Feature
Balancing Efficiency and Quality
By Maria St. Louis-Sanchez
During the seven years he spent working for the federal government, Zach Harvey, CPO , says he didn't truly appreciatethe freedom he had to do his job. At Walter Reed National Military Medical Center(WRNMMC), Bethesda, Maryland, costs didn't matte...
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Feature
Your Vision and Ethics: The North Star of Your Business Strategy
By Miki Fairley
Your core ethical values andyour O&P practice's visionshould form the underlyingguiding principles of everyaspect of your business: its mission, itsculture, its reputation, its employees,its patients, its planning, and its strategies."Companies th...
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Feature
The Philosophy of Outcome
By Kelly Clark, CO
I listened and observed for 12years. In the beginning, I was moreconcerned about honing my craftas an educator and speaker, butas the years went by, I listened andobserved with increasing focus.My work took me to nearly all of thelower 48 states w...
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Stepping Out
Aspects of Gait: Part II
By Séamus Kennedy, BEng (Mech), CPed
In the July issue of The O&P EDGE , I discussed the traditional phases ofgait and major motions in the sagittal plane. However, the act of walkingoccurs in three-dimensional space, and it is well understood that bodymotion in all three planes is h...
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Today's Consumer
Megan Patel: An Enduring Friendship
By Betta Ferrendelli
Prosthetist and Client Began Working Together Two Decades Ago Patel with her daughter. Photographs courtesy of the Patel family. David Jolly, CP(E), was well into his prostheticscareer at Monroe BioTechnology's Appleton,Wisconsin, clinic when s...
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Shop Talk
Interesting Career Choices
By Ronnie N. Graves, BOCPO/L, CO, CTP
Graves discusses Dudley's treatment while holding the steer's completed prosthesis. To say that I've had an interesting career path is an understatement.I've gone from being a truck driver, to aprosthetic technician, to an inventor, to the owner o...
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On Topic
From the Patient’s Point of View
By Erin Cammarata
I spent some time as a patient over the past few weeks and used thatperspective to take a critical look at my surroundings. It didn't matterwhether I was picking up a prescription or waiting up to 45 minutes foran appointment with a specialist; I...
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Face to Face
Richard K. Churchill, CPO
Having an amputation himself, Richard K. "Rick" Churchill,CPO, said he can empathize with his patients' situations andalso motivate them to move forward to achieve their goals. Asthe sole owner and practitioner of Cardinal Prosthetics and Orthotic...
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Industry Review - Consumers
Amputee Coalition’s Youth Camp Is the Largest Ever
The Amputee Coalition's2015 Paddy RossbachYouth Camp is beingtouted as a huge success."This was our largest campin history with 110 campersand 36 amputee counselors,"said Abra Hogarth,director of communicationsfor the coalition. "Wewere also able...
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Viewpoint
Ethical Patient Care and Efficiency
By Andrea Spridgen
This issue deals with themes of ethics, quality, and efficiencyin patient care. As I write this column, the professionis facing what many consider an egregious breach ofethics in the form of the draft Local Coverage Determination(LCD) for Lower Li...
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Online Exclusive
Össur® Offers On-Site Clinical Education Days and International Prosthetic Symposium in U.S. Focusing on Low-Activity Amputees
Earn continuing education units (CEUs) while learning about Össur’s comprehensive offering of Low Activity Solutions, including new products like the Balance™ Knee Control, the Seal-In® X liner, and the K2 Sensation® foot with D/P Flexion™ hydraulic ankle unit and Unity® Sleeveless Vacuum.
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Online Exclusive
The Rubber Foot Illusion: Toward Embodiment of Lower-Limb Prostheses
A new study describes an experiment that led participants to perceive an artificial foot as if it were their own. The results could be used to restore some of the missing information from an amputated limb and perhaps improve the embodiment, control, and acceptability of lower-limb prostheses.
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Online Exclusive
Just in Time for the Annual Meeting: AOPA Sessions Sneak Peeks
To enhance your experience at the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) National Assembly, being held October 7-10 in San Antonio, this Online Exclusive presents additional details about several session presentations to take you beyond the Assembly schedule. We hope the details enhance your experience at the Assembly or provide you with more insight into the proceedings.
