Feature
A Closer Look at O&P’s Big Fish: Hanger
By Miki Fairley
Finding the Balance Between Clinical Quality and Business Metrics Picture yourself as a tightrope walker crossing a wire marked "Success." Your balancing pole has a weight on the right side marked "Quality Patient Care." Your pole on the left i...
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Feature
Linkia: What Does It Mean for O&P?
By Miki Fairley
Linkia, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hanger Orthopedic Group, has recently ignited controversy as its contract with the insurance giant CIGNA rolls out, sending shockwaves through the O&P industry. The contract was signed in September 2005 but its...
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Feature
SPS: Success Burgeons from Small Beginning
By Miki Fairley
California's famed giant sequoias start out as a seed no bigger than a grain of wheat and often grow to a towering height of 300 ft. with a basal diameter of abut 35 ft. Likewise, SPS, Alpharetta, Georgia, started small-occupying only a closet-and...
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Feature
IN: Hanger Goes in a New Direction
By Miki Fairley
Traditionally, Hanger Orthopedic Group has focused on patient care facilities, along with distribution of O&P products through SPS, its distribution subsidiary. Now, catching the wave of emergent technologies, Hanger is adding another dimension wi...
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Feature
A Lawyer Looks at Monopolies
By Miki Fairley
Could Linkia become a monopoly? Some in the O&P industry have expressed concern over this possibility. As a consequence, could Linkia be liable to antitrust laws?
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Feature
Independent Networks Weigh In
By Miki Fairley
What are the independent O&P networks saying? Below are analyses and comments from two of the most prominent, POINT and PrimeCare. Jim Andreassen, President OPGA & POINT Health Centers of America Inc., based in Waterloo, Iowa: "What independents r...
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Feature
Hanger Supports Prosthetic Parity
By Miki Fairley
Hanger Orthopedic Group is one of the partners supporting the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) Action Plan for People with Limb Loss (APPLL). Hanger's chief medical officer, John J. Rush, MD, spearheads Hanger's advocacy efforts for prosthetic p...
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Feature
Diary of a Mission: Project Hope Belize-Part Two
By Rob Kistenberg, MPH, CPO, FAAOP
This July the summer prosthetic mission trip to Belize, Central America, marked the ten-year anniversary of Sonrie Inc. and Project Hope Belize providing prostheses in Belize. The following is the second half of a diary of the mission trip by Rob...
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Sports
Sports News
By Sherry Metzger, MS
Amputee Athlete Competes in The Amazing Race Ossur, Aliso Viejo, California, congratulates Sarah Reinertsen on her selection as the first amputee to take part in CBS's Emmy-winning reality series, The Amazing Race . Reinertsen previously was a ma...
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Salute!
ROMP: Growth of a Humanitarian Effort
By David Krupa, CP
Far too many amputees in our world remain disabled not because of a missing limb but because of a missing prosthesis. The Range Of Motion Project (ROMP) is a nonprofit organization providing prosthetic rehabilitation and education in the developin...
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Perspective
Consumer-Directed Healthcare: Fad or Future?
By John Latsko
For those who have been in a coma for the past several decades, US healthcare costs continue to escalate annually at double-digit rates, with more and more Americans going without health insurance due to its high costs. While the average American...
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Progress on Parity
Massachusetts, California Ensure Coverage
By Morgan Sheets
On September 7, Massachusetts became the fifth state to ensure comprehensive coverage for prosthetic care under the law. After years of hard work by groups like the Massachusetts Society of Orthotists and Prosthetists and with support from the Amp...
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Got FAQs?
Got FAQs?
By Lisa Lake-Salmon
The future of your practice depends on knowledgeable billing and collection information. Understanding the full aspect of billing guidelines and procedures will effectively increase your reimbursement. This informative column will help providers a...
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Viewpoint
Keep ‘Eyes Wide Open’ in O&P
By Tina Eichner
The O&P community, like most business disciplines, has a constant eye on its future. Anticipating and preparing for what is ahead is a matter of success and a matter of survival. We all have to keep our eyes open.
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Ongoing Care Solutions/NeuroFlex Inc. offers a
complete line of orthoses, including the
OrthoProTM Lumbar Sacral Orthosis!
The OrthoPro LSO features the
Air-LiteTM liner, which conforms to the body and
disperses pressure to prevent pressure-point soreness, yet adds no
weight to the brace. The OrthoPro LSO has "Easy
Pull" adjustment straps, which secure to the LSO front. For the
treatment of:
- Stenosis
- Compression fracture
- Discogenic disease
- Lordosis
- Non-descript back pain
- Osteoporosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Spondylolithesis
- Pre-operative
- Post-operative
- Prolapse of disc
- Spinal fusion
SADMERC-approved for Code L-0639; Available in sizes: Small,
Medium, Large, X-Large, and 2X-Large.
For more information, contact:
OCSI/Neuroflex Inc.
800.375.0207
www.ongoingcare.com

