The O&P professional is uniquely qualified to provide the necessary care for the epidemic of diabetic foot complications. This hands-on workshop will define products and techniques to provide services that are both effective and cost-efficient.

OMEGA Tracer, O&P's leading CAD system, is constantly adding new features to its vast assortment of functions and tools for dealing with a wide array of clinical issues. Furthermore, users often find interesting ways of applying these tools to solve clinical problems in unique ways. With this in mind, we invite current OMEGA Tracer users to attend our inaugural User's Group Workshop. This session will provide an opportunity for OMEGA Tracer users to learn about recently-added features and to share the tips and tricks that they have developed through their own use.

Discuss new ways to maximize your dollar while delivering quality patient care. BioSculptor has developed solutions for the small independent clinic, the midsize facility and the multi-office practice. Topics covered include non-contact, twin head laser digitizing (Scorpion), virtual casting contact digitizing, automated laser digitizing, the Biosculptor mill, CAM labs (central fabrication), custom socket by measurements, custom TLSO by measurements, AFO's, cranial helmets, burn masks, CT and MRI data acquisition, CAM foam, and modification software and associated clinical techniques which make for quick implementation.

Boston Brace International (BBI) is pleased to present a new approach to the non-operative treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis - The TriaC. This system has been used throughout Europe for over 5 years, and now is being introduced to the United States. The "three C's", stand for Comfort, Control, and Cosmetics. Review principles of scoliosis treatment, criteria for patient selection, and demonstrate measurement and fitting technique. The workshop will review the Boston Brace principles (many of which are shared by the TriaC), blueprinting, and brace design. Participants will practice both blueprinting and brace design on several types of curve patterns.

Discuss the topics of the history of spinal stabilization, the mechanics of spinal stabilization, and the available modalities for spinal stabilization and problems associated with each. The demonstration involves an introduction to and question and answer session for the VertAlign® Spinal Support System and ComfAlign® Spinal System, with a demonstration of product selection, application, special ordering, and custom measuring.

Enhance your clinical knowledge at this exciting technical forum by learning more about Freedom Innovations' line of lower limb prosthetic products. Topics of discussion include, but are not limited to, proper product selection, alignment, socket modification techniques, troubleshooting and billing recommendations. Those who attend will be provided an update on Freedom's latest technological advancements.

For the first time designers were able to draw the basic requirements of an advanced prosthetic foot and identify the specification for shock management, heel transient removal as well as enhancing rollover to dorsiflexion. This presentation aims to reveal the design principle and biomechanical factors considered in creation of concept and outcome monitored over a year.

Find out the answers to these questions and more when you attend this RGO/SPL Workshop:
- Do your patients excel with the RGO's?
- What are the critical things I need to look at when fitting RGO's?
- Is my patient really a candidate for the SPL Knee Joint?
- Why do I need to do a Manual Muscle Test?
- Did the Physical Therapist teach the patient to stand in their RGO?
- How do I change the alignment of the RGO?
- How does step length affect the SPL Knee Joint?

Furthering the function of how the socket interfaces with the residual limb is the critical component dictating the outcome of prosthetic performance. Since the creation of the first ICEROSS silicone suspension system many advances have been made in all areas. As the recognized innovator of socket systems, Össur is on the brink of once again revolutionizing socket design and function. This session will review current advancements and technologies that will further the stability, comfort and control of the prosthesis.

For many decades, rehabilitation experts have been searching for an orthosis that will safely support a weakened or paralyzed leg without locking the knee and interfering with swing phase function. Horton's Stance - Control Knee™ Joint [SCOKJ®] automatically engages and disengages a lock against flexion, offering the patient both stance phase security and swing phase toe clearance. Preliminary gait studies have demonstrated a substantial reduction in the energy cost of ambulation compared to a locked-knee gait.

This special two-part workshop will be taught by John W. Michael, MEd, CPO, FAAOP, FISPO and will include a detailed review of the sagittal plane mechanics of normal and pathologic gait. Practical instruction on selection, fabrication, adjustment, fitting, and troubleshooting the SCOKJ® will be presented in a multimedia format.