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The élan biomimetic foot and ankle system with microprocessor-controlled plantarflexion and dorsiflexion resistance is now more user-friendly. New Micro-D port makes for easier charging and Bluetooth connection.
Features and benefits include:
- Microprocessor-controlled terrain response
- Sensors initiate change instantly
- Batteries contained within the ankle
- Variable response to changes in speed, inclines, and declines
- Bluetooth-enabled programming; new Micro-D dongle is easier to attach and features visual connection indicators
- User-friendly charger port for users with dexterity or visual challenges
Endolite
800.548.3534
www.endolite.com
New E-Series adhesives can be used for most items you currently use +PLUSeries adhesives for-we find the properties of E-Series adhesives work great when transferring devices and laminating, and when recycling set-up
componentry for reuse is desired.
Features include:
- Thinner viscosity.
- Add heat for easy release.
- Works with all +PLUSeries mixing tips and dispensers.
- Lower cost.
Currently offering 220ml sizes in 60-second gel times, and in tan and black colors. Call for more details.
Fabtech Systems
800.322.8324
www.fabtechsystems.com
A great alternative to itchy, expensive carbon fiber braid! Coyote
Composite, made from basalt filament, is a safe, tough material for
composite sockets and AFOs. It's also easy to cut and finish compared
to other materials.
Features and benefits include:
- Less expensive
- Less itch than carbon
- Extremely durable
- Strong and lightweight
- Finishes smooth and easily
- Uses typical prosthetic resins
- Not an inhalant risk
- Inert, noncarcinogenic, and nontoxic
Our proprietary braid was designed to be used in equivalent amounts
to carbon. Coyote Composite is more flexible than carbon (we consider
this to be an advantage).
Coyote Design
800.819.5980
www.coyotedesign.com
Specifically designed for people with Chopart amputations, as well as Lisfranc, Pirogoff, Boyd, or partial foot amputations, the RUSH76™ has a dynamic design that gives users the ability to be active and do more of what they want to do without limitations. The unique glass composite outperforms carbon fiber and is engineered to be more flexible and durable than any other Chopart device available today.
Contact us to learn more about the RUSH76, RUSH81™, or RUSH87™. The RUSH™ feet are proudly handcrafted in the United States.
Ability Dynamics
855.450.7300
www.rushfoot.com
The Guardian Suction Liner from
ALPS features raised GripGel bands
that grip the socket wall to form a
secure interface between the socket and
liner to prevent slippage or premature
release. These low-modulus GripGel
bands stretch against the socket wall,
while the inner wall conforms easily to
the residual limb to ensure there is no
restriction of blood flow or stiffening to
inhibit donning. No seams and a single-piece
construction improve durability. Available in both transfemoral
and transtibial models, the Guardian Suction Liner can be fully
inverted for ease of donning.
ALPS
800.574.5426
www.easyliner.com
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
You asked, we listened!
Allard USA is proud to announce ToeOFF 2.0. The same function you have come to appreciate in ToeOFF-just a little face-lift to show you we listened. D-ring straps with alligator tabs are easily applied for right- or left-hand pull and reduce the chance of losing a strap. MicroFIX is now pre-applied for faster application of SoftKIT or ComfortKIT. New manufacturing technology offers a smoother and more scratch-resistant surface. The XL has been increased by ¾ in. to accommodate patients with longer tibias.
Allard USA
888.678.6548
www.allardusa.com
Features and benefits include:
- Airtight suction or vacuum suspension, with the safety and security of a pin
- Easy donning and doffing with lever release
- Self-lubricating materials reduce wear
- Water-resistant
- Can be used with elevated vacuum
Coyote Design
800.819.5980
www.coyotedesign.com
In 2001, Boa launched our premium closure system on snowboard boot brands K2 and Vans. Since then, our portfolio of brands and products has grown to include sporting goods, pro-cycling shoes, golf shoes, utility boots, medical bracing and more. Over 200 brands around the globe partner with Boa for the fit, comfort, and ease of use our technology provides.
