Feature
Making a Team Work: Assembling a Rehabilitation Team in O&P Private Practices
By Sherry Metzger
Most healthcare professionals agree that teamwork provides comprehensive patient care and better functional outcomes for patients. But unless you work for the military, a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center, or a university-affiliat...
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Feature
Best Care: Why Scope of Practice Matters
By Miki Fairley
Who can provide a medical or allied healthcare-related service is determined by scope-of-practice standards and licensure laws. Who should provide care is perhaps an even more important question. For instance, "Any physician is licensed to do prac...
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Today's Consumer
Sean Brame: Unstoppable 11-Year Old Delivers Message of Hope, Perseverance
By Sherry Metzger
An autumn day in April 2005 that started with a game of soccer ended with a trip to the emergency room and a nine-year-old fighting for his life. Sean Brame swims with dolphins in San Diego, California What began as a broken ankle for young Sean...
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Industry Leader
Wendy Beattie: Engineer Finds True Calling
By Miki Fairley
The aerospace industry's loss has been the orthotic and prosthetic profession's gain. Beattie has been described as going beyond the call of duty in caring for her patients and helping them gain a high quality of life. Wendy Beattie, CPO, FAAOP...
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Perspective
Marketing vs. Sales: What’s the Best Approach for Your Practice?
By Susi Ebersbach, MBA
Healthcare has evolved into a commercial marketplace. Increasingly, the practice-patient relationship resembles a consumer relationship driven by the economic pressures of cost shifting to the patient and resultant trend toward consumer-directed h...
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Sports
Sports News
CAF Raises $166,000 for Veterans In its first official event since becoming the Challenged Athletes Foundation's initial chapter, CAF-Florida raised more than $166,000 for wounded veterans through the Operation Rebound fundraiser. Each of the 60-...
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Policy & Practice
Slippery SUDs: Understanding FDA Regulations on the Reuse of Single-Use Medical Devices
By John Latsko
The unregulated practice ofreusing medical devices that are either labeled or otherwiseintended for use on a single patient began more than 25 years agoas a way for hospitals to reduce cost and waste. From these earlyefforts, an entire third-party...
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Face to Face
Five Questions for Robert L. Rhodes, MPA, CO
Robert L. Rhodes wasn't born an O&P man. It took the lure of extra cash and coaxing by a man who would become his mentor to push Rhodes into the business.
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Progress on Parity
Celebrating a Victory
By Morgan Sheets
The Oregon StateLegislature recently passed into lawcomprehensive coverage for orthotic and prostheticcare. Sponsored by Rep. Peter Buckley (D-Ashland) and Sen.Alan Bates (D-Ashland), HB 2517 mandates that insurance plans offercoverage for or...
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Got FAQs?
Got FAQs
By Lisa Lake-Salmon
Denials are difficult to identify and time-consuming to appeal. With competitive bidding, mandatory accreditation, aging technology, and increased billing errors, running an O&P shop gets more complicated each year. Count on 'Got FAQs' to help you...
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Viewpoint
What You Bring to the Table
By Karen Henry
Summer is upon us , and along with the rising mercury and sprouting gardens comes the inevitable summer barbeque. If your family is anything like mine, the hosting family mans the coals and supplies the main course, while the rest ante up with...
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SPS and U.S. Orthotics announce
the distribution of the complete line of U.S.
Orthotics products throughout the United States and
Canada. U.S. Orthotics products are now available
for shipment from any of SPS four distribution centers, including
the newest facility in Middleton, Pennsylvania.
Featured among the U.S. Orthotics line is the
80D-10 lumbosacral corset. The deluxe elastic back
support has a cushioned fabric back pad, elastic side panels, and
Velcro® closures. The 10-in. back tapers to a 6-in. front with
Velcro closure for easy fitting. Available in sizes SXXL.
SPS
800.767.7776
www.spsco.com
http://estore.spsco.com
OPTEC's new Evotec orthosis is
designed to support your patients at every stage of recovery. Made
of a breathable, highly consistent elastic material that offers 50
percent more compression than those conventionally used to increase
lumbar containment.
Evotec is produced using a stitchless seam
technique, has front and back moldable polymer panels, rear
anatomical stays, a unique closure system for maximum compression,
and arthritic grips for ease of donning and doffing.