A Class II medical device, the
WalkAideTM, available exclusively
through SPS, uses advanced sensor technology and software to
restore functionality to patients with foot drop.
The WalkAide System analyzes the unique
movement of the leg and foot and creates a unique stimulation
pattern for walking, then sends appropriate functional electrical
stimulation (FES) to the common peroneal nerve as it passes near
the head of the fibula. This stimulation activates the muscles that
dorsiflex the foot at the appropriate time during the gait cycle,
producing a much more natural, efficient, and safe walking
pattern.
Registration for one of the 2007 SPS WalkAide
Certification courses is available.
For more information, contact:
SPS
800.767.7776
www.spsco.com

New from Endolite, the TT PRO
perfectly balances shock absorption and energy management.
- Energy-efficient coil spring for vertical compression
- New torsion rod provides 30 degrees of rotation each direction
from neutral position
- New bearing surface responds over a greater range of the stance
phase
- Instant compression at heel strike and smoother energy return
at toe-off
- 30mm pylon and clamp option available
For more information, contact:
Endolite
800.548.3534
www.endolite.com

The latest step in bionic technology, Ossur's
PROPRIO FOOTTM offers unparalleled
functionality that features active plantarflexion and dorsiflexion
movements allowing for maximum toe clearance and calibrated
alignment. The two-button control system makes operation and set-up
simple and easy to use.
The PROPRIO FOOT is an artificially intelligent
and motor-powered prosthesis that helps to replace the function
that the bodys central nervous system would normally play in
processing information about changes occurring inside and outside
the limb if it were still intact.
For more information, contact:
Ossur
800.233.6263
www.ossur.com/bionic

Orthofeet introduces attractive
stretchable shoes that are designed for patients
who need extra protection, but do not want to compromise on the
appearance of the shoes.
The non-binding elastic upper provides a loose fit at the
forefoot and allows the shoes to stretch and conform to the
contours of the foot, eliminating pressure on diabetic feet with
lesions, poor circulation, and edema. The smooth lining
construction provides superior comfort and extra protection. The
shoes are made of synthetic materials and can be washed in warm
water. Orthofeet stretchable shoes are available
in four widths, including Womens extra, extra wide and Mens
narrow.
For more information, contact:
Orthofeet Inc.
800.524.2845
www.orthofeet.com

South West Orthopedic Designs debuts a new
addition to its ankle brace line: an AFO designed for patients
suffering from Charcot-Marie-Tooth disorder.
The South West Charcot AFO provides a new
option for practitioners with Charcot foot patients. The benefits
include: complete P-Cell® lining, removable inlay,
total contact environment, heat adjustable, reinforced carbon
fiber, and additional PPT padding.
The South West Charcot AFO is available in
black, white, green, and beige with choices of birdeye knit or
leather-like fabric.
All South West Orthopedic Designs braces are backed by a
one-year full warranty, and free shipping with a five-seven day
turnaround is currently offered.
For more information, contact:
South West Orthopedic Designs
480.332.8120
www.pttd.com

The new TrailblazerTM
Foot by Ohio Willow Wood is a high-activity, lightweight foot that
weighs only 350g and requires clearance of only 6.1 cm. It features
a Compound Spring SystemTM that maximizes the
effectiveness of the toe springs while maintaining long-term
durability. Made of unique composites, the foot provides increased
deflection and dramatic energy return. Its innovative
PerforMaxTM Heel includes three heel spring options for
effective, easy, in-office customization. The
Trailblazer foot has a fixed titanium pyramid or a
rotatable titanium pyramid for alignment. It comes with a
high-activity foot shell with extra sole reinforcement for
increased durability.
For more information, contact:
PEL Supply Company
800.321.1264
www.pelsupply.com

The EZ Stride composite has helped thousands of
patients enjoy the freedom of walking without restriction. Now,
more patients are candidates to enjoy that freedom with the new
EZ Stride-ATB (Anterior Tibia Brace), applicable
to foot drop patients. This AFO effectively assists the patient
return to a more normal gait cycle while minimizing pressure on the
tibia. The EZ Stride-ATB, a dynamic floor reaction
device that is stronger, lighter, and thinner, is designed to
prevent excessive "push out" of the shoe. The EZ
Stride-ATB can be fabricated as a lateral or medial
support strut, prefabricated, custom to cast, or custom to
measurement. SADMERC-approved L-1932.
For more information, contact:
Spinal Solutions Inc.
770.922.2434
www.spinalsolution.net

