Feature
Meeting the Prosthetic Needs of Patients With Greater Body Mass
By Maria St. Louis-Sanchez
As O&P practitioners encounter more patients who are overweight, they need to be creative in finding solutions and may have to look beyond their preconceived notions about the patients' abilities. While treating patients who are larger can pose unique challe...
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Feature
Symmetry for Symmetry’s Sake: A Beneficial Goal in Prosthetic Gait?
By Phil Stevens, MEd, CPO, FAAOP
Nearly 30 years ago, authors David Winter, PhD, PEng, and Susan Sienko, BSc, challenged some fundamental assumptions associated with prosthetic gait that continue to this day. "Throughout all the amputee-related literature," they assert, "continuo...
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Feature
Adherence Among Users of Orthopedic Footwear and Lower-limb Orthoses
By John T. Brinkmann, MA, CPO/L, FAAOP(D)
During my orthotic residency, a physical therapist and I were discussing orthotic options for a patient with post-stroke hemiparesis. The therapist had concerns about the KAFO I was recommending and advocated for an AFO. As I explained the rationa...
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Innovation
Max Conserva: Self-advocacy Fuels an Improved KAFO Design
By Laura Fonda Hochnadel
Photograph courtesyof Jeffrey P. Worthington. Max Conserva, 35, can often be found working out or teaching a class for adaptive athletes at San Francisco CrossFit, his muscles well-defined under the strain of a 300-pound squat or a 150-pound deadl...
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Shop Talk
The Q-check KAFO/AFO
By Micah Alford, MSPO
One difficult patient presentation many O&P practitioners haveencountered is severe genu recurvatum of 15-30 degrees witha lateral rotational thrust or corkscrew moment. A heavy-duty,stainless-steel sidebar KAFO is often the only device option for...
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Perspective
O&P Professionals Deserve Fair Reimbursement
By Rick Stapleton, CPO
Do you know what gets my blood boiling? When the reimbursementworld treats me as a vendor rather than as a trained medical professionalwho treats patients with difficult pathologies and helpsthem manage and restore their health and mobility and im...
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Sports
Rio 2016: Canoe Sprint and Triathlon Come to the 2016 Summer Paralympics
On September 7-18, worldwide attention will turn to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the 15th Summer Paralympic Games. Over the course of the event, para-athletes from across the globe will compete in 23 different sports. This year, canoe sprint and tr...
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Sports
DoD Warrior Games Held in West Point
The 2016 U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Warrior Games were held at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York, June 15-21.
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Advocacy
The Orthotic and Prosthetic Alliance: The Sum of its Parts
The Orthotic and Prosthetic Alliance (the Alliance) is a unifying forceestablished to elicit the cooperation and coordination of like-mindedorganizations in the O&P profession and among consumer groups. Itsefforts are spent raising awareness of pu...
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Got FAQs?
Billing and Collections Q&A
By Lisa Lake-Salmon
Billing for O&P devices and care is complicated. Count on Got FAQs?to help ensure you are using the most current information whenpreparing your claims. This month's column answers your questionsabout denials for knee orthoses and criteria for prov...
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Viewpoint
Progress by Challenging Assumptions
By Andrea Spridgen
In this issue of The O&P EDGE , dedicated to meeting thechallenges of lower-limb O&P interventions, several ofour articles have an underlying theme about examiningassumptions. Our first feature tackles a subject that can besensitive-patients with...
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Online Exclusive
Providing Comfort & Performance to Amputees
Since becoming a transtibial amputee in the early 1950s, Jeff Witt struggled to find comfort in his prosthesis. The stump socks he used would wrinkle and cause sores on his residual limb. The advent of silicone liners didn’t bring Jeff any comfort either.
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Online Exclusive
UAlberta Using Robotic Gait Training for Children With CP
Researchers at the University of Alberta (UAlberta), Edmonton, Canada, are studying the use of robotic gait training for children with cerebral palsy (CP). The randomized control trial is being led by Lesley Wiart, PhD, assistant professor of physical therapy at UAlberta’s Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine.
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Online Exclusive
Endolite Linx Limb System Wins the 2016 MacRobert Award
Established in 1969, the prestigious MacRobert Award is regarded as the leading prize recognizing innovation in U.K. engineering.
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Online Exclusive
Just in Time for the Annual Meeting: AOPA Sessions Sneak Peeks
To enhance your experience at the 2016 American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) National Assembly to be held September 8-11 in Boston, this Online Exclusive presents additional details about two session presentations. We hope the details enhance your experience at the Assembly or provide you with more insight into the proceedings.
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The Camber Axis Hinge® provides an adjustable range-of-motion ankle joint with anatomical axis alignment that can be used in thermoplastic orthoses. Equipped with seven different color-coded range-of-motion keys, the Camber Axis Hinge eliminates the need for posterior stop mechanisms. The Camber Axis Hinge is available in three sizes with a new, optional black non-corrosive finish.
For more information about the Camber Axis
Hinge and other Becker products, please contact
our customer service department or visit our
website.
U.S. Patent No. 5,542,774
Becker Orthopedic
800.521.2192
www.beckerorthopedic.com
The Superior Performance
(SP) Liner features new,
black fabric that allows for
additional comfort and
stability for active patients.
The liner is formulated with
both ALPS GripGel and High
Density (HD) Gel, which
contain properties that help
facilitate donning, as well
as reducing pistoning and bunching behind the knee. The SP Liner
provides superior comfort and diversity and is offered in 3mm and
6mm uniform thicknesses to accommodate most users.
