Feature
A Symbiosis: Pedorthists & Podiatrists Working Together
By Maria St. Louis-Sanchez
With low insurance reimbursements andcompetition for patients, the relationshipbetween pedorthists and podiatrists canbe, well, strained at times."Everyone is chasing the same buck, especially withreimbursements the way they are," says Dean Mason,...
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Feature
The Cost of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
By Phil Stevens, MEd, CPO, FAAOP
The annual cost of diabetes is tremendously expensive; according to the American Diabetes Association, it was $245 billion in 2012. 1 While nearly $70 billion of this figure was associated with reduced workforce productivity, the remaining $176 bi...
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Feature
If “Spring Is King,” Why Does a Prosthetic Foot That Absorbs More and Returns Less Energy Allow Users to Walk Faster?
By Alan R. De Asha, PhD, and John G. Buckley, PhD
The introduction of energystoring and returning (ESR)prosthetic feet represented amajor advance in prostheticrehabilitation. ESR feettypically incorporate heel and forefootkeels that deform and bend duringloading and then recoil duringunloading. T...
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Perspective
The Relevance of Including O&P Professionals in Research
By Thomas J. Cutler, CPO, FAAOP, CPHM
I have a confession: I am not a physical therapist.I also have an observation for physical therapists,physicians, biomechanists, and other medical staff:You are not orthotists. Nor are you prosthetists. Earlier this year, The O&P EDGE published ar...
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Sports
Warrior Games 2015: Overcoming Extraordinary Challenges
U.S. Marine Corps veteran Marcus Chischilly participates in the 200m race. Photograph by Cpl.
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Stepping Out
Why Are SCFOs Overlooked in the Pedorthic and Orthotic Communities?
By Dennis Janisse, CPed
We've all had them. In fact, my staff and I encounter them weekly, if not daily.You know-that patient who needs more support and control than a footorthosis alone can provide but for whom an AFO is overkill. What about aUniversity of California Bi...
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Today's Consumer
Mike “Gunner” Woodring: Cowboy Up
By Laura Fonda Hochnadel
When Mike Woodring was a toddler, a family friend commented onhis gait: "He walks like a gunfighter." "I was kind of bowlegged, I guess," Woodring says, "so from thatmoment on he started calling me 'Gunner,'" and Woodring has carried thenickname s...
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Shop Talk
What Is Quality?
By Tony Wickman, CTPO
I was having a conversation with a friend the other day about the quality of a particulartechnician's work, and even though we roughly agreed on the "goodness" of the work,we couldn't really agree on the "quality" of his work. Yes, the work was pa...
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Advocacy
ABC Expands Advocacy Efforts Through Participation in the O&P Alliance
By Debbie Ayres, Director, Public Relations and Marketing
This article continues our series of articles about the Orthoticand Prosthetic Alliance (O&P Alliance) to highlight unitedadvocacy efforts in the profession. This issue featuresreflections about the role of the American Board for Certificationin O...
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Face to Face
Robbin Wright-Johnson, BOCP, CDME
Robbin Wright-Johnson, BOCP, CDME, findsinspiration in providing prosthetic care for herelderly patients. She says that because many of themlive in rural areas with gravel roads and uneven pavement,she makes visits to their homes to align their pr...
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Got FAQs?
Billing and Collections Q&A
By Lisa Lake-Salmon
Billing for O&P devices seems to get morecomplicated by the day. Count on Got FAQs?to help answer your toughest questions. Thismonth's column addresses your questions about thedifference between custom-fitted and off-the-shelforthoses and how to c...
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Industry Review - Conferences
ISPO 2015: The AIM of P&O Care
By Laura Fonda Hochnadel
With the flashing of frilly petticoatsand the high kicks of cancan dancers,attendees of the International Societyfor Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO)World Congress, held June 22-25,received a true French welcomein Lyon. Thedramatic flairof the dan...
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Industry Review - Conferences
PrimeFare East Sees Boost in First-Time Attendees
This year's PrimeFare East Regional Scientific Symposium, held June 19-20 atthe Renaissance Hotel and ConventionCenter, Nashville, Tennessee, welcomednew faces to the meeting. According toorganizers, about 60 percent of this year'sattendees were p...
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Viewpoint
My Aching Feet and Ankles!
By Andrea Spridgen
Most people probably don't spend much time thinkingabout their feet or ankles on a daily basis. But when aninjury, ailment, or disability causes pain or disrupts theirnormal functionality, feet and ankles become a primaryconcern. We devote this is...
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Online Exclusive
Why Our Personalized Approach Yields Unsurpassed Outcomes
Customer service representatives at PEL always strive to deliver the very best service in the O&P industry by anticipating each independent practitioner's needs.
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Online Exclusive
Innovation Could Improve 3D-Printed Prostheses
Two doctoral students at Texas A&M University have patented a coating that can make 3D-printed prosthetic devices more durable, and won an entrepreneurship award for the advance in July.
