Feature
DARPA’S RP Arms Progress, Nurture Related Wonders
By Judith Philipps Otto
Photographs of the MPL courtesy of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab. Magic begets magic. Creation engendersfurther creation.
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Feature
Exploring the Benefits of FES on Gait for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
By Phil Stevens, MEd, CPO, FAAOP
Today's functional electrical stimulation (FES) devices for themanagement of foot drop include single-channel, surface-electrodesystems such as the Innovative Neurotronics WalkAide,the Odstock Dropped Foot Stimulator (ODFS), and the BionessNESS L3...
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Feature
Getting to Market
By Garrison Wells
From idea to prototype to final product, getting a new orthotic orprosthetic device to market can be a long and harrowing roadfraught with pitfalls. Anywhere along the way, a product canveer off course-or crash and burn completely. Development cos...
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Feature
O&P Technology Honors U.S. Veterans’ Legacy
By Kevin Carroll, MS, CP, FAAOP
According to the U.S. Census Bureau 2010 American CommunitySurvey, there are nearly 21.8 million military veteransliving in the United States. Of those, more than ninemillion-nearly 42 percent-are age 65 and over.
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Better Business
New Faces in O&P Leadership
A conversation with Vinit Asar. In this two-part interview series, The O&P EDGE talks vision andgoals with two company chiefs-each one a relative newcomer toO&P-to explore how they hope to impact the present and futureof the industry. For this iss...
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Perspective
The Challenge of Justification
By Ian Stevens
As chief executive officer of a prosthesis manufacturer in today'smarket, I could say that we live in interesting times. Since Touch Bionics' i-limb prosthetic hand first became availablein 2007, the prosthetics landscape has changed considerably....
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Stepping Out
Steps to Successfully Integrate New Technology into Your Practice
By Howard Hillman, CPed
One thing doesn't change, and that is what we do. We treatpatients. But how we do it has been changing rapidly as high-techdevices continue to become available.
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Shop Talk
Fabricating with Prepreg Carbon Fiber
By Justin Eitel
The combination of high-tech materials inthe SiOCX® TF Pro socket results in significant improvements in wearer comfort, flexibility, adhesion, and custom fabrication of advanced socket technology. E-MAG Active, in prepreg, is an example of anadva...
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Today’s Consumer
Extreme Retirement, Navy Seals Edition
By Clayton Moore
Innovation in prosthetics technology is enabling a wholenew population of athletes to emerge-a population thatincludes quite a few older folks. John Grimm of Vail, Arizona,at 70 years old, is one of them. And with the aid of hisnew RUSH™ Foot, dev...
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Sports
DSUSA Celebrates 25 Years of Hosting The Hartford Ski Spectacular
Photographs by Ken Watson, courtesy of DSUSA. A skiff of snow fell in Breckenridge, Colorado, ending a recentdry spell just in time for the 25th annual The Hartford SkiSpectacular, hosted by Disabled Sports USA (DSUSA), theweek of December 2-9, 20...
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Face to Face
John Huster, BOCP
John Huster, BOCP, and co-owner of PSL Fabrication, Fulton, Missouri, became interested in the O&P profession through his mother, who was working for a patient care facility about the same timehe was finishing college. He says it looked like inter...
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Got FAQs?
Billing and Collections Q&A
By Lisa Lake-Salmon
This month's column answers your questions about microprocessor knee L-Codes and the Medicare overpayment appeals process.
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Viewpoint
In Our Lifetime...
By Karen Henry
Early in 2007, shortly after I began working at The O&P EDGE , a U.S. veteran who had sustaineda traumatic shoulder disarticulationamputation during the war in Iraq contactedme. He asked where he could get a permanentprosthesis-one that he could...
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EDGE Direct
Contineo Robotics: Helping Hands That Save Lives
Products in development at Contineo Robotics, Sykesville, Maryland, take the motto “to serve and protect†to a whole new level. While the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Revolutionizing Prosthetics (RP) programs’ robotic ar...
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EDGE Direct
Evolution's Central Fabrication Facility
EDGE Direct Evolution Industries’ central fabrication facility specializes in premium lower-limb check and definitive sockets and offers unique customization options. The C-Fab team, our new facility, and the componentry options we provide make...
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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 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
Ability Dynamics is a medical-device company created with a passion for helping amputees through the utilization of advanced technology.
Our state-of-the-art Rush Foot™ uses Flexeon™, a specially formulated, reinforced fiber-composite material that is nearly indestructible and three times more flexible than carbon fiber. This translates into fewer repairs, maintenance, and warranty claims.