Brands such as Exos Medical, Ossur, Futuro, Ace, DeRoyal, Dr. Comfort, and Revolimb have incorporated Boa into medical bracing, diabetic shoes, and prosthetic products. The proven fit, convenience and single-handed micro adjustment of Boa Technology consistently deliver outstanding benefits to both patients and providers.
Boa Technology Inc.
303.455.5126
www.boatechnology.com
The patented offloading/realigning knee orthosis.
Achieve optimal varum or valgum stress without bulky or complex adjustments while the knee orthosis is being worn. The V-VAS™ orthosis treats osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease (DJD),
bowleg, knock knee, knee buckling, and gross medial-lateral instabilities. Its unique, polycentric,
adjustable hinge design creates an ideal bending moment that results in the precise offloading/realigning experience. It is the first long axis offloading, closed dynamic frame custom knee orthosis that doesn't need to be removed to adjust offloading. The mechanical axis is always
nonbinding and auto-aligning.
Anatomical Concepts Inc.
800.837.3888
www.anatomicalconceptsinc.com
The medi Tele-ROM™ is a postoperative range-of-motion knee brace that provides the ultimate in adjustability, comfort, and ease of use.
Features and benefits include:
- Telescoping struts with easy, push-button adjustment
- Length adjustability for a customized fit
- Simple rotate and release flexion and extension limitation
- Drop-lock button quickly locks at 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°
- Quick-release buckles for easy application
- Choice of cool and full foam versions in standard length
- PDAC-approved for L-1832 or L-1833
medi USA
800.633.6334
www.mediusa.com
Hydraulic feet can provide K2
patients with an incredible range of
controlled motion, as well as assist
in force absorption, enhance knee
stability, and promote good posture.
The OdysseyK2™ from College Park
has a patented curved hydraulic ankle,
Intelliweave™ composite foot base, and
customizable dual StrideControl™.
This revolutionary foot provides a superior range of motion in a
lightweight and low-profile design for an unbeatable combination
of K2 patient benefits. See it in action at www.youtube.com/CollegeParkInd, or learn more at www.college-park.com/odysseyk2.
College Park Industries
800.728.7950
www.college-park.com
ESP created the Flexi family of suspension sleeves as a comfortable, durable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional suspension sleeves. Preflexed at 43° for maximum comfort and natural unrestricted movement. 30% off list price for a limited time!
ESP LLC
888.932.7377
www.wearesp.com
A perfect balance of stability and dynamics.
Featuring a new actuator and kinematic sensor, RHEO KNEE® 3 offers increased resistance across a wider range of stance flexion. This improved support helps increase the confidence of all users, especially low K3 users. At the same time, we didn't sacrifice the dynamics that RHEO KNEE is known for and that high K3 users expect. In fact, we improved the dynamics via a more powerful actuator and a faster swing
extension.
Contact your Össur® rep today to get certified or to see a RHEO KNEE 3 demonstration.
Össur
800.233.6263
www.ossur.com
New latch-lock closure for easy donning and doffing
and removable and washable pads
Indications: vertebral compression fractures, osteoporosis, postsurgical
support, and osteoarthritis.
Contraindications: three-column spinal fractures involving anterior,
middle, and posterior spinal structures; compression fractures above
T6 (because segmental motion increases above the sternal pad);
and ineffective in limiting lateral bending and rotation of the upper
lumbar spine.
Trulife
800.492.1088
www.trulife.com
We use Coyote Quick
Adhesive in the fabrication of
our prosthetic locks, socket
adaptors, and valves. It's used
for attaching componentry
and repairing sockets and is
very quick to set, with no sag.
It ships non-hazardous, is
safe to use, and has no odor.
Coyote Quick Adhesive
works in any situation when you need something glued quickly
and easily.
Coyote Design
800.819.5980
www.coyotedesign.com
The new medi 4Seal TFS Liner combines a revolutionary sealing technology with a unique self-gliding surface, providing extraordinary suspension, comfort, and ease of use for those with transfemoral amputations.
Features and benefits include:
- Integrated seals for easy inversion and a highly secure fit.
- Easy Glide PLUS outer surface-no donning aids or sprays required.
