Prosthetists: A Physiotherapist’s Perspective
By Miki Fairley
"I appreciate prosthetists who are excited abouttheir profession and share their knowledge," says Linda McLaren,BSR (PT), clinical resource physiotherapist-amputation, GF StrongRehab Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia,Canada. Constable Laurie Wh...
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Future Trends in Upper Extremity Prosthetics: What Do the Experts See?
By Judith Otto
The O&P EDGE: In your opinion, what are the most exciting futuretrends in upper-extremity prosthetics? Alley: I believe the ability to perform remotediagnosis, adjustments, and other remote consulting services offerstremendous promise for the pa...
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Stepping Out
Custom Shoes: Steps to Success
By Séamus Kennedy, BEng (Mech), CPed
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Direct from the Academy
Project Quantum Leap: Shaping the Future of the O&P Profession
By Julie G. Hayes
Project Quantum Leap (PQL) is the most importantinitiative the Academy has undertaken in its 30-year history. It isa multi-year initiative in which the American Academy of Orthotistsand Prosthetists seeks to advance the O&P profession in severalar...
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Education Outlook
A Non-Traditional O&P Student View: Putting It All Together
By Rick E. Sevier
Yolanda and Rick Sevier In today's varying economy, many individuals inwell-established companies are being faced with layoffs that forcethem into reevaluating their initial choice of careers. Many ofthese people use this time to their advantage...
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Innovations
Niagara Foot: Boon to Landmine Survivors
Life for many landmine survivors may have justgotten better, thanks to the Niagara Foot TM . The prosthetic foot is a low-cost, high-performanceenergy-return foot which decreases the muscular effort required forwalking and is extremely durable. Th...
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Today's Consumer
Amputation: The First Year
By Daniel Sheret
Amputation. That one simple word changeseverything, doesn't it? I considered this recently as I spoke witha man who is facing the difficult decision between an amputationand his 16th surgery to restore mobility to his damaged left ankle.I could re...
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Jan Stokosa, CP: Starting from the Bottom To Change Lives
By PEL Supply Co.
"The patient's success is always the ultimate goal" says Stokosa, shown with AK amputee Craig Harris. For nearly five decades Jan J. Stokosa, CP, hasbeen touching people's lives with his work in prosthetics.
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Salute!
Making a Difference in Africa
By Pamala Lupo, CO
Pam Lupo, CO, casts a five-day-old baby with a hyperextended knee. The first two things you learn in Ghana arepatience and to always carry your toilet paper with you. I visitedAfrica this April as a guest of FOCOS (Foundation for Orthopedicsand Co...
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Salute!
Cuban Doctor Receives Cervical Collar
By Tami Jayne Jackson
"The wheels go round," and they went round to helpa Cuban doctor receive a much-needed Seattle Systems MalibuCervical Collar. In early November 2002, Seattle Systems received a phone callfrom Sandy Setliff with the Joni and Friends area ministry i...
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Global View
P&O American Style
By Students of Salford University, Salford, UK
Our first visit in the USA was to the Universityof Washington, Seattle, where we met fellow P&O students. Mr.John Ferguson, senior lecturer in P&O, delivered a warm andlight-hearted presentation which gave insight into the world ofP&O in America....
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Profiles
Erwin Unger
Orthotist/Specialist Custom Foot Orthotics Wright & Filippis Rochester Hills, Michigan When did you enter the O&Pprofession? Sixty-eight years ago when I was a 14-year-old boy inGermany. Why did you choose to enter the O&Pprofession?
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Perspective
A Patient by Any Other Name
What's in a name? Willie Shakespeare said, "A rose by any othername would smell as sweet." Out here where I live we say, "You cancall a skunk whatever you want, but you still can't bring it in thehouse." Apparently, a name is not just a name to a...
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HIPAA Privacy Rule: Why Comply?
By Jay Masci
The compliance date of April 14, 2003 for the HIPAAPrivacy Rule is fast approaching O&P businesses. So thequestion you may ask is, "Why do I need tocomply?" Why Comply? Risk of Litigation The threat of litigation is a topic that coveredentities...
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HIPAA Privacy: Are You Ready to Comply?
By Jay Masci
The compliance date of April 14,2003 for the HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability &Accountability Act of 1996) Privacy Rule is fast approachingO&P businesses. Are you ready to comply? What is Required of an O&P Organization?
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Feature
O&P Research: A Question of Quality—or Quantity?
By Judith Otto
Take a little trip with an Internet search engine and see what you come up with under “Prosthetic Research.” Your findings (or lack thereof) will likely illustrate one of the major problems with P&O research today…
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Viewpoints
From the Editor
By Miki Fairley
This month features the Annual Meeting of theAmerican Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP). With over100 sessions enhancing practitioners' clinical and business skills,there will be a lot to take home from San Diego! Research helps spell...
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Viewpoints
From the President
By Tonja Randolph
Wow! It's been a year already since we firstintroduced The O&P EDGE at the Academy meeting in Orlando, FL.The overwhelmingly positive response that our new magazine receivedat that conference and throughout the year has inspired andsupported us i...
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Fabtech Systems is proud to introduce
S.A.F.E. Stuff (Super Adhesive Five Minute
Epoxy)-the solution to toxic, smelly acrylic "gunk." Fabtech's
proprietary formula is a premixed non-sagging, ultra fast curing
epoxy gel delivered by a goof-proof gun applicator. No mixing is
required, there is no messy clean up and virtually no smell. Place
a new tip on the applicator gun and squeeze the desired amount you
need. It's that simple. Save time and money while using the
incredible strength of epoxy.
Fabtech Systems
866.733.9832
staff@fabtechsystems.com
www.fabtechsystems.com

