Feature
To Fit or Not To Fit?
By Garrison Wells
Considerations When Fitting Elderly Dysvascular Patients with a Prosthesis Regardless of an amputation's etiology, fitting a prosthesis is no easy feat. Every patient hasdifferent needs and preferences, and part of the prosthetist's job is to...
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Feature
The Knee-ds of the K2 Transfemoral Amputee
By Phil Stevens, MEd, CPO, FAAOP
As part of a recent joint educational effort by the AmericanAcademy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (the Academy)and the American Physical Therapy Association(APTA), a few colleagues and I were asked to address our processesand preferences in recom...
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Feature
Aging Gracefully with an Amputation
By Kate Hawthorne
When working with the elderly patient population, prosthetistsgenerally see two types of people: those who have become amputeesduring their sunset years, and those who have been livingwith limb loss for years-whether it's the result of a birth def...
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Feature
Society Spotlight: The Efficiency of Antiperspirant Products to Reduce Perspiration of Residual Lower Limbs
By Abbey Downing, CPO
Introduction As many as 50 percent of individuals withlower-limb amputations have demonstratedskin complications during use of their protheses. 1 The socket environment closes the limbin snugly, restricting the airflow and making itnearly impos...
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Today's Consumer
Ethan Payton: Getting a Better Grip
By Sherri Edge
Payton and Miguelez discuss the functional advantages of the Michelangelo Hand. Photographs courtesy of Advanced Arm Dynamics . If you met Ethan Payton, he'd probablytell you about his recently earned graduatedegree in international affairs or tha...
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Industry Leader
Frederick Downs Jr.: A Life of Service
By Clayton Moore
Some men are naturally born toserve. Others do their duty totheir country despite seeminglyinsurmountable challenges. FrederickDowns Jr., retired nationaldirector of the U.S.
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Sports
CAF: San Diego Triathlon Challenge and More
Braylin attended the Össur Leg Amputee Running and Mobility Clinic on Saturday, October 20, where he got to run and play with other young lower-limb amputees just like him. The next day Braylin joined his new friends in his first Kid's Run at the...
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Looking Back, Looking Ahead
The O&P EDGE by the Numbers
By Karen Henry
For the final installment of our anniversary column, we researchedwhat news and feature articles from The O&P EDGE received themost views on oandp.com. To add a little spice, we threw ina few amazing and interesting statistics from theoandp.com si...
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Stepping Out
Using a Multifaceted Approach to Treat Aging Feet
By Howard Hillman, CPed
[The aging population] remains underserved andill-informed regarding solutions available for theirpainful feet. It is important to keep our older patientsactive and moving. That's where pedorthists come in.
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Shop Talk
Fabricating a Dynamic Test Orthosis
By Justin Eitel
In most cases, you would not fabricate a definitive lower-limbprosthesis without first making a check socket. The same principleapplies to orthotic devices. With stance-control KAFOs,it is just as important to verify the fit and function beforepro...
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Education Outlook
Recipe for a Master’s Program from Scratch
By Joshua B. Utay, MEd, CPO
Part 3 in our exclusive coverage of the development of the master of science in orthotics and prosthetics at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas. People and Stuff O&P specializes in the precarious intersectionof people and "stuff"-prostheti...
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Face to Face
Joe Shamp, CPO
Joe Shamp followed in his father's footsteps to pursue acareer in O&P-one that has included private practice,active involvement in the American Board for Certificationin Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC)and the American Orthotic & Prosthet...
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Got FAQs?
Got FAQs: Prosthetic Medicare audits and billing for shoe inserts for patients who have undergone toe amputation
By Lisa Lake-Salmon
Billing for O&P devices and care is complicated. Count on "Got FAQs?" to help ensure you are using the most current information when preparing your claims. This month's column answers your questions about prosthetic Medicare audits and billing for...
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Viewpoint
What a Year! What a Decade!
By Tonja Randolph
I write this at the close of a heated 2012 presidentialelection and a narrow victory for President BarackObama. Regardless of the election outcome, thisyear's contest holds special significance for my husbandRob and me, as it was our daughter Ashl...
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EDGE Direct
O&Pedia: Humanitarian O&P Organizations
Listed below are just a few of the many O&P organizations offering services to those in developing countries. Look for more coverage in our January issue of The O&P EDGE . A Leg to Stand On: altso.org A Let to Stand On (ALTSO) is a nonprofit org...
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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 and remain fresh and odor free...
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The Perfect Balance
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
Our new LimbLogic® Sleeve works with the LimbLogic controller to ensure an airtight, secure system. This fabric-covered silicone sleeve comes with a separate silicone cuff. The cuff is placed directly over the socket's trim line for extra protection from wear and impact. The sleeve is then donned over the cuff.
This clever, yet simple, design allows the cuff to be repositioned. Should a patient puncture the sleeve, he or she can immediately rotate the cuff and regain an airtight seal. Additionally, the fabric used on the LimbLogic Sleeve enhances knee flexibility for ease and comfort of movement.
