New Prosthetic Foot Line Revealed
A new kid on the block, Freedom Innovations Inc. (FI), made its formal debut into the prosthetics world by announcing its Freedom Series of prosthetic feet at the 2002 American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) National Assembly October 9-12 in Chicago.
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Feature
Physical Therapists: Partners or Competitors?
By Miki Fairley
Orthotists and prosthetists share their views on this controversial question. Next month, physical therapists and those who practice in both fields will get their say.
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The Biomechanics of Amputee Running
By Robert Gailey, PhD, PT
Robert Gailey, PhD, PT The biomechanics of amputee running is aninteresting area that is useful in clinical application. Withprosthetic developments such as the Flex-Sprint and C-Sprintdesigns permitting amputees of all levels of athletic abilit...
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A Bridge Back to a Healthy World
By Bebe Tamberg, CMF
I'm unable to recall the title of a 1930smovie in which a terminally ill young bride, with perhaps only afew months to live, put on such a brave face that her husband wasunaware of the seriousness of her condition. While on theirhoneymoon, he rema...
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Post-Mastectomy Care: Aiding Cancer Survivors
By Miki Fairley
Patricia Metcalf, Orthotist/CMF, A Fitting Image, demonstrates placement of a breast form in a swimsuit to Mildred Holtz, mastectomy patient. Every three minutes a case of breast cancer isdiagnosed; every 13 minutes a woman dies from the disease...
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'Lean Manufacturing': The Secret to Lab Organization
By Greg Mattson, RTPO
It's June 2001, and I'm standing on the productionfloor of the Toyota Car Company in Toyota City, Japan. I'mawestruck at the level of organization I see at every turn. Toolsare color-coded and placed at arm's reach, and the employees areperforming...
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Leading EDGE
Billing: Are Hidden Problems Lurking?
By Joe Sansone
Joe Sansone I once hired a cocky young warehouseman at a payrate of $11 per hour. He progressed through the ranks and, with ayear's experience under his belt, asked to assist in thesupervision of the Insurance Department. My obvious response wast...
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Cutting Edge
Guerrilla Warfare: More MCO Contracting Survival Tips
By Judith Otto
A "Nightmare on Elm Street" aptly sums up how manyO&P providers feel about managed care contracting. Previousarticles explored "rate shopping" and strategies for opening closedprovider panels. Here, some experts from the front lines describemore p...
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Cutting Edge
MCOs: Keeping Track of the Players
By Judith Otto
How often do the MCOs/HMOs metamorphose? Is it true thatthey are buying each other out, changing names, and absorbing otherMCOs at a faster rate than ever? How many insurance companies is itpossible to hide under one umbrella?
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Innovations
Amfit Footfax-SL: Combining Innovation and Technology
By Ken Marich, MBA
Utilization of Amfit's patented electronic 3Dscanner and precision CAD/CAM carving mill provide an automatedmethod for making high-quality custom orthoses. We have found thatthis system yields high patient acceptance, improved costefficiencies, an...
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DC Direct
HIPAA Medical Privacy Rules: Will They Impact O&P Providers?
By Michael J. Allen, CPO, FAAOP, President
On August 14, the Department of Health and HumanServices (HHS) issued final modifications to the rule on medicalprivacy as required under the Health Insurance Portability andAccountability Act (HIPAA) to establish Standards for Privacy ofIndividua...
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Shop Talk
Save $$ by Fabricating a One-Shot Socket Lamination with a Shuttle Lock
By Scott Tracewell
How many of you out there fabricate a doublelamination when using a shuttle lock and a 4-hole plate? If yousaid, "I do," I would like to share a technique that could save you50 percent in time and materials. Using its sealed lock, Coyote Designs,...
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Sports Page
US Captures 11 Gold Medals in IPC World Championships
April Holmes captured a silver medal in the T-44 class 100m race. She uses the new Otto Bock C-Sprint foot and Hanger ComfortFlex™ socket with an Alps EasyLiner™. Courtesy Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics Inc.
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Profiles
Kristin Bradley, CP, CP(c)
Sudbury Regional Hospital Sudbury, Ontario, Canada Did someone encourage you to work in O&P? My high school guidance counselor. What is your dream vehicle?
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Perspectives
Your Reputation: How Important Is It?
By Gary F. Wertz
The most successful prosthetic practices in ourcountry today are staffed by prosthetists who enjoy outstandingreputations. These professionals have earned their reputations byproviding exceptional patient care. They make patient service ahigh prio...
