Feature
Improving Fit + Function for the Hip Disarticulation Patient
By Maria St. Louis-Sanchez
Mike Corcoran, CPO, cofounder of Medical Center Orthotics andProsthetics, headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, says he stillremembers feeling overwhelmed when he treated his first patientwho had a hip disarticulation. "When the patient walks...
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Feature
Bracing the Intrepid
By Phil Stevens, MEd, CPO, FAAOP
The U.S. Army had a problem:The majority of itssoldiers' combat woundssustained while serving inOperation Enduring Freedomin Afghanistan andOperation Iraqi Freedomwere extremity wounds.Explosive injuries with openfractures, collectively referredto...
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Feature
Academy Society Spotlight: Choosing a Gel Liner
By Amy Watts, CPO
Urethane, silicone, and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) arematerials that can be used to fabricate prosthetic liners. A linercan be uniform in thickness or taper from its distal to proximalends. A common question among less experienced practitioners...
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Feature
Helmet Study Highlighted in The New York Times Is Flawed
By Ellie Boomer, CPO, LPO
Cranial remolding expert Ellie Boomer, CPO, shares her commentary on the helmet therapy article highlighted in the May 1 issue of The New York Times. As a professional who specializes intreating children with cranial deformationby using a crania...
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Industry Leader
Dennis Janisse, CPed
By Séamus Kennedy, BEng (Mech), CPed
Dennis Janisse, CPed, is one of the most recognizednames in the U.S. pedorthics profession.He has been involved in the professionfor four decades and has been working on itsprofessional committees and councils sincethe 1990s. Despite his perennial...
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Better Business
Getting the Most from Your Practice by Looking Within: Part 4 of a Four-Part Series
By Christine M. Duprey
Part Four: How Are Your Contracts Impacting Your Bottom Line? The O&P EDGE concludes its four-part series of articles that focus on keyelements of your business and provide some tips for performing analysesand improving your processes. Negotiating...
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Shop Talk
Developing Transfemoral Cycling Prostheses for a Cross-Country Journey
By Zach Harvey, CPO
In this edition of Shop Talk, The O&P EDGE shares a prosthetist's creative solution for adapting lower-limb prostheses and a bicycle for his patient's cross-country journey. Jones and Harvey finish the two-day ascent over Hardscrabble Pass, Colora...
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Extraordinary O&P
From Recovery to Extraordinary O&Ps: A Journey among Friends
By Judy Johnson Berna
Landeros and Carron receive recognition for their Paralympic achievement at a Colorado Avalanche hockey game. Photographs courtesy of Nikko Landeros. Landeros and Carron, bottom center and right, with their teammates.
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Perspective
Improving Prosthetic Arms through Better Testing
By Wolf Schweitzer, MD
For those of us who live with upper-limb loss, we wear prosthetic arms for specific reasons, if at all. Improving these devices requires adequate problem identification and, thus, testing. To do this effectively, we must define what, exactly, shou...
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Sports
UCO Endeavor Games: Celebrating 15 Years of Sport
Photographs by Mike Wallo, courtesy of UCO Endeavor Games. Now in its 15th year, the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO),Edmond, Endeavor Games drew 340 athletes to compete in 11sports from June 5-8. The games are a nationally recognizedmulti-spo...
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Education Outlook
Program Profile Series: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
The O&P EDGE continues its series of National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE)-accreditedmaster's level O&P educational programs. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Master of Prosthetics-Orthotics (MPO)...
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Face to Face
Todd McCoy, CO
While he was still in high school, Todd McCoy, CO, thought that his interest in healthcare was leading himto a career in physical therapy. But after a stint shadowing his uncle, Barry McCoy, CPO, at HasbroChildren's Hospital, Providence, Rhode Isl...
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Industry Review - Conferences
PrimeFare Returns to Nashville, Plans to Expand Presence in 2015
More than 160 practitioners from 24 states attended the16th Annual PrimeFare East Regional Scientific Symposium at the Nashville ConventionCenter, Tennessee, on June 13-14. Sixty-four total hours of continuing education units were offered, organiz...
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Viewpoint
Beyond the Headlines
By Andrea Spridgen
Individuals with lower-limb amputations often make headlines, from Paralympic runners with high-tech carbon fiber feet, to Amy Purdy's recent appearance on the television show Dancing with the Stars , to stories of wounded warriors returning to du...