WillowWood
800.848.4930
www.willowwoodco.com
Available at SPS, the reliable, speedy, and versatile bebionic3
can be configured to handle almost anything your patient needs
to do. bebionic3 is designed to be stronger and more durable
so it can be worn daily and withstand the stresses and strains of
constant use.
SPS
800.767.7776
www.spsco.com
Coyote's latest zero-clearance lock
mechanism, the Proximal Lock
(CD116) is a big improvement over the
original Summit Lock. The Proximal
Lock is mounted to the liner and
the socket to create suspension and
rotational control without the need for
any distal attachment. Absolutely zero
clearance. The larger liner attachment
is more flexible for easy donning,
and its size distributes more pull. The
Proximal Lock is easy to install and
also includes a new flexible adhesive.
Parts for additional liners are also
available (CD116XS).
Coyote Design
800.819.5980
www.coyotedesign.com
Accommodate, NEVER correct! People with Charcot foot, edema, hammer toes, bunions, and RA foot pain cannot tolerate much correction or pressure caused by footwear. Proper fitting of footwear is essential, and our Mt. Emey therapeutic line offers shoes for any of these conditions. Whether accommodating for depth, width, size, or even for shape, select from our variety of shoes from our therapeutic line to fit that special foot of your patient. Call our friendly customer service department for more information or free samples.
Apis Footwear Co.
888.937.2747
www.bignwideshoes.com
Orthomerica® gauntlets are now able to be worn throughout a patient's volume changes via unlimited heat adjustments to the plastic material sandwiched between the leather or synthetic material. A unique plastic allows for a dynamic orthosis, saving both time and money. Our unique, innovative designs have been tested and refined in high-volume orthotic centers. The resulting high-quality custom AFOs and synthetic and leather gauntlets offer optimal fit and are less expensive in today's ultra cost-conscious environment, without compromising comfort or function. Orthomerica's experienced custom fabrication team delivers prompt, exceptional service at highly competitive prices.
Orthomerica
877.737.8444
www.orthomerica.com
Optec is proud to announce that we have made our way into the world of social media and we want you join us in this new adventure! We've been looking for a better way to provide more value for you, and what better way to connect than with Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and YouTube. Keep up with the latest Optec and industry news, keep checking in with us for our current special, or better yet share your stories.
So, come "like" us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and get inspired on Pinterest.
OPTEC
888.892.8181
www.optecusa.com
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
Introducing the COBRA Baseball Throwing TD
The 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
The Aeris Performance foot system
improves upon the successful foundation
of the Ibex foot from Emotis. The
Aeris Performance adds compliant
composite technology (CCT), which
uses multiple springs to increase the
range of flexibility. The result is a
unique advanced energy release pylon
composed of nested parallel springs that enable the foot to react
in a compliant manner at heel strike, then work together to create
a dynamic push-off at toe release. The independent spring action
provides smooth, stable progression while increasing the axial
rotation, minimizing the force transmitted to the residual limb.
PEL Supply
800.321.1264
www.pelsuppy.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
CoreLINE's newest addition is a
trimmable Rigid Lumbar Orthosis
designed to protect injured ligaments
and muscles while providing pain relief
and post-surgical immobilization.
The sculpted belt may be customized by trimming the posterior
aspect near the back-panel attachment. Support panels
hug the contours of the back for comfort, stabilization, and
increased compliance. Breathable fabric and ventilated support
panels keep the wearer cool for extended periods. Even pressure
is applied to paraspinal musculature while providing relief over
spinous processes.
Contact your SPS sales manager or SPS customer service for
sizing and cost information.
SPS
800.767.7776
www.spsco.com
Give your patients the most advanced KAFO technology combined with the most advanced fabrication! Ottobock's line of KAFOs is now available in prepreg, resulting in KAFOs that are up to 40 percent lighter than laminated alternatives. Prepreg also creates more consistent fabrication outcomes and avoids unwanted buildups.
Ottobock Fabrication Services offers 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
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
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.
920.435.1199
A Combination for Every Situation.
Proven in our own central fabrication lab, Evolution's premium
quality components are perpetually evolving and developing
with your patients' needs and comfort in mind.
Evolution Industries Inc.
888.839.6212
www.evoii.com
Oops! The patient requires a size large but you only have size
medium in stock?
"Extend" the size with the Extender! Easily "hook" onto any
Vission LSO short to "grow" it one to two sizes larger.
Features and benefits include:
- Removable semi-rigid plastic insert.
- One size, measures 6" x 13½".
Orthopedic supports from a company you trust!
Allard USA
888.678.6548
www.allardusa.com
The StepLock is a ratcheting, multi-position joint that is ideal for
standing assist or flexion contractures. StepLock is modular and
interchangeable with the Interlock. With its multiple configurations
and sizes, including a hip, it can accommodate any
combination of weight and activity.
