Feature
What's New in Shoe and Orthotics Material Technology
By Maria St. Louis-Sanchez
When it comes to at-risk feet, a good shoe can make a big difference. For some, the right shoe can help bridge the gap from a wheelchair to walking. For others, the proper shoe might help with circulation enough to keep them from losing a foot or...
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Feature
Restoring Balance: Special Considerations when Treating the Geriatric Foot
By Miki Fairley
In robe and slippers, Jean, 80, was preparing her breakfast when a sudden slip sent her falling to the floor. She knew she was injured but was not in much pain. Unable to get up, with both her cell and landline phones out of reach, she spent hours...
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Feature
Partial-Foot Amputation and Its Unexpected Evidence
By Phil Stevens, MEd, CPO, FAAOP
Research takes a long time. The process requires a research team to design an experiment, secure funding, recruit study subjects, analyze the data, and push its findings through the time-consuming process of peer review before the published study...
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Feature
Target Practice: Marketing Your Pedorthic Business
By Doug Chartier and Karen Henry
Are you taking a scattershot approach to your pedorthic marketingprogram, or are you targeting your market with a single shot? Marketing a pedorthic business does not need to be anall-or-nothing proposition. With an intelligently focused marketing...
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Better Business
The Impact of the ACA on Pedorthic Practices
By Maria St. Louis-Sanchez
With the Affordable Care Act (ACA) moving towardimplementation in January, pedorthic expertshave been trying to gauge the impact the newlaw will have on their profession. In truth,they still aren't quite sure what it will mean,and that is an uncom...
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Today’s Consumer
Scott Martin: Soccer Coach Battles Back from Flesh-Eating Disease
By Betta Ferrendelli
Photographs courtesy of Scott Martin. The last memories Scott Martin has of himself from July 1993were as a healthy, strong, 35-year-old collegiate soccer coach,who was in the best shape of his life. Several days before, he hadbeen playing a casua...
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Industry Leader
Séamus Kennedy, BEng (Mech), CPed
By Laura Fonda Hochnadel
In Irish poet Séamus Heaney's 1995 Nobel Prize acceptance speech,he reflected that his career "became a journey where each pointof arrival...turned out to be a stepping stone rather than a destination."He and Séamus Kennedy, BEng (Mech), CPed, see...
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Stepping Out
Pes Cavus: Treating the High Arched Foot
By Séamus Kennedy, BEng (Mech), CPed
"Think of the magic of that foot, comparatively small, upon which your whole weight rests.It's a miracle, and the dance is a celebration of that miracle." -Martha Graham Although much of our time is spentaddressing the symptoms and pathologiesof...
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Perspective
Expanding the Pedorthic Scope of Practice
By Jay Zaffater, CPed, BOCPD
What is a pedorthist? This question not only intrigues other allied healthcare professionals, but even the professionals and certified pedorthists who compose the Pedorthic Footcare Association (PFA) board of directors. Perhaps the answer can be f...
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Shop Talk
Fabricating a Carbon Ankle Seven
By Justin Eitel
Fabricating an Ottobock Carbon Ankle Seven (17CF1) presents a challenge: getting a standardized, dynamic component to fit within a custom orthosis. However, incorporating the Carbon Ankle Seven into an orthosis doesn't require any new skills. You...
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Face to Face
Dennis W. Dillard, CPed, CTO
High school band teacher turned computer programmer turned O&P professional, Dennis W. Dillard, CPed,CTO, says he finds volunteering to be one of the most satisfying aspects of his career. His volunteerismbegan in 2006 with the Board for Certifica...
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Got FAQs?
Billing and Collections Q&A
By Lisa Lake-Salmon
Billing for O&P devices and care is complicated. Count on "Got FAQs?" to help ensure you are using the most current and accurate information when preparing your claims. This month's column addresses your questions about using DX code 727.66 when b...
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Industry Review - Conferences
AOPA 2013 World Congress
By Andrea Spridgen
To the theme of "A Whole New World," more than 2,000 members of the O&P community from 43 countries convened September 18-21 for the 2013 American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) World Congress in Orlando, Florida, for four days of educat...
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Viewpoint
Keeping Us on Our Feet
By Andrea Spridgen
Having spent many hours in dance studioswhile completing a college dance minor, I havea deep understanding of the necessity of properfoot care. I put my feet through the rigors ofdance training, often while wearing ballet slippers,pointe shoes, or...
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Online Exclusive
Endolite Echelon Stands Out in Independent Study
The Endolite echelon hydraulic ankle system was a stand out in an independent study that compared it to energy-storing fixed ankle/feet.
