Feature
Be Prepared: If an Inspector Visits Your Facility, Will You Be Ready?
By Miki Fairley
Author's note: This article is for general information only and is not intended to be applied to any O&P facility's individual situation and obligation under FDA regulations. Readers are encouraged not to assume their facility, activities, and any...
More...
Feature
Continuing Education Shortage for Techs: Fact or Fiction?
By Judith Philipps Otto
It's official: There is no vast conspiracy to suppress O&P technicians and prevent an intellectual uprising, research reveals. The O&P EDGE was prompted to investigate by a recent posting to an O&P discussion group that questioned the availability...
More...
Feature
Society Spotlight: Charting a Course for the Future of O&P Fabrication
By Glenn Hutnick, CPO, CTP, FAAOP
As a boater and sports fisherman, I have learned many different ways to chart a course. Once you know your starting and ending points, you can determine the best route to your destination. The journey may not always be easy.
More...
Perspective
Words Matter: Is it Really “Custom Molded”?
By Aaron Anderson, CPed, BOCPD
Importance of Knowledge Fabricating custom feet orthoses properly takes time, experience, and a commitment to quality. Many professionals such as podiatrists, pedorthists, physical therapists, chiropractors, athletic trainers, and massage therapis...
More...
Today’s Consumer
Laurie Richmond: Helping Hands
By Laura Hochnadel
Laurie Richmond shows off her culinary skills and her adeptness at using the Motion Control Hand. Photographs courtesy of Harold Sears and Motion Control, Salt Lake City, Utah. It takes a keen eye to see that Laurie Richmond wears a prosthetic lef...
More...
Shop Talk
The Virtue of Failure
By Tony Wickman
Not all of my ideas are good ones, and neither are yours, but you know what? That's not necessarily a bad thing. Frequently I am asked to build an orthosis, which, in my humble opinion, is bound to fail.
More...
Stepping Out
The Effectiveness of Foot Orthotics
By Séamus Kennedy
This past January, The New York Times published an article in the Tuesday Science Times section titled " Close Look at Orthotics Raises a Welter of Doubts ." The article's author briefly interviewed me for the piece. She summarized my comments as...
More...
Residency Report
The Outcome Is in the Details
By Ronald Dickson
It is hard to describe the residency experience in its entirety. It could best be summed up as one massive learning experience. Now at the three-quarters mark, I am hitting the home stretch.
More...
Sports
Warrior Games 2011; New Motocross Champ
Warrior Games 2011: The Definition of Perseverance Lance Corporal Nicholas Green. Photograph courtesy of Denise Faddis, The O&P EDGE. Military honors; a flyover by Navy F-18 Super Hornet fighter jets; a path lined with flag-waving and cheering fa...
More...
Face to Face
Face to Face: Gary Dodge, CTPO
Gary Dodge received a ground-up introduction to the O&P profession—by sweeping floors at Dodge & Lundquist, a Seattle, Washington-based prosthetics clinic owned by his father Morris Dodge, CP, and Bob Lundquist, CP. At just six years of age, Dodge...
More...
Got FAQs?
Got FAQs?
By Lisa Lake-Salmon
Billing for O&P devices seems to get more complicated by the day. Count on "Got FAQs?" to help answer your toughest questions. This month's column addresses your questions about billing codes for K2 amputees, replacement orthopedic footwear, and S...
More...
Industry Review
Amputee Coalition Marks Silver Anniversary
Jackie Sims learns something and meets someone new every time she attends an Amputee Coalition National Conference. This year's meeting did not disappoint. Sims, 46, who has bilateral transtibial amputations and a left wrist disarticulation, says...
More...
Industry Review
PrimeFare East Regional Scientific Symposium Garners Enthusiastic Attendance
PrimeFare attendees network during lunch in the exhibit hall. Photograph courtesy of PrimeCare Orthotics & Prosthetics Network. The 13th annual PrimeFare East meeting, held June 3-4, 2011, at the Nashville Convention Center in downtown Nashville,...
More...
Viewpoint
EDGE: In-House “Fabrication” and Growing
By Tonja Randolph
At Western Media, we strive to be your best O&P industry news and information source. Most of our "fabrication" is done in-house. From the editorial concepts, to the writing, to the sales, and through production, we have a team of committed people...
More...
Online Exclusive
Evolution Industries’ New Facility Opens this Month!