Features and benefits include:
- Ten locking positions throughout knee flexion.
- Helps to increase the knee range of motion.
- Provides stability for standing before reaching full extension.
- Designed for knee-flexion contracture management.
- Unlocks to enable sitting and reclining.
- Effectively blocks flexion while allowing free extension.
- Unparalleled strength with a nickel-plated finish for extra durability.
Fillauer LLC
800.251.6398
www.fillauer.com
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
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
Black Tamarack Flexure Joints® are now
available from PEL Supply. Due to recent
growth in the use of black thermoplastic
and carbon-fiber materials
for the fabrication of AFOs, PEL now
offers this new, matching thermoformable
joint option from Becker Orthopedic.
Tamarack Flexure Joints automatically align
the medial and lateral joint axes. Their unique, high-strength
inner filament cores prevent elongation and ensure precise hinging
action. The joints provide the motion-assist power of metal
joints without the disadvantages of coil springs.
Available in three sizes, three durometers, and in Free Motion
or Dorsiflexion Assist Models.
PEL Supply Company
800.321.1264
www.pelsupply.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
www.beckerorthopedic.com
The Tactical Soleus is available in limited quantities, and $200 of every Tactical Soleus sold will be donated to Purple Heart Homes. This organization is committed to providing housing solutions for service-connected, disabled veterans. The Tactical Soleus is engineered and manufactured in the U.S.A. and custom built for the heroes among us. College Park has removed unnecessary weight while retaining superior strength. A new heel-spring design and a new mid-spring design, combined with a new belt-attachment system, have created a foot that is 40% stronger and 10% lighter.
College Park Industries
800.728.7950
www.college-park.com
Grace is proud to introduce Gator Glass exclusively. This
patented illumination technology allows for custom designs
and graphics to be incorporated into prostheses. When turned
off, Gator Glass looks like a traditional surface emblem. When
switched on and lit up, Gator Glass designs glow with the color
and precision of a digital image.
Grace Prosthetic Fabrication
800.940.5347
www.gpfinc.com
Educate Referral Sources about Your Clinic.
Regular, ongoing communication with your
referral sources is critical to growing your
business. Here are just a few ways that
EDGE Custom Publications can help:
- Brand your clinic and build your reputation.
- Tell readers about your company, your specialties, and your patient outcomes.
- Create ongoing marketing campaigns with your own referral-source-focused mailer.
- Customize a publication to suit your needs and patient populations.
- Include contact information, maps, directions to your location, clinical services provided, and provider networks.
EDGE Custom Publications
866.613.0257
www.oandp.com/edgecustompubs
The newest fit-management tool for elevated vacuum sockets! The Super Shear Gel Liner is a very conformable and soft mineral-oil gel liner that offers an ideal solution to provide relief over bony prominent areas or to give a slight improvement in socket fit.
The Super Shear Gel Liner is 14-inches long and can be trimmed to shorter lengths; it is offered in three widths to accommodate virtually any size. There are two gel liners per package.
Comfort Products Inc.
800.822.7500
www.comfortoandp.com
Prosthetic Design's new Socket
IDentifier (SID) is an easy-to-use labeler in accordance
with the FDA's new law to track
medical devices. The kit can be
used for both thermoplastic and
lamination fabrication with the
quick exchange of a wheel. Type
out the unique identifier for a
socket or orthotic device interface and stamp it on thermoplastic
device or use the adhesive to stick it on the lamination prior to
final bagging and resin infusion. The SID-KIT provides discreet,
but permanent, identification for both patient and practitioner
satisfaction.
Watch our YouTube video for a better look!
Prosthetic Design Inc.
800.459.0177
www.prostheticdesign.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 case-study 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
Provel offers fast, easy to use,
and reliable automation for
small clinics as well as large
central fabs. The new, soon to
be released, S1 Scanner allows
fast, accurate 3D shape capture
with unmatched ease of use
and low cost. The C7 Carver
is not only fast and precise,
its self contained dust collection system is extremely quiet. The
T7 Thermoformer, now with IR sensing, consistently produces
high quality thermoplastic sockets from industry standard
preforms. Two year warranty. S1 and C7 are AOP, OBJ, and STL
file compatible.
Provel Inc.
509.857.2008
www.provel.us
New Pneumatic Swing Phase Control Four-Axis Knee.
Matik, the latest release from PROTEOR, is designed to provide an affordable yet efficient and maintenance-free polycentric knee.
Features include:
- Pneumatic knee with extension spring to provide full extension during stamping and slow walking.
- Secure four-axis geometry for high stability during stance phase.
- One inch of toe clearance during swing.
- Compact and lightweight: 26.21 oz.
- Rated up to 275 lb.; adapted for K2 users.
- Proximal connection, pyramidal or M36 threaded.
- Separated flexion-resistance and extension-dampering adjustments.
Nabtescoproteor-USA
855.517.4414
www.nabtescoproteor-usa.com
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