The Iceross® Seal-In Liner is a unique Iceross Liner incorporating a Hypobaric Sealing Membrane™ (HSM). Learn about patient selection, measurement procedures indications and contraindications for the use of the Seal-In design. Discuss casting techniques, including hand casting, CAD CAM and Pressure Casting Techniques.

Receive hands-on instruction in the User Interface software, used with the U3 Arm as well as ProControl 2 (modular Hand+Wrist), and the ProHand (controller inside TD) – all have user-friendly adjustments and easy connections. Learn about the Hybrid Utah Arm – Flexion Assist eases elbow flexion in this body-powered elbow, with electric TD+Wrist control, and electric lock control. Specifics of the highly functioning Motion Control Terminal Devices; Flexion Wrist (and the new Multi-Flex Wrist) features will be presented.

With so many feet and knee joints available for transfemoral amputees, it is not always apparent how the knee joint will react to the characteristics of the foot. Examine the interaction between feet and knee joints. Review normal knee, foot and ankle function. Discuss foot and knee characteristics.

Current OMEGA Tracer users learn about new OMEGA hardware and software, ask questions of our experts, provide feedback, and swap tips with other users. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your CAD skills and improve your knowledge of OMEGA’s helpful features.

Learn proper product selection, alignment, concepts of carbon/epoxy foot design, silicone interface principles, and billing recommendations that are associated with the products designed and manufactured by Freedom Innovations. Gain insight on the unique attributes and material properties engineered into the Agility MPC Knee.

Become educated on the advanced biomechanics and techniques relating to knee management. Identify the natural history of diagnoses, how they translate into orthopedic deformities / joint instabilities, learn correct application of specific orthoses and understand how to maximize your profits.

Prosthetists learn the effect of using liners with pins and locking devices as their mainstay suspension method for transtibial amputees. Discuss the major improvements over previous suspension methods available. Assess what works for the varied types of amputees.

New innovations provide solutions that allow patients more versatility. Determine what is most suited to your patient’s lifestyle. Discuss matching the knee, foot, and other devices, while considering the effect of alignment, walking speeds, terrain and most importantly the needs of the amputees. Review these factors, how they impact component selection and provide the best patient outcome.

The goal of shoe modifications is to correct foot imbalance during weight bearing activities. In the flexible senate foot, the corrections will be made to achieve proper weight distribution. The rigid, and/or abnormally structured foot, may not have sensation and is at high risk for breakdown. This foot will require modifications to accommodate deformities and relieve painful ambulation.

Identify a new option in the clinical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Assess elements of the system, biomechanical differences between full-time systems and the Providence and results of treatment using this system.

In order to address today’s health care issues, O&P providers must find new ways to deliver quality care while cutting costs. Discuss BioScanner non-contact twin head laser digitizing, Virtual Casting contact digitizing, automated laser digitizing, the BioSculptor 4.5 axis mill, CAMLabs (central fabrication), custom TF socket modifiable by measurements, custom TLSO modifiable by measurements, KAFO, AFO’s, cranial helmets, burn masks, CT and MRI data acquisition, CAMFoam, BioSculptor modification software, and advanced clinical techniques.

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. 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.

Review the latest trends in orthotic stance control knee joints.

Recent studies have tried to provide insight into the progressive mechanism of idiopathic scoliosis. Dynamic bracing tries to redirect spinal growth rather than reacting to it.

Review clinical experience and research to see if this is a viable alternative to current treatment approaches. Participants will fabricate an orthosis and complete an exam for certification.

Compare suspension solutions for unique upper and lower extremity prosthetic applications with regard to comfort, stability and fabrication. Discuss the overall effect of suspension on interface design, componentry, and alignment as well as anatomical factors of skin shear, bony prominences, and volume management. Review material design of various gels, foams, and thermoplastics that are indicative of interface properties and success factors.

Gain hands-on experience to custom fabricate a TLSO in less than an hour. 3D-Lite is an exciting innovation to quickly take care of those Friday 4:00 calls for a custom TLSO!

Learn about patient selection and fitting of SWASH – the Sitting-Walking-And-Standing Hip orthosis for management of sitting instability and/or scissoring gait that is often associated with cerebral palsy.

Learn the ins and outs of product selection and customization for the ToeOFF Family of Products. Learn how to combine ToeOFF or BlueRocker with a toe filler to provide dynamic response for partial foot amputations.