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Online Exclusive
Evolution Industries Inc. earns the new Central Fabrication Facility Accreditation from the American Board for Certification.
Evolution Industries Inc., Orlando, Florida, has received the new Central Fabrication Facility Accreditation from the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC), an independent, not-for-profit organization that...
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Online Exclusive
POA Shares Hip Disarticulation Patient Videos
In this EDGE Direct exclusive, Prosthetic & Orthotic Associates of Central Florida (POA), Orlando, shares videos of patients who use hip disarticulation prostheses. Amanda describes the lightweight, more comfortable prosthesis she uses, and Brett...
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Online Exclusive
Just in Time for the AOPA 2014 National Assembly: A Session Sneak Peek
The American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) 2014 National Assembly, will be held September 4–7, in Las Vegas, Nevada. This issue of EDGE Direct presents highlights of some of the sessions that will be presented there.
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Online Exclusive
Össur Highlights Unity Sleeveless Vacuum System at AOPA 2014
AOPA 2014 attendees will have the opportunity to view the latest additions to the Össur® Unity® Sleeveless Vacuum System, which is now available for anyone with a lower-limb amputation, whether transfemoral/above-knee (AK) or transtibial/below-kne...
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Anatomical Concepts' prefabricated KAFO designs enable the use of the PENTAGON® or KMO™ knee orthosis in combination with our PRAFO® Orthosis and/or articulated single posterior upright AFO designs. These modular KAFO combinations provide effective and affordable single posterior jointed designs and superior sagittal plane support without the bulkiness of traditional double upright designs when managing your neurological rehabilitation or orthopedic patients.
The individual ankle-foot and knee sections can be disconnected quickly and without tools to be used separately, if necessary. The versatility and simplicity of our posterior upright knee orthoses have made basic knee joint management easier.
Anatomical Concepts Inc.
800.837.3888
www.anatomicalconceptsinc.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
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 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
Customize Tensitube® Blue shrinkers with your company logo and promote your facility to doctors and rehab professionals. An elastic postop shrinker, Tensitube® Blue applies controlled compression to help provide pain relief and reduce hypertrophic scarring and edema. A complete product line is available in sizes ranging from 2-6 in. widths, and in 18, 24, and 30 in. lengths. For a free sample with your company logo, visit www.tensitubeblue.com
Paceline
800.443.1827
www.paceline.com
Available on all Custom Origin Liners
for greater freedom of movement.
Evolution Industries Inc.
888.839.6213
www.evoii.com
From the occasional jogger to the avid marathon runner, the bladeXT assists users in meeting their fitness routine requirements. This cross-trainer-style foot allows users to quickly transition from cardio to weight training without sacrificing safety, stability, or performance.
With an overmolded sole cover for improved traction and durability on all terrain, along with a heel wedge that can be added to stiffen heel action, this foot allows for the versatility that cross-training requires.
Endolite
800.548.3534
www.endolite.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
Very similar to the Air-Lock in that it stays airtight, the Easy-Off Lock helps to create suction in the socket by allowing elevated vacuum. The one-of-a-kind lever design makes doffing the socket easy, especially for amputees with hand-strength issues or arthritis, or those who have trouble reaching the release button.
Features and benefits include:
- Dual suspension, suction pin lock system.
- Can be used with elevated vacuum mechanisms.
- Easy donning and removal with lever release.
- Great for amputees with hand-strength issues.
- Single-stage lamination.
- Offset alignment capability.
- Water-resistant.
- Eliminates the possibility of lock jams.
Coyote Design
800.819.5980
www.coyotedesign.com
Comfort SoftWick™ prosthetic socks offer enhanced performance while keeping comfort a top priority. The CoolMax® fibers wick moisture away from the skin to keep the wearer dry and comfortable.
Features and benefits include:
- Specially designed, comfortable soft socks that are made to fit.
- Exceptional stretch.
- CoolMax fabric wicks away moisture to keep the wearer cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
- Designed to resist odor, shrinking, and mildew.
- Easy to care for-just machine wash and dry.
PEL
800.321.1264
www.pelsupply.com
Combining quality with economical pricing, the protect.4 evo offers the comfort, stability, and support required for ligamentous injuries. Featuring a durable, yet lightweight, malleable frame, the product utilizes the four-point design principle for optimal stabilization, as well as effective reduction of medial rotation.
