Feature
Post-Stroke Recovery: Helping the Brain Fight Back
By Miki Fairley
Types of Stroke There are two main types of stroke. Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel clogs from within and impedes flow to the brain. About 85 percent of all strokes are ischemic.
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Online Exclusive
Ohio Willow Wood Expands LimbLogic VS Applications
By Ohio Willow Wood
Ohio Willow Wood has expanded the applications of its elevated vacuum suspension system, LimbLogic™ VS. Prosthetists may advise patients that waterproof vacuum suspension is now a reality with LimbLogic VS. Additionally, prosthetists preferring th...
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Online Exclusive
Perspective on Post-Stroke Management
By <em>The O&P EDGE</em>
In a follow up to our coverage of post-stroke orthotic management, Roy Bowers, prosthetist/orthotist and senior lecturer at the National Centre for Prosthetics and Orthotics (NCPO), University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, talks with The O&P...
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Feature
Walk This Way: Paths to Lower-Limb Recovery for Stroke Patients
By Judith Philipps Otto
"Gait training [for post-stroke recovery] usually requires at least one physical therapist, if not two, to help a patient move his or her leg in the proper manner while on a treadmill. Gait centers tell us that they are unable to bill enough to ma...
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Feature
Unlocking the Hand: The Changing Technology of Upper-Limb Orthotic Management for Stroke Patients
By Morgan Stanfield
NESS H200. Photograph courtesy of Bioness . The human hand, with its intricate complex of functions and sensitivity, serves as a kind of key to the human world.
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Today's Consumer
Chesapeake Wood: ‘Full of Smiles’
By Jane Albritton
Imagine the heft in your hand of a Harry Potter hardback, a small bag of sugar, or -for those of more extravagant tastes-a silken pouch holding 21 troy ounces of gold coins. Each of these comes in at less than a pound and a half. Got it?
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Stepping Out
Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Role of the Orthotist-Pedorthist
By Séamus Kennedy, BEng (Mech), CPed
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis often benefit from semi-rigid functional orthotics. It is quite unorthodox to begin a discussion with a conclusion, but I did not want this important insight to be lost in the body of the article. Now that we hav...
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Shop Talk
Hold-fast Jig
By Tony Wickman, RTPO
Whether I like working on a certain task or not is directly related to how cool the tools are. If I have to paint a room with a paintbrush, I dread it and procrastinate as much as possible, but if a friend said he'd loan me a paint sprayer, the ta...
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Sports
2009 Extremity Games Draw Elites, Warriors, Beginners, and Fans
Jim Comer demonstrates vertical moves. Photographs courtesy of Extremity Games . The contest that put the "extremities" into extreme sports rocked across Michigan again this year on July 9-11.
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Residency Report
Resolution of a Residency
By Sara Pschigoda
The end of my orthotics residency is upon me, and I have found myself too busy tying up all of the loose ends to stop and let the reality of what happens from here hit me. These last few weeks have been filled with final fittings and follow-up app...
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Face to Face
Five Questions for Bobbi Van Riper, CFm, RFM
Bobbi Van Riper, CFm, RFM, became involved in O&P after leaving behind a high-powered sales career with companies including Compugraphics, Xerox, Johnson & Johnson, the Colorado Rockies Hockey Club, Scitex, and IBM. While serving at Compugraphics,...
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Got FAQs?
Billing and Collections Q&A
By Lisa Lake-Salmon
Running an O&P practice is complicated. When you receive a denial and don't understand why, count on 'Got FAQs?' to help you find the information you need. This month's column tackles your questions about Arizona-type AFOs, surety bonds, time limi...
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Progress on Parity
ACA, AOPA, Hanger Partner for True Healthcare Reform
By Morgan Sheets
The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA), the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA), and Hanger Orthopedic Group, Bethesda, Maryland, have partnered to ensure that national healthcare reforms meet the needs of amputees. We are working to...
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Viewpoint
Why I Love Readers of The O&P EDGE
By Karen Henry
The O&P EDGE recently sent a readership survey to a sampling of readers in the O&P community. The response rate was incredible, and I want to thank everyone who took the time to respond and provide us with feedback. While we were excited to see al...
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Genesis II Systems from MICA Corp. provide the industry's most natural range of motion. The systems feature 12 degrees of axial rotation and vertical deflection in both directions, 12-25 degrees of inversion and eversion, 20-30 degrees of plantarflexion, and 7-15 degrees of dorsiflexion, with a promise for free bumper replacement for the life of the foot.
Features include:
- Smooth, natural gait.