The morning session runs from 8:30am – 12:30pm; the afternoon session is from 1:30-5:30pm. ABC Certified or State Licensed practitioners who attend BOTH the morning and afternoon segments of this Qualifying Course and successfully complete the written examination will be qualified to order the SCOKJ®. Technicians and other interested individuals are also welcome to attend but will not become qualified.

Focus on the application of Ultraflex Componentry and Custom Bracing Systems for both orthopedic and neurological dysfunctions. The attendees will learn how to integrate the latest Ultraflex technology as an alternative to current treatments for spasticity. This includes our UltraSafeStep™ knee and ankle orthoses for advanced gait assistance, the HOPe1 orthosis for hip abduction, our Ilizarov compatible componentry, and our full line of braces to treat both pediatric and adult conditions.

The fundamentals of Helmet Treatment will be presented along with infant skull anatomy, principles of helmet design and casting techniques. Vacuum Formed and Molded Standard Infant Sized Helmets will be discussed and the options these choices allow to accommodate time, cost and reimbursement constraints.

Genux® OA workshop

In this workshop the new innovative Genux® OA knee brace will be presented. Design characteristics and biomechanical background of this OA brace will be discussed.
Clinical experience with this new orthosis shows the effective way in which this brace is able to redress valgus or varus instable knees.
The necessary steps in the intake process will be shown, as well as the procedure during the fitting process. The Genux® OA can be adjusted both in the sagittal plane and in the coronal plane. The practical effect of these adjustments will be discussed. The workshop will end with discussing clinical cases with this new innovative knee brace.

Presenter: N.G.A. Van Leerdam, MSc, PhD

The success of your O&P practice depends on your ability to implement effective and efficient processes, manage workflow smoothly and maintain accountability. OPIE Software was designed by practicing O&P clinicians and business owners for this purpose. OPIE helps practitioners, technicians, clerical and administrative staff work together seamlessly by providing an integrated workflow management system tailored specifically for the needs of an O&P practice. This workshop is designed for practitioners and administrative personnel who want to experience efficiency and accountability in every aspect of practice management, clinical record keeping, ordering, fabrication, billing, and collections.

Horton's Stance - Control Knee™ Joint [SCOKJ®] automatically engages and disengages a lock against flexion, offering the patient both stance phase security and swing phase toe clearance. Preliminary gait studies have demonstrated a substantial reduction in the energy cost of ambulation compared to a locked-knee gait.

This special two-part workshop will be taught by John W. Michael, MEd, CPO, FAAOP, FISPO and will include a detailed review of the sagittal plane mechanics of normal and pathologic gait. Practical instruction on selection, fabrication, adjustment, fitting, and troubleshooting the SCOKJ® will be presented in a multimedia format.

The morning session runs from 8:30am – 12:30pm; the afternoon session is from 1:30-5:30pm. ABC Certified or State Licensed practitioners who attend BOTH the morning and afternoon segments of this Qualifying Course and successfully complete the written examination will be qualified to order the SCOKJ®. Technicians and other interested individuals are also welcome to attend but will not become qualified.

Features of the Utah Arm 3 will be taught – this will be an excellent update to anyone previously Utah Arm trained, but without experience with the Simultaneous Control features of the Utah Arm 3.

The User Interface software which operates both the ProControl 2 for Hand/Wrist control, and the ProHand, installed inside the MC Hand and Electric Terminal Device (ETD) – all have user-friendly adjustments and easy connections.

The new Hybrid Utah Arm will also be presented – Gravity Compensation provides elbow flexion in this body-powered elbow, with electric TD/Wrist control, and electric lock control by myoelectric or switch input.

Review the latest procedures used in hip and spine surgery and see how a modular system can be used to enhance clinical outcomes for these patients. New minimally invasive hip and spinal procedures are transforming the protocols for orthotic management. These new techniques have created a demand for multiple orthotic options to supplement the orthopedic procedure. Orthomerica's California Hip and Plug and Play Spinal System are recent products designed to allow orthotists and their referral sources the ability to design an orthosis that will perfectly mesh with the surgical procedure, and provide precise control.