Detachable polymer panels can be removed to create a semi-rigid
support with flexible stays. Available in beige or black in nine
unisex sizes with neutral or pendulous abdomen.
OPTEC
888.982.8181
www.optecusa.com
Fillauer's new and improved knee
joint has the strength to rule.
Includes the following key features:
- Robust, stainless steel construction.
- Accepts 3/16-in. or 1/4-in. uprights.
- No lubrication required.
- Enhanced release lever allows for finger-pull or bail rod.
- Contained mechanism keeps out debris.
- Durable, rugged design.
- Sleek appearance.
- Secure, automatic locking at full extension.
- Large and small sizes available.
Fillauer Companies
800.251.6398
www.fillauer.com
Extending the potential application for
the medipro® Liner RELAX and the
medipro® Liner akos, SPS announces the
arrival of a new conical profile for both product lines.
The RELAX TFC (transfemoral conical) features
the metallurgic knit Umbrellan®, which protects the residual
limb from environmental triggers while providing suspension and
stabilization of soft tissues. The akos TFC liner is designed for transfemoral amputees
without a cover to provide the best fit possible. An exterior
glazing provides lubrication that allows the liner to easily roll
up and down.
SPS
800.767.7776
www.spsco.com
http//estore.spsco.com
Ohio Willow Wood announces the release of the
Impulse® Foot and Ankle combination, which is
available for patients who weigh up to 350 lb. The
Impulse combination includes a multiaxial ankle
with restricted dorsiflexion that allows for more foot response. An
innovative blend of materials enables enhanced foot performance,
and the sleek design allows for easy adjustment and cosmetic
finishing. Impulse features stability as well as
the ability to adapt to a variety of terrain.
Ohio Willow Wood
800.848.4930
www.owwco.com
Knit-Rites new Dressing Retention
Sock for both AK and BK utilizes a very soft compressive
fit, with a belt suspension to cover and retain postoperative
dressings for transfemoral amputees. Surgeons often want to limit
compression therapy while still needing to retain postoperative
dressings.
Soft Lycra and Coolmax body for very low compression. Universal
right or left belt system. Does not irritate or stress sutures
during donning. Does not compromise peripheral circulation in
marginal bypass vascular grafts. At times limited compression is
desired. May be used with removable rigid dressings. Helps patients
learn sock management. Very little staff training required.
Knit-Rite Inc.
800.821.3094
www.knit-rite.com
Wish you could shop for and order everything you
need from one online source? Want all the pricing to reflect what
is going to be on your invoice? SPS eStore is now
available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
More than 250 suppliers are represented online, so comparing
products is simple. There are more than 97,000 stock keeping units
(SKUs) available online from the newest products on the market to
all-time favorites. There are no setup fees or user fees;
eStore is free to all SPS customers.
SPS
800.767.7776
www.spsco.com
http://estore.spsco.com
Otto Bock HealthCare has launched a new
Reciprocating Gate Orthosis (RGO), a unique system
that is easily adjusted for the needs of the growing patient. The
RGO hip-joint system is designed to work in
conjunction with the unilateral joint system. It is ideal for
patients with traumatic paraplegia or spina bifida.
The RGO features a biaxial joint that allows up
to 15 degrees of pelvic rotation, making it easier for patients to
change walking direction and more closely emulate a natural gait
pattern.
Otto Bock HealthCare
800.328.4058
www.ottobockus.com
Becker Orthopedic introduces Tamarack
742-95, featuring 40 percent more assist. J. Martin
Carlson, CPO, and president of Tamarack Habilitation Technologies
Inc., says, "There are cases where orthotists would like even
stronger assist options than have been available from our 742-85
series component. Tamarack now has a fully tested
design that delivers those stronger options."
Three sizes are available and, as always, durometers may be
mixed and matched to meet individual needs.
Becker Orthopedic
800.521.2192
www.beckerorthopedic.com
Through August 31, 2007, a versatile
street pak and a new four-hole female
rotator are yours with every SPS purchase of the
redesigned OFM2 knee by
Medipro.