- Sizes 22-30cm for users up to 215 lb.
- Easily interchangeable bumpers with a lifetime guarantee.
- Thirty-day trial period from the time of fitting, with a 36-month warranty.
- Stop by MICA Booth 114 at AOPA.
HI-Tech
888.750.6840
www.micacorp.com
Matthew Dobbs, MD, designed this new dynamic clubfoot bar to allow active movement, preserve muscle strength in the foot and ankle, and be less restrictive to the child than traditional fixed bars. Children using the Dobbs Bar can crawl and kick their legs independently. Children will sleep better because they can get comfortable in the Dobbs Bar, and heel blisters commonly associated with fixed bars are no longer a problem. The Dobbs Bar is available in two sizes, small (6 to 9 in.) and regular (8 to 14 in.). The bar is adjustable through each size range to accomodate growth. The foot plates are universal and can be attached to shoes and AFOs. The results are better compliance, a more active child, and happier parents.
D-Bar Enterprises LLC
314.968.8555
www.dobbsbrace.com
SPS launches the next step in the Flex-Foot® evolution, the Vari-Flex® EVO (Energy Vector Optimization), which controls ground-reaction forces transferred to the prosthetic foot. Each step is optimized through the magnitude, placement, and direction of forces for maximum efficiency.
The EVO feature provides the following benefits:
- Fluent roll-over that mimics natural gait progression.
- Reduced fatigue.
- Effortless control of the ankle during stance.
- Less pressure on amputee's sound side and lower back.
- Available in standard and low-profile versions.
Visit SPS booth 413 at the AOPA National Assembly in Seattle to view the new Vari-Flex EVO.
SPS
800.767.7776
www.spsco.com
New Myo Wrist Units: Increase flexion and extension up to 40 degrees with the MyoWrist Transcarpal (10V38) for Otto Bock transcarpal hands and the MyoWrist 2Act (10V40) for all threaded stud versions of Otto Bock Myo hands. Both wrists offer locking in up to five positions, and a ratchet system prevents slipping by keeping the hand precisely positioned as the wearer locks or unlocks it.
New Body-Powered Wrist Unit: With three flexion settings and 20 rotation-locking positions, the MovoWrist Flex 10V39 adds flexibility to any of the Otto Bock body-powered terminal devices.
Otto Bock HealthCare
800.328.4058
www.ottobockus.com
The Smart Adaptive is an MPK for K3-K4 active amputees with a moderate to high level of voluntary muscle control. The new Smart programming mode reduces programming time. Using hydraulics for stability and pneumatics for efficient swing control, the Smart Adaptive learns how amputees move to allow greater confidence during locomotion.
The Smart Adaptive includes the following features and benefits:
- Gives support for stairs and slopes.
- 140-degree knee flexion.
- Stumble and support mode.
- Stanceflex for comfort and smooth progression through the gait cycle.
- Amputee may use any foot of his or her choice.
Endolite
800.548.3534
www.endolite.com
The FullStride™ Shadow from Becker Oregon is a lightweight KAFO that combines structural strength and cosmetic appeal with the FullStride mechanical stance-control orthotic knee joint.
The inherent rigidity of the FullStride Shadow ensures that optimal joint alignment and function is maintained throughout the gaitcycle. Constructed of lightweight and rigid composite materials, the FullStride Shadow's sleek and open design offers patients an unparalleled blend of form and function.
Becker Oregon
800.866.7522
www.beckerorthopedic.com
LimbLogic™ VS system from Ohio Willow Wood is now waterproof and available at SPS.
The only electronic-vacuum suspension system on the market that is safe to use in fresh water, the LimbLogic VS system represents a significant design advancement in vacuum technology. An improved sealing process allows the LimbLogic VS four-hole controller to be completely immersed in fresh water and still provide secure vacuum suspension.
- New thermoplastic drop-in adapter facilitates use in thermoplastic socket.
- Applicable to patients weighing up to 300 lb.
Visit SPS booth 413 at the AOPA National Assembly in Seattle to view the new waterproof LimbLogic VS system.
SPS
800.767.7776
www.spsco.com
Need an extra cast cutter? Try out this new, versatile electric unit that helps you save money and gets the job done in a hurry. This cast cutter delivers 11,000 oscillations per minute, letting you do all the tough jobs—just like the more expensive machines. Reliability tested, this unit now comes with a new, extended two-year warranty. Low cost and long life-the best of both worlds brought together in one unit. Replacement blades are available.
