Feature
Educating Your Support Staff: Good for Employees, Good for Business
By Maria St. Louis-Sanchez
Nonclinical staff members at O&P patient care facilities arethe first people to greet patients, the first to hear about a complaint,and the ones who can ensure that the business gets paidfor its services. Yet despite their integral role, they do n...
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Feature
Affordable, Available CEUs: How to Find the Ones that Meet Your Needs
By Judith Philipps Otto
Most practitioners' to-do lists are getting longer while their available time is getting shorter. Dealing with increased documentation requirements, keeping pace with Medicare's changing regulations, and delivering the latest and most conscientiou...
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Feature
Training and Integrating Millennial Workers into Your O&P Practice
By John Brinkmann, MA, CPO, LPO, FAAOP, and Robert Huddler, PT, DPT, BOCP
INTRODUCTION The arrival of the Millennial Generation on the employment landscape means that a more diverse multigenerational workforce is becoming the norm for most professions. This change in the workforce offers challenges and opportunities...
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Feature
Are New Master’s-Level Practitioners Changing the Face of O&P?
By Miki Fairley
As the new wave of practitionerswith entry-level O&P master'sdegrees stream into the profession,how are they affecting its focusand clinical practice? What willthe future bring as their numbersincrease? The O&P EDGE asked experienced practitioners...
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Feature
CMS Documentation Requirements: Prosthetist Survey Results
By Peter Seaman, CP, CTP
In the December 2013 issue of The O&P EDGE, Iwrote a Perspective article, " A Call to Action ," in which I encouraged others in the O&P profession toget actively involved in efforts to advocate for changewith the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Se...
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Today’s Consumer
The Unlikely Runner, Jay Fain Jr.
By Judy Johnson Berna
Fain works on the treadmill at Bulow Biotech Prosthetics in Columbia, South Carolina. Photograph courtesy of Bobby Latham. In 2007, on the day before he wasscheduled to fly home from Iraq fora two-week break, Army SergeantJay Fain Jr.
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Perspective
Opportunities and Challenges
By Daniel Minert, MS, CO, AT, ATC
As we survey the O&P landscape, we face dramatic challenges and exciting opportunities.Our practices and practitioners face uncertainty in the wake of the Centers forMedicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) audits and the...
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Education Outlook
Master’s Program Profile Series: University of Pittsburgh
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 the University of Pittsburgh,School of Health and Rehabilitation Science...
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Industry Review - Sports
Paralympic Retrospective: Never Say “Can’t” Until You’ve Tried
Photographs courtesy of Oates. In February 1980, Zehavah "Z" Oates (née Whitney) was one of twoindividuals with bilateral above-knee amputations invited by theInternational Sports Organization for the Disabled (ISOD) togive a ski demonstration in...
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Face to Face
Timothy Nelson, BOCO
For Tim Nelson, BOCO, the combined experience of studying science and being an owner andoperator of a contracting business opened the doors to his current position as the director atAudubon Orthotic & Prosthetic Services, Colorado Springs, Colorad...
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Got FAQs?
Billing and Collections Q&A
By Lisa Lake-Salmon
Billing for O&P devices seems to get more complicated by the day. Count on "Got FAQs?" to help answer your toughest questions. This month's column addresses your questions about billing for replacement knee orthoses and new 2014 L-Codes for AFOs a...
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Industry Review - Conferences
The Academy Celebrates 40 Years
By Andrea Spridgen
About 1,650 attendees braved the cold weather in Chicago,Illinois, February 26-March 1, as the American Academyof Orthotists and Prosthetists (the Academy) celebrated its40th anniversary at its Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium.The meeting kic...
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Industry Review - Conferences
Hanger Education Fair: Courage, Commitment, Care
Harold Sears, PhD, (center) demonstrates the grip capability of a Motion Control prosthetic arm. Photograph courtesy of Hanger. Hanger, Austin, Texas, held its 2014 Annual Education Fair andNational Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 4-7.
