Keeping Pace With O&P Fabrication Trends

As the landscape of O&P practice continues to evolve, the best use of outsourced fabrication and new fabrication methods becomes essential in helping practices keep pace with the demand for services. This issue looks at how a central fabrication business model may be advantageous to clinic and patient alike, ways in which 3D printing has grown in mainstream clinical use, and how technicians can successfully integrate high consistency rubber (HCR) silicone into solid laminated sockets to bring the advantages of both materials to bear for patients' benefit. As O&P professionals try to balance patient care, documentation, performing outcome measures, and device fabrication, many are finding there are not enough hours in a day to do it all. " The Perfect Wave? Central Fabrication Rides the Tide as O&P Evolves " explores how O&P practices are turning to central fabrication to provide quality devices for their patients and allow practitioners more time to focus on clinical care. Additionally, according to the business owners and practitioners we spoke with, this business model reflects changes in the complexion of the O&P workforce, with new practitioners graduating from school with more knowledge of research and outcomes measurement and less skill and know-how in fabrication. While 3D printing is not new, for many years after its introduction into O&P, it suffered from a reputation as being unreliable and not capable of producing devices strong enough to withstand regular use. However, as several experts express in " 3D Printing Gains Momentum in Clinical O&P ," it's now finding a solid foothold in mainstream clinical use. New materials and methods are helping 3D printing evolve from an efficient way to produce prototypes, check sockets, and cosmetic coverings to playing a viable role in producing definitive sockets and components. Some believe that because a 3D-printed device is made from a scan of the patient's residual limb rather than by hand casting, it may contribute to producing devices with a more intimate, comfortable fit. In the Academy Spotlight, " Of Rubber and Resin: Create a Socket With a Seamless Connection Between HCR Silicone Rubber and Hard Resin Laminate ," Stefan Knauss, MAMS, CPO, provides instruction on how creative fabrication of dissimilar materials can produce devices that improve patient comfort. Throughout the topics explored in this issue, a common theme emerges from the experts: To operate efficiently and remain competitive, practices must embrace creative fabrication solutions. Happy reading.

Keeping Pace With O&P Fabrication Trends

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Keeping Pace With O&P Fabrication Trends

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