Feature
Rough and Tumble: Meeting the Prosthetic Durability Challenges of Your Youngest Patients
By Maria St. Louis-Sanchez
Jameson Davis. Photograph courtesy of Advanced Arm Dynamics. Connor Karrow.
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Feature
Risk Factors for Plagiocephaly
By Phil Stevens, MEd, CPO, FAAOP
In a previous article, I discussed the commonly expressed concernsof parents of infants with deformational plagiocephaly regardingpotential functional deficits associated with the condition(" Beyond Cosmetic Concerns: Functional Deficits Associate...
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Feature
Standing Out by Trying to Fit In
By Leslie Pitt Schneider, JD, RN, CCRC (ACRP), HT (ASCP)
THE FIRST DAY OF SUMMER VACATION "Accept what you can't change and change what you can't accept,"as the saying goes. When that change happens to a six-year-oldgirl, you accept it with the naivety that only comes with theinnocence of childhood....
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Feature
Measuring the Usefulness and Importance of Outcome Measures
By Laura Fonda Hochnadel
While physicians are tasked by the Centers for Medicare& Medicaid Services (CMS) to assign K-levelfunctional classifications to lower-limb amputeepatients, some turn to prosthetists for guidance.Compassion, and even profit margin, can driveprosthe...
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Feature
HHS Delays ALJ Hearing Scheduling by Two Years: Continues to Fail to Adhere to Its Own Regulations
By Peter W. Thomas, JD, and Christina Hughes, JD, MPH
The provision of prostheses and orthoses to Medicarebeneficiaries has come under heavy fire over the past few yearswith the imposition of new documentation requirements thatwere issued without the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services(CMS) foll...
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Academy Society Spotlight
Reversing Scoliosis and Brace Treatment of a Proximal Structural Curve
By Grant Wood, MSc, CO
Introduction In the conservative management of scoliosis through orthotictreatment, it is the orthotist's responsibility to provide an optimallyfitting and functioning scoliosis brace and to achieve theorthotic intervention's objectives to reduce...
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Industry Leader
C. Ralph Hooper Jr., CPO: Scoliosis Bracing Pioneer
By Miki Fairley
Hooper marks the trim lines for fitting the Charleston Bending Brace. Photographs courtesy of Ralph Hooper. As a young practitioner, C.
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Stepping Out
Pedorthic Treatment of Pediatric Foot Problems
By Dennis Janisse, CPed
Years ago, the use of children's orthopedic shoes was a well-established, medically accepted, and oft-prescribed solution to pediatric foot problems. Each year, pedorthists and orthotists measured for, fitted, and dispensed thousands of straight-l...
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Better Business
Getting the Most from Your Practice by Looking Within: Part 1 of A Four-Part Series
By Christine M. Duprey
Accounts Receivable Workflow: Is It Working for You? Analyzing your O&P business can be intimidating. The necessary time, resources, and money to examine yourbusiness from the inside out are not always available.
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Education Outlook
Master’s Program Profile Series: University of Hartford and St. Petersburg College
The O&P EDGE continues its series of National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE)-accreditedmaster's level O&P educational programs. This month we feature two programs. The first is theUniversity of Hartford College of Educatio...
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Shop Talk
Designing a Paralympian’s Device
By Jeff Erenstone, CPO
Jeff Erenstone, CPO, chief designer ofPerformance Orthotic Design and presidentand head clinician of Mountain Orthotic &Prosthetic Services , both located in LakePlacid, New York, specializes in craftingpersonalized adaptive sports equipmentfr...
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Today’s Consumer
Fernando “Nandito” Gallego: Spina Bifida Doesn’t Slow Down Five-Year-Old
By Betta Ferrendelli
Nandito pictured here before therapy allowed him to stand independently without the aid of his walker. Photographs courtesy of Fernando Gallego. Fernando "Nandito" Gallego was born five years ago in San Diego,California, with myelomening- ocele le...
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Perspective
O&P: We’ve Come a Long Way
By Michelle J. Hall, CPO, FAAOP
I've loved watching sci-fi movies since I was a kid. Star Wars was the first moviethat I saw in the theater. Aliens and The Terminator were my go-to movies when I stayed home sick from school, the Matrix was the first DVD I owned, and Inception wa...
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Face to Face
Erin Rice, CO, ATC
Erin Rice, CO, ATC, says she always wanted to work with children, so whenshe got the opportunity to stay on staff at Children's Care Hospital andSchool/Rehabilitation Medical Supply (CCHS/RMS) Sioux Falls, SouthDakota, after her residency, the dec...
