Feature
Perceptions of Amputation: Have They Changed?
By Betta Ferrendelli
Christina Skoski, MD, was a teenager when shereceived her first prosthesis in 1962. It was a crudebut serviceable carved wooden leg. She cried.
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Feature
Advocating for Ambulation
By Judith Philipps Otto
Encouraging patient involvement may be a key strategy for subverting a coverage crisis. It's natural. When economic times aretough, consumers hold on to their walletsa little more tightly, and business ownersfocus more on receiving payments for se...
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Feature
My Story
By Kojista Ahmadyar
I wait impatiently behind the fences to pick up my little niece fromschool. The girls and boys are lined up and ready to leave. The teacheris trying to keep the children in line, but since there are so many ofthem, and they are very excited to go...
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Feature
Cognitive Compromise: Considerations in Individuals with Lower-Limb Amputation
By Phil Stevens, MEd, CPO, FAAOP
Twenty years ago, a rehabilitation team examined the cognitivefunction of 14 patients with lower-limb amputation secondaryto peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and comparedits observations against the cognitive performance of 14 able-bodied,matched...
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Feature
High Public Profile Sets the Tone for Public Policy Impacting O&P Consumers
By Peter W. Thomas, JD
It's been a busy year thus far forO&P public policy. The impendingimplementation of the AffordableCare Act (ACA) has stimulateda flurry of advocacy efforts to ensurethat O&P services are covered benefitsthroughout the new insuranceexchanges, set t...
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Better Business
Helping Practitioners Bridge the Mental Healthcare Gap for Their Patients
By Maria St. Louis-Sanchez
Practitioners who work with individuals with amputationsrecognize that many of their patients face emotionalissues as well as physical challenges in dealing with theirlimb loss, but they may not have the tools to help. Anew program that helps pros...
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Education Outlook
Recipe for a Master’s Degree from Scratch
By Joshua B. Utay, MEd, CPO
Part 4 of our exclusive coverage of the development of the master of science in orthotics and prosthetics program at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas. Inspiration I was filled with inspiration after reviewingthe 67 completed applicati...
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Perspective
An Introduction to the Amputee Coalition
Q: What is the Amputee Coalition? AC: The Amputee Coalition is a nonprofit voluntary health organization that is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for amputees and their families, improving patient care,and preventing limb loss. Our progr...
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Face to Face
Cassie Peeters, CP
A Wisconsin native and youngest of four, Cassie Peeters, CP, says that her family has had a significantinfluence on her career. She received practical advice from her grandmother aboutworking with older patients-"talk slower and make sure you expl...
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Got FAQs?
Billing and Collections Q&A
By Lisa Lake-Salmon
Running an O&P facility in today's landscape of enhanced scrutiny and changing billing requirements can leave even the most seasoned billing professional feeling frustrated. If you have a billing question or a question about a denial, "Got FAQs?"...
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EDGE Direct
Standardizing Technology across Rehabilitation: Endolite echelon Stands out in Independent Study
EDGE Direct Endolite is setting the standard for rehabilitation with our revolutionary line of hydraulic ankle/feet systems. Our hydraulic ankles help to decrease energy expenditure, encourages equal loading and reduces pain, socket pressure, and...
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Industry Review - Conferences
Notes from US ISPO
The U.S. Member Society of the InternationalSociety for Prosthetics and Orthotics (US ISPO)is excited to occupy this "corner" in The O&PEDGE to report quarterly on our activities andthose of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics(...
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Industry Review - Conferences
ACPOC 2013: Professionals Helping Kids Be Kids
The Association of Children's Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics (ACPOC)Annual Meeting was held April10-13 at the Grand Hyatt Atlantain Buckhead, Georgia. About 200attendees convened to presentand evaluate new ideas, techniques,methodology, and treatment...
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Viewpoint
Spillover Effects
By Karen Henry
The current healthcare climate is making it increasinglydifficult for prosthetists and orthotists to fit theirpatients with devices that provide optimal outcomes. As a result of the Centers for Medicare & MedicaidServices (CMS) Recovery Audit (RA)...