Bionic Technology describes the application of biological principles to engineering systems. In O&P it relates to the combined use of electronic and mechanical components, defined as intelligent structures, intended to enhance or replace anatomical structures or physiological processes. There are many variables that can be described as bionic. When they are combined, they create what most perceive as complete restoration of an amputated limb. Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Proprioception, Movement/Control Strategy are a few atributes that are incorporated in Össur's Bionic products for the lower limb amputee.

Discuss the topics of knee componentry with biomechanics and how they work together to optimize patient alignment and performance. Address frontal and sagittal plane biomechanics with additional qualitative analysis to aid in the evaluation and selection of knees for individual patient needs. Various alignment practices and their component aids will also be discussed with respect to clinical biomechanic assessment practices. An introduction to knee componentry design with regard to material science, fluid control systems, kinematics, and strength of materials will be given.

Although off-the-shelf gel liners have provided a high level of comfort for countless amputees, there are numerous instances in which an off-the-shelf liner is not a clinician's best choice. Amputees with severe scar tissue, deep invaginations, very bony limbs, or extremely short limbs often require a custom product to provide adequate comfort. Ohio Willow Wood now offers a process through which practitioners can specify the exact thickness and distribution of the gel in order to provide a custom-designed Alpha® Liner, called a DESIGN™ Liner, for these hard-to-fit cases. This workshop will provide a detailed review of each step that is required to produce a DESIGN Liner: capturing the limb shape, designing the gel pattern, making the required selections (fabric, color, size, etc.), and placing the order.

Review the effects of suspension on the residual limb and tissue of amputees. Prosthetists have come to adopt liners with pins and locking devices as their mainstay suspension method for trans-tibial amputees. While this provided them with major improvements over previous suspension methods available not all amputees have the proper tissue and limb configuration to be fitted with locking suspension.

SPS presents a workshop on the clinical findings of a double blind placebo controlled clinical evaluation conducted in Germany on Phantom Pain Sensations and the impact of the RELAX liner & Night RELAX in its mitigation. The testing was performed under the guidance and administration of Dr. Kern at the Palatives Schmerzzentrum Wiesbaden in Germany and was sponsored by medi Bayreuth. Protocols, methodology and patient criteria/assessment will be presented in the session. The workshop will also address design aspects and properties of these unique products which allow them to mitigate pain sensations.

Address the basic elements involved with orthotic intervention in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and an option in the clinical treatment of juvenile, congenital and neuromuscular scoliosis. The practitioner will become knowledgeable in the treatment standards and goals associated with the Providence Scoliosis System to cease the progression of scoliotic curves. The practitioner will be trained in radiographic evaluation of scoliosis orthotic design and measuring for this nocturnal system.

Discuss theory, application, and protocols of the B-E-T Frame, Mackie Elbow & Knee Contracture Braces. Total hip revisions are susceptible to dislocation, but post-op braces can reduce the incidence of dislocation.

Live patient demonstrations with interactive patient gait assessment. In-depth study of properties of 3 carbon composite AFO’s and how the properties affect functional performance. Learn how to customize carbon composite AFOs to met specific patient needs. Hear end-user input to compare acceptance and performance of various carbon composite AFO designs. Walk through step-by-step fabrication of dynamic response AFO for TMA. Course includes hands-on practice for a simple method for objective documentation of outcome results of lower extremity orthotic intervention. Leave with marketing tools, historical documentation, and template of program to use advances in technology to enhance your working relationship and increase your referrals from P.T. and physician.

The patient with challenging foot deformities may often be fit with off-the-shelf footwear when modifications are properly introduced. The simple, yet forgotten, modifications are re-introduced to the practitioners to allow customizing and 1 day delivery of footwear.

Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs) have been found to improve toe clearance during swing and ankle position at initial contact. Review the results of an investigation of the effect of an AFO on Roll-Over Shape (ROS) in people with hemiplegia following stroke.

Halo skull fixation was originally described by Perry for post-operative stabilization after cervical spine fusion in patients with neck paralysis. Examine the results of a retrospective review of children three years of age and under who were treated with halo ring fixation.

Elevated residual limb skin temperatures within the prosthetic socket and accompanying discomfort are well-known to reduce amputee quality of life. Explore the influence of activity on residual limb skin temperature.

