), Utah Hybrid Arm (kit: p/n 3010782), ProControl systems (kit: p/n 3010784), and Ottobock electrode cables.
888.696.2767
www.utaharm.com
We've added a new, low-profile carbon-fiber foot to the popular Triton family! Now patients with lower clearance (2.5") can take advantage of the same smooth rollover and robust function as the original Triton. The multiaxial Triton LP provides excellent dynamics and flexibility for individuals with transfemoral or transtibial amputations. A titanium adapter makes the foot waterproof and especially robust (maximum weight 330 lb., up to K4). With a split-toe design for safety, stability, and control, the Triton LP is ideal for all of your active patients.
Ottobock
800.328.4058
www.ottobockus.com
With K2, K3, and K4 models to choose from, the Össur® Total Knee® enables a broad range of amputees to walk with a smooth, more natural, energy-efficient gait, enhancing their confidence and stability. Key features include geometric locking for stability, plus mid-swing shortening designed to prevent hip-hiking and reduce the chances of tripping. Each model fits a wide range of amputees and is lightweight and easy to finish cosmetically.
Össur
800.233.6263
www.ossur.com
The Moore Balance Brace (MBB) is
a new product that may be used as
an integral part of a comprehensive
fall-prevention program. The MBB
was designed to be lightweight,
easy to don and doff, easily fit
into a variety of footwear, and
flexible enough to allow for some
dorsiflexion/plantarflexion during
the gait cycle.
Find out more about this exciting
new product and how it may be used
to prevent falls among our evergrowing
senior population.
Arizona AFO
877.780.8382
www.arizonaafo.com
Coyote's new Proximal Lock (CD116) is
the latest zero-clearance lock mechanism
for long residual limbs. It is mounted
proximally so that no clearance is needed,
and any distal adaptor can be used. The
lock design can be built into the socket
for easier donning or can be retrofit to
the exterior. The new design features a
large attachment that distributes more
pull, and the flexible silicone material
makes the liner easier to roll on. The lock
comes with a new silicone adhesive that makes gluing easier
and it remains flexible after it sets.
Coyote Design
800.819.5980
www.coyotedesign.com
The custom silicone liner for the best choice in vacuum and explusion systems.
Evolution Industries Inc.
888.839.6213
www.evolii.com
WillowWood's LimbLogic® VS is a popular choice to provide
patients with elevated vacuum. Now WillowWood is making it
even better.
PEL Supply offers the new
LimbLogic VS featuring a small
Bluetooth® low-energy fob, inductive
charging, and an improved
four-hole controller design with
a field-serviceable exhaust filter.
The smaller, simplified fob is more
intuitive to use yet maintains the
same functionality. Also new to the LimbLogic product line is
the silicone LimbLogic Sleeve with a repositionable cuff that
allows for greater sleeve longevity. The controller and sleeve
work together to make an airtight, secure system.
PEL Supply Company
800.321.1264
www.pelsupply.com
The Stride4™ Shadow is a lightweight KAFO that combines structural strength and cosmetic appeal with the new Stride4 mechanical stance control orthotic knee joint from Becker Orthopedic.
Stride4 features include:
- Three operation modes: stance control, free motion, and locked with stance phase knee flexion.
- Four-bar linkage mechanism to afford stability and mimic anatomical knee motion.
- Integrated extension assist.
The inherent rigidity of the Stride4 Shadow ensures that optimal joint alignment and function is maintained throughout the gait cycle.
Becker Oregon
800.866.7522
www.beckerorthopedic.com
Our LimbLogic® Sleeve works with the LimbLogic controller to ensure an airtight, secure system. The fabric-covered silicone sleeve comes with a separate silicone cuff. The cuff is placed directly over the socket's trim line for extra protection from wear and impact. The sleeve is then donned over the cuff. This clever design allows the cuff to be repositioned. Should a patient puncture the sleeve, he or she can immediately rotate the cuff and regain an airtight seal. Additionally, the fabric used on the LimbLogic Sleeve enhances knee flexibility for ease and comfort of movement.
WillowWood
800.848.4930
www.willowwoodco.com
Expect 50+ mph fastballs and natural,
instinctive throws with distances of more
than 30 meters. Never in prosthetics
has such performance been possible for
restoring baseball throwing ability in an
individual with an upper-limb amputation.
Throw accurately with speed and control.
Bob Radocy says, "It's simply amazing! I'm
able to throw well again after forty years. I
never, ever thought that would be possible!"
The COBRA uses TRS' energy-storage-and-release polymer
technology combined with an adjustable ball handling and
trajectory control system to fine tune the throwing capability
and optimize user performance.
TRS Inc.
800.279.1865
www.oandp.com/trs
Accepting Applications Now!
Begin your P&O career at NUPOC! Learn from leaders in the P&O profession! The NUPOC MPO is a 21-month graduate curriculum that prepares you to enter an accredited residency, sit for certification examinations, and become a P&O practitioner.
The online portion of the program includes live and streamed lectures, videoconference discussions, group projects, and case-study sessions that help you learn, apply, and review knowledge. The on-campus practicum offers supervised opportunities to practice technical and clinical skills with patient models who have neuromuscular impairments.
Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center
Feinberg School of Medicine
NUPOC
312.503.5700
www.nupoc.northwestern.edu
The Dream Brace represents a major advancement in articulating
AFO technologies. The bi-plate clutch design allows patients
to ambulate safely with a natural gait—even
on slopes! Traditional AFOs hinder ankle
movement, initiating shorter strides and
adverse gait compensations. The Dream
Brace is ideal for patients with foot drop,
stroke, multiple sclerosis, or muscular
dystrophy. Multiple sizes are available with
adjustable PF stop selection. The ankle joint
can be sold separately for custom fabrication.
Don't take our word for it, visit our website—our patient videos speak for themselves!
For faster service, order online!
Infinite Technologies O&P
877.424.7179
www.dreambraceus.com
Offered exclusively through Comfort Products. The V09 valve
has a manual air expulsion for test and interim sockets integrated
directly into the test sockets. After grinding the dummy protected
valve opening, the V09 is immediately ready for use-saving time
for your technician.
Great for geriatric patients with limited hand
strength, this valve offers a curved design for
better grasping and easier opening.
Features and benefits include:
- Valve height: 20mm.
- Valve opening diameter: 30mm inside and 35mm outside.
- Set includes a dummy with pin and two deep drawing socks.
Comfort Products
800.822.7500
www.comfortoandp.com