Since 2002, a number of stance control orthoses have entered the market. Discuss the options for addressing the needs of the patient—stance control and conventional locked and free motion knees. Review the challenges in ensuring that the patient is a good candidate for a stance control orthosis. Discuss manual muscle testing and range of motion assessment as valuable tools for making that determination. Review a number of different stance control and locked knee orthoses.

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. 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 O&P professional is uniquely qualified to provide the necessary care for the epidemic of diabetic foot complications. Understand products and techniques to provide services that are both effective and cost-efficient. Learn how diabetic foot care and general foot care can build your client base and increase revenues. Review patient evaluation techniques, proper shoe fitting, selecting proper foot wear, and available orthotic treatment options that are both therapeutic and efficient.

Review Myo-Orthotics - an emerging medical field which utilizes electrical stimulation technologies in products designed to restore and assist damaged or malfunctioning impaired limbs of persons who have experienced disabling neurological events or diseases. The first technology to reach maturity and achieve FDA approval is the WalkAide™, manufactured by Innovative Neurotronics, Inc. WalkAide utilizes Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to stimulate the motor nerves directly and activate the muscle to raise the foot.

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

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. Experience what efficiency and accountability in every aspect of practice management, clinical record keeping, ordering, fabrication, billing, and collections can do for your business.

Discuss the application of Ultraflex Componentry and Custom Bracing Systems for both orthopedic and neurological dysfunctions. Learn how to integrate the latest Ultraflex technology as an alternative to current treatments for spasticity. Review the 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.

Power Knee is the first prosthetic knee joint which uses electromechanical actuation to replace both eccentric and concentric muscle activity lost due to transfemoral amputation. Discuss the impaired dynamics of the transfemoral amputee in a variety of daily life activities and demonstrate how these can be overcome by application of a power prosthetic solution. Review how Power Knee manages to restore functionality lost due to amputation and allows users to overcome obstacles with improved kinematics and reduced effort.

Gain insight on advanced biomechanics and techniques relating to spine management. Identify the natural history of diagnoses, how they translate into orthopedic deformities/joint instabilities, learn correct application of specific orthoses and understand how to maximize your profits.

Proper foot selection is very important in providing natural gait symmetry. There are many choices out there - this presentation will look at current products and preview the future.

Get an overview of four suspension methods: traditional suction suspension, locking liner suspension, locking liner suspension with supplemental suction incorporated, and vacuum socket suspension. The benefits and drawbacks of each method with respect to both fabrication requirements and patient needs will be discussed.

Focus on the new transtibial socket design, the Coyote® RCR™ Socket in conjunction with an airtight locking system. It is designed to eliminate pressure on the patellar tendon while offering wider range of motion and better suspension. Review casting, fabricating, fitting techniques, and case presentations for the RCR™ Socket. Discuss the history of suspension and finish with troubleshooting of Coyote components.

Össur Kristinsson first developed the Icelandic roll-on silicone socket (ICEROSS) in the mid 1980’s. This type of socket interface was quickly popularized in the prosthetic community and has become the standard of treatment for transtibial amputees. Multiple manufacturers of roll-on liners, of various materials, now exist. These companies claim that liners offer superior comfort, suspension, and relief of dermatological problems compared to previous prosthetic options. A review of relevant literature reveals studies that are limited by the lack of diagnoses made by dermatologists and a failure to identify the frequency of these problems. Review results of a study designed to establish an incidence of dermatological problems in transtibial amputee subjects who utilize a roll-on liner with their prosthesis.

The measurement of standard residual limb anthropometrics such as circumference and anterior-posterior distance and understanding of fluctuations in limb volume and shape may become increasingly important with the need for outcome measures in prosthetic rehabilitation. Computer aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems have been adapted for prosthetics for the primary function of socket design and fabrication. Review the results of this study that investigated an incremental step in that process: the capture and digitization of 3-D residual limb shape.

Consider results of a study of a stance control knee ankle foot orthosis (SC_KAFO) that was fit to a 40-year old soldier who sustained a non-shrapnel concussive injury resulting in nerve root damage to left L3-5. The patient presented with an absence of proprioception and light touch with grossly 3/5 strength in the left lower extremity. All other extremities demonstrated normal function. Due to the severe proprioceptive loss the incidence of falling from knee buckling necessitated the use of a stabilizing orthosis.