The OFM2, a lightweight (425g) monocentric knee
joint, can be used as both a locking joint with manual release and
as a free-swing knee joint as the amputees mobility advances. The
improved lanyard design ensures a more robust performance.
The new four-hole female rotator allows fine tuning of alignment
by loosening only two horizontal screws and provides full access
and 360-degree rotation capability.
SPS
800.767.7776
www.spsco.com
http://estore.spsco.com
The Ortho Remedy Inc. announces the release of its
new and improved EndoFoamTM Ultra,
replacing the original and only pourable, molded foam-finishing
system.
Over the past eight years, EndoFoam has proven
to be an effective method for cutting overall costs and time spent
in the laboratory.
The new Ultra is firmer, lighter, and easier to
shape than the original. It also provides a more realistic skin and
color. EndoFoam Ultra is available in one-gallon
kits, which yield up to 35 below-knee foam covers.
The Ortho Remedy
800.662.7993
www.orthoremedy.com
Available at Becker Oregon, the Shadow
Series ultra-lightweight orthosis combines the structural
strength and stability of the traditional metal-and-leather device
with the fit and cosmesis appeal of a thermoplastic device to
produce a cutting-edge orthosis.
Patient applications include polio, post-polio, CVA, MS, CMT,
SCI, and TBI, among others. Anyone wanting to upgrade from
metal-and-leather devices to a lighter, stronger, and more stable
laminated product should look to the Shadow
Series.
Becker Oregon
800.866.7522
www.beckerorthopedic.com
Two new liner alternatives from Ossur are
available at any of the four SPS Distribution Centers Atlanta,
Georgia; Dallas, Texas; Paso Robles, California; and the newest
facility in Middleton, Pennsylvania.
The firm silicone outer-layer of the Iceross®
Synergy Liner provides stability for active use, while a
softer, shock-absorbing inner layer nurtures the skin. Available
with the WAVE feature, Synergy
offers superb suspension and comfort. Also available is the updated
and improved Iceross Original, recommended for
users who require good stability and suspension at all activity
levels.
SPS
800.767.7776
www.spsco.com
http://estore.spsco.com
The new FullStrideTM
stance-control orthotic knee joint, manufactured by Becker
Orthopedic, is now available at PEL Supply.
FullStride delivers maximum control of
varus/valgus instability and knee hyperextension.
With its low-profile cabling system, FullStride
automatically locks and unlocks during the gait cycle, providing
natural movement with superior stability and full control of the
knee joint. Easily converted into an automatic spring-lever lock
knee joint, FullStride is interchangeable with
other joints in the Becker stride stance-control family.
FullStride uses fewer specialized components,
making it easier to fabricate and fit, which reduces follow-up
maintenance.
PEL Supply Company
800.321.1264
www.pelsupply.com
The Axtion® DP is the newest
product to come out of Otto Bocks incredible line of feet. Its
design delivers high performance for active patients who enjoy
demanding activities. This carbon-fiber foot incorporates
ultra-lightweight materials in a pylon design. The Axtion
DP features include torsional rotation and terrain
compliance for even more stability.
Otto Bock HealthCare
800.328.4058
www.ottobockus.com
Cascade Orthopedic Supply now offers
Ortho-Care plaster products, fast becoming a new favorite among many
facilities.
The ultra-creamy Ortho-Care plaster wets quickly and completely, and it sets
fast and solid. Made of high-quality plaster and substrate,
Ortho-Care products put more plaster in the cast
and less on your floor.
Individually wrapped, spooled rolls reduce telescoping, and
plaster bandages are available in two set speeds and several
widths. Extra-fast setting plaster splints are available in 15- and
30-in. lengths. Fiberglass cast tape comes in four-yard rolls.
Cascade Orthopedic Supply
800.888.0865
www.cascade-usa.com
Ossur's most popular liners just got better. The
new WAVE feature makes our
Dermo® and
Stabilo® the most flexible liners
available today.
The unique WAVE feature depicts a
circumferential wave design which is incorporated through the
silicon layers and includes the fabric cover. Resembling a bendable
drinking straw, this feature allows the liner to more easily extend
over the patella, with less bunching behind the knee. Increased
knee flexion provides a larger range of stretch around the knee
ensuring true comfort and stability. The liners are also
retrofitable with our 3mm standard Icerossliners.