HOPE Orthopedic has added a new, improved feature
to its spinal-orthotic ExtenderTM:
Adjustable Extensive force.
Like the standard Extender, the
Adjustable Extender is available with pectoral or
sternal top plates, black or white straps, and can be fitted to
HOPE Orthopedic's OrthoLuxTM, VertaLuxTM or
SpinaLuxTM orthoses or retrofitted to any body jacket.
Now, with two quick twists of the Allen wrench provided, the
Extender's spinal extensive force can be increased
or decreased--no bending required!
Same-day order fulfillment until 8:00 PM Eastern, three-day
shipping for the price of ground, and a flat fee of $20 for
overnight shipping of the HippO or OrthoLux.
For more information, contact:
Hope Orthopedic
800.613.8852
www.hopeortho.com

The Wave, distributed exclusively
in the US by SPS, describes a circumferential wave design on the
fabric cover on the NEW ICEROSS® liners
manufactured by Ossur. Similar to the bending section of a drinking
straw, this feature allows the liner fabric to extend over the
front of the knee with less effort. This additional elasticity
reduces the effort used in bending the knee and reduces the
pressure over the patella.
Both the Stabilo and Dermo Wave configurations
are retrofitable with Standard 3mm ICEROSS locking liners.
FEATURES & BENEFITS:
- Supplex® outer cover, non-ravel stitching, and
superb abrasion tolerance
- Size-Specific Umbrella, minimizing distal elongation
(pistoning)
For more information, contact:
SPS
800.767.7776
www.spsco.com

Knit-Rite's latest product reference,
Catalog 16, includes the broadest range of both
textile and distribution products in Knit-Rite's 83-year history.
For the company's manufacturing division, the
catalog includes several new textile innovations,
including the AK Dressing Retention Sock, Proximal Soft-Sock,
Silver Sheath, and Power Pull Sock. All Knit-Rite products also are
available through major industry distributors.
The company's distribution line also has expanded by adding new
manufacturers lines, such as Allard, Alimed, Cybertech, RCAI,
Wheaton Brace, and WBC Industries, along with numerous new product
additions from long-term lines such as Aetrex, ALPS, Aspen, Becker,
Fillauer, Jerome, Ohio Willow Wood, Silipos, TiMed, and
Trulife.
For more information, contact:
Knit-Rite
800.821.3094
www.knit-rite.com

Designed to meet the needs of upper-extremity and
pediatric amputees, the Mini G-Lock from Ohio
Willow Wood has a pin locking mechanism with pin seal. The design
of this small lock allows a user to secure the locking pin in place
at the nearest groove.
The Mini G-Lock can be used in both exoskeletal
and endoskeletal prostheses and should only be used with laminated
sockets. It comes standard with two 38mm pins. One- year warranty
from purchase date against defects in material and workmanship.
Weight limit: 132 lbs. (60kg).
For more information, contact:
Ohio Willow Wood
800.848.4930
www.owwco.com

The Endolite Smart IP Knee, now
available through SPS, is the first knee to employ intelligent
programming technology to dynamically program optimum swing
settings according to individual user preferences.
At any time, the wearer can re-program the knee for specific
activities or conditions--ranging from a rigorous uphill hike to a
change from hiking boots to dress shoes.
Endolite's Smart IP optimizes energy efficiency
by allowing the amputee to select an optimal program for
individualized activities. Clinical studies have shown that
intelligent swing control reduces the amount of energy expended by
transfemoral amputees in comparison with standard pneumatic
controls with fixed settings.
For more information, contact:
SPS
800.767.7776
www.spsco.com

ShearBan® is an
ultra-thin interface that creates a lowfriction surface in
footwear, an orthosis, or prosthetic socket, where rubbing is
causing a problem. It also can be applied proactively to areas
where you think problems might arise. ShearBan has
been shown to reduce friction by an average of 70 percent as
compared with commonly used cushioning material.
For more information, contact:
Becker Orthopedic
248.588.7480
www.BeckerOrthopedic.com

Cascade is pleased to distribute for
Orthoservice AG, a dynamic and innovative Swiss
company with a wide range of high-quality, value-priced orthopedic
bracing solutions. Now in stock are the PlusPoint knee
brace and NHYCO hyperextension brace.
The PlusPoint low-profile functional brace
utilizes a four-point dynamic leverage system. It features an
anatomically pre-molded ultra-light frame, five extension and four
flexion stops and numbered straps.
Weighing only 700g, the NHYCO spinal brace
adjusts telescopically without removing screws, ensures consistent
lumbar pressure, and features an easy-to-use safety lock closure
system.
For more information, contact:
Cascade Orthopedic Supply
800.888.0865
www.cascade-usa.com

The Lamprey Gun Turret was
designed for the M-16, but functions well on sporting carbines,
bolt action or lever action rifles, over and under, side by side,
pump style and semi-automatic shotguns. It has a lockable ball and
socket to allow firing from a variety of positions and a pivoting
platform for smooth gun rotation.
A flexible synthetic polymer "yoke" conforms to various stock
surfaces without marring. It snaps onto the forearm of the stock
and can be pulled back tightening up for precise control.
Limited production FALL 2006.
For more information, contact:
TRS Inc.
800.279.1865
www.oandp.com/trs