Review results of a case study that presents the first reported use of Stance Control KAFOs in combination with an isocentric RGO in a patient with at T10 spinal cord injury. A comparison is made between the scenarios of having the knees locked during the entire gait cycle to that of allowing the knees to flex freely during the swing phase, yet still be locked for stability during stance.

Test reports from several experimental stance control orthosis (SCO) systems have demonstrated a range of potential benefits. However, these reports have all studied subjects shortly after receiving their SCO. With one exception there are no reports in the literature that document gait changes over time. The objective of this report is to document the results of a prospective six-month open label clinical field trial of a novel SCO. We hypothesized that there would be improvements in gait over time.

Evidence Based Medicine is the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values. Currently there is a desire within our profession to direct efforts and place additional value on research-based evidence and to place less value on intuition and experience.

By using the orthotic management of stroke patients as an example, this experienced panel of international presenters will review available evidence and debate the quality and usefulness of evidence based research in O&P.

Learn to develop a modular prosthetic component that will allow the growing elderly TF population the benefits of suction suspension by eliminating the primary difficulty associated with donning.

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of each design with regard to swing and stance phase control. Materials, mechanism design, fluid flow, and stability will be featured in the comparison with conventional linear systems.

Quantifying the amount of turning that occurs during ADL’s may enable the patient to improve in their abilities to perform daily activities. Discuss how clinical practice generally focuses on straight ahead walking.

Discuss potential definitions of socket comfort as a first step toward the development of comprehensive objective outcomes measures for the quality prostheses and orthoses.

Review the biomechanics of voluntary control in advanced microprocessor knee design.

Common devices and deviations are described along with suggestions for possible corrective action including physical conditioning, as indicated, as well as alignment and componentry modifications.

Review the lower limb guidelines and how those principles are challenged when using specific componentry choices.

Explore the outcomes of direct pressure casting and manufacturing of prosthetic sockets (ICEX).

Gain an understanding of the thermal environment and the patient’s perception of the thermal discomfort. This is a fundamental step towards developing new socket systems that could address this problem.

In today’s world, the selection of and reimbursement for prosthetic components is dictated by the amputee’s functional level. Considering a number of factors, potential functional ability is based on the realistic expectations of the prosthetist and treating physician. These include the amputee’s past history, medical condition, residual limb characteristics and motivation to ambulate. Learn the definition of the K3 functional level and learn to differentiate it from the other levels. Discuss the methods used to determine which amputees should be classified as K3 amputees.

Focus on applications of FES that have the potential to improve functional mobility, impact health and wellness, and influence quality of life and societal participation. Gain information about future advances in FES technology that may bring additional benefits to this form of therapy.

Focus on all 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. We will also discuss controls designed to keep employees honest. Finally, we will explore financial controls such as benchmarks and budgeting. Each attendee will receive a free CD that has been programmed with a formatted and usable Microsoft Excel budget template on it.

The orthotic management of infants often only focuses on the management of Plagiocephaly. Discuss the treatment of infants with a variety of orthotic needs.

Concepts for the Amputee Athlete
Brian Frasure, CP

Sports, Recreational Pursuits and Prosthetic Technology for the Amputee
Robert S. Gailey, Jr., PhD, RPT

New Sports and Recreational Prosthetic Designs for Persons with a Hand Absence
Robert (Bob) Radocy, MS
Receive a comprehensive overview of innovative training methods and prosthetic considerations that may be employed to safely assist amputees in reaching their sports and recreational goals. Introductory biomechanics of running and sports with lower and upper limb prosthesis and adaptations will be reviewed. Learn about training the amputee to be more proficient and reviewing equipment changes for competitive and recreational sports that have enabled athletes with disabilities to participate or improve performance.

Gain updates and statistics on what is going on in the big picture of the business of healthcare. This timely information will help you set your strategy and tactics to keep your company ahead of the pack. What is going on with orthopedic practices? What are the major insurance carriers up to? What is hot, what is not? This is a very interactive discussion with input from audience members.

This session will present a didactic component and case presentations to review the anatomy and function associated with proximal femoral focal deficiency delineating the anatomic determinants of function. The presentation will focus on how surgical and prosthetic interventions improve outcomes in these difficult patients. Special attention will be directed at the limitations of these interventions in isolation and the potential for functional gain with synergy between the surgeon and the prosthetist and therapist. Prosthetic technical challenges and pitfalls will be reviewed.