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From The Editor
By Miki Fairley
Miki Fairley October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. ManyO&P facility staffs include caring, knowledgeable certifiedmastectomy fitters (CMFs), many of whom are themselves breastcancer survivors. They fit clients with forms and prostheses, often...
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Nylon Chafes & Chafes with Loops available in
bags of 100 pieces.
Available in 1/2", 1", 1-1/2" & 2" chafe sizes. Black, White
and Beige.
The combinations are endless:
- Plastic Chafe alone
- Plastic Chafe with Metal Link
- Plastic Chafe with Roller Ring
- Plastic Chafe with Plastic Loop
- New all Black Chafe with Black Metal Link
To place an order call a WBC Industries sales representative
today.
WBC Industries, Inc.
625 Central Avenue
Westfield, NJ 07090
800.818.2932 • fax: 908.232.5219
www.wbcindustries.com
South West Ankle Brace , a
leading brand of custom thermo-molded ankle braces for
non-operative management of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction
(PTTD), provides orthoses that are washable, breathable, and give
abrasive resistance. The braces are lighter, less bulky, and
provide more support than many other designs. Besides PTTD, they
are effective in treating a wide spectrum of other conditions.
You can have it your way! Three style options
are available to choose from: All Lace, All Velcro, and Combination
Lace & Velcro. Turnaround time is 3-5 days; suggested L-Codes
are: L-1960, L-2280, L-2275, L-2820.
For more information, contact:
South West Orthopedic Designs LLC
8275 East Bell Road #1169
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480.332.8120 • fax: 480.664.3521
www.pttd.com
The Miami JTO distributed by
Knit-Rite offers true "step up, step down" convenience. Unsnap it
from the Miami J and the patient can still wear
the collar. No tools required.
The floating back maintains desired alignment when the patient
is supine; easy up and down for rehab. The chest plate adjusts
easily with no malleable rods. The vented shell and breathable pad
keep the patient cool. The modular chin strut enhances flexion
control by directly bridging the chin and sternum.
For more information, contact:
Knit-Rite, Inc.
800.821.3094
www.knitrite.com
Hosmer, a Fillauer Company, announces it has
redesigned the Entegra knee frame. This enhanced
design features:
- Advanced Composite Bearings
- Larger Central Axis & Bearings Distribute Load
- Widened Bearing Support Geometry
- Easy Bearing Replacement
- Larger, More Durable Kneeling Pad
- Pad Molded Directly to Knee
For more information contact:
Hosmer, A Fillauer Company
800.827.0070
408.379.5151
fax: 408.379.5263
hosmer@hosmer.com
www.hosmer.com
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Ohio Willow Wood recognizes your desire for more
options in meeting your patient's individual needs. In response,
Ohio Willow Wood is pleased to introduce a new color option in foot
products.
The new tan foot color is now available as a
standard in-stock item in Ohio Willow Wood SACH, SACH with Pyramid,
and Single Axis feet. It is also available on all other Ohio Willow
Wood feet as a custom-ordered item, allowing you to fit the needs
of your patients at all activity levels. The new tan color falls
about midway between the existing buff and medium brown foot
colors, better serving the needs of a diverse population. For a
free keychain with samples of the three skin-tone foot colors,
please call an Ohio Willow Wood customer service representative.
With these samples in hand, you can better match the appropriate
color to your patient before placing your Ohio Willow Wood foot
order. Custom color orders have a production lead-time.
For more information, contact:
Ohio Willow Wood
Customer Care
800.848.4930
www.owwco.com
OPTEC introduces the new, advanced
Universal Hip Orthosis (H20)™, the company's
most adjustable hip management system for enhanced patient comfort.
The universal design helps reduce inventory while accommodating
patient needs.
The H2O Hip Management System features
Universal Pelvic Band and Thigh Cuff designs which offer
circumferential and vertical adjustment and can be custom fit to
either the right or left side. The H20 Hip Management
System is complemented by OPTEC's Universal THC™ Hip
Abduction Joint for a full range of motion control.
For more information, contact:
OPTEC
Customer Service
888.982.8181
770.513.7380
The VariGrip III Multi-Device
Controller for powered upper-limb prostheses is the latest
in microprocessor-based prosthetic technology from LTI. This
programmable controller operates up to four devices using a control
strategy tailored to the user. The system adapts to the patient,
thus reducing training time and increasing functionality.
The VariGrip III is universal, enabling it to
operate prosthetic devices from various manufacturers. It is small
and lightweight so it can be concealed in the prosthesis for
improved cosmeses. Since it is programmable through a PC, the
prosthetist can quickly adjust or re-program it.