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BCP Group is pleased to announce the newest partners in our
expanding national network of high-quality O&P practices: Jason
Musgrave and Christian Bailey, CPO, Creative Technology OPS,
Denver; Eddie White, CP, Beacon P&O, Raleigh, North Carolina; and
Bobby Latham, CP, Bulow OPS, Columbia, South Carolina.
BCP Group is a Nashville-based O&P management company
dedicated to enhancing the viability of the independent, clinician-driven
O&P practice model. Visit our website for a complete list of
member clinics and to learn more about partnership opportunities.
BCP Group
615.550.8774
www.bcpgroup.net
Branier Orthopedic Custom Molded
Shoes, Inserts & Braces, through a
collaboration with Click Medical,
is now offering the patented Boa®
closure system with its custommolded
shoe lines. With the capacity
to easily generate tension across
the vamp of a shoe, comparable to
or in excess of that achieved with
standard laces, Boa's mechanical reel system works to draw its steel
cable through a series of easy glide nylon guides. By integrating a Click
Medical kit containing Boa® components, Branier can manufacture
custom-molded shoes capable of achieving an unprecedented fit for
patients with limited manual dexterity.
Branier Orthopedic
877.524.0639
www.branier.org
In 2001, Boa launched our premium closure system on snowboard boot brands K2 and Vans. Since then, our portfolio of brands and products has grown to include sporting goods, pro-cycling shoes, golf shoes, utility boots, medical bracing and more. Over 200 brands around the globe partner with Boa for the fit, comfort, and ease of use our technology provides.
Brands such as Exos Medical, Ossur, Futuro, Ace, DeRoyal, Dr. Comfort, and Revolimb have incorporated Boa into medical bracing, diabetic shoes, and prosthetic products. The proven fit, convenience and single-handed micro adjustment of Boa Technology consistently deliver outstanding benefits to both patients and providers.
Boa Technology Inc.
303.455.5126
www.boatechnology.com
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
Our accommodative foot orthotics are specially designed for patients with foot deformities. We offer a variety of materials for foot conditions such as neuropathy, Charcot foot, edema, or amputation; or conditions resulting from health issues like obesity, diabetes, sports injuries, or heart conditions. Custom-made foot orthotics provide support and relief wherever necessary. Apis provides you with a free 3D camera to eliminate impressions or casting-now it's just a push of a button. Fulfill all of your pedorthic needs under one roof. Call our friendly customer service representatives for more information or free samples.
Apis Footwear Co.
888.937.2747
www.bignwideshoes.com
A new feature is now 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
This unique AFO has been designed for people with Chopart amputations who wish to remain active. A traditional, full-length AFO will often be stiff and feel unnatural to such a patient. Using a hinged ankle and flexible foot plate with a segmented dynamic filler allows flexion before providing a "stop" that protects the residuum and prevents shoe vamp collapse. The PTB design and the anterior shell redistribute ground reaction forces up the lower limb. For more information, visit our website or call the lab toll-free.
Hersco Ortho Labs
800.301.8275
www.hersco.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 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
#43 Vega Aligner
This brace is designed to stabilize the
motion of the knee joint, keeping it aligned
during flexion and extension movements.
Constructed entirely from breathable
materials, the next-to-skin layer is made
from antibacterial and antiallergy fabric.
Its complex structure, equipped with patella
stabilizer, offers comfortable containment
of the patellar compartment, which is useful
in cases of associated conditions (medial
or lateral ligament, anterior or posterior
cruciate ligament, and patellar instability).
Learn more and check out our other products and product lines
on our website.
M-Brace
866.374.4050
www.m-brace.com
Log in today to:
- Check your CEUs
- Search for credit opportunities
- Pay your annual fee
- Update your information
- See your personalized alerts
- And so much more!
American Board for Certification/ABC
703.836.7114
www.abcop.org
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 can be reheated and remolded.
The patient can easily slip his or her 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
In Pursuit of the World's Safest Knee.
Allux is the world's first polycentric microprocessor stance-and-swing-phase controlled knee. Nabtesco, a leader in microprocessor knee technology, has once again driven innovation forward with a new design. The unique concept boasts a dual safety system based on inherent polycentric stability factors and microprocessor control. The polycentric design's greater toe clearance means less risk of stumbling; however, in case of a stumble, the microprocessor immediately increases the hydraulic resistance to prevent the knee from sudden buckling.
The Allux knee heightens safety and security while providing exceptional functionality to the user.
Nabtesco Proteor-USA
855.517.4414
www.nabtesco-proteor-usa.com
Hersco's Lower Extremity Ankle Protection (LEAP) brace is designed to aid stability and proprioception for patients at risk for trips and falls. The LEAP is a short, semi-rigid AFO that is functionally balanced to support the foot and ankle complex. It is fully lined with a lightweight and cushioning Velcloth interface. Easily secured and removed with two Velcro® straps and a padded tongue. For more information, visit our website or call the lab toll-free.