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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
Our accommodative foot orthotics are specially designed for patients with foot deformities. We offer a variety of materials for foot conditions such as neuropathy, Charcot foot, edema, or amputation; or conditions resulting from health issues like obesity, diabetes, sports injuries, or heart conditions. Custom-made foot orthotics provide support and relief wherever necessary. Apis provides you with a free 3D camera to eliminate impressions or casting-now it's just a push of a button. Fulfill all of your pedorthic needs under one roof. Call our friendly customer service representatives for more information or free samples.
Apis Footwear Co.
888.937.2747
www.bignwideshoes.com
The Go AFO from Hersco is a rear-entry ankle gauntlet designed for patients who have difficulty donning traditional braces. The gauntlet is a traditional thermoplastic ankle foot orthosis with a thin leather lining and outer layer that secures posteriorly using either a Velcro or lace closure.
Now Chopart, Lisfranc, or transmetatarsal amputees who need a partial-foot prosthesis (PFP) can combine the Go AFO with a filler. The Go AFO provides excellent support and control for the remainder of the foot, and the PFP portion can be fitted into regular extra-depth shoes.
Hersco Ortho Labs
800.301.8275
www.hersco.com
The guide provides information about:
- Terms to know.
- Types of audits.
- Planning ahead.
- The RAC audit process.
- And more!
Ask your Endolite territory manager about getting your guide today.
Endolite
800.548.3534
www.endolite.com
Kinterra™ combines hydraulics and carbon-fiber technology to provide K3 ambulators with 12° of motion and an exceptionally normal walking gait-regardless of surface angle or speed. The result is rock-solid stability and the confidence for users to choose a new path.
Kinterra's articulating ankle provides:
- Improved stability and safety, especially on slopes and varied terrain.
- Reduced socket pressure for healthier residual limbs.
- Enhanced comfort while sitting or squatting.
- Increased ground contact and a more symmetrical gait.
See the Kinterra in action on our website.
Freedom Innovations
888.818.6777
www.freedom-innovations.com
A program designed to help optimize your materials costs.
With the challenges facing O&P care providers, it's becoming more difficult to provide high-quality patient care while managing a business. The SPS Rewards Program ensures you are getting the best value for the products you need to run your business. To learn more and register for the SPS Rewards Program, contact your SPS sales manager.
SPS
800.767.7776
www.spsco.com
medi USA is proud to introduce the SLEEQ® series of spinal bracing solutions. The SLEEQ Spinal Therapy System's InvisAdjust™ technology enables a universal fit for nearly all patients while dramatically reducing the hassle and cost of unwanted inventory. SLEEQ's state-of-the-art TruGlide™ tightening makes it easy to achieve optimal compression for the most effective pain relief. The advanced eco-friendly Q-Lex™ OrthoSport Material promotes air flow to keep patients cool and dry. The low-profile ventilated AeroFlex™ support system automatically conforms to the patient's anatomy for a custom fit, providing optimum comfort and pain management or operative treatment support.
medi USA
800.633.6334
www.mediusa.com
TRS has just introduced the Ishi archery terminal device designed to fit modern compound bows and traditional-style bows. An offset flexible aperture captures the bow's handle which allows the bow to cradle comfortably for perfect arrow alignment. A ratchet strap and buckle
lightly secure the bow in place. The Ishi weighs only 6 ounces, bows up to 45 pounds of draw weight, and is made for archers five years old and above. The Ishi mounts right or left handed and has a USA standard threaded mounting prosthetic connector.
TRS Inc.
800.279.1865
www.oandp.com/trs
The Freedom Agilix™ is a multiaxial, shock-absorbing, flexible foot system designed to manage loading impacts, reduce socket shear forces, and improve comfort while walking on nearly any terrain. The ultra-lightweight design offers low-impact K3 ambulators shockingly comfortable performance at a value like no other. Learn more about the Agilix on our website.
Freedom Innovations
888.818.6777
www.freedom-innovations.com
SPS is proud to carry the new Valor compression liner sock from Swiftwick.
Made in the U.S.A., the VALOR is the most advanced moisture-managing compression liner sock ever created for amputees. This revolutionary new solution-worn under the liner and against the skin-is made with Olefin, a Nobel Prize-winning, environmentally friendly fiber.
The VALOR's sculptured compression construction incorporates Swiftwick's patented active antimicrobial technology, providing superior moisture, bacteria, and volume fluctuations control. Ask your rep about the Swiftwick liner sock today!
