O&P and Healthcare: Where Are They Heading? - September 2004

Freeman Mfg Releases Updated Catalog

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 Innovator^TM Post-op Knee Brace and a line of EZ-Fit^TM Stretch Garments. The Philadelphia® Atlas^TM 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.

Looking Smart in SmartKnit

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 = Quality + Outstanding Prices

Ongoing Care Solutions offers a complete line of orthotics including, WEL-KARE^TM 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

Realastic Offers Cost-Effective PVC Products

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

Introducing the New Free-Flex Design

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 from Waterhouse Leather

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

Something To CROW About

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 Launches “VertiLok”

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

Stylin’ in the Cruiser OA

PEL Supply Company announces the immediate availability of the new Cruiser^TM 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

Get in the Know at Insole.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