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Industry Review - Conferences
OTWorld to Convene in Leipzig in May
Photograph from the 2012 International Trade Show and World Congress courtesy of Leipziger Messe Uwe Frauendorf. OTWorld, formerly the ORTHOPÄDIE + REHA-TECHNIK InternationalTrade Show and World Congress, will convene in Leipzig,Germany, from May...
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Viewpoint
The Goal of Lifelong Learning
By Andrea Spridgen
I've always been passionate about education. It was,in fact, my enjoyment of learning that spurred meto earn an advanced degree directly after finishingmy bachelor's degree. Since then I have been fortunatein my professional life to be presented w...
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Online Exclusive
New Features and Benefits of ORION
The ORION has been readapted to not only fit the needs of everyday life, but also to give the user opportunities to participate in more activities so they can get busy living.
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Online Exclusive
Just in Time for the International Congress: OTWorld Sneak Peek
The OTWorld 2014 International Congress will be held May 13–16, in Leipzig, Germany. This issue of EDGE Direct presents highlights of some of the sessions that will be presented there.
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Our new website features a new user-friendly and searchable online catalog, as well as a new product section to keep you informed of the latest additions and updates to our product line. Finding the Becker products you're looking for has never been easier. In addition, our new website offers technical and clinical support, continuing education programs, easy access to orthometry forms, and more. Visit our new
Becker Orthopedic website via the link below.
Becker Orthopedic
800.521.2192
www.beckerorthopedic.com
SPS is excited to offer the new Alpha®
SmartTemp™ Liner from WillowWood. The SmartTemp Liner brings temperature control to prosthetic liners for the first time with Outlast®, the original heat-management technology developed for NASA. Now amputees have a viable solution for a comfortable prosthetic liner that works to delay the onset of sweat, and the amount of moisture within a liner. Available in transtibial and transfemoral applications in progressive and symmetrical AK profiles, the Alpha SmartTemp Liner uses one-way stretch Select fabric that controls pistoning yet allows for easy donning.
SPS
800.767.7776
www.spsco.com
(Patent Pending U.S. 2014/0018926A1)
The revolutionary energy capturing and controlling elbow joint module for mountain biking, snowmobiling, kayaking, crew, and motocross, or riding ATVs and personal watercrafts. The ENER~JOINT is a reflexive, shock-absorbing elbow joint module that provides an infinite variety of lockable, angular elbow orientations and effectively isolates and absorbs forces using a proprietary, flexible, elastomer, shock-absorbing core. A bicycle-style hub with a quick-release locking lever mechanism locks the elbow at any angle. Once locked, the
ENER~JOINT flexes under external forces, absorbing shock then reflexing with returned energy to provide a muscle-like, biomechanical response. Several mounting options are available.
TRS Inc.
800.279.1865
www.trsprosthetics.com
The slim and robust 7E9 Monocentric Hydraulic Hip Joint is currently the only hip design approved for a body weight of up to 275 lb. The 7E9 is also the only hydraulic swing and stance hip approved for use with mechanical knees (3R60 and 3R106) as well as the C-Leg and Genium microprocessor legs. The flexibility of these component combinations ensures high functionality, safety, and improved mobility for those with hip disarticulation or hemipelvectomy amputations.
Ottobock
800.328.4058
www.professionals.ottobockus.com
The DuraShock has quickly become the industry standard for dynamic torque and shock absorption because of its high performance and durability. The DuraShock uses a titanium core in combination with a durable, yet pliable geometric urethane coupling to provide a high degree of active performance for golfing, hiking, gardening, or simple everyday use.
Fillauer LLC
800.251.6398
www.fillauer.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 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
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
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
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
Choose the best Evolution liner for your patient: Origin OTS
for a variety of regular sizes, Custom Origin for
uniquely shaped limbs, or the UNIFORM for comfort.
Evolution Industries Inc.
