Feature
O&P and Healthcare: Where Are They Heading?
By Miki Fairley
“Forecasting the future of healthcare and health policy is an imperfect science...”
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Feature
If I Were Brave
By Meredy Fullen
Amputee golfers are the focus of a new training/motivational video project.
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College-Level Courses Coming to O&P Community
The O&P community will soon have access to college-level core science courses not connected to any products.
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Innovations
The Value of Professional Clinical Feedback in Product Innovation and Evolution
By Robert “Bob” Radocy
We in the prosthetics industry are verylucky--some could say "blessed"--to operate in a profession thathas both financial and altruistic rewards. Our profession attractshealth professionals, caregivers, and individuals of many otherdisciplines, wh...
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Today's Consumer
It Takes More than a Shark Attack To Stop Champion Surfer
By Miki Fairley
Bethany (second from right) receives her new bike from the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF). From left are her parents, Tom and Cheri Hamilton; Willie Stewart, noted amputee athlete; and Bob Babbitt, CAF vice president. Photo by Phil Mislinski...
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Sports Page
Fastest Amputee Looks to Paralympic Gold, Further Career
By Judith Philipps Otto
Last summer, Marlon Shirley set a new men'samputee record in the 100m sprint at the Utah Summer Games, andalso took second place in a competition with able-bodied athletes.His time of 10.97 seconds made him the first amputee to break the11-second...
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Stepping Out
Third-Generation Business Continues Shoemaking Art
By Marc Rosen, CPed
A sculptor brings an image to life. A writer paintsa picture in your mind. These types of art are known for theirvision and creativity.
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Got FAQs?
Got FAQs?
By Lisa Lake-Salmon
The future of your practice depends onknowledgeable billing and collection information. Understanding thefull aspect of billing guidelines and procedures will effectivelyincrease your reimbursement. This informative column will helpproviders and t...
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Profile
Leo Rivera Vazquez, ROF
ROF Arecibo Orthopedic & Prosthetic Arecibo, Puerto Rico How did you end up in O&P? In the 1960s, I took O&P courses at the Inter AmericanUniversity. Where would you go on a "dreamvacation"?
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Perspective
How Can We Be Perceived as More than Vendors?
By Joyce Perrone
How do we elevate the O&P industry to a different level from that of a Little Debbie snack distributor?
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Viewpoints
From the Editor: AOPA National Assembly
By Miki Fairley
An organization's ability to learn - and translatethat learning into action rapidly - is the ultimate competitiveadvantage . - Jack Welch, former chairman and CEO ofGeneral Electric. One important way to get this advantage is byattending and parti...
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Freeman Manufacturing Co. announces their newest
catalog, Volume 7, available in two formats: A
priced version with suggested billing codes accompanying each model
number, and a non-priced promotional version.
Volume 7 catalog introduces these new additions
to the Freeman Family of Healthcare Products; an LSO Body Jacket,
air and gel back supports, hyperextension orthoses, diabetic shoes,
the InnovatorTM Post-op Knee Brace and a line of
EZ-FitTM Stretch Garments. The Philadelphia®
AtlasTM Collar, a new hip orthosis, and new heat gun are
also available.
In addition, Freeman offers the most complete line of medical
compression stockings including Jobst® and Medi® with no
minimum order requirement.
For more information, contact:
Freeman Manufacturing Company
800.253.2091
www.freemanmfg.com.

Exceptionally soft and wrinkle-free like the
original seamless AFO interface, SmartKnit AFOs
with X-STATIC, fit like a second layer of skin, and also provide
the proven benefits of pure silver. The thermally conductive silver
fibers in X-STATIC work much like a silver spoon in a cup of hot
tea, by conducting heat away from the skin to the ambient air,
thereby cooling the skin.
X-STATIC also enhances the body's natural ability to evaporate
moisture. The conductivity of the X-STATIC fibers acts to
accelerate evaporation. As moisture is evaporated, a
correspondingly greater amount of moisture can be drawn through the
yarn system for subsequent evaporation.
X-STATIC AFOs transport perspiration away from the skin faster,
creating a more comfortable environment and less potential for the
development of dermatitis, bacterial irritation, and odor. In
short, SmartKnit AFOs with X-STATIC allow
increased comfort and better skin health by minimizing moisture
contact with the skin and reducing bacteria.
For more information, contact:
Knit-Rite
800.821.3094
www.knitrite.com

Ongoing Care Solutions offers a complete line of
orthotics including, WEL-KARETM Night
Splints at $27.00 each!
We offer two types of Night Splints to choose
from:
- WEL-KARE Passive Night Splint Nighttime
solution for plantar fasciitis.
- WEL-KARE Stretch Night Splint Adjustable
solution for plantar fasciitis.
Visit www.ongoingcare.com to view these Night Splints
as well as our complete, exceptional product line.
For more information, contact:
Ongoing Care Solutions
800.375.0207
www.ongoingcare.com

In addition to an extensive line of silicone
products, Realastic still offers the low cost option of
PVC products. "As one of the pioneers in the
PVC prosthetics industry, we take great pride in
continuing these PVC products," says Dewey
Yeargin, Realastic's president. "When silicone is not an option, a
product like our custom PVC hand with custom
partial insert is the perfect solution," he adds.
PVC gloves are available in 17 different colors
with great cosmetic and anatomical features such as freckles, age
spots, tinted veins, palmar, hair, and zippers. Pricing information
and "R" swatches available upon request.
For more information, contact:
Realastic Prosthetics (a division of Health Related
Products)
800.845.4566
www.healthrelatedproducts.com
from SOUTH WEST ORTHOPEDIC DESIGNS
- Less Bulky
- Less Weight
- More Support
- Washable, Breathable
- Abrasion Resistance
- Colors: Beige, Black, Brown & Green
5-7 Day Turn Around on request