Often the discussion of Cerebral Palsy focuses only on children. Explore the treatment opportunities of the adolescent and adult with Cerebral Palsy.

Our lives are moving faster every day. Reimbursement, billing, patient care, referral sources, staffing - all are changing. How can we cope with all of these changes? Learn how to better deal with change.

This area of medicine represents a new trend for the management of patients who have been subjected to multiple body part injury. Frequently, traumatic brain injury is a component of the injuries along with disabling conditions such as spinal cord injury, peripheral neuropathies and amputation. This program will explore recent management experiences in Polytrauma.

Review Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction and its cause of painful acquired flatfoot in adults. Discuss its association with progressive collapse of the medial longitudinal arch, hind foot valgus, and forefoot abduction deformities.

Only a small percentage of O&P professionals are likely to conduct research on a full-time basis. However, to thrive in today’s “pay for performance” reimbursement environment, the vast majority of practitioners must become wellequipped consumers of the emerging scientific research driving Evidence Based Practice. This interactive session will use journal articles to illustrate sound experimental design and appropriate conclusions, and discuss how to find articles related to a specific topic of interest. Participants will compare a range of articles displaying excellent content and sound research with those that may not appear as conclusive under the scrutiny of a more critical eye.

Explore the financial pitfalls and common mistakes in running an O&P company. Discuss financial controls, cost containment measures designed to reduce expenses as well as creative ways to increase revenues.

Gain insight on the SSC process and its impact on the O&P profession.

Review study results that recorded the ability of the conventional halo (CH), the non-invasive halo (NIH) and the standard two piece cervical collar to restrict motion in both a C1-2 and C5-6 global instability model.

Consider results of a 52 patient preliminary study that suggests the L.A. Brace is an effective alternative to current bracing systems while avoiding some of the obstacles and orthotist subjectivity involved in traditional scoliosis bracing.

Assess the clinical efficacy of a non-invasive halo in a small series of patients with cervical spine trauma.

Review clinical experience in dynamic scoliosis management to see if this is a viable alternative to current treatment approaches.

Discuss if CAD CAM is the ideal way to treat spinal deformities through case study review results.

This wound care modality has received some media attention and orthotic and prosthetic clients may question their health care providers about this therapy. Gain a general background about MDT and its indications and applications.

Review current carbon technology. Gain an understanding of existing carbon materials as well as limitations to strength and comfort.

Obtain the background on the development of O&P rehabilitation services through a literature review.

Discuss the redesigned NUPOC program and the benefits of the blended learning experience for the student.

Review a preliminary examination of the feasibility of introducing an Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) philosophy and approach into O&P clinical decision-making using Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) as a model.

Learn how to navigate today’s changing workforce. Learn to attract and keep the best. Discuss the spectrum of potential works from the Millennials to at-home workers to Seniors. Gain insight on changing management tactics for a changing world.

Discuss the basic and advance issues in the practice of prescribing prosthetic feet.

Review a report of over 100 patients who have been fitted with this “Wrap Around” orthosis over a five year period with similar outcomes.

This is the anchor project of an open website primarily designed to improve the quality and depth of observational gait analysis instruction for the physical medicine arena.

This presentation gives a background on Blounts Disease and looks into the newest and most promising orthotic treatments of the disease.

Explore the development of this new AFO, and its results with 12 patients.

Explore the use of this technology in the management of chronic pain, patient’s improvement advantages over pain treatment methods and assess the importance of this approach vs. the traditional electrical stimulation approach.

Evaluate the effect of AFO foot-plate length on plantar pressures in adults with hemiplegia following stroke.

Discuss a five year study of a five year old male who presented with a brachial plexus injury secondary to cervical spinal fusion.

Discuss a new treatment option for treating Pectus excavatum, a disease where costocartilage abnormally grows, deforming the distal third of the sternum into a recessed position.

Discuss the background, application, statistics and feedback regarding new post amputative treatments.

Review study results where two subjects with a unilateral transtibial amputation walked both forward and backward in a gait laboratory. Gain an understanding of how a transtibial prosthesis mimics the normal human foot during backward walking.

Gain an understanding of transfemoral socket configurations that are accepted by the prosthetic community.

Discuss results of several studies where x-ray measurements have been used to identify skeletal movements, suspension effect and stability of transtibial sockets.