A Clinical Trial Comparing the Transition and Use of a Non-Microprocessor Controlled Prosthesis to the C-Leg Microprocessor Controlled Prosthesis for Transfemoral Amputees

Smith DG, Hafner BJ, Willingham LL, Allyn KJ, Buell NC
Prosthetics Research Study, Seattle, Washington, United States of America

This study examined the differences in function, satisfaction, and preference of amputees using non-microprocessor (NMP) controlled and microprocessor (MP) controlled prosthetic limbs. It was hypothesized that satisfaction, preference, and functional ability would improve after users transitioned from a NMP to a MP prosthesis. 20 unilateral, transfemoral amputees of functional level K2 and K3 with well fitting NMP prostheses were recruited for a clinical trial which included a transition (phase I) and a preference period (phase II). Amputation etiologies included trauma (10), cancer (3), diabetes (1), infection (2), and severe dysfunction (1). Data collection sessions included initial testing in the NMP prosthesis (NMP), successful transition to the MP prosthesis (MP), a return to the NMP prosthesis (NMP2) and three user-selected preference sessions spaced at least four months apart (C1, C2, and C3). Outcomes included stair ascent/descent, hill descent, obstacle course, divided attention task, Amputee Mobility Predictor (AMP), step activity, Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire (PEQ), short-form 36 (SF-36), stumbles, falls, and mental energy required for ambulation. ANOVA and Tukey follow-up tests were performed to assess differences between sessions (NMP, MP, NMP2, C1, C2, and C3). 17 participants completed the study (mean age 49, eight functional level K2, nine K3). Significant improvements with the C-Leg were shown in the quality of stair descent, the time in hill descent, and the percent of steps taken in the preference phase (p<0.05). A significant decrease in the number of uncontrolled falls and in users’ frustration with falling was also found (p<0.05). An increased functional level was noted in 4 of 8 K2-level subjects (50%) and 3 of 9 K3-level subjects (33.3%). 2 subjects decreased from K3 to K2 and no K2 subjects decreased to K1 over the study period. Results indicate amputees strongly preferred and experienced improvements in functional ability when using the C-Leg prosthesis.

Explore diverse clinical theories on the sacral line balance versus the Cobb angle correction. Orthopedists have historically maintained the Cobb angle as the gold standard. This debate explores the concept of overall balance in relation to the central sacral line. Four perspectives will be shared with the audience with encouraged interactive discussion and debate.

The distance foot has unique alignment considerations and fitting obstacles which allows amputees to participate in distance events. The biomechanical principles of transtibial running gait and how to incorporate it into a prosthetic design will be demonstrated.

The Marlo Anatomical Socket for transfemoral amputees can be applied successfully to enhance the design of hip disarticulation prostheses. Techniques as well as features of this two-piece socket will be demonstrated.

This is a case study of a young girl born with bilateral type 1a tibial hemimelia. This study follows her childhood with regards to custom made prostheses that allowed her to stand with assistance and ambulate with assistance.

This is an on going evaluation that reveals that a magnetorheologic microprocessor swing and stance controlled knee system provides benefits of enhancing stability for the bilateral transfemoral and hemipelvectomy user during activities of daily living.

In this crossover study design, the energy expenditure of 12 persons with a unilateral transfemoral amputation will be evaluated while walking and different speeds with three different prosthetic knee joints.

New terminology will be presented that individually represents the component parts of current foot design. The presentation will also compare physiologic foot function as presented by Perry, Radciffe, and others and outline the clinical factors that influence prosthetic foot recommendation.

This study will evaluate the differences in four foot-ankle prosthesis combinations and review the results about upright stance balance with respect to each.

The presentation will compare the various techniques in modeling the ischial-ramal region as well as the subischial triangle.

A case study that illustrates the unique application of utilizing elastomeric liners to facilitate wound closure.

Get tips on how to make your company stand out from the rest. Customer service is consistently rated one of the number one priorities of consumers. Maximize your customer service and sales force.

This presentation shows how a geometric model was used to predict the effects of systematic misalignments (proximal-distal and anterior-posterior) of single axis mechanical ankle joints in an Ankle Foot Orthosis.

This presentation introduces the Silicone Ankle Foot Orthosis, a new development in the world of Orthotics. It examines five case studies where this product was used as part of the treatment.