SQ Profab, Inc. is proud to introduce the full
line of "One-Piece" Partial Feet. The Pediatric,
Adult and Narrow. The unique padding system provides optimal
comfort for even the most sensitive patients. No more laces, straps
or zippers. We can match any shape, size or color. L-Codes
available upon request.
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed!
"Quality Craftsmanship at a Competitive
Price"
For more information, contact:
SQ Profab, Inc.
407.293.1504 " fax: 407.293.4035
sqprofab@cs.com " www.sqprofab.com

The SMART Walker" Orthosis is an
advanced gait training device that provides hands-free mobility for
the child with cerebral palsy or similar diagnoses who is
nonfunctional in a conventional walker. Lower limb control and
trunk support are provided through the use of a modular brace
system and Piedro footwear. The brace system is suspended in a
wheeled mobile base, which provides additional limb guidance and
weight bearing adjustability. This device has provided many
children with the benefits of upright posture and the opportunity
to walk on their own.
For further information, contact:
Advanced Orthotic Designs Inc.
905.607.4022 " fax: 905.607.9099
walk@aodmobility.com " www.smartwalker.com
Visit our booth 219 at the AAOP
Meeting

Spinal Solutions and Orthotic Solutions, your
one-stop central fab and orthotic warehouse, is now manufacturing
and distributing a complete line of upper and lower
extremity fracture bracing. Products available include
thumb, wrist-hand, forearm, elbow, humerus, ulna, ankle, AFO,
tibia, splints, KAFO, and HKAFO. Each product has been clinically
tested. Each product comes with our "Best Price Guarantee." Our
catalog is free and comes with a coupon good towards your first
order.
For more information, contact:
Spinal Solutions/Orthotic Solutions, Inc.
800.922.5155 " fax: 800.813.8139
spinalsolution@mindspring.com
www.spinalsolution.net

Horton Technology Inc announces the Ankle
Activator. The Ankle Activator consists
of a small adapter kit that connects the control rods of the Stance
- Control Knee" to the posterior channel of a Becker Double Action
Ankle Joint. The standard Becker spring provides a dorsiflexion
assist; two degrees of motion are sufficient to trigger the Stance
- Control Knee" joints. This should be one of the simplest methods
to control the joints. The Ankle Activator can be
used on an all-metal KAFO, or with a UCBL-style KAFO. To see the
Ankle Activator, please visit Horton Technology Inc. at
Booth #13 at the Academy meeting in San Diego, CA,
March 19-22.
For more information, contact:
Horton Technology Inc.
866.663.3970
www.stancecontrol.com