ALPS
800.574.5426
www.easyliner.com
Vega Plus Patella Stabilizer
This knee brace provides optimal
support and protection for right and
left knees following muscle, joint, or
tendon injuries in the patella region.
It is constructed exclusively from
breathable, hypoallergenic fabrics
(neoprene-free), with soft, 100%
cotton inside, yet still provides passive
support during rehabilitation and
protection during sporting activities.
Learn more about this and other
great M-Brace products on our website.
M-Brace
866.374.4050
www.m-brace.com
Patients experience greater fit, function, and freedom with Orthomerica's new Fuzion™ line of custom orthoses. The Fuzion's design and materials ensure greater patient compliance for a variety of
challenging clinical indications. Available for select adult and pediatric patients.
Benefits include:
- Proprietary, heat-adjustable plastic makes patient management much easier (versus traditional orthoses)
- New treatment options for patients historically not candidates for orthotic intervention and management
- Fuzion's compression design holds the patient in a secure, comfortable position while assisting with spasticity management.
- Accommodates volume changes
Orthomerica
877.737.8444
www.orthomerica.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
Introducing the new RUSH Kid™ pediatric foot. Built kid-tough, the
RUSH Kid pediatric foot can handle even the most extreme low- or
high-clearance patient. Run, jump, and play-the ultralow profile
build delivers the most dynamic energy return and smooth roll through
of any pediatric foot on the market today. Mud, water, and
sand are no problem! The all-terrain RUSH Kid was built with active
kids in mind. Say goodbye to broken carbon feet! The next generation
of RUSH Rebels has just arrived. Now available in sizes 19-21cm. Visit
rushfoot.com below for more information.
Ability Dynamics
855.450.7300
www.rushfoot.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.apisfootwear.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 end of rigid brims
The new SwingBrim™ technology offers the same dynamic brim comfort as the full Socket-less Socket™, but can now be integrated into existing sockets as well. No more static brim shape. No more hard ischial seat. It's the difference between sitting on a hard chair versus sitting in a soft hammock.
View the free SwingBrim and Socket-less Socket training at MartinBionics.com.
Martin Bionics
844.624.6642
www.martinbionics.com
Partial Foot, An Illustrative Guide,
is a comprehensive 12-page guide for
the management and fabrication of
a partial foot prosthesis. Reduce
friction, reduce shearing, reduce
pressure, restore propulsion, restore
limb length, and preserve the residual
limb. The guide has professional
illustrations and step-by-step
instructions. We support our customers
to provide better lives for patients.
Call or e-mail to
request your free copy.
Allard USA
888.678.6548
www.allardusa.com
The new medi footsupport Junior is a unique, customizable orthotic insole that answers many of your clinical pediatric needs in an easy-to-use prefabricated solution.
Features and benefits include:
- Deep shell heel cup for excellent support and control
- Thermoplastic material is easily heat formable
- Multilayered core for optimal guidance and support of the foot
- Slip-resistant bottom cover for a firm fit in the shoe
- Size range from toddler size 3.5 to teen size 12.5
medi USA
800.633.6334
www.mediusa.com
Now you can scan and order
for under $400! Download
our free iPad app, and use a
commercially available 3D
sensor for a cost-effective
scanning and ordering
solution, saving you hours of
labor and days of time when
compared to casting.
The Össur Custom Solutions team can quickly design and fabricate
your lower-limb socket, custom liner, or prosthetic solution exactly how
you want it each and every time. And you won't pay extra for smooth
brim edges, alignment transfers, or even foam carvings. Learn more at
www.ossur.com/c-sol.
Össur
800.233.6263
www.ossur.com
Our state-of-the-art prosthetic central fabrication department offers a wide range of prosthetic fabrication options. Our lead technician is experienced in the fabrication of double-wall sockets, which increase the lever arm and linkage for better prosthesis control for people with transfemoral amputations. For more information and pricing, call or visit our website.
Friddle's Orthopedic Appliances
800.528.9339
www.friddles.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
The Mini BladeXT for children is designed to offer a complete solution that can be worn for every activity. The Mini
BladeXT offers outstanding stability, ground compliance, improved comfort, and optimal energy return.
Benefits include:
- Twin split toe and heel spring with traction sole
- C-shaped toe spring for optimal energy response
- Suitable for children 44-132 lb. and activity level 3-4
- Dazzling Pink or Electric Blue color choice
- Waterproof
Endolite
800.548.3534
www.endolite.com
With four different methods
of control, the Touch Bionics
i-limb™ quantum allows the
user ultimate freedom when
it comes to the use of their
i-limb prosthetic device.
Call us today to learn more.
Touch Bionics
855.MYiLimb
www.touchbionics.com
Extraordinary adventures begin with the new ultralow-profile RUSH™ ROVER! With a clearance just over two inches, even patients with the most extreme low or high clearance will benefit from the dynamic toe-off and superior energy return of the ROVER.
Capable. Strong. Comfortable. From rocky trailheads to the sidewalks of a concrete jungle, patients can navigate even the most demanding terrain with ease. RUSH ROVER-the world is yours; go live it! Now available in sizes 22-30cm. Visit www.rushfoot.com for more information.
Ability Dynamics
855.450.7300
www.rushfoot.com
Back LSO High Panel
This brace acts as an immobilizing
device for the lumbar-sacral region
to reduce pain caused by lumbago,
sciatica, and ischialgia.
Through a new locking
technology, the closing system is
user-friendly and allows a wide range
of tension settings. This patented
immobilizing device is practical and
easy to wear. It's perfectly adaptable
to any size and body type to ensure
maximum support and comfort at the desired tension.
Learn more about this and other great M-Brace products on our
website.
M-Brace
866.374.4050
www.m-brace.com