This presentation will depict the biomechanical advantages of the use of stance control technology of KAFOs with the RGOs. Two patients will be presented, a pediatric patient and an adult.

One of the goals of the Academy's Project Quantum Leap initiative is to document clinical standards of practice by conducting State-of-the-Science conferences (SSCs). An SSC was held in 2005 on the Lower-Limb Prosthetic Outcome Measures with funding provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This report reveals the discussions and recommendations for future study and care. You'll also learn more about the SSC that will be part of Grant Year III programming.

Learn the "how to's" in the design and development of a Business Continuity Plan and what types of disruptions can affect an ongoing business operation. We will discuss Business Continuity vs. Disaster Recovery, the components of a Business Continuity Plan, what you need to do to get started developing a plan and the principles of emergency management (awareness, preparation, mitigation, response and recovery). This professional development program is sponsored by College Park Industries, Inc.

The type of patient coming through our doors is changing! We will experience the greatest numbers of healthcare consumers by 2010 – the baby boomers! What is going to mean to us and how are we going to start preparing now? Are you ready for the level of patient satisfaction this group will expect? How are we going to handle non-covered patients? And the generation X patients coming to you will also present a need for care on several levels that you may not realize. Be prepared with information that will aid in making decisions on how to build your teams, now.

Licensure veterans will guide practitioners through the process of achieving licensure in their respective states.

This lecture will discuss the experience at Brook Army Medical Center utilizing trial fitting protocols to optimize rehabilitation of upper limb amputee soldiers.

This shows the development of the Implantable Myoelectric Sensor and how it makes chronic recording of intramuscular EMG practical for prosthetic control.

This presentation discusses different partial hand strategies that maximize comfort and ROM using flexible liners.

This paper demonstrates the ability to create new myoelectric control sites and that patients can operate multiple degrees of freedom simultaneously with these sites.

This paper will review the unique protocols implemented to provide care in a military hospital to a young, athletic, and highly motivated amputee population.

Setting goals seems an easy enough task. Prioritizing and achieving them is more difficult. We can all use tips and reminders on how to set and achieve those goals most important to us.

Discuss the diagnostics for cardio-pulmonary problems; ejection fractions (to what % the heart is pumping properly), CHF, chest X-rays, catherizations, medications, and their effect on the body and how they affect prosthetic treatment of an amputee. Address the ability of a patient's heart to handle ambulation at all, the weight of components, safety expectations during treatment, the affects of certain medications, and more.

Focus on the management of the diabetic/ neuropathic foot including review of footwear, footwear modifications, foot orthoses design and fabrication as well as various ankle foot orthoses. A casting demonstration for CROW's and other ankle foot orthoses will be highlighted with interaction from the attendees encouraged. Roger Marzano, CPO, CPed will be sharing 25 years of clinical "pearls" and cases to highlight how to successfully salvage the complex myriad of diabetic foot disorders presented to today's O&P practices. Come learn and share with your peers.

This case report illustrates a positive outcome using negative pressure wound therapy in tandem with a silicone gel liner to treat a non-healing, dehisced incision following a below-the-knee amputation.

This lecture discusses the experience at Brook Army Medical Center providing rehabilitation of amputee soldiers.

This is a slide demonstration which provides all of the information necessary to produce a variable thickness, multi-durometer, injection molded silicone liner.

F-Scan timing and pressure distribution measurements are examined in an effort to correlate patient preference to biomechanical measurement. The study consisted of diabetic transtibial amputees age 55 and older.

A successful prototype three piece modular system that can be used as an alternative to a vacuum donning system will be discussed in detail.

This study will demonstrate the difference in shape of transtibial prosthetic sockets made with CAD/CAM laser technology versus a pressure cast socket.

The powered prosthetic knee joint uses a motor actuator to compensate for lost muscle strength in above knee amputees. This presentation will objectify the walking performance of subjects using a powered prosthesis.

Experience a presentation from the originator of the Ponseti manipulation and non-surgical treatment of the congenital clubfoot. Dr. Ponseti has been treating children for more that 60 years and has much experience and data to support this treatment. He will demonstrate the techniques of his method and explain the reasons for his successes over the years. Michelle Hall CO, will then present the orthotic treatment, following the casting phase, and offer tips to the practicing orthotist for successful outcomes.

