Feature
Going Cyborg: Advanced Prosthetic Technologies Take the Spotlight
By Sherri Edge
Sharif Dakhan appreciates the "cool factor"of his bebionic hand. Photographs courtesy of Advanced Arm Dynamics. When Rebekah Marine glided down therunway as part of New York FashionWeek in February 2015, she wore ashort, slinky dress, silver body...
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Feature
The Prevalence and Impact of Pain Associated With Upper-limb Amputation
By Phil Stevens, MEd, CPO, FAAOP
The prevalence of MSCsamong those with limbabsence was twice thatobserved in the generalpopulation, reportedat 57 percent over thelast four weeks and at65 percent for at leastfour consecutive weeksduring the past year. --> In 2011, The O&P EDGE pu...
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Feature
Academy Society Spotlight: Considering Amputation to Gain Function
By Jeremy Farley, CPO/L
While the percentage ofupper-limb amputationsis small compared tolower-limb amputations,injuries to the upper limbaccount for almost one-fifthof emergency roomvisits. 1 Injury to the upperlimb also has a higherimpact on the individual'soverall fun...
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Today’s Consumer
Jonathan Cowley: Prosthesis Provides New Outlook, Hope
By Tara Buddington
Cowley attempts to pull the sword from the stone at Disneyland and says the photo attests that "not even a cyborg can pull that sword out of the stone." Photographs courtesy of Jonathan Cowley and biodesigns . When Jonathan Cowleynoticed a lump in...
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Shop Talk
Delivering Consistent Fabrication, Every Time
By Jason Kimmel
When looking at the finished products fabricated in your facility, can you tell one technician's work from another's? Do you see a quality difference from device to device? Do you often see a lot of waste or rework on certain steps in the fabricat...
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Perspective
Prosthetic Considerations for Patients With Quadrilateral Limb Loss
By James Vandersea, CPO
Every patient has his or her own expectations, goals, motivations, and ideasof what to expect from a prosthetic fitting, and every clinical presentationhas its own challenges. Treating patients with quadrilateral limb loss posesadditional consider...
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Sports
OPAF and The First Clinics
A participant learns how to get up from the ground after a fall, with the aid of an instructor. Photographs courtesy of OPAF . First Stride and First Things First Training and Clinic A First Stride and First Things First Training andClinic was hel...
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Got FAQs?
Billing and Collections Q&A
By Lisa Lake-Salmon
Billing for O&P devices and care is complicated. When you havequestions, count on Got FAQs? to help keep your claims on track.This month's column answers your questions about replacingknee orthoses and using place of service codes.
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Viewpoint
Shaping the World Around Us
By Andrea Spridgen
Our hands and sense of touch connect us with people andour environments and are one of the ways in which mostinfants begin to explore their world. Our hands are alsothe chief expression of our fine motor skills and help shapeour understanding of t...
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Online Exclusive
How PEL Contributes to a Better Patient Experience
When practitioners have the time to build strong relationships with their patients, better health outcomes follow.
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Online Exclusive
Study: Mirror Therapy, Protection From Electromagnetism May Benefit Lower-Limb Vascular Amputees
Researchers conducted a pilot study to explore whether the combination of using a residual limb cover to eliminate electromagnetic fields and a mirror therapy exercise program facilitates healing and decreases pain for individuals with lower-limb vascular amputations.
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This unique AFO has been designed for people with Chopart amputations who wish to remain active. A traditional, full-length AFO will often be stiff and feel unnatural to such a patient. Using a hinged ankle and flexible foot plate with a segmented dynamic filler allows flexion before providing a "stop" that protects the residuum and prevents shoe vamp collapse. The PTB design and the anterior shell redistribute ground reaction forces up the lower limb. For more information, visit our website or call the lab toll-free.
Hersco Ortho Labs
800.301.8275
www.hersco.com
A U.S. Department of Defense grant, awarded to Motion Control, Salt Lake City, Utah, funded development of a new Electric Terminal Device (ETD) and wrist system.
