The field of upper-limb prosthetics is about to make an unprecedented leap in technology. As we become firmly engulfed in the fourth generation of electronics, blue tooth technology, increased speed with microprocessor control of dampening and proportional ranges, size reductions, and advanced control algorithms are just a few of the normal day to day characteristics of the prosthesis we fit. Learn how upper limb fittings now and in the future will require a different type of prosthetist with a broader skill set consisting of higher level engineering, electrical, anatomical, and clinical understanding.

Interact with manufacturers and learn more about their hardware and software. Have the opportunity to ask questions about the specific systems and participate in a panel discussion with all manufacturers and attendees. Discuss how CAD CAM might assist in providing outcomes information that will help support the field, in terms of efficiency, cost-savings and its digital nature. Explore the potential use of CAD CAM in upper extremity prosthetics given the recent progress that has been made in overcoming previous obstacles.

The foot serves as the foundation for all orthotic treatment of the lower limb. Orthotists spend many hours managing the symptomatic foot. Understanding the importance but sometimes subtle relationship between foot mechanics and gait, clinical evaluation techniques and orthotic treatment options will improve the practitioner’s outcomes and communication with clinic team members and third party payers. Review the mechanics of the foot and its important role in gait. Discuss kinematic, kinetic and muscular activity drawing heavily upon slow motion film clips of normal and pathological subjects and animated imagery converted from actual laboratory data collections. Discuss motion clips showing the evaluation of the foot with an emphasis on key points in the overall process.