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
Suggested L-Codes: L-1960, L-2280, L-2275, L-2820
For more information, contact:
Chuck Eral, CO
480.332.8120
fax: 480.556.9764
ceral1@cox.net
www.pttd.com

New and in stock, six bright new colors of
metallic foil laminated brace, belt, strap, and cuff
leather. These 4 1/2 ounce "medium weight"
leathers are perfect for jazzing up cuffs or
straps. If you have a youngster who would like to kick it up a
notch, try one of these new colors; hot pink, bright red, purple,
navy, turquoise, and green.
Call or write for samples:
Waterhouse Leather
1 DeAngelo Drive
Bedford, MA 01730
800.322.1177
waterhouse.leather@juno.com

Seattle Systems, Inc., announces its Sure Step
Neuropathic Charcot Restraint Orthotic Walker
(CROW), a custom orthosis used in treating Charcot
degeneration of the foot and ankle.
Offloading, stabilization, and protection from future trauma to
the foot are critical in the treatment of the diabetic foot.
Seattle Systems' Sure Step Neuropathic CROW is an
effective alternative to TCC, offering greater comfort by putting
minimal pressure on the foot and evenly distributing weight that
provides the necessary support to enhance mobility.
The custom-molded boot incorporates a bivalve custom pre-tibial
and posterior shell with rocker bottom sole that is designed to
offload the foot similarly to a total contact cast but offers
accommodation for each patient's particular needs.
This innovative product can also be used for post-surgical
protection and transition following foot and ankle
reconstruction.
When properly fitted, Seattle Systems' Sure Step Neuropathic
CROW can reduce plantar forefoot and midfoot
pressures by approximately 50 percent. Key advantages that benefit
medical professionals include:
- Seattle Systems fit, finish, and accuracy of construction
- Quick turn around time in custom construction
- Affordable price
For more information, contact:
Seattle Systems
800.248.6463
www.seattlesystems.com

Spinal Solutions introduces the first, rigid
spinal support system designed to maximize patient compliance while
allowing the practitioner the flexibility to provide an intimate
fit.
The VertiLok features a two-stage closure
procedure that allows the patient to don the orthosis without
assistance. By securing the built in corset first, which is
attached to the posterior panel, immediate abdominal compression is
achieved, and the patient is able to secure the anterior panel
without assistance. In the later stages of recovery, the patient
can be weaned off the rigid anterior panel.
The VertiLok is made of a lightweight,
breathable, and washable material. The orthotic device is MRI
compatible. Removable anterior/ posterior (lined with 3/16"
aliplast), and lateral panel inserts come in a wide variety of
configurations that are heat moldable. The three-point closure
system produces uniform, abdominal compression with just two
straps, which attach to the anterior panel and have large D rings
for better grasping.
The LSO version is easily converted to a TLSO by adding the
optional Posterior Thoracic Extension (PTE) and the Sternal Pad Kit
(SPK). Dorsal Strap Kit (DSK), Hip Spika Attachment (HSA), and
Inflatable Lumbar Chamber (ILC) are also available.
For more information, contact:
Spinal Solutions, Inc.
800.922.5155
www.spinalsolution.net

PEL Supply Company announces the immediate
availability of the new CruiserTM OA Knee
Brace manufactured by Seattle Systems. This revolutionary
new osteoarthritic orthosis incorporates an innovative hinge design
to provide comfort and freedom of mobility to the patient.
A single upright joint places a corrective force during knee
extension and full relief upon knee flexion. 20 degrees of
medial/lateral adjustment allows the practitioner to customize and
fit the most involved patients, with an off-the-shelf knee
orthosis.
Unlike standard OA braces, the new Cruiser OA
has no force straps and no constant pressure. The wearer can
actually sit down and relax. The Cruiser's unique
hinge action increases the patients' comfort during flexion when
corrective force is not necessary.
The Cruiser OA is offered in a stylish silver
finish, and is available in five basic sizes, from extra small to
extra large--in stock for next day shipment from PEL Supply.
For more information, contact:
PEL Supply
800.321.1264
www.pelsupply.com

AMFIT Inc., distributor and manufacturer of custom
foot orthotics for the medical industry, has launched a new
e-commerce website, insole.com. The website is a
retail store-within-a-store concept where consumers may select from
several foot orthotic vendors, including ArchCrafters, AMFIT's
retail custom insole line.
Complimenting AMFIT's retail division, ArchCrafters and
ArchCrafters.com, insole.com will offer consumers
the opportunity to purchase custom-made foot orthotics, as well as
off-the-rack brands such as Dr. Scholl's®, Spenco®, and
SofSole®. Insole.com also provides
information on specific foot conditions, and suggestions for which
insoles are best suited for a particular condition or activity.
Arjen Sundman, president of AMFIT, points out
"insole.com will provide consumers an easy
one-stop shopping experience for all their foot comfort needs. We
will strive to provide good value and top notch customer
service."
For more information, contact:
AMFIT Inc.
888.INSOLE2
www.insole.com