For many in U.S. military hospitals, the ETD is the first-choice hand replacement for function and versatility. The ETD is the only device that achieves true resistance against water, dirt, dust, and grease.
The next-generation ETD is in field trials, and should be available for pre-order in late spring 2016.
Motion Control, a Fillauer Company
888.696.2767
www.utaharm.com
Extraordinary adventures begin with the new ultralow-profile RUSH™ ROVER! With a clearance just over two inches, even patients with the most extreme low or high clearance will benefit from the dynamic toe-off and superior energy return of the ROVER.
Capable. Strong. Comfortable. From rocky trailheads to the sidewalks of a concrete jungle, patients can navigate even the most demanding terrain with ease. RUSH ROVER-the world is yours; go live it! Now available in sizes 22-30cm. Visit www.rushfoot.com for more information.
Ability Dynamics
855.450.7300
www.rushfoot.com
College Park's Sidekicks™ are the first adjustable stubbie feet for people with bilateral, transtibial amputations. With natural anatomical ankle motion, Sidekicks flex and plant in real-world environments for ultimate balance and stability. The feet encourage muscle activity to assist in the rehabilitation process, which is especially helpful when the goal is to transition to microprocessor knees. Also sold as a single unit and certified safe for water use, the Sidekicks can be used by unilateral amputees for adaptive sports, like surfing or rock climbing. See the Sidekicks in action at www.youtube.com/collegeparkind.
College Park Industries
800.728.7950
www.college-park.com
Winner of the 2015 Spine Technology Award
This innovative new concept in bracing from Aspen is the only brace specifically designed for adults with scoliosis.
It has been shown to:
- Significantly relieve pain
- Increase mobility
- Promote better posture
- Improve the quality of life
Aspen Medical Products
800.295.2776
www.aspenmp.com
The end of rigid brims
The new SwingBrim™ technology offers the same dynamic brim comfort as the full Socket-less Socket™, but can now be integrated into existing sockets as well. No more static brim shape. No more hard ischial seat. It's the difference between sitting on a hard chair versus sitting in a soft hammock.
View the free SwingBrim and Socket-less Socket training at MartinBionics.com.
Martin Bionics
844.624.6642
www.martinbionics.com
The TAD system for people with upper-limb amputations is designed to temporarily replace the hook or prosthetic hand on body-powered or electronic upper-limb prostheses to allow the user to safely perform a wide range of activities. For people with partial hand amputations or hand dysfunction, the system components can also be used with a WHO brace equipped with a quick disconnect coupler in the palm.
TAD's quick insert-release terminal device holds a wide variety of interchangeable tools and implements, including dining or cooking utensils, personal grooming devices, and tools for gardening, carpentry, mechanic work, sports, and hobbies.
Texas Assistive Devices
800.532.6840
www.n-abler.org
The OWLS® Program is a culmination of more than ten years of
clinical orthotic development accommodating diabetic ulcers
classified Wagner 1-4 with custom orthoses. These devices correct
and stabilize the ankle complex to better enhance diabetic wound
unloading and mobility and to promote healing. These orthoses will
complement the ongoing wound therapies and post-operative care
being offered at wound centers worldwide.
OWL products include:
- WHO™ Heel Relief
- WHO Forefoot Relief
- WHO Midfoot/Walking AFO
- shark-o™ Charcot Orthosis
- Advanced Diabetic Orthosis
For more information, visit www.orthomerica.com/owls.
Orthomerica
800.446.6770
www.orthomerica.com
medi USA is proud to announce its third and latest addition to the innovative Panthera family of feet with the new Panthera CF III-providing dynamic and smooth walking for the K3 amputee.