New Options, Inc. offers a complete line of Adult
and Pediatric Suspension Sleeves in both nylon one-sided and nylon
two-sided material, with a material thickness of 1/8". New Options
also offers 3 different color choices: tan, black and brown.
Adult Sleeves:
K7 Sleeve
K51 Sleeve with Flexion Knee
K52 Sleeve with Flexion Knee and Top Strap
K53 Three-Part Sleeve
K54 Three-Part Sleeve with Flexion Knee
K55 Three-Part Sleeve with Lycra Middle
Pediatric Sleeves:
PK100 (Tan), PK101 (Brown) & PK107 (Black) Sleeve
PK400 Sleeve with Top Strap
PK25 Three-Part Sleeve with Lycra Middle
Adult sizes from XS3XL; Pediatric sizes from XS2XL. Custom sizes
available upon request.
L-Code Information: K7K54: L5674 K55: L5675
For more information, contact:
New Options Sports
6718 Oakbrook Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235
800.872.5488 " fax: 800.455.5488
newoptionssports@hotmail.com

A new Ebony footshell is
available from SPS as a custom order for Freedom
Series" prosthetic foot wearers with darker skin
tones.
All feet within the Freedom Series from Freedom
Innovations utilize a unique attachment at the toe lever
tip, increasing energy storage and return while providing a "soft
toe" assist at push-off. The "Impact Dampening Heel System" assures
a soft, rolling transition at heel strike. Full-length segregation
of the active carbon fiber elements provides unparalleled agility,
medial-lateral bending, inversion-eversion and rotation. The
Freedom Series includes:
FS1000-unitary foot design with the "angle-top"
increases energy storage and return due to the longer sole plate
design;
FS2000-a lower profile foot for long BK
applications or configuration options demanding more clearance.
FS3000-for low to moderately active amputees
with longer residual limbs.
Included are a 36-month warranty, a "no questions" return
policy, and 60-day trial period.
For more information, contact:
Molly Taylor
SPS
800.767.7776, ext. 245
For Technical Questions, contact:
Jeff Green, Manager, Technical Services
800.767.7776, ext. 141
www.spsco.com

The Calibrated Alignment System
from V-Tech Systems provides the tools necessary to easily and
accurately assess alignment geometry. It can be used at any stage
from prefab to post-delivery, providing an exceptional means of
measuring component placement in a setup. This gives a recordable
number for the position of individual components and their
relationship to the overall alignment.
Components can be set to measurements and monitored as
connections are made. Calibrated adjustments can be made to
components with unparalleled accuracy. Easily verifiable changes to
an alignment geometry can be planned, executed, and recorded. This
provides uncompromising results for fabrication, alignment, and
diagnostics.
For more information, contact:
V-Tech Systems Corp.
944 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06110
860.953.4545

In 2001, Replacement Arts Designs introduced the
DupliCone now used worldwide for practical socket DupliCation and
Reduction.
New for 2003, is the ClearForm Casting Cone.
ClearForms turn clear at very low temperature and
can be used to make limb impressions, instead of plaster, rigid
dressings and even flex sockets. ClearForms can be
reheated numerous times to make casting very cost effective.
ClearForms are extremely quick and comfortable for
the amputee and result in a better impression which saves
modification time as well.
There are currently four BK sizes and use requires only a few
simple tools.
For more information, contact:
Replacement Arts Designs, Inc.
1507 West 174th, East Hazel, IL 60429
888.534.1787
www.duplicone.com

The HXT" from Allsport Dynamics
is a patent-pending custom wrist orthosis that has been shown to be
effective in helping with the rehabilitation of the wrist from
injury or surgery. It is primarily designed to help protect the
wrist from hyperextension.
Every HXT is 100-percent custom made, utilizing
the range of motion analysis of the patient and from an STS
The compulsion for innovation continually drives College Park to
advance technology and performance. Meet the
Venture: a paragon of precise engineering that
generates performance to suit your dynamic lifestyle without
sacrificing comfort. It's the ultimate fusion of power and
agility.
Why change your prosthetic foot every time you change your
shoes? You need a foot that transitions with you&from the gym
to the office or the trail to the pavement. The solution is finally
here for the demanding lifestyle.

Life is a venture-live it.
Venture key features include:
- Multiaxial and rotation;
- Energy storing; and
- Adjustable stride control.

The College Park TruPer®
Foot is the first and only multiaxial, dynamic response
foot made just for kids! Finally, prosthetists have the opportunity
to offer their young, active patients a foot that can truly
accommodate their energetic lifestyles.
The TruPer Foot addresses the most common
concerns about children's prosthetic feet. It accommodates for
growth, is simple to mount, and is customizable to meet the needs
of the individual amputee.
TruPer Foot key features include:
- Transverse rotation;
- Simple endo- or exo-skeletal finishing;
- Sandal toe design footshell; and
- One-year warranty.
Contact College Park today for a 30-day free trial!