Review the results of a State of the Science Conference hosted by Northwestern University Prosthetics Research Laboratory & Rehabilitation Engineering Research Program to determine the current status of research in the fi eld and to identify additional areas that will require attention for future R&D.

In order to receive reimbursement from Medicare in the future, you will need to meet the newest requirements. Join AOPA expert Kathy Dodson as she provides a clear overview of these new requirements and how they'll apply to your O&P practice. Ms. Dodson will cover:
*Mandatory Accreditation
*New general business requirements; and
*New product-specific service requirements.
Don't miss the Q&A sessions at the end of the program

- Discuss the "top 5 pitfalls in running an O&P company"; common mistakes we have seen in our 10 years of consulting with O&P companies.
- Address financial controls, cost containment and benchmarking.(i.e., financial metrics we have developed internally for analytical purposes).
- Explore strategic planning, goal setting and budgeting.
- Each attendee will receive a free CD with a formatted and usable budget template with which to use in their practice

A case study of an amputee soldier treated at Brook Army Medical Center will be presented showing surgical, rehabilitation, and prosthetic considerations with respect to the concept of humeral angulation osteotomy as treatment.

This presentation discusses the advancements made with batteries, microprocessors, PDA's, and how they have all helped upper limb pediatrics improve.

This new prototype device can flex and extend against a spring force in every direction, allowing locking at the choice of the wearer. Preliminary field trials will be presented and discussed with results of patient utilization of the Multi-Flex wrist.

The incidence and type of over-use syndrome is presented. Discussion will also focus on level of upper extremity amputation vs. type of over-use syndrome.

This presentation discusses the problems that occur in fitting silicone suction sockets on upper extremity patients.

Field trial results will be presented with advantages and disadvantages of the new hybrid prosthesis that features a combination of the enhanced proprioception of cable-operated elbow control with electric hand/wrist for patients with longer-level transhumeral level amputations.

This case study will discuss the medical and orthotic history of an adult Caucasian male, who suffered a traumatic spinal/shoulder injury resulting in substantial brachial plexus damage.

Review the results of surgery that was performed on three individuals with transhumeral amputations to enhance their ability to control a myoelectric prosthesis, enable simultaneous myoelectric control of both the elbow and terminal device and to provide a more physiological control of the terminal device.

Examine the protocols for treatment of the hypertonic and spastic patient post pharmacologic implementation. Patients can be treated with more aggressive orthotic approaches as a result of the combined effort with Botulinum injections. In the past, these protocols were contraindicated due the uncontrolled tone. This symposium will introduce the new concept of the team approach of lessening tone with Botulinum and then increasing ROM through orthotic management to improve gait deviations.

Focus on the necessary financial, organizational, and personnel controls needed to effectively manage an O&P company. Organizational controls such as segregation of duties, coding issues and asset security are discussed. Financial controls such as lockboxes, reconciliations, benchmarks and budgeting are presented. Finally, in the area of personnel controls, we discuss employee fraud and theft protection as well as tips on hiring and firing.

Osseointegration is a direct structural and functional connection between living bone and the surface of a load carrying implant prostheses.

Explore the research in "neuroprosthetics" that is part of a larger trend in prosthetics that aims to integrate body, mind and machine. Discuss efforts to create prosthetic limbs that function like biological ones.

The objective of this presentation is to cover the clinical follow-up experiences on stroke patients with spasticity and compare the efficacy of the use of an AFO in preventing contracture development as a secondary benefit. A review of cerebrovascular incidents as a pathologic concern and AFO options for stroke treatment will also be a part of the presentation.

This study shows the development of a protocol about when to use a solid ankle Arizona type, low profile hinged ankle foot orthoses and standard ankle foot orthoses with a variety of free and motion control joints.

Two cases will be reviewed whereby mechanical stance control orthoses were utilized to maintain knee stability in stance phase.

Discuss the Transformer Ankle Foot Orthosis that was designed to provide a total contact AFO with a low profile ankle joint with adjustable dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. Review how this adjustability allows the practitioner to precisely set the sagittal plane angle to achieve the best alignment for walking and functional activities.