Our full rocker sole is designed for the needs of above the knee amputees. The half rocker sole is designed for the needs of below the knee amputees.
Ability Dynamics
855.450.7300
www.abilitydynamics.com
At Grace Prosthetic Fabrication, Inc. our technicians have perfected the techniques of spraying skins on all types of prosthetic devices. Our Spray Skins can be designed to be lowered for ease of alignment changes and fabricated with split toe or hair illusion.
Grace Prosthetic Fabrication's pricing on Spray Skins is very competitive. We look forward to providing your patients with our Spray Skin Technology.
Grace Prosthetic Fabrication
800.940.5347
www.gpfinc.com
A Perfect Fit.
This realistic, semi-custom
partial-foot cover is now
available with an optional
energy-returning carbon-fiber
foot plate (Model
HDSF-ER). Made from high-definition
silicone, the Regal
Partial Foot Cover is durable,
stain resistant, and easy to clean.
And with more than 50 customization
options available, the Regal Partial Foot Cover
from Hosmer will be the perfect match for your patients' needs.
Fillauer LLC
800.851.6398
www.fillauer.com
The AIRPUCK™ system is a cost-effective
vacuum reservoir that can
maintain negative pressure within the
prosthetic socket for extended periods
of time (6-10 hours). The AIRPUCK
system completely seals the distal
aspect of the socket, allowing users to
open the valve and remove air in the
socket to achieve vacuum suspension.
The vacuum barb is neatly concealed
in the valve housing. Blister pull
fabrication makes an air-tight socket
a breeze. No hoses, barbs, or ports to contend with. The AIRPUCK
is a self-sealing, modular, drop-in vacuum component.
Patent pending.
5280 PROSTHETICS LLC
800.460.0288
www.5280prosthetics.com
The Go AFO from Hersco is a rear-entry
ankle gauntlet designed for
patients who have difficulty donning
traditional braces. The gauntlet is a
traditional thermoplastic ankle foot
orthosis with a thin leather lining and
outer layer that secures posteriorly
using either a Velcro or lace closure.
Now Chopart, Lisfranc, or
transmetatarsal amputees who need
a partial-foot prosthesis (PFP) can
combine the Go AFO with a filler. The
Go AFO provides excellent support
and control for the remainder of the foot, and the PFP portion
can be fitted into regular extra-depth shoes.
Hersco Ortho Labs
800.301.8275
www.hersco.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
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 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
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
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
Fabtech's Advanced Cover Systems (ACS)
prosthetic limb covers are designed to provide your
patients' prostheses with maximum protection
from the elements encountered in everyday and
sports use.
Features and benefits include:
- Above-knee and below-knee versions.
- Waterproof design.
- High-stretch neoprene for a custom fit.
- Does not interfere with knee articulation.
- Easy to don and doff.
Visit us at the Academy meeting in Orlando,
Florida, February 20-23, at booth #723.
Fabtech Systems
800.322.8324
www.fabtechsystems.com
The Syncor Original TES Belt was designed for clients with transfemoral amputations. The Silesian design evens out stress and eliminates the pull-down feeling associated with girdle-style belts. A wide, 360 degree, textured grip cuff grips a maximum surface with no air leaks, and a proportional adductor panel increases suspension capabilities.
Features and benefits include:
- User-friendly design includes a hand loop for easy donning/doffing.
- Replaceable Velcro® closure extends the wear of the belt.
- Low-profile design, with an anti-roll, anti-bunch panel.
- Reinforced, color-matched seams; washable.
- Sizes range from infant to XXL. Custom orders are welcome.
Syncor Ltd.
920.435.1199
Use Coyote Designs' new material, Coyote Composite. Made from basalt (volcanic rock), this material is inert, safe, and causes much less itch than carbon. This braiding is similar in weight to carbon, but is less rigid for a more flexible, comfortable socket layup. It also is tougher than carbon or fiberglass to withstand impact and resist delaminating, and it is less expensive. Available in 3-, 4-, 6-, 8-, and 10-inch braids, as well as reinforcement rope or sheet fabric. Now with an even lower price.
Coyote Design
800.819.5980
www.coyotedesign.com
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
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
Comfort, security, and reliability! Now your patients have more
options to meet the demands of their active lifestyles. The Triton
Low Profile (LP) and the Triton Heavy Duty (HD) are especially
robust and waterproof, ready for the most challenging conditions.
Or, choose the lightweight Triton carbon fiber foot, the Triton
Vertical Shock (VS), or the Triton Harmony® with integrated
vacuum technology for outstanding flexibility and support.