The College Park TruStep®
Foot offers an anatomical, multiaxial design with
polycentric motion. The TruStep responds to ground
reaction forces much like a natural foot does, providing the user
freedom of motion in all three anatomical planes. This results in a
more symmetrical gait and a reduction in energy expenditure for the
user.
TruStep Foot key features and benefits
include:
- Anatomical design;
- Everyday comfort;
- Customizable function;
- Increased endurance; and
- Up to a three-year warranty.
Contact College Park today for a 30-day free trial!
For more information, contact:
College Park Industries
800.728.7950 " 586.294.7950
www.college-park.com
- Less Bulky
- Less Weight
- More Support
- Washable, Breathable
- Abrasion Resistance
- Colors: Beige, Black, Brown, Green & White

The South West Ankle Brace is one
of the leading brands of custom thermo-molded ankle braces made for
non-operative management of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, as
well as many other foot and ankle pathologies.
Clinical Conditions:
- Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD)
- Ankle arthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)
- Tibial tendonitis (posterior or anterior)
- Ankle, subtalor, or midtarsal trauma
- Severe pronation or pes planus
- Talocalcaneal varus or valgus
- Post CVA/Polio Syndrome
5-7 Day Turn Around
For more information, contact:
Chuck Eral
480.332.8120 " fax: 480.664.3521
ceral1@cox.net
" www.pttd.com

UCO International introduces the
3FormTM, a triple-layer, flat,
full-length insole that is heated and molded without having to
measure, using cut-and-glue materials.
Constructed of two layers of reinforced thermoplastic resin and
covered by a urethane top layer, the 3Form allows
the practitioner to fabricate the orthosis by heating,
vacuum-forming, and trimming. An additional top layer or posting
can also be added. It is available in five sizes for easy matching
to each patient's cast.
The 3Form works well for patients needing
additional support or comfort. For best results, the insole is
heated in a convection oven at 230°F for two-three minutes,
formed over a plaster cast, and trimmed to fit in the patient's
shoe. By using the 3Form, fabrication time of a
pair of orthoses can be reduced by 15-20 minutes.
Available in five double metric sizes, the
3Form will fit most shoe sizes and widths. It is
$15.95 a pair or $13.95 a pair for quantities of 25 or more.
For more information, contact:
UCO International
800.541.4030
www.ucointernational.com

Ossur introduces the new Elation"
Flex-Foot. With the Elation, heel height can be changed
quickly and easily at the touch of a button from 0-2" (5cm) and
everywhere in between.
Elation features a foot blade made from 100
percent carbon fiber. Its precision-engineered contour makes it
flexible as well as energy-efficient, ensuring a smooth rollover.
The foot adjusts automatically to the load applied. The greater the
load, the more the foot blade compresses against the rocker plate.
This shortens the foot lever arm proportionally, providing the
appropriate stiffness.
A narrow, anatomically correct foot cover with a sandal toe
contour is bonded to the foot, making it suitable for dress shoes,
sandals, cowboy boots, and other footwear types.
Elation is easy to cosmetically finish, and the
foot is ideal for amputees of low and moderate impact levels who
weigh up to 220 lbs (100kg).
For more information, contact:
Ossur
Customer Service
800.233.6263 " 949.632.3883
www.ossur.com

Orthofeet introduces stylish stretchable
shoes designed for patients who need extra protection, but
do not want to compromise on styling.
The shoes' unique design combines suede leather and spandex,
which is both elastic and breathable. The shoes stretch to conform
to the contours of the foot, accommodating deformities, such as
bunions and hammer toes, and eliminating pressure on diabetic feet
with lesions, poor circulation, and edema.
Additional comfort features include an anatomical last,
featuring added depth and width across the midfoot and forefoot;
ergonomic outsole construction, designed to reduce dorsiflexion
stresses at the forefoot and facilitate ambulation; seamless
lining; and a moldable, high-quality diabetic orthotic (Medicare
approved for code A5509). Shoe cost is $39 a pair; orthotic cost is
$9 a pair.
For more information, contact:
Orthofeet Inc.
800.524.2845
www.orthofeet.com