The Ortho Remedy
800.662.7993
www.orthoremedy.com
The Model 1017 Automatic Angled Lever-Lock Knee Joint from Becker Orthopedic is now available from PEL Supply. This modular, lever-lock knee joint with a locking mechanism will automatically engage when the joint reaches full extension. The modular design increases manufacturing options and allows for easier maintenance.
The long, angled lever is easy to operate and can be shortened or contoured to suit the wearer's needs. The Model 1017 comes with an optional anterior pull-cable that allows the patient to simultaneously disengage both locks when necessary.
PEL Supply Company
800.321.1264
www.pelsupply.com
The new low-profile i-LIMB Hand provides a significant benefit to female upper-extremity amputees as well as smaller-framed men. The low-profile i-LIMB Hand is approximately 2.5 percent shorter in length and 14.6 percent smaller at the wrist than the small hand. It is available in natural or black, with options for standard, wrist-disarticulation, above-elbow, or single-site alternating control.
Additionally, the new slim-line battery allows each cell to be positioned either side-by-side, one atop the other, or separated by 135mm within the socket for maximum patient comfort.
Visit SPS booth 413 at AOPA.
SPS
800.767.7776
www.spsco.com
The SpineCor® Pain Relief Back Brace provides postural rehabilitation to change spinal shape and loading. During a two-year, 200-patient clincal test of the SpineCor, some patients reported pain relief within hours of the first application. Ninety percent reported relief within six weeks of use.
The SpineCor is indicated for mechanical back pain related to:
- Adult de novo scoliosis.
- Degenerative adult and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
- Hyperkyphosis.
- Postural scoliosis.
- Chronic antalgic scoliosis.
- Post-traumatic scoliosis.
- Spinal stenosis related to spinal misalignment.
- Poor posture.
Becker Orthopedic
800.521.2192
www.beckerorthopedic.com
Fillauer's most popular stance-control orthotic joint, the Swing Phase Lock 2 (SPL2) includes the following features and benefits:
- Enhanced position-dependent pendulum design.
- Multiple locking positions provide additional safety.
- Increased stability for patients with tentative gait.
- Easy fabrication with minimal follow-up maintenance.
- Works with any orthotic ankle design.
- Only design available for use in rehab knee orthoses.
- Bilateral or unilateral uprights for easy donning.
Fillauer
800.251.6398
www.fillauer.com
Orthofeet is offering a large variety of inexpensive stretchable shoes that integrate an attractive design with ultimate comfort and protection.
Features include:
- Non-binding toe-box design that enables unrestricted stretch at the entire forefoot area, including the tip of the shoe.
- Advanced materials with great elasticity that eliminate pressure points and enhance comfort.
- Soft, seamless lining, padded with foam that offers unsurpassed protection.
Visit us at AOPA booth 217.
Orthofeet
800.524.2845
www.orthofeet.com
The full range of Corflex products is available through SPS-from cervical/spine products such as the Disc Unloader Orthosis to the full range of Corflex humeral splints, shoulder immobilizers, and lower-extremity products.
Like all Corflex products, the Boxer Splint (pictured here) is latex-free. It is anatomically designed to provide comfortable support, protection, and immobilization of the 4th and 5th metacarpals. It is indicated for the treatment of acute and sub-acute fractures of the 4th and 5th metacarpals, commonly referred to as "boxer" fractures.
Visit SPS booth 413 at the AOPA National Assembly in Seattle to view products in the Corflex line.
SPS
800.767.7776
www.spsco.com
A slimmer version of the 3R60, the 3R60-PRO offers higher dynamic function. This new addition is thinner, lighter, and cosmetically pleasing for smaller individuals 165 lb. or less and in K3/K4 activity levels.
When larger, faster steps are taken, the knee compensates, delivering less stance flexion. The knee provides reduced damping to facilitate knee flexion with small and slow steps. The 3R60-PRO's hydraulic cylinder controls stance flexion, adapting to diverse walking patterns. The movable pyramid adapter makes alignment optimization or adaptation to hip flexion contractures effortless.
Otto Bock HealthCare
800.328.4058
www.ottobockus.com
Friddle's now offers the time-saving Blockers from Acor® with three different Swirl Microcel Puff® topcovers. These pre-laminated, pre-skived Blockers come with EFM® reinforcement and a Microcel Puff base that, when heated, allow you to fabricate a pair of custom foot orthoses quickly and easily. The rear-foot portion of the blocker material is thicker than the forefoot, allowing for grinding of posting and edges of the orthoses. Blockers save you inventory, space, and time. View them and order online at www.friddles.com
Friddle's Orthopedic Appliances
800.528.9339
www.friddles.com
Treat your smallest patients with the best functional prefab for children. ProLab KiddythoticsTM are designed to produce the best outcomes by incorporating:
- Rigid polypropylene shell
- Deep heel cup
- 4mm medial heel skive
- Medial flange
- 4/4 rearfoot post
Available only through licensed practitioners.