Hersco Ortho Labs
800.301.8275
www.hersco.com
The medi Tele-ROM™ is a postoperative range-of-motion knee brace that provides the ultimate in adjustability, comfort, and ease of use.
Features and benefits include:
- Telescoping struts with easy, push-button adjustment
- Length adjustability for a customized fit
- Simple rotate and release flexion and extension limitation
- Drop-lock button quickly locks at 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°
- Quick-release buckles for easy application
- Choice of cool and full foam versions in standard length
- PDAC-approved for L-1832 or L-1833
medi USA
800.633.6334
www.mediusa.com
The élan biomimetic foot and ankle system with microprocessor-controlled plantarflexion and dorsiflexion resistance is now more user-friendly. New Micro-D port makes for easier charging and Bluetooth connection.
Features and benefits include:
- Microprocessor-controlled terrain response
- Sensors initiate change instantly
- Batteries contained within the ankle
- Variable response to changes in speed, inclines, and declines
- Bluetooth-enabled programming; new Micro-D dongle is easier to attach and features visual connection indicators
- User-friendly charger port for users with dexterity or visual challenges
Endolite
800.548.3534
www.endolite.com
The Guardian Suction Liner from
ALPS features raised GripGel bands
that grip the socket wall to form a
secure interface between the socket and
liner to prevent slippage or premature
release. These low-modulus GripGel
bands stretch against the socket wall,
while the inner wall conforms easily to
the residual limb to ensure there is no
restriction of blood flow or stiffening to
inhibit donning. No seams and a single-piece
construction improve durability. Available in both transfemoral
and transtibial models, the Guardian Suction Liner can be fully
inverted for ease of donning.
ALPS
800.574.5426
www.easyliner.com
OPTEC USA is constantly
innovating new products to benefit
your patients. In our 2015-2016
product catalog, you can get details
about our new products like the
custom KAFO and our cutting-edge,
one-size-fits-all back braces-
the Stealth One and Venum1.
OPTEC'S 2015-2016 product
catalog is more comprehensive
with clear descriptions and plenty
of pictures of our top-of-the-line braces and their components. The
clearly labeled photographs of the product components make it easier
to identify which OPTEC orthosis will best suit your patient's needs.
Download your copy today, or call to request one!
OPTEC
888.892.8181
www.optecusa.com
Introducing the Dual Purpose
Expansion Arbors from Fillauer. These
arbors combine the patent-pending
technology of our expansion arbors
with the power of our polishing arbors,
allowing you to polish and sand without
changing tools. Contact Fillauer or your
preferred O&P distributor to place your
order today!
Fillauer
800.251.6398
www.fillauer.com
Specifically designed for people with Chopart amputations, as well as Lisfranc, Pirogoff, Boyd, or partial foot amputations, the RUSH76™ has a dynamic design that gives users the ability to be active and do more of what they want to do without limitations. The unique glass composite outperforms carbon fiber and is engineered to be more flexible and durable than any other Chopart device available today.
Contact us to learn more about the RUSH76, RUSH81™, or RUSH87™. The RUSH™ feet are proudly handcrafted in the United States.
Ability Dynamics
855.450.7300
www.rushfoot.com
Features and benefits include:
- Easily clicks on and off with the quick-release feature
- Adjustable width grows with your child
- Interchangeable shoe plates for 10 degrees of dorsiflexion
- Curved bar makes carrying more comfortable
- Available through Markell Shoe Company
D-Bar Enterprises
314.968.8555
www.dobbsbrace.com
The Infinite Socket™ is the first modular and adjustable socket that
empowers clinicians and users. Built-in tensioning systems, custom
modular components, and advanced materials allow adjustability at
the socket as the residual limb changes.
LIM Innovations
844.888.8546
www.liminnovations.com
Care about your patients and your practice's bottom line.
Features and benefits include:
- Stock only four Limbguards for a full inventory
- Lower cost
- Add your logo and retain your patients
Patent # 8679193.
Limbguard. Limbsock. Limbsleeve.
Limbguard
www.limbguard.info
Our most popular low-activity foot, K2 Sensation®
is a comfortable walking prosthesis that provides
smooth progression from heel strike to toe-off.
Now with D/P Flexion™, K2 Sensation offers up to 9°
of dorsiflexion and plantarflexion to help reduce
the risk of trips and falls, while improving stability
on ramps or when transitioning from
sitting to standing. K2 Sensation
with D/P Flexion is Unity-compatible
and can be retrofitted to
existing K2 Sensation feet.
Visit www.ossur.com/low-activity or contact your Össur® rep today
to learn more.
Össur
800.233.6263
www.ossur.com
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