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Got FAQs?
Billing and Collections Q&A
By Lisa Lake-Salmon
Billing for O&P devices and care is complicated. When you have questions, count on "Got FAQs?" to help keep yourclaims on track. This month's column answers your questions about prosthetic devices not delivered until after thepatient entered an SN...
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Industry Review - Associations
Notes from US ISPO: PacRim 2014
Pacific Rim (PacRim) 2014, a Pacific Forum for Physical Rehabilitation,sponsored by the U.S. Member Society of the InternationalSociety for Prosthetics and Orthotics (US ISPO) in cooperationwith The O&P EDGE , took place Sunday, January 26, throug...
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Industry Review - Consumer
“Secret Santa” Makes a Young Girl’s Wish Come True
By Laura Fonda Hochnadel
Most nine-year-old girls have clear ideas ofwhat they want Santa to bring them forChristmas: an American Girl doll, a NintendoDS, Harry Potter books, or boardgames. Ella Rodriguez's request this pastChristmas, however, was something thatcouldn't b...
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Viewpoint
Christmas Wishes
By Tonja Randolph
In early December, I received a message from anold friend who told me about the daughter of oneof her friends. The daughter is an amputee and hadwritten in her letter to Santa that all she wanted forChristmas was to meet other kids who were like h...
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Online Exclusive
New Alpha Liner Absorbs Heat and Reduces Sweat
WillowWood brings temperature control to prosthetic liners for the first time with Outlast®, the original heat management technology that was developed for NASA. Now amputees have a viable solution for a comfortable prosthetic liner that works to delay the onset of sweat with the Alpha® SmartTemp Liner.
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The Bledsoe Jet™ knee brace is designed specifically for children. Its shorter frame fits proportionally to a child's leg length, and the hinge is reduced to match the anatomy of a smaller knee. The frame contours around the medial condyle to prevent brace migration. Made of lightweight aircraft aluminum, the frame provides support, strength, and durability. Spacer-designed padding allows adjustment for growth. By removing or stacking the spacers, a three-point load system can be created. Comes in S, M, L (9-in. frame), or XL (11-in. frame), and in hot pink, neon green, and black.
PEL Supply Company
800.321.1264
www.pelsupply.com
The new version of our Summit Lock, the
Proximal Lock, mounts the same way,
but with an easier-to-use, flexible, silicone
adhesive. The Proximal Lock glues to most
fabric-backed liners with no problem, and
locks into the socket with nothing needed on
the distal end; use the adaptor of your choice
to maximize clearance. The Proximal Lock
controls rotation and offers suspension and security.
Features and benefits include:
- Zero-clearance lock.
- Controls rotation.
- Ideal for long limbs with minimal clearance.
- Flexible attachment rolls on easier.
- Can be used with liners with a seal band.
- Lock can be retrofit.
Coyote Design
800.819.5980
www.coyotedesign.com
Compressogrip® by Knit-Rite-the original
tubular compression prosthetic shrinker-has
been widely accepted for more than 30 years!
- New extra-large transfemoral size accommodates up to a 40-in. (102cm) circumference!
- Compressogrip shrinkers offer lower cost and easier donning, and they are easier to stock than traditional shrinkers.
- Tapered B/K shrinker option has an additional width at the top to accommodate larger thigh girth and reduce rolling and bunching.
- Available in white, beige, or grey X-STATIC® silver fiber.
- Every latex-free Compressogrip roll is quality tested for consistent compression.
Knit-Rite Inc.
800.821.3094
www.knitrite.com
Amfit is a world leader in
technology for digital casting,
design, and fabrication of
custom foot orthotic devices.
The process allows a user
to quickly cast and create a
full custom product quickly,
accurately, and at low-cost.
Choose from two 3D scanners-the Contact Digitizer™
or Impress Scanner-and combine with an on-site Amfit
CAD/CAM Mill or Amfit Lab Services offered by our skilled
technicians. Correct & Confirm™ design software allows detailed
prescriptions to be easily satisfied. Amfit combines cutting-edge
technology and more than 25 years of experience serving foot
care professionals worldwide.
Amfit Inc.
800.356.3668
www.amfit.com
Keasy is a prefabricated cone for manufacturing high-quality thermoformed liners in a blink-no welding, no gluing, and it's seamless. Keasy's regular thickness allows a vacuum thermoforming that perfectly takes on the cast. According to the Keasy dimension, we recommend a 338° F heating temperature for 75 seconds to three minutes. Sweat and cleaning agents do not soak into the EVA closed cells structure. Keasy is easily washable and hygienic. Keasy withstands friction, crushing, and stretching for patient's durable comfort over time. Available in six sizes.