EDGE Direct Evolution Industries Inc. is pleased to announce it has moved to its new 40,000-square-foot facility. Still located in Orlando, Florida, the move allows for the centralization of Evolution's production and fabrication operations.
More...
The BT-4 Infrared Oven is the latest addition to
the PDQ oven line. The BT-4 has 18-inches of
clearance for bubble forming, is big enough to
heat most of your KAFO sheet plastic, and has
enough drop for even the biggest check socket,
yet it occupies minimal floor space.
Features include:
- Four 1,000 watt emitters on top and four
on bottom.
- Programmable, digital temperature controller.
- Dual electric fans for air circulation.
- Four interior lights and large viewing window.
- Vacuum line access point.
- Sheet-plastic tray with fitted Teflon® cover.
OTS Corp.
800.221.4769
www.ots-corp.com
As prosthetists, our designers know the
importance of a good fit. We also know
that different clients have different needs
and that there are times when an off -the shelf
TES Belt or Durasleeve will not meet
those needs. For those special clients, Syncor
Ltd. offers custom-designed TES Belts
and Durasleeves.
Our complete line can be adapted to
meet the needs of clients with transfemoral
amputations. We can also custom make
the Durasleeve for transtibial suspension,
including the Durasleeve HD for exceptionally
active clients and the Durasleeve EZ
for clients with limited dexterity. For special
orders, contact your Syncor supplier.
Syncor Ltd.
Water resistant, lightweight, and secure, Otto Bock's 3R41 is an excellent solution for low-activity users. The 3R41 locking knee provides audible feedback with a noticeable click when the lock is engaged. The durable plastic material makes it water resistant and lightweight, yet stable. Contact your local Otto Bock sales representative for more information.
Otto Bock HealthCare
800.328.4058
www.ottobockus.com
PEL Supply offers a choice of either the Fusion™ Foot
or the DuraLite™ Foot from WillowWood. Both
deliver superior performance and responsiveness and
off er a choice of three proximal adapters: pyramid
receiver, rotating pyramid, or the new torsion receiver.
Both have a field-adjustable trim height and heel stiff-ness, and each foot includes a full-height,
high-activity foot shell.
Additional features:
Fusion Foot:
- Integrated design delivers vertical shock absorption,
smooth heel-to-toe transition, and inversion/eversion.
- Provides multiaxial movement.
DuraLite Foot:
- Urethane toe pad enhances medial/lateral motion.
- Split heel conforms to terrain for stability.
PEL Supply Company
800.321.1264
www.pelsupply.com
Designed with independent,
multiaxial (iMX) technology, the
WalkTek™ prosthetic foot represents
a breakthrough in performance
for K2-level amputees.
Featuring fully independent
suspension with separate heel
and toe compliance, WalkTek provides excellent stability and
support. Users will experience increased confidence. Prosthetists
will appreciate the 300-lb. weight rating and easy-toaccess
ankle-height adjustments. Orders placed before July 31
will be shipped with a FREE foot shell (regular or sandal-toe).
Visit www.freedom-innovations.com/walktek to see the product
in motion.
Freedom Innovations
888.818.6777
www.freedom-innovations.com
Intended for patients up to 320 lb., or those individuals with a severe biomechanical deficit, the 1017-A38 is the latest addition to our comprehensive
range of orthotic knee joints. Equipped with
3/8" x ¾" (9.5mm x 19.1mm) aluminum uprights,
the modular design of the 1017-A38 may be used
in either a unilateral or double-upright configuration.
The 1017-A38 can be fabricated into a variety
of orthotic designs, including conventional metal
and leather, thermoplastics, and composites.
Becker Orthopedic
800.521.2192
www.beckerorthopedic.com
Orthomerica, a leading worldwide provider of prefabricated and
custom orthoses, is pleased to announce the new Spectrum AFO
System. These superiorly designed custom AFOs offer optimal
fit without comprising comfort. Orthomerica's dedicated custom
fabrication team of certified orthotists, skilled technicians, and
customer-service representatives are continually focused on delivering
prompt and exceptional service at highly competitive prices.
Spectrum products include:
- Mid-Calf AFOs - Split Upright, Free Motion, and Dorsi-Assist.
- Leather and synthetic ankle gauntlets.
Visit Orthomerica's website to see
its comprehensive array of prefabricated,
semi-custom, and custom orthotic products.
