Sports
Inspiring the World
By Laura Fonda Hochnadel
London 2012 Paralympic Games: Inspiring the World Photograph by Randy Richardson, courtesy of Hanger Clinic. Given the audience, the motto for the London 2012 Paralympic Games-"inspire a generation"- should have been "inspire the world." Seve...
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Feature
Grassroots Paralympic Programs
By Betta Ferrendelli
Building a More Active Patient Base from the Ground Up Paralympic sports garnered significant attention this summer, thanks to the excitement surrounding the Summer Olympics in London, England. But even though the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic fl...
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Feature
It Takes Two
By Judith Philipps Otto
Practitioners and Technicians Partner to Provide Fresh O&P Solutions Finding new and creative approaches to meet the multitude of complex O&P patient needs is a tall order, and achieving a successful outcome often requires a special partnership...
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Feature
O&P Fabrication Are We on the Same Page?
By Garrison Wells
It's not if-it's when. The move toward standardizing O&P fabrication procedures isn't new, but it's likely to trigger changes in how technicians are trained and educated, provide consistency in fabrication, and, some argue, boost profitability, im...
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Today's Consumer
Sydney Howard: "Flying Like a Birdie"
By Laura Fonda Hochnadel
Sydney Howard says that of all the gymnastics she does—the vault, the balance beam, the uneven bars, and the floor exercise— she prefers the uneven bars because when she is doing her routine it feels like she is "flying like a birdie." "I'll go fr...
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Better Business
Expanding on an O&P Business Model
By Angela La Voie
Brandt When Jeff Brandt, CPO, opened Ability Prosthetics & Orthotics, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in 2004, he did not expect his business to expand at the rate it has, but he always had much more than a single-facility practice in mind. This year,...
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Shop Talk
Considerations in the Lamination Process
By Ronnie Graves, BOCPO, CO, LPO, RTP
There are many factors to take into consideration when laminating a socket. I typically laminate six different layups and share those samples with practitioners who wish to have Prosthetic Research Specialists (PRS) laminate their sockets. The pra...
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Innovations
Robo-Legs Provide Insight into Human Gait
By Kate Hawthorne
The Achilles leg built at the University of Arizona. Photographs courtesy of the University of Arizona. Developing O&P devices that restore 100 percent of lost human function and mobility following an amputation or debilitating injury has been a l...
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Looking Back, Looking Ahead
A Century of O&P: U-M Orthotics & Prosthetics Center
By Andrea Spridgen
Prosthetic and orthotic technician Steven Cielinski works with a socket in the lamination room. Photographs courtesy of UMOPC. From its beginnings in the old surgical building on the University of Michigan (U-M), Ann Arbor, campus, the University...
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Face to Face
Louise Bensley, CTPO
Whether she's touring around the country on her Harley Davidson or focusing on her professional life, Louise Bensley is enjoying the ride. She has parlayed a part-time, work-from-home job sewing ankle and knee brace straps for an orthotics company...
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Got FAQs?
Billing and Collections Q&A
By Lisa Lake-Salmon
Denials are difficult to identify and time-consuming to appeal. If you have a billing question or a question about a denial, "Got FAQs?" can help you sift through the confusion and get you the answers you need. This month's column answers your que...
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Viewpoint
Momentum
By Karen Henry
Last month, I attended my sixth American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) National Assembly, and there seemed to be some real momentum building among O&P professionals. I spoke with more practitioners, technicians, fitters, and O&P assista...
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EDGE Direct
Evolution’s Custom Origin Silicone Liner
EDGE Direct Origin liners are created from an advanced medical grade silicone formula naturally compatible with human tissue and resistant to fluids and bacteria. Origin liners never reduce in strength or thickness, remain fresh and odor free aft...
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With K2, K3, and K4 models to choose from, the Össur® Total Knee® enables a broad range of amputees to walk with a smooth, more natural, energy-efficient gait, enhancing their confidence and stability. Key features include geometric locking for stability, plus mid-swing shortening designed to prevent hip-hiking and reduce the chances of tripping. Each model fits a wide range of amputees and is lightweight and easy to finish cosmetically.