Nabtesco-Proteor-USA
855.517.4414
www.nabtescoproteor-usa.com
New for 2014! Our latest K2 foot provides a good range of motion and high weight limit in a lightweight and affordable product. This service-free design also has a full-length toe lever for excellent stability and performance.
College Park Industries
800.728.7950
www.college-park.com
The new Iceross Dermo Uniform Liners
are designed to easily retrofit the
uniform profiles commonly found in
the market today, while still offering the
popular features of our Dermo liners.
Recommended for low to moderately
active transtibial users, Iceross Dermo
Uniform Liners are ideal for vascular
patients and those with sensitive skin.
Össur
800.233.6263
www.ossur.com
A new feature will soon be available for Motion Control terminal devices (MC ETD and MC Hand ProPlus versions).
- Force Limiting stops grasp force at approximately 2 lb., allowing grasping of delicate objects and reducing the fear of injuring someone by over-gripping.
- Each "pulse" increases the gripping force by approximately 2 lb.
- Auto Grasp detects a socket or electrode slip and automatically increases grip force.
- Suggested L-Codes: L-6881, L-6882, L-7009, and L7499.
Motion Control
888.696.2767
www.utaharm.com
A practical guide for preparing for,
adapting to, and living with limb loss.
Provide your amputee patients with the information
and resources they need to help them
adjust to life with limb loss.
Customize Your Guides:
Include your company's full-color logo and
contact information on the bottom back cover
of the Limb Loss Resource Guide. Minimum
4-box order required for customization.
Place Your Order Today!
Volume discounts are available. The Limb Loss Resource Guide
is being published by Amplitude Media Group, a new media
company owned by the publisher of The O&P EDGE.
Amplitude Media Group
303.255.0843
www.amplitude-media.com
Features include:
- Raised GripGel™ bands grip the socket wall to form a secure interface between the socket and liner to prevent slippage or premature release.
- Low modulus GripGel bands stretch against the socket wall, while the inner wall conforms easily to the residual limb to ensure there is no blood-flow restriction or stiffening to inhibit donning.
- Full-length inversion for ease of donning.
- High-performance, knitted fabric cover.
ALPS
800.574.5426
www.easyliner.com
The guide provides information about:
- Terms to know.
- Types of audits.
- Planning ahead.
- The RAC audit process.
- And more!
Ask your Endolite territory manager about getting your guide today.
Endolite
800.548.3534
www.endolite.com
Made specifically for pediatric patients,
Allard's SoftSHELL Covers for Kiddie
GAIT and KiddieROCKER combine
the SoftKIT interface system with fun
yet functional textile covers that cater
to a child's sense of style! The Kiddie
GAIT SoftSHELL features a slip-on
sleeve design, allowing the anterior shell
to slip between the SoftKIT interface
and the printed cover, and D-ring cinch
closure straps for easy tension adjustments.
Available in a grey and white skull or pink heart pattern
(or baby blue or baby pink for Kiddie GAIT SoftSHELL only),
both products are machine washable and in youth sizes S-XL.
PEL Supply Company
800.321.1264
www.pelsupply.com
Harmony between security and fluidity.
The Symphony is a six-bar polycentric knee
designed for patients who need both safety
and dynamics. It orchestrates the phases of
the gait cycle to offer a harmonious solution
with security, comfort, and fluidity. The
p-MRS system mechanically detects the
different gait phases and adapts stability
accordingly. At heel strike, the system locks
the knee geometrically and cushions with
a stance flexion dampening feature. The
selective lock function enables the patient to
lock the knee manually whenever security is
needed. At the preswing phase, the Symphony unlocks for an
effortless switch to swing phase.
Nabtesco Proteor-USA
855.517.4414
www.nabtesco-proteor-usa.com
Find out why CPs and amputees are raving
about this new, low-profile prosthetic foot. Our
Flexeon™ fiberglass composite material is two
times more flexible than carbon
fiber and nearly indestructible.
This translates into zero dead
spots, zero repairs, reduced
socket issues, and higher patient satisfaction-all of which are
good for your business and your patient.
Our unique design ensures the most stable, natural K3
mobility and lifestyle experience for your patients. Try it and
see for yourself.
Call today and receive a special introductory discount on your first two orders.