Orthomerica
877.737.8444
www.orthomerica.com
Otto Bock's most advanced off-
the-shelf liner, with Anatomic
Specific Geometry (ASG),
maximizes patient comfort
through an anatomical shape
and varying wall thicknesses
for increased flexibility. The
liner is pre-flexed 20°, reducing
wrinkles behind the knee while providing easier flexion. Polyurethane
(PUR) ensures even pressure distribution and a precise and
comfortable fit, ideal for sensitive, bony, or scarred residual limbs.
Everyone from low to very high mobility grades will benefit from
the 6Y512 Anatomic 3D PUR Liner. Available in Uncovered and
Integrated Fabric Sheath versions for use in vacuum and suction
socket systems.
Otto Bock HealthCare
800.220.6670
www.ultraflexsystems.com
OPTEC presents our new Stealth PRO™, which is ideal for patients requiring firm support. The Stealth's revolutionary, intercrossing strapping system, along with the anterior opening design, combines with a rigid back panel to provide spinal stabilization from the sacrococcygeal junction to the T9 vertebra. The Stealth PRO back panel attaches to the Stealth brace with a secure elastic suspender, which ensures the same fit every time with no rotation of either component when donning.
PDAC recently approved both the Stealth PRO2 and Stealth PRO4 for HCPCS code L0631.
Visit OPTEC Booth #311 at AOPA, Las Vegas!
OPTEC
888.982.8181
www.optecusa.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 are maintained
throughout the gait cycle. 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
New: Enhanced adult Adjustable Dynamic Response™ (ADR™). Available now.
New enhanced joint design benefits include:
- 40% lighter.
- 30% smaller.
- 5% stronger.
- Improved corrosion resistance.
- Improved adjustable dynamic load response and magnitude.
The enhanced adult ADR™ UltraSafeStep™ will be similar in size to the pediatric version of the ADR™ UltraSafeGait™. Ultraflex's exclusive Adjustable Dynamic Response™ technology is designed for managing gait dysfunction, crouch, equinus, and variants of crouch and equinus.
Ultraflex Systems
800.220.6670
www.ultraflexsystems.com
All of our sockets are made with a special weave and weight
of carbon fiber and fiberglass that results in a lighter, stronger
socket that patients can count on day after day.
Evolution Industries Inc.
888.839.6213
www.evoii.com
Over the years, Friddle's has provided the orthotics and prosthetics industry with high-quality, innovative products. The new ten-gallon Mini-Vac Vacuum System (Item #700-060) is another standard-setting product. This new vacuum system offers unmatched functionality and versatility. The new ten-gallon system is able to handle both large and small jobs. Our low-maintenance unit is designed for convenience and longevity and is made from the finest materials and components available. For professional products and supplies, always consider Friddle's.
Friddle's Orthopedic Appliances
800.528.9339
www.friddles.com
The Alpha® Lanyard includes
suction with a one-way
air-expulsion valve plus a
locking mechanism. Th e
product's design features an
easy-release mechanism and
is available with or without
a titanium pyramid. The
lanyard is part of the Alpha Interlock™ Suspension System that
permits clinicians to interchange suspension methods without
remaking a socket.
The lanyard may be used in laminated or thermoplastic sockets
and has a simple fabrication process. The weight limit is 250 lb.
The lanyard comes with a one-year warranty.
WillowWood
800.848.4930
www.willowwoodco.com
New: The Adjustable Dynamic Response™ (ADR™) KAFO-No Cable Release Needed.
When an AFO is not enough to treat severe crouch and gross LE weakness, the Ultraflex ADR KAFO provides a good alternative.
Features and benefits include:
- Safe stance control without locking the knee, ADR 0-30° flexion.
- Sit-to-standing ratchet support from 120° flexion to full extension.
- Low profile, sit-to-stand slide lock/safety release is easy to engage and disengage.
- ADR ankle, 0-40° dorsiflexion, 0-40° plantarflexion resistance or dampening effects.
- Adult and pediatric versions.
Ultraflex Systems
800.220.6670
www.ultraflexsystems.com
The
Accent® Foot from College Park provides
a service-free option for individuals
who desire a cosmetically appealing
foot with an easy-to-adjust heel height.
A simple push of a button accomodates
the wearer's footwear choice.
Features include:
- 2-in. (51mm) user-adjustable heel height.
- Dynamic pylon and integrated pyramid options.
- Ankle fairing for superior finishing.
- Sandal-toe foot shell, with narrow- and wide-width options.
- Service-free.
- Three firmness choices.