For more information, contact:
Liberating Technologies
800.437.0024
www.liberatingtech.com
Early feedback indicates that
SleeveArt helps amputees feel better. Put a smile
on your patient's face when you offer them
SleeveArt prosthetic sleeve covers. Developed by
F. Kurt Pauloz, CP - who is also an amputee,
SleeveArt is made from spandex and is offered in a
variety of designs, as well as some skin tones. It's not just for
summer, SleeveArt presents a slippery and smooth interface with
long pants, which normally stick to the prosthesis. The selection
offered can be viewed at www.fredslegs.com
For more information, contact:
Fred's Legs
954.646.1026
www.fredslegs.com
"45 years of International Experience"
Pillet Hand Prostheses invites you to visit their
newly updated website:
www.pillet.com
Visitors will learn more about their outstanding aesthetic
features, and the comfort and simple use of their diverse product
line.
For more information or to request a FREE color
brochure:
Pillet Hand Prostheses, Ltd.
800.331.4263 • fax: 212.489.7808
info@pillet.com
Horton Technology has raised the weight limit on
the Stance Control Orthotic Knee™ to 225
pounds/102K. New knee joints are in stock that have a number of
technical enhancements, including stronger gears. Stop by booth
#301 at AOPA to see the new improvements.
For more information, contact:
Horton Technology Inc.
866.663.3970
www.stancecontrol.com
Another quality solution for your fastening needs!
Precision machined from 303 S.S. to exacting specifications.
Diamond pattern on the underside of the head allows
T-Nut to grip into the plastic when tightened.
Available in barrel diameters of .187, .201, and .248; head
diameters of 3/8" and 1/2"; barrel lengths ranging from 3/16" to
1/2"; 6-32, 8-32 and 10-32 thread. Custom sizes are available with
standard lead-times.
For more information, contact:
DMP-ORTHO
800.352.1011
www.dmp-ortho.com
Ossur announces a new ICEROSS®
liner-the Stabilo™, which provides
moderately active users with the stable and intimate fit required
for an active daily routine. Utilizing DermoSil™
silicone, the stabilizing matrix, and size-specific
umbrella-all unique to ICEROSS-the liner controls
residual limb tissues while reducing transmission of shear forces
to the limb.
The ICEROSS Stabilo can be used interchangeably
with the ICEROSS Comfort, Dermo, and SportK4 liners, enabling
amputees using a single socket to match the most appropriate
ICEROSS liner to various activities.
For more information, contact:
Ossur
Customer Service
800.233.6263 • 949.362.3883
www.ossur.com
The new Mauch XG™ carbon
frame knee from Ossur targets the high-activity amputee. The
Mauch XG combines high performance with a new
sleek design ideal for facilitating cosmetic finishing. The frame
is made of ultra-lightweight carbon fiber wound with Kevlar. The
low-profile frame is fitted with the Mauch Jr. cylinder, noted for
durability and performance.
The Mauch XG is designed for multi-speed
ambulation with roller bearings at the knee axis and cylinder
attachment points that offer a quiet, smooth function and natural
feel. It is field serviceable by the prosthetist for hydraulic
cylinder replacement, and the proximal and distal male pyramids
facilitate changes to the alignment. Other features include a
weight limit of 285 lbs, a full 135 degrees of knee flexion, and a
low clearance height of 8.5 inches, a critical factor for amputees
who need components with lower-build heights in their
prostheses.
For more information, contact:
Ossur
Customer Service
800.233.6263 • 949.362.3883
www.ossur.com
Orthofeet is introducing a new line of innovative Depth shoes, which combine attractive styling with unique comfort and performance features:
- Soft Leather, Padded with Foam
conforms to the foot and eliminates pressure points;
- Seamless, Breathable Lining
protects the foot from irritations;
- Anatomical Last
provides extra width across the midfoot and Toe-Box;
- Biomechanical Sole Design
, featuring a mild Rocker and a flat forefoot seat, facilitates ambulation and reduces stress at the forefoot;
- Hidden Depth Construction
hides the extra depth of the shoe for an attractive, low profile appearance;
- Advanced, Multi Density Orthotic
, can be instantly heat-molded to the foot for a full contact, custom support.
Orthofeet shoes and orthotics are approved by Medicare to meet the requirements of the Diabetic Shoe Bill (Codes A5500 and A5509).
For more information, contact:
Orthofeet, Inc.
800.524.2845
www.orthofeet.com
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