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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
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. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rushfoot
Ability Dynamics
855.450.7300
www.abilitydynamics.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
Meet the standards of ABC's new Central
Fabrication Accreditation program and
prove to your customers that you have met the
same high standards they have when it comes
to running your business.
Central Fabrication Accreditation
program standards cover areas such as:
- Custom device tracking.
- Accurate record keeping.
- Appropriately trained personnel.
- Device recall and failure procedures.
- Quality assurance programs.
Now accepting applications!
American Board for Certification/ABC
703.836.7114
www.abcop.org
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
College Park Industries has increased its offerings to include a line of commonly used endoskeletal components. Utilizing knowledge from 25 years of material research and product design, these endo components are carefully engineered for structural integrity and noise abatement. Tested to the highest quality standards, the endo components perfectly complement the performance and outcomes that College Park prosthetic feet are known for.
College Park Industries
800.728.7950
www.college-park.com
Apis believes there is a shoe for everyone.
Apis is a favorite for those who wear hard-to-find sizes—every shoe style is offered in a multitude of sizes and widths. Try the risk-free custom shoe program for great quality, guaranteed fit, and unbeatable service. You can choose any style in the catalog. If they don't fit, then don't pay. One pair of custom-molded inserts are included. Call for more information or free samples.
Apis Footwear Co.
888.937.2747
www.bignwideshoes.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, creating KAFOs up to 40 percent lighter than laminated alternatives. Prepreg also creates more consistent fabrication outcomes that avoid 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.professionals.ottobockus.com
Every client is different. For the exceptionally active client in need of transtibial suspension, Syncor's Durasleeve HD is constructed of the highest-quality, heavy-duty neoprene for exceptional durability. Limited dexterity creates its own challenges, and the Durasleeve EZ meets them with the security of a virtually fail-safe suction system, yet it is easy to don and doff.
All Durasleeve designs are constructed with uncompromising air-tight integrity. Outside, seams are reinforced with color-matched blind stitching. Inside, our exclusive, patented reinforcement panel minimizes wear. Custom orders are always welcome through your Syncor supplier.
Syncor Ltd.
920.435.1199
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 4S and 4C milling machines allow you to carve positive forms, such as for transfemoral or transtibial prostheses and torso and helmet orthoses; negative forms, such as for seats, insoles, and mattresses; and also trim the plastic afterward with thermo molding to improve productivity. The 4S and 4C milling machines are fast, reliable, and easy to use and maintain.
Rodin4D
www.rodin4d.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
The BTS G-Walk is the first
pocket-size gait lab that provides
evaluation of spatial temporal gait
parameters. This cellphone-
size
wireless unit provides accurate,
objective, and measured gait
symmetry data. Graphical
analysis is instantaneously
transmitted to your computer,
comparing your patient's gait to the normal average.
Think of the benefits to your patients, your practice, your
referral sources, and your claims justifications.
The Ortho Remedy
800.662.7993
www.orthoremedy.com/catalog
Offering a new flexible keel, the NaturalFlex foot is constructed of a non-carbon-fiber composite fiberglass, and its design is based on the proven performance of the Seattle Energy foot.
Compatible with the Seattle endoskeletal leg cosmesis, the NaturalFlex foot's flexibility provides the user with an active response and includes a removable sandal-toe foot shell.
Available in four keel categories with optional ankle blocks and pyramids that can be purchased separately, the Trulife Seattle NaturalFlex foot is recommended for patients at a K2 activity level and a weight
limit of 300 lb. (136kg).
PEL Supply Company
800.321.1264
www.pelsupply.com
The California® Catalina™ 637 and 631 deliver effective compression to the painful region to localize the patient's therapy while maintaining comfort. The Catalina 637 also contains rigid side panels to provide additional lateral support.
The Catalina's unique two-pull closure system makes it easy to fit and simple for the patient to don and doff. It limits motion and provides effective compression for the relief of lower back pain, making it ideal throughout rehabilitation treatment.