Össur
800.233.6263
www.ossur.com
At $52.50, the 3140 Base Shuttle Lock provides the design features your clinical practice demands at a costeffective price. Offering the option of four pin lengths, a deep pin well, and a 300 lb. weight limit, the 3140 Base Shuttle Lock will easily become your go-to lock. For added versatility, the trimmable push pin can be cut to various lengths.
SPS
800.767.7776
www.spsco.com
Many companies make it easy for a lock to be replaced. We think the lock should last the life of the prosthesis, just as other components are required to do so. Coyote is now offering a 24-month warranty against manufacturer defects, wear, and breakage.* This new longer warranty is a testament to the strong belief in the design of Coyote's products. All we ask is that we get the old parts back for inspection. This helps us continue to make product improvements.
*See additional warranty details on our website.
Coyote Design
800.819.5980
www.coyotedesign.com
Whether your fabrication job is simple or complex, you want a facility that offers the broadest range of services available and that is staffed by knowledgeable, caring people. That's why Ottobock Fabrication Services is a perfect partner for your business: we offer decades of expertise, exceptional customer service, and an unparalleled reputation for quality. Our expert services include water transfer, lamination, and prepreg carbon fiber. You can count on timely turnaround and delivering the results you want.
Ottobock
800.328.4058
www.ottobockus.com
WillowWood's LimbLogic® VS is a popular choice with clinicians to provide patients with elevated vacuum. Now WillowWood is making this popular product even better.
The new LimbLogic features a small, Bluetooth® Low Energy fob, inductive charging, and an improved four-hole controller design with a field-serviceable exhaust filter. The simplified fob is more intuitive to use and is now smaller yet maintains the same functionality.
New to the LimbLogic product line is the LimbLogic Sleeve. The controller and sleeve work together to make an airtight, secure system. This silicone sleeve has a repositionable cuff allowing for greater sleeve longevity.
WillowWood
800.848.4930
www.willowwoodco.com
The medi Panthera CF I heralds the advent of a new generation of carbon-fiber feet. Due to its novel construction, less effort is required during the gait cycle. The unique heel damping and pivot principle initiates dynamic forward locomotion for early plantar contact without the "dead spot" common in other carbon-fiber products.
Features and benefits include:
- Continuous carbon spring: no bolts or laminated connectors.
- Comfortable heel damping with pivot principle: early full-foot contact.
- Multiaxial functionality.
- High-quality foot shell with integrated protective textile: no need for Spectra Socks.
medi USA
800.633.6334
www.mediusa.com
The Stride4™ Shadow is a lightweight KAFO that combines structural strength and cosmetic appeal with the new Stride4 mechanical stance control orthotic knee joint from Becker Orthopedic.
Stride4 features include:
- Three operation modes: stance control, free motion, and locked with stance phase knee flexion.
- Four-bar linkage mechanism to afford stability and mimic anatomical knee motion.
- Integrated extension assist.
The inherent rigidity of the Stride4 Shadow ensures that optimal joint alignment and function is maintained throughout the gait cycle.
Becker Oregon
800.866.7522
Patent Pending www.beckerorthopedic.com
The Rhythm Foot costs $316, which includes the pyramid, bolt, washer, and foot shell.
The all new injection-molded thermoplastic polyester elastomer prosthetic foot offers cost-effective, adjustable resistance and improved mobility for the K1 to K3 ambulator. It is also the only foot that fits 23-28cm left and right patients by including the appropriate foot shell. Weighing 430 grams, the Rhythm Foot is also smoother than any other flex-walk system.
The Ortho Remedy
800.662.7993
www.orthoremedy.com
Breathable and lightweight, yet rigid and custom moldable! Boost patient compliance with a comfortable back support that delivers the stability your patient needs. The 3D-LITE™ LSO XTRA is designed to accommodate the healing process by applying adjustable compression and incorporating removable polyethylene anterior inserts and a 3D-LITE™ custom-moldable back panel that may be reheated and remolded.