Ottobock
800.328.4058
www.ottobockus.com
The Genu Sleeve is a transtibial suspension sleeve that provides
the ultimate in comfort, suspension, and ease of use.
- Inner TPE gel surface provides optimal sealing and suspension.
- Longitudinal-knit cuff allows generous radial stretch for a secure and comfortable fit.
- Round-knit textile cover means no seams to unravel or irritate.
- Comfort zone knitting in patella and popliteal region for greater freedom of movement during knee flexion.
- Smooth outer textile slides easily against itself for simple donning.
- Includes free inner protector sleeve (also available separately).
- Can be used with the new medi Vacu-Valve with simple fabrication.
medi USA
800.633.6334
www.mediusa.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 custom silicone liner for the best choice in vacuum and explusion systems.
Evolution Industries Inc.
888.839.6213
www.evolii.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
Versatile by design, the Vista® lower spine line from Aspen
Medical Products provides support and relief options from postop
to pain relief. Now available from PEL Supply, the Vista line
is a one-size adjustable product that offers multiple back panels
and integrated anterior support to provide a comfortable healing
environment. Products can be stepped down from a
TLSO to a simple lumbar support.
Configurations include:
- Vista 464 TLSO
- Vista 637 LSO (shown here)
- Vista 631 LSO Lo Pro
- Vista 627 Lumbar
For more information on Aspen
Medical Products lines, call PEL Supply.
PEL Supply Company
800.321.1264
www.pelsupply.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
KiddieROCKER™ is the newest addition to Allard's pediatric
dynamic response AFOs. Developed for your pediatric population
with more involved pathology, the extra rigidity offers enhanced
balance and posture control, especially for weak quadriceps.
Features and benefits include:
- Carbon composite with anterior shell, lateral strut, and engineered footplate with open calcaneal design.
- Allows integration of your custom foot orthotic to help control ground-up forces.
- Lateral strut can serve as a base for a T-strap to control excessive ankle eversion.
- Anterior shell assists in management of proximal deficits by helping manage either knee hyperextension or crouch gait.
Allard USA
888.678.6548
www.allardusa.com
To show appreciation for our 25 years of success, College Park
will be offering special promotions throughout 2013-each
tailored around our original four feet: the Trustep®, Venture®,
Truper®, and Tribute®.
Now through March 31, receive a
special discount on our Venture foot.
The triaxial design of the Venture foot
provides higher-frequency dynamic
response for more active users. Transverse
rotation brings natural-feeling
performance, while the extended toe
lever facilitates immediate power and
increased response with each stride. College Park's exclusive
gait-matched and custom-built Stride Control™ feature also
provides effortless fine-tuning without disassembly.
College Park Industries
800.728.7950
www.college-park.com
Coyote's new Proximal Lock (CD116) is
the latest zero-clearance lock mechanism
for long residual limbs. It is mounted
proximally so that no clearance is needed,
and any distal adaptor can be used. The
lock design can be built into the socket
for easier donning or can be retrofit to
the exterior. The new design features a
large attachment that distributes more
pull, and the flexible silicone material
makes the liner easier to roll on. The lock
comes with a new silicone adhesive that makes gluing easier
and it remains flexible after it sets.
Coyote Design
800.819.5980
www.coyotedesign.com
Spinal Technology is a leading
central fabricator of spinal orthoses
and upper- and lower-limb orthoses
and prostheses. Our ABC-certified
staff of orthotists and prosthetists
collaborate with highly skilled,
experienced technicians to provide
the highest quality products and
fastest delivery time, including
weekends and holidays, as well as
unparalleled customer support in the industry.
Spinal Technology is the exclusive manufacturer of the
Providence Scoliosis System, a nocturnal bracing system
designed to prevent the progression of scoliosis, and the
patented FlexFoam™ spinal orthosis.
Spinal Technology
800.253.7868
www.spinaltech.com
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
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
Wish there was a way to make minor adjustments to a socket without it delaminating? Tired of all the itching when grinding a carbon socket? Then check out Comfort Products' two great tubular stockinettes: SpectraCarb™ Stockinette and SpectraCarb/Aralon Stockinette™.
Features and benefits include:
- Both have the ability to be modified using a heat gun without delaminating.
- No itching when grinding these stockinettes.
- Available in 5- and 25-yard rolls.
- Easy workability; wets out well.
- Comes in 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, and 8-in. widths.
- Superb strength with some flexibility.
- Very lightweight.
Comfort Products
800.822.7500
www.comfortoandp.com
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