Available in sizes XS through 4XL.
Orthomerica
800.446.6770
www.orthomerica.com
The makers of Mediven medical and CEP sports compression products, with more than 60 years of medical knitting expertise, offer a new knee brace undersleeve.
Features include:
- Durable, high-quality medical grade, latex-free fabric for user comfort.
- Can be used with all knee braces.
- Silicone anti-migration top band.
- Anatomically designed for greater wearing comfort.
- Sizes XS through XXL to accommodate the majority of application needs.
medi USA
800.633.6334
www.mediusa.com
The PreStride4™ Model 9008 utilizes our
new Stride4 (Patent Pending) stance control knee joint that comprises a four-bar linkage mechanism and three modes of operation: stance control, free motion, and locked with stance phase flexion. An integral extension-assist spring housed within the midsection assists with knee extension, while an adjustable extension stop allows the clinician to adjust and fine-tune the point at which the joint enters its stable/locked state.
Becker Orthopedic
800.521.2192
www.beckerorthopedic.com
Let us laminate your elevated vacuum socket and provide you with a heat-relievable laminated socket with no inner plastic liner. We use E-R Resin, which is currently the first resin that can achieve this. It is strong enough not to need carbon unless you want to use it, has a smooth inner surface, is easy to adjust with heat, grinds easily, and sands and polishes well. Lightweight sockets are a breeze for us. Send us the components to laminate and save even more.
E-R Resin lamination classes can be provided. We're setting new industry standards.
Prosthetics Research Specialists
800.952.6744
www.prostheticsresearch.com
- Scoliosis Management
- Spinal Trauma Management
- Lower-Limb Orthotics Management
Spinal Technology is hosting the annual Scoliosis Symposium,
with the addition of lower-limb orthotics management, in Boston,
Massachusetts. The course will cover measurement techniques
and brace options for lower-limb orthotics, full-time scoliosis
bracing protocol for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and the Providence
Nocturnal Scoliosis System, with hands-on demonstrations
in each segment. Presenters include Tufts Medical Center
orthopedic surgeons, a Tufts neurosurgeon, and ABC-certified
practitioners. Eligible practitioners can earn 16.25 ABC credits
for attending the full presentation. Contact Nancy Francis at
or 508.775.0990 x8374.
Spinal Technology
800.253.7868
www.spinaltech.com
Go Anywhere. Do Anything.
Increasingly, many amputees desire a prosthetic foot
that can keep up with their busy lifestyle. Whether
they're at the office or the gym, they want the
convenience of using a single foot throughout the
day. By combining smooth rollover and dynamics
with vertical and rotational shock absorption, the
Vari-Flex® XC Rotate™ offers the flexibility that
these active individuals require to pursue a life
without limitations. Call or visit the Össur
website to learn more.
Össur
800.233.6263
www.ossur.com
Hersco Ortho Labs is now a Richie Brace® partner lab! Podiatrists often insist on dispensing the original Richie for cases of PTTD, ankle instability, arthritis, and more. For faster turnaround on your Richie orders, send casts directly to Hersco.
Download prescription forms at www.hersco.com. Click on our Education tab for great tips and casting methods.
Certified pedorthists are available to answer any prescription questions you may have.
Hersco Ortho Labs
800.301.8275
www.hersco.com
Have your patients experience the 3S80 Fitness Prosthesis—ask for a trial kit, which includes the 3S80 Fitness Knee, a variety of adapters, and a series of 1E90 Sprinter feet. The 3S80 Fitness Prosthesis makes it possible for your transfemoral patients to get up and move again, thereby increasing strength and mobility and enhancing overall health. Contact your sales representative to schedule a trial fitting. If you know which products your patients need, simply call our customer service department to order.
Ottobock
800.328.4058
www.professionals.ottobockus.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 neuromusculoskeletal impairments.
Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center
Feinberg School of Medicine
NUPOC
312.503.5700
www.nupoc.northwestern.edu
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