This lecture discusses some of the new spinal procedures and describes the type of orthotic management required to stabilize the patient post-operatively.

The LEAP diabetic foot classification system will be discussed as well as methods to increase physician awareness of this system.

Less invasive surgical procedures have reduced the number of hip orthoses ordered in many medical centers. Review the effectiveness of a hip orthosis that was developed to address the needs of both the older and younger patient populations and less invasive surgeries.

Review the results of a study that crossreferenced ABC-certifi ed practitioners against the top O&P L-Codes to help identify the areas within the U.S. that are adequately served or underrepresented. This analysis was done at the state level as part of the Academy's grant through the U.S. Department of Education.

The DISC and Myers-Briggs personality tests will be discussed. You will learn how to spot different personality types and how to best communicate with each one. These tools become valuable in building teams to assure balance and synergy for high function and complementary behaviors. It will help you to identify the patient's, doctor's, therapist's personality types to assure you are presenting your information in the right way to be heard and understood.

The purpose of this presentation is to provide clinicians with a better understanding of the various causes of skin irritation for prosthetic users and the proven methods of treatment.

This is a randomized controlled study that will test the efficacy of a community-based self-management intervention for persons with limb loss.

This study examines the effect of physical activity on amputee body image. The survey results will be discussed as well as the relationship between activity levels and amputee body image.

The healthcare system is filled with potential litigious issues. Review anonymous case materials that address the various concerns involved in litigation. Address the questions: Where did everything go wrong? What could have been accomplished to avoid this type of situation?

In this study, the frequency of both major and minor amputations from two sets of data of amputees in Belize were calculated in order to describe the causes and frequencies of amputation as well as the population affected.

This is a preliminary report of gait changes in transtibial amputees during unilateral load carriage. Results from 15 subjects will be presented.

Overview of the force perceived on a subject's phantom limb, both with external force applied to the terminal device and through contraction of muscles.

This purpose of this presentation is to guide the reader/researcher in finding the best evidence by applying concepts from clinical epidemiology.

This program features a discussion on a newly developed prosthesis that may serve people better through increased performance and intuitive control.

This investigation discusses a double blind, placebo controlled clinical evaluation using 35 amputees over a seven week period.

Review a detailed description of the characteristics, both pathologic and phenotypic of the differing forms of craniosynostosis, and the differential diagnosis of deformational plagiocephaly. Cranial anatomy and sutural growth will be reviewed and discussed, along with the behavior of each suture under synostotic conditions. Surgical intervention will be discussed to give attendees a scope of the severity of this condition if unmanaged, as well as the progression of patients through the surgical stage and a review of post-operative care and outcomes. Orthotic intervention will be discussed, including design considerations, management protocols, precautions, and FDA considerations.

One of the goals of the Academy's Project Quantum Leap initiative is to document clinical standards of practice by conducting State-of-the-Science conferences (SSCs). An SSC was held in 2005 on the Prosthetic Foot/Ankle Mechanisms with funding provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This report reveals the discussions and recommendations for future study and care. You'll also learn more about the SSC that will be part of Grant Year III programming.

Experienced OLC faculty members guide you through obtaining PCE credits through the OLC and encourage you to participate as faculty. Share your expertise with the O&P world.

This paper describes testing results of ten subjects wearing the new device and compares them to proven older pain relief designs.

This presentation discusses the issue of knee braces slipping down after a certain period of wear, and the solution of the non-slip knee brace, the Genux.

The new concept of V-Vas custom knee orthosis will be discussed and its benefits as well as unique design features will be shown.

The Genux contains a method that can further reduce the internal knee forces by allowing the quadriceps to reduce its peak forces necessary for stability. This advancement and technology will be discussed in this presentation.

In this investigation, researchers examined both the percent crystallinity and stiffness of polypropylene samples to assess whether these properties were altered during the thermoforming process as a result of changes in positive model temperature.

In today's health care system, it seems O&P practitioners are being asked to provide more with less in return. In an economy where every dime counts, now is the time to look at the operational side of your facility and decide, "Where can I make improvements?" This session takes a look at how you can use accreditation standards to manage your practice better for increased productivity and revenue.