Ability Dynamics
855.450.7300
www.abilitydynamics.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
Features and benefits include:
- All stainless steel construction for stronger, longer-lasting control.
- Lightweight—weighs only 1.5 oz. per hinge.
- Sold in pairs, with an ultrasmall joint head to reduce overall bulk.
- Taller, reversible, stainless steel upright helps to corrugate the plastic strut, reducing the need for thicker plastics.
- AFOs can be fabricated with plastic as thin as 3/32 in.
- Adjustable stops allow movement from 0-30 degrees in both directions or anywhere in between.
- Contourable distal stirrup attachment increases strength connection of the molded footplate and allows for thinner plastic in AFO fabrication.
Fillauer LLC
800.251.6398
www.fillauer.com
A new low-friction fabric technology dramatically reduces friction and
related shear forces between the skin
and prosthesis. GlideWear™ prosthetic
liner patches are indicated for amputees
who encounter irritation and skin
breakdown from prosthetic liner and
socket use. Simply position the patch
between the prosthetic liner and skin
each day for continuous protection.
Choose from two sizes. GlideWear
prosthetic liner patches are sold in a pack of two patches.
Becker Orthopedic
800.521.2192
www.beckerorthopedic.com
The Freedom DynAdapt™ foot is a
slim-profile, carbon-fiber foot system
with a slender, anatomic design for easy
fit and finish. Its multiaxial function
provides maximum comfort and the
uninterrupted strands of carbon fiber
in the full-length heel provide patients
with effortless rollover and a more
natural gait. The new EnduraCore™
Technology composite laminate delivers up to three times
the fatigue life of a standard laminate in a design that also
returns more energy. The result is a highly durable product that
preserves users' energy so they can do more with confidence.
Freedom Innovations
888.818.6777
www.freedom-innovations.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 Camber Axis Hinge® is now available with modular uprights to further enhance your orthotic design options. The 3/16-in. x 3/4-in. aluminum proximal upright and 1/8-in. thick stainless steel stirrup have been specifically designed to fit the proximal and distal uprights of the Camber Axis Hinge.
The Camber Axis Hinge Modular Upright Kit is supplied fully assembled and comes complete with seven color-coded, range-of-motion keys that eliminate the need for posterior stop mechanisms. This joint permits a solid ankle design that can be easily changed to articulated motion with variable stop settings.
Becker Oregon
800.866.7522
www.beckerorthopedic.com
Dr. Comfort's Shape To Fit socks
and compression hosiery line
combines function, fashion, and
comfort for preventive, medically
correct support that's attractive
too. Features include an easy-on
graduated compression and Shape
To Fit's signature nonbinding
comfort band, which provides
superior, nonslip support.
Uniquely designed seamless socks and smooth-seam hosiery
with fresh-weave odor control make them an ideal choice for
people with diabetes and foot health considerations.
Dr. Comfort
800.992.3580
www.drcomfort.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
The medial Arch Suspender is
an innovation that provides an
adjustable lifting strap under the
talonavicular joint to resist collapse
of the medial arch and ankle and
hindfoot eversion. This modification
is indicated for severe PTTD and
severe pronation disorders of the hindfoot.
The lateral Arch Suspender resists ankle or hindfoot inversion.
Indications include peroneal tendinopathy and varus deformity of
the ankle and rearfoot.
Casting methods and tips are available on our website. Certified
pedorthists are available to answer questions regarding Richie
products.
Hersco Ortho Labs
800.301.8275
www.hersco.com
The new medi 4Seal TFS Liner combines a revolutionary sealing technology with a unique self-gliding surface, providing extraordinary suspension, comfort, and ease of use for those with transfemoral amputations.
Features and benefits include:
- Integrated seals for easy inversion and a highly secure fit.
- Easy Glide PLUS outer surface-no donning aids or sprays required.
- Excellent tissue control due to a highly effective, full-length matrix.
- Optimal radial stretch for greater comfort.
- Simple to use gel-grip spacer socks for easy application (available separately).
medi USA
800.633.6334
www.mediusa.com
We now offer a new way to
simultaneously disengage our bail lock
knee joints. The BLISS, model MX-003-
BLISS, was developed in collaboration
with Trinity Orthopedic as an alternative
to traditional lever-release systems. The
BLISS does not require any specialized
tools and can be installed in a matter
of minutes. Simply loop the bail straps
over both levers, insert the plastic plugs
into the lever openings, and secure the
proximal straps to the thigh section of
the KAFO. The BLISS is lightweight, durable, cost effective, and
available in one universal size.