- Excellent tissue control due to a highly effective, full-length matrix.
- Optimal radial stretch for greater comfort.
- Simple to use gel-grip spacer socks for easy application (available separately).
medi USA
800.633.6334
www.mediusa.com
#43 Vega Aligner
This brace is designed to stabilize the
motion of the knee joint, keeping it aligned
during flexion and extension movements.
Constructed entirely from breathable
materials, the next-to-skin layer is made
from antibacterial and antiallergy fabric.
Its complex structure, equipped with patella
stabilizer, offers comfortable containment
of the patellar compartment, which is useful
in cases of associated conditions (medial
or lateral ligament, anterior or posterior
cruciate ligament, and patellar instability).
Learn more and check out our other products and product lines on our website.
M-Brace
866.374.4050
www.m-brace.com
The KMO™ (Knee Management Orthosis) features a single posterior joint that is a cost-effective,
patient-friendly, and simple approach for static progressive positioning management of the knee. The static progressive positioning is adjustable from 0° to 110° (additional ROM may be attained). The KMO also features an adjustable range of stabilization in the sagittal plane should the patient's condition warrant. Ideal patients for the KMO require pre- and post-operative management of bony and soft tissue injuries. The KMO is PDAC approved; the L-Code is L-1831.
Anatomical Concepts Inc.
800.837.3888
www.anatomicalconceptsinc.com
Our anti-perspiration 3D fabrics are suitable for lining corsets,
braces, and other orthopedic devices. The regular (TT381) and
thermoformable (TT501) 3D fabrics allow air circulation and keep
skin dry, thanks to a breathable structure.
Features and benefits include:
- Thermoformable at 340°F (TT501); matches the most complex mold shapes
- Can be glued (TT501) or fixed with micro-hook (TT381)
- Comfortable and soft to the touch
- Washable up to 100°F
- Made of several heat-bonded layers to avoid allergic reaction
- 2/8-in. thick
- Available in red, black, white, blue, pink, grey, brown, and green
Nabtesco Proteor-USA
855.517.4414
www.nabtesco-proteor-usa.com
Coyote Design has introduced two new, heavy-duty, solid brass pin options for its Air-Lock and Easy-Off Lock lines. Coyote found the new brass pins are more durable, have less deflection, and have exceptional wear characteristics. These pins increase the Air-Lock weight capacity from 265 lb. to 350 lb. Like most Coyote products, they are noncorrosive and water resistant, making them great for active people and heavier weight patients, and the pins help eliminate noise issues.
CD103P8H (eight click brass pin), CD103P11H (eleven click brass pin), and CD103H (Air-Lock with brass pin).
Coyote Design
800.819.5980
www.coyotedesign.com
The best just got better. ESP liners are simply the most cost-effective
liners on the market. Now with new, enhanced lockstitch textile to
reduce pistoning.
ESP LLC
888.932.7377
www.wearesp.com
The highly anticipated small bebionic hand is now available through SteeperUSA. The new small bebionic hand has an expanded range of features, delivering precise control in a highly efficient design.
- Overall size reduction of 30% without compromising function
- Three wrist options: new Flex Wrist, EQD (quick disconnect), and Short Wrist (wrist disarticulation)
- Two finishes: new pearlescent white Kevlar or bebionic black carbon
- Over 100% increase in finger pad surface area enhances grip
- Anatomically pleasing wrist and thumb transitions enhance natural appearance
- Provides all 13 grips currently available on bebionic3 medium/large hands
Steeper USA
210.481.4126
www.steeperusa.com
The key element of the new 3R106 Pro is the
servo-pneumatic control unit. Its powerful
dual-chamber pneumatic unit with progressive
damping has a flexion valve set for the patient's
normal walking speed. At faster walking speeds,
the flexion resistance increases, which prevents
too much knee flexion. This helps provide more
consistent swing phase even during fast walking.
With three options for the proximal connection
(pyramid, threaded connector, and lamination
anchor) and a 275 lb. weight limit, the 3R106 Pro
offers you great fitting options. Call your local
sales representative for more information.
Ottobock
800.328.4058
www.professionals.ottobockus.com