SPS
800.767.7776
www.spsco.com
Lightweight, low profile, and extremely tough, the WalkOn® Reaction is a great solution for patients with dorsiflexion weakness. With an anteriorly placed calf cuff and longer strut, the WalkOn Reaction uses ground reaction forces to help extend the user's knee. Like other Ottobock WalkOns, the Reaction is fabricated from a prepreg advanced carbon composite and helps users walk more naturally. Fitting is fast and easy, as is donning and doffing. Your patient gets great support, smooth rollover, and comfort all in one.
Ottobock
800.328.4058
www.ottobockus.com
Specializing in lower-extremity socketry.
All of our sockets are made with a special weave and weight of
carbon fiber and fiberglass, which results in a lighter, stronger
socket that patients can count on day after day.
Evolution Industries, Inc.
888.839.6213
www.evoii.com
Mauch Knee® offers similar energy efficiency to certain MPK knees. Plus, it is compatible with a wide variety of dynamic Flex-Foot® feet, like the new Vari-Flex® XC Rotate™. And with our 30-day no obligation trial, trying one is easy.
Features include:
- Clinically proven, adjustable stance flexion enables precise comfort and shock absorption.
- Unique manual locking mechanism provides stance security when needed.
- Optional, high-viscosity cylinder ensures stability on stairs, ramps, and level ground.
- New three-year warranty.
Össur
800.233.6263
www.ossur.com
- Specifically engineered for K2 patients.
- Unique flexible keel/multiaxis design.
- Flexible, impact-reducing design.
- Roll-over shape (ROS) designed for a natural gait.
- Compliant dynamics for comfort and stability.
- Positive-lock foot shell interface for stability.
- Simple, maintenance-free design.
- Foot comes assembled in the foot shell for an easy, out-of-the-box fit.
Fillauer LLC
800.251.6398
www.fillauer.com
A new low-friction fabric technology dramatically reduces friction and
related shear forces between the skin
and prosthesis. GlideWear™ prosthetic
liner patches are indicated for amputees
who encounter irritation and skin
breakdown from prosthetic liner and
socket use. Simply position the patch
between the prosthetic liner and skin
each day for continuous protection.
Choose from two sizes. GlideWear
prosthetic liner patches are sold in a pack of two patches.
Becker Orthopedic
800.521.2192
www.beckerorthopedic.com
The BTS G-Walk is the first pocket-size gait lab that provides evaluation of spatial temporal gait parameters. This cellphone-
size wireless unit provides accurate, objective, and measured gait symmetry data. Graphical analysis is instantaneously transmitted to your computer, comparing your patient's gait to the normal average.
Think of the benefits to your patients, your practice, your referral sources, and your claims justifications.
The Ortho Remedy
800.662.7993
www.orthoremedy.com/catalog
medi is proud to announce a new addition
to the innovative Panthera family of feet:
the Panthera CF II-adaptable to the individual
needs of the K3 or K4 amputee.
Features and benefits include:
- Finely adjustable heel and forefoot resistance via trimmable elastomer inserts.
- medi Torsion Flex Control provides multiaxial compliance via integrated elastomer layers.
- Early plantar contact for increased stability.
- Vertical shock absorption provides greater comfort.
- Fluid rollover and dynamic toe-off due to the continuous carbon spring.
medi USA
800.633.6334
www.mediusa.com
Coyote Composite is an ideal replacement for braided carbon fiber in prosthetic and orthotic laminations. It's made from basalt (volcanic rock), which is tougher and more flexible than carbon for more comfort in prosthetic sockets and orthotic bracing. The inert nature of this material has less inhalant risk and causes less irritation to the skin than alternatives.
Features include:
- Extreme durability.
- Tougher than fiberglass.
- Safer, with less itch than carbon.
- Easy to use for rigid or flexible layups.
- Can be used with traditional or flexible resins.
Coyote Design
800.819.5980
www.coyotedesign.com
Made with X-STATIC® silver fibers, these
socks combine the patented SmartKnit®
seam-free design with high-tech antimicrobial
silver fibers. X-STATIC is safe, all
natural, and lasts the life of the product.
Unmatched in its conductive properties, silver
is simply the best at wicking away excess
moisture; it keeps feet warmer in the winter,
cooler in the summer. Perfect for people with
diabetes or sensitive feet who are looking for
luxuriously soft, non-irritating socks. Available
in black, navy, or grey, these are great casual socks for work
or play. Latex free, 97% polyester X-STATIC blend, 3% spandex.
PEL
800.321.1264
www.pelsupply.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
The Freedom DynAdapt™ foot is a
slim-profile, carbon-fiber foot system
with a slender, anatomic design for easy
fit and finish. Its multiaxial function
provides maximum comfort and the
uninterrupted strands of carbon fiber
in the full-length heel provide patients
with effortless rollover and a more
natural gait. The new EnduraCore™
Technology composite laminate delivers up to three times
the fatigue life of a standard laminate in a design that also
returns more energy. The result is a highly durable product that
preserves users' energy so they can do more with confidence.
