The Upper Limb Issue - March 2021
Feature
Survey Says? Findings From the Field’s Largest Study of People With Upper-limb Amputations
By Phil Stevens, MEd, CPO, FAAOP
Under the direction of Linda Resnik, PT, PhD, FAPTA, an effort was recently undertaken to better understand the quality and outcomes of care received by veterans with upper-limb loss. The resulting survey data from over 800 individuals was the lar...
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Human-device Integration: Introducing the Biotensegrity Bridge
By Randall Alley, CP
Most of us in O&P recognize the interface as being the core of an upper- or lower-limb prosthetic system, and we are familiar with what we're told is its basic role of accepting and transferring the stresses of weight bearing, suspension, and moti...
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Washington Welcomes New Faces and New Opportunities for O&P Priorities
By Peter W. Thomas, JD; Leela Baggett, JD; and Taryn Couture, MPA
The new year has ushered in a wave of change in Washington DC, including a new Congress, a change in Senate control, and a new administration. The changes on Capitol Hill come with new policy priorities and new challenges. However, it gives the O&...
More...Stepping Out
The Effectiveness of Foot Orthotics, Part III
By Séamus Kennedy, BEng (Mech), CPed
On a daily basis, orthotists, pedorthists, and prosthetists deliver an array of devices and care that markedly improve their patients' quality of life, and many in the profession take deserved satisfaction in witnessing these successful outcomes....
More...Today's Consumer
The Taska Hand Helps With the Tasks at Hand
By Betta Ferrendelli
When Philip Byrd went to work at his carpentry job one morning in late May 2017, he knew he'd spend a good part of his day cutting boards with a miter saw, just as he had done for nearly the last dozen years. Byrd had used a miter saw so many time...
More...On Topic
Clinical Notes: Everyone’s Favorite Topic
By Erin Cammarata
The importance of good clinical notes has been a topic of discussion for O&P practitioners for several years. Clinical notes are key to effective communication, painting the story for patient care, as well as ensuring your claims withstand an audi...
More...Perspective
Why Don’t We Get More Referrals?
By Darya Shahrokhi, CPO, FAAOP
At least once a month I have a patient with a sad story. But last month was one of the worst cases I have seen. I treated a 47-year-old woman who was in a car accident four years ago that led to brain damage and paralysis of her left side.
More...Editor's Message
Editor's Note - March 2021
By Andrea Spridgen
Upper-limb amputations are far less frequent than lower-limb amputations with an estimated incidence ratio of one to four, and upper-limb prosthesis rejection is common. Increased study and inquiry into prosthetic interventions and the experience...
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