Ossur
800.423.9727
www.ossur.com
Knit-Rite announces the addition of the
Aetrex® EssenceCollection to
its full line of orthopedic shoes for women.
All footwear in the collection is made with full-grain leather
and polyester linings that transfer moisture for maximum comfort
and breathability. Soft padded collars, firm heel counters, and a
unique polyurethane outsole provide comfort and prevent slippage.
Every shoe features a quarter-inch removable depth in two layers to
ensure a proper fit with any orthotic.
The Aetrex Essence Collection is designed to
hold the heel in place while providing plenty of space for toes and
maximum comfort.
Knit-Rite Inc.
800.821.3094
www.knit-rite.com
The new Black Iron Trainer is a
lighter version of the heavy-duty, high-performance Black Iron
Master. While the Black Iron Trainer is smaller
and lighter in weight, it is capable of handling the wide range of
handle diameters that are encountered in modern fitness and
exercise facilities.
The completely manual operation and positive locking and
unlocking design provides uncompromising security and stability for
bench pressing, dumbbell flys, dead lifts, pull-downs and more. The
Black Iron Trainer, with a load-rating of 440 lb.,
also carries a smaller price tag than its larger cousin.
TRS Inc.
800.279.1865
www.oandp.com/trs
Knit-Rite announces the availability of
SoleTech® Advance Walking Comfort, a new last
for men and women designed to provide a medium-depth fit with
adjustability for a wide range of foot sizes. Two different insoles
are included for flexibility in fitting and are easily removable to
accommodate custom orthoses and AFOs.
The outsole provides lightweight cushioning and flexibility.
SoleTech combines this with a "wear-like-iron"
rubber outsole bottom that makes it easy to modify this
athletically styled shoe.
Knit-Rite Inc.
800.821.3094
www.knit-rite.com
Thanks to the new SmartKnit AFO
liner, a protective sleeve for plastic AFOs now available
at Knit-Rite, the wearer can step out in style and comfort no
matter the setting or the season.
Cover the brace with the tan-colored AFO liner
and wear sandals without socks, or keep cool with the white liner
and comfortable SmartKnit anklet or sport sock. For a night on the
town, try the black liner.
The SmartKnit AFO liner wicks away moisture
from the wearers legs, and the yarns are "corespun" around Lycra to
reduce wrinkling and increase conformity to various AFO shapes.
Knit-Rite Inc.
800.821.3094
www.knit-rite.com
No matter the terrain, Endolites new
Esprit® Foot can handle it. The lightweight,
low-profile foot is designed for active walkers
with a variety of cadences and styles.
The independent heel-and-toe design responds and adapts to all
types of terrain, absorbing shock and increasing comfort, and
Esprit's tri-pod design is built for superior
ground compliance. The tri-pod system enhances ramp and turning
abilities while providing added limb stability.
The foot provides soft rollover with excellent
energy return, shock absorption, and forward progression. A foot
shell and glide sock is included.
Endolite North America
800.548.3534
www.endolite.com
This software innovation by Orten allows
professionals to take pictures of patients with any digital camera
and create a 3D file.
With OrtenPIX ® , create and
modify precise TLSO files for bedridden patients, or BK, KO files
from only two pictures.
Orten's CAD file is industry-standard
compatible. Practitioners can send the file to their own in-house
carver or to their preferred central-fabrication
center/manufacturer.
Demonstrations will be available at the AOPA national assembly
September 17-20, in Las Vegas, Nevada, or contact Orten for a free
demonstration today.
Orten
720.341.4332
www.orten.fr
Orthofeet introduces the unique Fisherman
sandals, for women and men, that blend biomechanical
features with summer comfort and style. The
sandals are built on anatomical extra-depth lasts
that accommodate thick orthotics, while the hidden-depth design
provides the appearance of stylish sandals with normal depth.
The uppers are lined with soft fabric, padded with foam, which
provides protection against irritation. Stretchable construction
across the forefoot offers an adjustable fit for forefoot
deformities and swollen feet. The new Fisherman
sandals received A5500 SADMERC code verification.
Orthofeet Inc.
800.524.2845
www.orthofeet.com
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