Patient can easily slip hands into the hand loops sewn onto both anterior panels for simplified donning and doffing. Five sizes fit from 231/2" to 55" waists. PDAC letter available for L-0631. Contact us to learn more!
Allard USA
888.678.6548
www.allardusa.com
COBRA Baseball Throwing TDThe incredible COBRA terminal device allows the user to replicate natural, instinctive throwing skills, throw up to 50-mile-perhour fastballs, and achieve a 30+ meters distance accuracy.
The COBRA is fully adjustable for ball release and throwing angles to optimize control and trajectory and maximize ball speed for accurate, instinctive throws. It incorporates TRS energycapture- and-release polymer technology. Designed specifically for baseballs (hardballs), the COBRA is appropriate primarily for individuals with transradial amputations. One model provides a universal left or right fit.
Limited availability. Call immediately for delivery in 2012. Throw again!
Patent Pending US13/572,503.
TRS Inc.
800.279.1865
www.oandp.com/trs
The avalon foot provides 12° of controlled ankle motion, allowing the user to safely negotiate stairs, ramps, and environmental obstacles with increased confidence and security.
Benefits include:
- Dorsiflexes from midstance to toe off for a smooth rollover.
- Remains dorsiflexed through swing phase for improved toe clearance, to minimize the risk of falls.
- Provides a more natural gait; reduces the need to compensate by hip hiking, circumduction, or lifting the knee to clear the toe during swing phase.
- Biomimetic ankle motion encourages equal loading during ambulation, which leads to less stress and thereby preserves the sound side.
Endolite
800.548.3534
www.endolite.com
The dual suspension Air-Lock system now has a longer pin option. The new setup features a deeper lock housing that allows for use of a longer pin for easier engagement, without any adjustments to the housing. The lock features fabrication options that allow for similar fabrication as the Air-Lock and an option that reduces the need for more build height. The deep lock option is ideal for amputees who struggle to get the pin engaged. Deep Air-Lock CD103L.
Coyote Design
800.819.5980
www.coyotedesign.com
The Spinomed® IV is the latest proven orthotic advancement for the conservative treatment of osteoporosis spinal conditions. The Spinomed IV boasts improvements that increase patient compliance and ease of use. These improvements include ergonomically shaped shoulder straps designed to ease application, flexible pelvic strap designed to form fit around the patient, modern strap design using intelligent strap loops that improve upon the patented design, and a revolutionary garment system that allows air to transfer through the orthosis, creating the most comfortable Spinomed ever!
medi USA
800.633.6334
www.mediusa.com
The echelonVT merges the fluid movement of our hydraulic ankle with the responsive function of our e-carbon foot springs and machined titanium spring. This combination results in a smooth heel-to-toe transition on all surfaces, absorbs ground forces, and provides energetic tibial progression and up to 15° of axial rotation.
- Self-aligning feature provides comfort while standing or traversing varied terrain.
- Independent, hydraulic-controlled plantarflexion and dorsiflexion.
- Hydraulic ankle dorsiflexes, which allows for greater toe clearance in swing phase.
- A dynamic, precision-engineered spring enhances the ankle's fluid movement.
- Foot shell and glide sock included.
Endolite
800.548.3534
www.endolite.com
The innovative solution for optimal suspension in expulsion and vacuum socket systems specially designed for medium to firm tissue density.
Evolution Industries Inc.
888.839.6213
www.evoii.com
The Bartlett Tendon Universal Knee (BTK) is unlike any other prosthetic knee on the market that addresses sports and rehabilitation activities.
Features and benefits include:
- Mimics natural muscle function.
- Adjustable tendon durometers, extension stops, dampening, and rebound.
- Supports 350 lb.; K4+ activity.
- Use in any environment.
- Lightweight and strong.
- Military approved.
Fabtech Systems LLC
425.349.9557
www.fabtechsystems.com
Uncompromising Strength and Stability Made for Every Body.Tested and approved for definitive use, Kinetic Revolutions Adjustable Pylons are trusted by practitioners for patients of all ages and activity levels; they are available in three sizes (standard, short, and pediatric).