Becker Orthopedic
800.521.2192
www.beckerorthopedic.com
Join the celebration at
facebook.com/ABCOPP
and visit the anniversary
page on our website.
American Board for Certification/ABC
703.836.7114
www.abcop.org
Until now, all advanced vacuum systems have required a sleeve to maintain vacuum. The problem is that sleeves are bulky; they bunch behind the knee, restricting range of motion. They can also puncture, leading to a loss of vacuum.
Enter Unity™. Building on established Seal-In® technology, the Unity Sleeveless Vacuum system by Össur® is the first advanced vacuum solution to generate 15-22 in Hg of vacuum without a sleeve.
Visit www.ossur.com/unity to learn how to get certified and check out the entire line of Unity-compatible Flex-Foot feet including low-profile and microprocessor solutions.
Össur
800.233.6263
www.ossur.com
The 1C30 Trias® is an extraordinary prosthetic foot-a combination of creative design and innovative, lightweight technology. Interconnected, dual-spring elements provide dampening at heel strike and enable a physiological rollover with excellent energy return. The result is movement similar to a natural foot.
Benefits include:
- Dual carbon forefoot and heel springs for easy rollover.
- Adapts to various walking speeds and uneven terrain.
- Lightweight carbon construction in an attractive design.
- Functional foot shell in normal and slim versions, two colors, and two heel heights.
- New look as part of the TriAngular foot family.
Ottobock
800.328.4058
www.professionals.ottobockus.com
Mounting Plates VMP-007, VMP-002, and VMP-001.
Now Evolution's most popular mounting plates are available in black! Call us for more information.
Evolution Industries Inc.
888.839.6213
www.evoii.com
The Freedom Agilix™ is a multiaxial, shock-absorbing, flexible foot system designed to manage loading impacts, reduce socket shear forces, and improve comfort while walking on nearly any terrain. The ultra-lightweight design offers low-impact K3 ambulators shockingly comfortable performance at a value like no other. Learn more about the Agilix on our website.
Freedom Innovations
888.818.6777
www.freedom-innovations.com
The Compact Double Action Ankle Joint
(Model 725) is supplied fully assembled
and is designed specifically for use with
thermoplastics. The precontoured stainless steel
upright and stirrup reduces fabrication
time, while the low-profile and lightweight
design enhances the clinical application.
The Compact Double Action Ankle Joint,
intended for both small-adult and pediatric
patients, is designed to provide optimal
control in the sagittal plane and increase
mediolateral stability.
Becker Orthopedic
800.521.2192
www.beckerorthopedic.com
Features and benefits include:
- 50 percent stronger than conventional triple swivels.
- Simplified design and construction outlasts conventional models.
- Stronger, heat-tempered, stainless steel materials.
- Extra-long ferrule provides "double swage" capability.
- 3/16-in. and 9/32-in. diameter terminals for both standard and heavy-duty cable.
- Use with TRS Python cable for the ultimate in strength and durability.
TRS Inc.
800.279.1865
www.oandp.com/trs
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
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New PLUSeries E-Series was developed
to better address specific chemical
regulations and reduce cost. Just like our
+PLUSeries adhesives, but with a few
minor differences, PLUSeries E-Series is a
versatile and fast two-part urethane adhesive
system that is used for bonding and
repairing plastics, composites, aluminum,
steel, plaster, and nearly anything else.
Sold in our popular 50ml and 220ml sizes,
25- and 60-second gel times, and in tan
and black colors.
Fabtech Systems
800.322.8324
www.fabtechsystems.com
At Naked Prosthetics, our goal is not to hide injuries or
amputations; instead, we provide simple, elegant, fully
functional, and high-tech solutions that are worn with pride.
Naked Prosthetics
888.977.6693
www.nakedprosthetics.com
Now Accepting Applications!
NUPOC's 21-month MPO program allows
you to complete your first two quarters
(6 months) and final quarter (3 months)
online, plus four quarters (12 months) of
supervised practicum on campus, where you practice P&O skills
with individuals who live with neuromusculoskeletal impairments.
NUPOC graduates are eligible for NCOPE residencies and
P&O certification examinations. The NUPOC MPO prepares
students to become proficient, compassionate clinicians; assess,
prescribe, and deliver comprehensive P&O services; apply
research to clinical practice; and contribute meaningfully to the
P&O profession. Apply today!
Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center
Feinberg School of Medicine
NUPOC
312.503.5700
www.nupoc.northwestern.edu
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CONTACT US