888.839.6213
www.evoii.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
Get the best of both worlds with the most advanced transtibial locking liner along with the only shuttle lock with a flexible pin and magnetic guidance. Deliver great outcomes to your low to moderately active patients with this winning combination.
Benefits include:
- Anatomy-specific geometry-thicker in bony areas and thinner where flexibility is needed.
- Silky-textured inner surface provides comfortable contact with the skin.
- Distal matrix helps reduce elongation.
- 20° flexion.
- Flexible pin and magnetic guidance for ease of entry into lock.
- Lightweight construction.
Ottobock
800.328.4058
www.professionals.ottobockus.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
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
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
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 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
The Accent® foot from College Park now
comes in larger sizes and higher weight
limits. The foot provides a service-free
option for individuals who desire a cosmetically
appealing foot with an easy-to-adjust
heel height.
Features include:
- New sizes: 27cm and 28cm.
- New weight limit: up to 250 lb.
- 2 in. (51mm), user-adjustable heel height.
- Dynamic pylon and integrated pyramid options.
- Ankle fairing for superior finishing.
- Sandal-toe foot shell, with narrow and wide width options.
- Three firmness choices.
College Park Industries
800.728.7950
www.college-park.com
New for 2013: The AMP CAM Attachment Kit. The game changer! Ask about our evaluation program!
The BTK AMP CAM Kit allows the highest tuning of tendon response within further progression of knee flexion.
Features and benefits include:
- Mimics natural muscle function.
- Adjustable tendon durometers.
- Adjustable extension stops.
- Adjustable dampening and rebound.
- 350 lb., K4+ activity.
- Use in any environment.
- Light and strong.
- Military approved.
Fabtech Systems
800.322.8324
www.fabtechsystems.com
Finally, a humeral fracture orthosis (HFO) that will fit—because you fabricate it! The innovative, lightweight, and breathable 3D-LITE™ thermoplastic is pre-cut to fabricate an HFO. The 3D-LITE can be softened in three to five minutes using a heat gun or oven, allowing it to be custom molded to your patient's anatomy or easily remolded to assure continued intimate fit as any edema subsides. The kit includes straps and hardware, which are ready for you to attach and position to achieve optimum stabilization. Fabricate your own custom HFO in less than 30 minutes!
Allard USA
888.678.6548
www.allardusa.com
The new Alpha® SmartTemp™ Liner combines silicone with the heat-management technology of Outlast®. This revolutionary liner responds to fluctuations in skin temperature; the liner absorbs and stores heat as it builds up in a residual limb, delaying the onset of sweat before it starts, and releases stored heat as the body cools. The Alpha SmartTemp Liner uses Select fabric that allows circumferential stretch for easy donning, yet the one-way stretch fabric controls pistoning without using a distal matrix. Alpha SmartTemp Liners can be retrofit with any Alpha Liner having the same profile.
PEL Supply Company
800.321.1264
www.pelsuppy.com
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
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 failsafe 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 new PROGLIDE® universal cervical collar by OPTEC USA
provides immobilization of the cervical region in a comfortable,
easy-to-use device that improves patient care. The unique height
technology, with 12 points of adjustment, allows for customized
fitting with a simple turn of the knob. With a one-size-fits-all
design, the PROGLIDE® reduces inventory stock and saves
money. The PROGLIDE® is a complete solution for individuals
with a cervical injury who require the
use of an extended-wear collar.
Features include:
- Pulley-system cervical collar.
- Easy-turn, drop-lock knob.
- Removable thoracic attachment.
- Moisture-resistant liner.
- MRI, CT, x-ray compatible
OPTEC
888.892.8181
www.optecusa.com
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
Palumbo has been manufacturing quality orthopedic knee braces for pediatric and adult patients, as well as elite athletes, for more than 30 years. Use only Palumbo for all of your custom shoes and leather AFOs. (All orders require in-house application approval.)
Palumbo Braces
954.925.5806
www.palumbobraces.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
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