Freedom Innovations
888.818.6777
www.freedom-innovations.com
The Compact Double Action Ankle Joint
(Model 725) is supplied fully assembled
and is designed specifically for use with
thermoplastics. The precontoured stainless steel
upright and stirrup reduces fabrication
time, while the low-profile and lightweight
design enhances the clinical application.
The Compact Double Action Ankle Joint,
intended for both small-adult and pediatric
patients, is designed to provide optimal
control in the sagittal plane and increase
mediolateral stability.
Becker Orthopedic
800.521.2192
www.beckerorthopedic.com
Features include:
- The comfort of SoftKIT
- Fun covers just for kids!
- Cool, grey skulls
- Cute, pink hearts
- Available for Youth Sizes, S-XL
Allard USA
888.678.6548
www.allardusa.com
Orthomerica's Fuzion™ AFO was
developed to allow greater fit, function,
and freedom for challenging
foot deformations when compared
to traditional AFOs. The circumferential
wrap of the Fuzion firmly and
comfortably holds the foot in a more
structured biomechanical position
instead of trying to seat the foot with
two or three straps. The Fuzion's design and materials ensure
greater patient compliance for a variety of challenging clinical
indications. Available for adult and pediatric patients.
For more information about the Fuzion, call us or visit our
newly redesigned website.
Orthomerica
877.737.8444
www.orthomerica.com
New for 2013: The AMP CAM Attachment Kit. The game
changer! Ask about our evaluation program!
The BTK AMP CAM Kit allows the highest
tuning of tendon response within further progression
of knee flexion.
Features and benefits include:
- Mimics natural muscle function.
- Adjustable tendon durometers.
- Adjustable extension stops.
- Adjustable dampening and rebound.
- 350 lb., K4+ activity.
- Use in any environment.
- Light and strong.
- Military approved.
Fabtech Systems
800.322.8324
www.fabtechsystems.com
New ALPS™ Guardian Suction Liners
feature a high-performance knitted fabric
cover that integrates ALPS' proprietary
in-house knitting techniques with
GripGel™ technology. The resulting
material not only increases functional
improvement and ensures durability
but also inhibits skin breakdown and
surface discoloration.
Raised GripGel bands form a secure interface between the
socket and liner to prevent slippage or premature release. Low-modulus
GripGel bands stretch against the socket wall while the
inner wall conforms to the residual limb, ensuring there is no
restriction of blood flow or stiffening to inhibit donning.
For transtibial and transfemoral amputees.
PEL
800.321.1264
www.pelsupply.com
WillowWood's new DuraWalk™
foot has a patient weight limit of
350 lb. With this foot, clinicians
can choose to use standard or
heavy-duty endoskeletal components,
and WillowWood makes
the choice easier by offering two
DuraWalk foot kits.
Both kits contain the DuraWalk foot, foot shell, Spectra sock,
and a soft and medium heel. Our standard DuraWalk foot kit
(DWF-KIT) includes a 30mm aluminum fixed adapter with
aluminum tube that meets a 250-lb. patient weight limit. The
DuraWalk foot heavy-duty kit (DWF-HDKIT, shown), has a
30mm titanium adapter with composite tube that meets a 350-lb.
patient weight limit.
WillowWood
800.848.4930
www.willowwoodco.com
Tired of throwing away too many nylon seconds? Try our MasterCraft hosiery! Essential to your O&P applications, from laminations to pulling plastic, these nylons will help make fabrication easier. Made with first-quality nylon, our open-toe nylons reduce your throwaways! Available in a 1-lb. box of approximately 80 nylons, or a 5-lb. box of approximately 400 nylons.
Call for e-mail for more information.
Comfort Products
800.822.7500
www.comfortoandp.com
Dycor introduces Spiralon-a triple-helix
dynamic response pylon designed
specifically to add a dynamic dimension
to relatively unresponsive feet. Spiralon
utilizes triple-helix coaxial members
for the same reason nature uses double-helix
coaxial members to support and
protect DNA sequencing. Both are very
strong, flexible, and resilient. Available
in soft, medium, firm, and extra firm
with 10° deflection loads from 80-325
lb. For additional information, contact
our technical services department or visit
our website.
Spiralon is patented
and patent pending.
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 neuromusculoskeletal impairments.
Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center
Feinberg School of Medicine
NUPOC
312.503.5700
www.nupoc.northwestern.edu
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