Features and benefits include:
- Polycentric hinges for anatomical tracking.
- Numbered straps to ensure simple and correct application.
- Strong, yet light, aluminum frame for easy customization of fit.
- Low profile.
- Flexion, extension, and immobilization settings follow all popular protocols.
medi USA
800.633.6334
www.mediusa.com
Introducing our universal string-pulley back support.
With a 5:1 mechanical advantage, the one-pull design allows patients to easily adjust compression tension with one hand. The corset is designed to easily adapt to hip angulation and changes due to swelling. The fold-in design of the Pinnacle corset allows for size adjustability without cutting. Advancements in materials, breathability, compression, and comfort can help improve patient compliance and clinical outcomes. Compress, control, support, and stabilize with Pinnacle.
Bledsoe Brace Systems
888.253.3763
www.bledsoebrace.com
Grace Prosthetic Fabrication is family owned and operated and celebrating our 25th year in business. Our technicians have 150 years of experience. We are excited to offer our specialized GRACE Plates, Lanyard Kits, and gauntlets at great prices, and new, lower pricing on hydrographic cosmetic finishes and custom airbrushing. Expedited services are always available.
Like us on Facebook to see our monthly specials! Print order forms from our website. Quality, service, and experience set us apart from the others. We can do what others can't or won't! Contact us today for a quote.
Grace Prosthetic Fabrication
800.940.5347
www.gpfinc.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
TAD products are designed for people with upper-limb amputation, partial hand amputation, or hand dysfunction. The TAD system temporarily replaces the hook or prosthetic hand on body-powered or electronic UE prostheses. The system can also work with a WHO brace to which a quick disconnect coupler is attached in the palm area of the brace. TAD's quick insert-release terminal device can hold a wide selection of interchangeable tools and implements including dining or cooking utensils; personal grooming devices; and tools for gardening, carpentry, mechanic work, sports, and hobbies.
Texas Assistive Devices
800.532.6840
www.n-abler.org
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
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
While the ORION already offers users the stability and confidence to perform daily routines, we have added new features to benefit users even more. From fixed angle flexion lock to an enhanced yield rate, 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. Our new ORION software allows the knee to be programmed and customized via computer to each individual's walking patterns.
Endolite
800.548.3534
www.endolite.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 Raize remote app is now available from the App Store and at Google Play for people who wear the Raize foot. The app features resistance adjustments, lock and unlock modes, and step counts.
Fillauer LLC
800.251.6398
www.fillauer.com
Come see us at AOPA in Las Vegas, booth #616
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
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 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
Specializing in lower-extremity socketry.
All of our sockets are made with a special weave and weight of carbon fiber and fiberglass, which results in a lighter, stronger socket that patients can count on day after day.
Evolution Industries, Inc.
888.839.6213
www.evoii.com
Extreme protection for extremely active people with amputations. When used with compatible feet and components, Aqualeg covers allow amputees to wear just one prosthesis for every activity, regardless of the activity. An amputee can finally enjoy extreme activities without damaging his or her prosthesis. Aqualeg covers are exceptionally durable and resistant to punctures, cuts, and tears, and are heat resistant. They even come with a full one-year warranty-if a customer damages the cover during the first year, we will replace it. Contact us today for more information.
Aqualeg
855.955.2782
www.aqualeg.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
Breathable and lightweight, yet rigid and custom moldable! Boost patient compliance with a comfortable back support that delivers the stability your patient needs. The 3D-LITE™ LSO XTRA is designed to accommodate the healing process by applying adjustable compression and incorporating removable polyethylene anterior inserts and a 3D-LITE™ custom-moldable back panel that may be reheated and remolded.
Patient can easily slip hands into the hand loops sewn onto both anterior panels for simplified donning and doffing. Five sizes fit from 23½" to 55" waists. PDAC letter available for L-0631. Contact us to learn more!
Allard USA
888.678.6548
www.allardusa.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
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
Help your new transtibial amputees understand sock management from day one. Limbsock™ is a soft, one-size-fits-all, multi-ply sock that aids in volume management while using the Limbguard™ transtibial limb protector. Limbguard transtibial protection: in stock, no fuss, less cost. Available from Friddle's Orthopedic Appliances, SPS, Cascade, and PEL Supply.
Limbguard
800.528.9339
www.limbguard.info
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