Features and benefits include:
- Plug-and-play adjustable heel for ease of use
- Excellent multiaxial compliance via integrated carbon and elastomer layers
- Pivoting dynamics mimic ankle motion
- Comfortable heel strike
- Fluid rollover and dynamic toe-off due to innovative, continuous carbon spring technology
- Available in beige, light brown, and dark brown
medi USA
800.633.6334
www.mediusa.com
The Silcare Breathe silicone liner allows moisture to escape. Unique moisture management results in drier skin, helps reduce the damaging effects of friction, and improves comfort and control.
Features and benefits include:
- Stretch zones: Seamless technology provides bidirectional stretch, improving comfort and contouring, and reducing shear force as it flexes.
- Laser-drilled perforations: Optimally sized pores distributed uniformly along the length and distal end of the liner permit the escape of air and moisture.
- Tendresse finish: A lower coefficient of friction than standard silicone reduces shear stress on the skin.
Endolite
800.548.3534
www.endolite.com
The Infinite Socket™ is the first modular and adjustable socket that empowers clinicians and users. Built-in tensioning systems, custom modular components, and advanced materials allow adjustability at the socket as the residual limb changes.
LIM Innovations
844.888.8546
www.liminnovations.com
Back LSO High Panel
This brace acts as an immobilizing
device for the lumbar-sacral region
to reduce pain caused by lumbago,
sciatica, and ischialgia.
Through a new locking
technology, the closing system is
user-friendly and allows a wide range
of tension settings. This patented
immobilizing device is practical and
easy to wear. It's perfectly adaptable
to any size and body type to ensure
maximum support and comfort at the desired tension.
Learn more about this and other great M-Brace products on our
website.
M-Brace
866.374.4050
www.m-brace.com
The E-ROM™ Elbow Orthosis has a low-profile design that enables a simple, fast fit. The new wraparound liner closure and single dorsal upright eliminates bony impingement most commonly found with traditional elbow systems. The E-ROM elbow joint offers three functional joint variations (lock out, variable ROM, and free motion) that can help address numerous elbow anomalies. The easy-fit design simplifies the fitting process for the clinician and increases comfort for the patient, while providing the necessary control and/or stability to address various upper-limb and elbow-specific etiologies. Contact our specialists or visit our website for more information.
Anatomical Concepts
800.837.3888
www.anatomicalconceptsinc.com
From Fillauer
The Absolute Preflexed Suspension Sleeve optimizes comfort, durability, and range of motion. The sleeve is made of thermoplastic elastomer and alleviates posterior bunching when the knee is flexed. The Absolute Preflexed Suspension Sleeve is available in multiple sizes and your choice of beige or black.
Fillauer
800.251.6398
www.fillauer.com
- Smarter: uses simple gestures to charge grips
- Faster: boost digit speed by up to 30%
- Smaller: new form-fitting anatomical design reduces profile in every dimension
Touch Bionics
(855) MYiLimb
www.touchbionics.com
Pro-Flex®, the latest breakthrough in prosthetic foot technology by Össur®, generates exceptional mechanical power and range of ankle motion to reduce the impact on the sound side by 11% compared to a conventional energy storing and return foot. Over a lifetime of steps, the potential health benefits are clear. Learn more at www.ossur.com/proflex.
Össur
800.233.6263
www.ossur.com
Ypsilon® Flow is the newest member of the ToeOFF family of products. It's the AFO of choice for active patients with foot drop and no other ankle or proximal deficits. The increased range of motion accommodates different terrain and longer strides. The new geometry design provides a dynamic response for foot lift without restricting or immobilizing normal joint or muscle activity. A gradual heel rise allows for an intimate fit in the patient's shoe. It is Allard USA's goal to provide dynamic response AFOs without limiting function. Call customer service for more information today.
Allard USA
888.678.6548
www.allardusa.com
The EZ Flex Liner allows users ease of knee flexion through an unlimited restriction of anterior stretch. The fabric has 80% less posterior vertical stretch, which reduces bunching in the popliteal region. The EZ Flex is made with EasyGel that contains antioxidants that may help promote skin health, which also provides comfort and durability.
ALPS
800.574.5426
www.easyliner.com