Kinetic Revolutions Adjustable Pylons are milled from a single piece of aluminum and therefore are engineered to be stronger than conventional pylons. Cutting, grinding, and wasted pylon scraps are now a thing of the past.
Kinetic Revolutions
301.360.3520
www.kineticrevo.com
Introducing the COBRA Baseball Throwing TDThe revolutionary design captures and returns energy for instinctive ball-throwing capability to speeds of 50+ mph and distances to 30+ meters.
Throw again with speed! Throw again with control!
The COBRA is fully adjustable to maximize ball-release speed and control direction and trajectory. Designed specifically for baseballs (hardballs), the COBRA uses TRS energy-capture-and-release polymer technology. Available in one model that provides a universal left or right fit.
Throw again with your kids! Play baseball again!
Patent Pending US13/572,503.
TRS Inc.
800.279.1865
www.oandp.com/trs
Orthomerica® Products introduces a new alternative to other hard, protective headgear: the A-Flex™ Protective Headgear. The A-Flex conforms to varying head shapes, making it easy to fit upon demand. The protection is ideal for low-impact forces, which are distributed across the surface without cracking or penetrating. A-Flex is equipped with easy-toadjust posterior straps and lateral straps for easy donning and doffing. Chin straps are optional. Adult and children's sizes are available in pink, blue, and white.
Orthomerica
800.446.6770
www.orthomerica.com
The Stride4™ is the latest addition to the Stride family of stance-control orthotic knee joints from Becker. The Stride4 knee joint is comprised of a four-bar linkage mechanism, whereby the upper and lower aspects of the joint do not purely rotate about one fixed center of rotation. Instead, the joint motion involves some translation, in addition to rotation, to more closely mimic anatomical knee motion.
Features include:
- Three operation modes: stance control, free motion, and locked with stance phase knee flexion.
- Integrated extension assist.
- Free motion option.
Becker Orthopedic
800.521.2192
www.beckerorthopedic.com
For users with less active lifestyles who are engaged in low-impact activities and walk at a constant speed, the Balance Knee by Össur® offers the perfect balance of safety, adjustability, and durability. Adjustable stance control balances stability and swing initiation, while mid-swing shortening increases toe clearance to help prevent hiphiking and reduce the chances of tripping. Plus, the Balance Knee is maintenance free, easy to align, and fully adjustable without disassembly.
Össur
800.233.6263
www.ossur.com
Accepting Applications Now!
Begin your P&O career at NUPOC! Learn from leaders in the P&O profession! The NUPOC MPO is a 21-month graduate curriculum that prepares you to enter an accredited residency, sit for certification examinations, and become a P&O practitioner.
The online portion of the program includes live and streamed lectures, videoconference discussions, group projects, and casestudy sessions that help you learn, apply, and review knowledge. The on-campus practicum offers supervised opportunities to practice technical and clinical skills with patient models who have neuromuscular impairments.
Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center Feinberg School of Medicine
NUPOC
312.503.5700
www.nupoc.northwestern.edu
We've added a new, low-profile carbon-fiber foot to the popular Triton family! Now patients with lower clearance (2.5") can take advantage of the same smooth rollover and robust function as the original Triton. The multiaxial Triton LP provides excellent dynamics and flexibility for individuals with transfemoral or transtibial amputations. A titanium adapter makes the foot waterproof and especially robust (maximum weight 330 lb., up to K4). With a split-toe design for safety, stability, and control, the Triton LP is ideal for all of your active patients.
Ottobock
800.328.4058
www.ottobockus.com
Bracemate® Body Sleeves™ are made with CoolMax® to produce a high-density product that moves moisture away from the body faster than other interfaces to keep the wearer dry and comfortable. Reinforced neck and arm openings increase longevity. Full range of sizes, from pediatric to full-figured adults. Flat knit for a super-soft feel, can be machine washed and dried.
Call today for more information and pricing.
Comfort Products
800.822.7500
www.comfortoandp.com
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