Hosmer Dorrance Corporation has released its
latest pediatric terminal device, the CAPP Hand.
Using the same internal spring-loaded voluntary-opening mechanism,
popular in the original CAPP Terminal Device
developed by the Child Amputee Prosthetic Program in southern
California, Hosmer has added an integrated urethane body.
This pliable, yet tough exterior preserves function and
durability, while adding a much more cosmetic appearance. The
elimination of a glove and the use of a low-friction nylon cord
ensures smooth and easy use.
Available in three different shades and three different springs
to adjust grip force, the CAPP Hand has a
replaceable thumb section for wear and can be customized for the
individual patient. Try it on your next pediatric patient that
requires low-cost, cosmesis, and rugged function in one
package.
For more information, contact:
Hosmer, A Fillauer Company
800.827.0070
customerservice@hosmer.com
www.hosmer.com

After becoming part of the Fillauer family, Centri
of Sweden announces the expansion of the Quality
Liners product line. Recognizing that patients have their
own unique limb shape, Centri has specifically designed a liner for
thermoforming to the individual's shape. Other liners claim this
benefit, but their reinforcing matrix and fabric covers prevent the
liner from truly forming to the limb geometry. The Centri
liner is simply applied to the positive mold and placed in
the oven at 180º and left to form for 15-45 minutes. After
cooling, the liner takes on the patient's specific shape.
The Centri Quality Liner is available in a
locking or cushion version, 3mm uniform or 6mm tapered thickness,
beige or transparent coloring. Each liner has a compatible liner
dummy, which may be used as a spacer when making the interface to
prevent the liner from being damaged during fabrication.
The Centri Thermoforming Liners are available
at Fillauer, Inc., Hosmer Dorrance, and Centri of Sweden.
For more information, contact:
Fran Varner-Jenkins
Fillauer Inc.®
2710 Amnicola Highway
Chattanooga, TN 37421
423.624.0946 " fax: 423.629.7936
info@fillauer.com " www.fillauer.com

Seattle Systems unveiled its new lightweight knee
brace designed to treat osteoarthritis at the American Academy of
Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) February 5-9 in New Orleans,
Louisiana.
The Seattle Systems Cruiser" Brace provides
corrective force, and thus pain relief, when weight-bearing, but
relaxes when the patient flexes the knee, thus providing even more
comfort. Made with a strong fiberglass composite shell, the
Seattle Systems Cruiser Brace comes cushioned by
the high-quality Seattle Systems standard liner. The innovative
hinge design provides 20 degrees of valgus/varus alignment
adjustability (10 degrees in either direction). Custom models are
thermoformed to the patient's leg, using the latest CAD/CAM
technology and are available in 15 vibrant colors. Off-the-shelf
models come in an attractive pewter metallic color.
For more information, contact:
Seattle Systems
800.248.6463
customerservice@seattle-systems.com
www.seattle-systems.com

Seattle Systems Inc. has released another
innovative prosthetic foot: the Cadence HP".
Designed for every activity level and lifestyle, the
Cadence HP has a patented C-shape construction
that makes it the only foot on the market without the undesirable
"flat spot." Functioning more like a biological foot, the
Cadence HP offers amputees a smooth stroll from
heel to toe and is ideal for hiking and walking on uneven
terrain.
Unlike competitor designs, the Cadence HP does
not have an awkward upward propulsion. The design also avoids that
pesky "slap" feature, in which the toe comes down too quickly after
the amputee steps on the heel.

Knit-Rite announces its new X-Wool
Prosthetic Sock with X-STATIC, the silver
fiber. The X-Wool Sock features a high-performance
fiber system made with pure silver. Silver is naturally
antimicrobial, enabling X-STATIC to safely inhibit
the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Silver also has the best
possible thermodynamic properties, so your patient stays cooler in
summer and warmer in winter. X-STATIC on the
inside of the sock accelerates the movement of moisture away from
the body through evaporation.
The absorbent virgin wool is thick and cushioning. Lycra allows
the sock to contour without stretching out and also accommodates
flexion. These new socks are fleeced to add softness, resist
shrinkage, and are easily cared for. Thickness color coding is:
3-ply yellow, 5-ply green, 6-ply gray.
For more information, contact:
Knit-Rite
800.821.3094
www.knitrite.com