ProLab Orthotics/USA
800.477.6522
www.prolaborthotics.com
Feel the free-glide difference with the new OAK Orthotic Knee Joint from Fillauer.
Features and benefits of the OAK Orthotic Knee Joint include the following:
- Helps conserve energy and reduce knee pain.
- Anatomic fit for increased comfort and support.
- Geometrically aligned to open medial compartment.
- Patented 30-degree valgum and 6-degree varum adjustment.
- Thermoplastic or Comfil® Thermo Formable Carbon composite cuffs.
Fillauer
800.251.6398
www.fillauer.com
With one of the largest and most extensive selections of diabetic and orthopedic footwear, stepping in style has never been so easy!
Our footwear stock includes BoxerDogs, Mt. Emey, and Answer2. We also offer Medicare-approved custom diabetic inserts, as well as toe fillers, prefabricated diabetic inserts, and other products pertaining to diabetic-foot management. We guarantee value pricing, huge product selection, and a commitment to excellent service you have to experience. Our 2009 catalog is available.
Apis Footwear Co.
888.937.2747
www.bignwideshoes.com
Fabricate a dynamic-response partial foot prosthesis by combining it with the benefits of the BlueRockerTM carbon-composite floor-reaction AFO. The additional lever arm offered by the BlueRocker anterior shell helps to disperse pressure distally away from the residual limb, minimizing skin irritation and callus formation. The energy-reflecting properties of the carbon composite assist with propulsion at toe-off to achieve a more fluid and natural gait.
This innovative combination has been reported to minimize many of the common challenges (friction, pressure, shearing forces, and "limping") that present in fabrication of partial foot prostheses, enhancing limb preservation and gait restoration.
Allard USA
888.678.6548
www.allardusa.com
 |
| Standard Uncovered Shells |
ThermoTeccTM is the new heat-moldable orthotic system that saves you time and money. ThermoTecc orthotics provide maximum performance with a thin, full-length anatomically designed shell. The very dense 75-durometer lightweight EVA combines a flat bottom for stability with an extended longitudinal arch for mid-stance control and a lateral wall for better control. A deep heel seat with minimal heel raise allows for better biomechanical function, while the cuboid support minimizes lateral foot pain. The very thin and durable forefoot provides added control and is great for use in all types of footwear.
 |
| Uncovered Bi-Laminate Shell with PTecLT™ Memory Foam Layer |
ThermoTecc can be purchased as moldable shells or as a complete device with the addition of a PTecLTTM cushioning mid layer and anti-odor, anti-microbial, and anti-fungal BambooTeccTM top cover. Firm, 70-durometer posting strips and heel pads are available for further customizing your device. ThermoTecc footbeds are easy to cut, grind, and glue and are easy to trim to sulcus or proximal to met heads, minimizing the need for additional inventory. ThermoTecc is the most versatile and flexible orthotic system available.
PolyGel
866.438.2297
www.thermotecc.com
www.polygel.com
Finally, skin-care products created to help amputees, diabetics, and anyone with problematic skin concerns. Our products contain natural essential oils to address troublesome areas. We use a high-quality, therapeutic-grade tea tree oil and finer-quality essential oils. These oils have been called a "medicine chest in a bottle" and help with rashes, skin irritations, cysts, abrasions, dry skin patches, nail fungus, fungal infections, sunburn, poison ivy, sumac and oak, as well as jungle rot and calluses.
White Mountain Skin Care
603.606.2497
www.whitemountainnaturals.com
Dycor's new CFS Partial Foot incorporates an integrated custom silicone liner with an advanced carbon-fiber/epoxy composite socket and urethane/nylon composite upper for enhanced pressure dissipation and bulk reduction. The custom silicone liner is available in 4, 5, and 6mm with optional zone padding. The cosmetic cover is available in either a silicone or urethane/nylon composite. Function is facilitated with either a passive or flexible-keel foot and optional Velcro closure, depending on ADLs and ablation level. Modified model, tracing of contralateral foot, and shoe are required. Weight, including 5mm liner and flexible-keel foot, is 8 oz. (26med.).
Dycor
800.794.6099
www.dycormfg.com
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