College Park Industries
800.728.7950
www.college-park.com
Dycor's toe-filler (L-5000) and ankle-height (L-5010)partial foot prostheses incorporate custom silicone liners (L-5681) and advanced composite sockets (L-5629). A flexible keel can be extended from the socket into the forefoot (L-5972). Low-definition protective covers (L-5962) are available in tan or brown and made from urethane or silicone.
Cast the residuum inside the appropriately fitting shoe and on top of the corrective device, if used. Indicate trim lines, ML/AP vertical reference, a tracing of the contralateral foot, and the shoe in which the cast was taken. Prior to molding, call Dycor technical services.
Dycor
800.794.6099
www.dycormfg.com
- Catering to the needs of myoelectric patients.
- Access to experts with multiple years of upper-limb socket fabrication experience.
- Supporting products and components from Touch Bionics and other manufacturers.
Touch Bionics
800.208.7546
www.touchbionics.com
Delcam Provides Solutions to Significantly Increase the
Productivity of your Clinic or Lab.
OrthoManager allows you to manage
all orders and view the progress during
every part of the workflow. Beginning
with the iQube foot scan, through modeling
(OrthoModel) and NC manufacture
(OrthoMill), all the way to delivery!
Business benefits include:
- Reduce time and costs by eliminating courier deliveries.
- Convenience of eliminating storage space and costs of casts and foam boxes.
- Availability to automatically notify customers of expected delivery dates.
- Faster prescription modifi cations.
- Easier order processing.
Delcam
877.335.2261
www.delcam-healthcare.com
TRS, in cooperation with EXOS Manufacturing
and Boa® Technologies, introduces
a customizable, thermoformable
prosthosis for persons with partial
hands, weak, injured, or flail hands, or
wrist disarticulation. The prosthosis is
constructed of low-temperature (150
degree F) EXOS laminate for easy molding
directly to the patient's forearm. Th e
Boa cable-closure technology provides
easy donning and accurate tensioning.
The stainless, disconnect-bracket system has multiple mounting
location options and accepts a variety of terminal devices. Fits
most forearms and has a wide range of adjustability.
Affordable, easily customized, and very functional!
TRS Prosthetics
800.279.1865
www.oandp.com/trs
Fred's Legs is pleased to announce
that we can print your design onto a
laminating sleeve or prosthetic cover.
Our products are fabricated from
spandex and offer a four-way stretch
to make your lamination easy. Our
new fabric printing process embeds
the ink into the fabric for a smooth
feel and a brilliant look for your lamination
or prosthetic cover.
Simply e-mail your image to
, or send your photo
to cell phone number 954.296.4515.
Please allow one week for processing
of custom printing.
Fred's Legs
954.646.1026
www.fredslegs.com
Wound care centers trust Geritrex's Benzoin
product line because it provides effective skin
protection. Available in a plastic, non-breakable
container as a liquid (Benzoin Compound Tincture
USP), topical spray (SprayZoin™), and unit
dose pouch (Benz-Protect™), these antiseptic
formulas help toughen skin and increase bandage
adhesion, without irritation. Surgeons,
orthopedists, orthotists, and prosthetists use
Geritrex's Benzoin product line because it saves
time, is easy to use, and is economical.
You may purchase Benzoin Compound Tincture USP, Sprayzoin,
and Benz-Protect through wholesalers, specialty distributors, or
direct. Call today to order your free product sample!
Geritrex
800.736.3437
www.geritrex.com
The One-Stop Shop for ALL of Your Stockinette Needs.
• Cotton • Nylon • Perlon
• Nyglass • Multi-Size • Aralon
• Spectralon • SpectraCarb • SpectraCarb/Aralon
• Fiberglass • Carbon/Fiberglass • Carbon/Fiberglass Kevlar
• Nylon Helanca Stretch • Modelsoft
For more information, e-mail
Comfort Products
800.822.7500
www.comfortoandp.com
"Skill is the unified force of experience, intellect and passion...."
—John Ruskin
You have the intellect and the passion! Build your experience and skill at a NUPOC Certificate Course in Prosthetics/Orthotics. Enter the field or extend your title. Very few Certificate Courses remain before the 2013 master of science mandate. We welcome all highly motivated individuals who want to be prosthetists and orthotists. For more information, e-mail
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Northwestern University Prosthetics/Orthotics Center
NUPOC
312.503.5700
www.nupoc.northwestern.edu
-
-
-
-
CONTACT US