Review this transtibial prosthesis that is designed to be submerged in water, allowing the user to shower, go to the beach or pool, or any other water activity.

Discuss the various knees used in the US and determine the enhanced features that often go unnoticed by practitioners.

Identify specific training techniques that will enhance the use of microprocessor knees.

Review socket fitting methodology in practice for transtibial and transfemoral amputees.

7:15-8:30 am
A New Design in Prosthetic Socket Fabrication
Peter Pannuncialman

8:30-10:30 am
Continental Breakfast in the Exhibit Hall

10:30 – 11:00 am
Custom O&P Fabrication: Applying Advanced Materials
Patrick J. Myrdal

11:00 – 11:30 am
Custom Urethane Ankle Foot Orthoses Fabrication
Patrick J. Myrdal

11:30 am – 1:30 pm
LEAN Manufacturing in the O&P Field
Greg Mattson, RTPO

1:30-2:00 pm
Lunch on Your Own

2:00-2:30 pm
Thermoforming with Carbon Composites
Jack Richmond

2:30-3:00 pm
Cosmetic and Protective Covers- What’s new?
Jack Richmond

3:00-3:30 pm
Advances in Stance Control Technology
Steve Hill, CO

Focus on four, state of the art impression techniques to create a Total Surface Bearing, negative model for a transtibial patient. Each participant will receive an interactive demonstration with the ability to participate in the Hands-On application of these techniques.

Since 1944, Dr. Ignacio Ponseti has been treating clubfoot, using a non-surgical, manipulative and casting method, followed by use of a foot abduction orthosis to hold the foot in the corrected position until bipedal walking proceeds. Be introduced to the method and receive in-depth hands-on experience with models.

Learn how and why feet are prescribed based on an analysis of current prosthetic feet.

Discuss the SSC results and where they will lead the profession in the future.

The etiologies and craniofacial asymmetries associated with deformational plagiocephaly and congenital muscular torticollis are described and illustrated in this presentation.

Focus on the severity scale developed for infants with brachycephaly. Review 500 consecutive scans of infants referred to Orthomerica for cranial remolding orthoses.

Discuss concurrent diagnoses associated with positional plagiocephaly, such as torticollis, hypotonia, cranial nerve symptoms, and benign hydrocephalus.

Focus on the value of AFO night splints. Discuss the negative effects daytime bracing can have on ambulatory patients as well as the consideration involved in bracing DMD patients after the muscle release procedures.

Discuss Apert’s Syndrome with primary focus on the orthotic and surgical interventions required throughout the lifespan of people born with this syndrome.

Review objective gait measurements of 14 stance control orthosis (SCO) users during a prospective open-enrollment six month clinical field trial.

Investigate the biomechanical and energetic effects of using a KAFO incorporating Horton’s SCOKJ on able-bodied subjects.

This study will help aid in the decision of functional orthotic management of children with spastic hemiplegia, especially those with the ability to run.

Review the results of a study of 25 patients using a new modified KAFO joint and a one-way locking hinge. Learn how it works and also hear preliminary results and patient experience.

See a demonstration of the SWASH orthosis, its functions and a couple of mini-case studies.

This is a detailed look into FES and its use in rehabilitation of people with central nervous system damage. Learn about FES abilities to improve the health and quality of life of people when used correctly.

Spinal Muscular Dystrophy is being treated successfully with good orthotic care. Learn more about some of the advances in treatment and gain a background on the SMA patient.

This presentation includes a discussion of the independent coordinates of space, degrees of freedom, kinetic chain, and joint congruence presented with ample use of unique and novel graphics.

Compare the process of normal voluntary motor control or muscle contradiction, with a superficially applied electrical stimulation and explore the benefits of applying functional stimulation.

Review results of a study to document the feasibility of a novel experimental paradigm for the selection, evaluation and individual optimization of PD-AFO characteristics.

Quantify the relative structural strength of various pylon socket attachment systems incorporated into trans-tibial prosthetic composite sockets.

The purpose of this study was to measure the function of the Össur Proprio Bionic Foot, assess its impact on gait and energy expenditure, compare it to the conventional SACH foot, and a dynamic response energy storing foot.

Learn about an alternative method of fitting the hip disarticulation but more importantly the very short transfemoral amputee. Review several case studies to see the application and results of the technique.

The objective of this study was to determine prosthetic foot angle effect on gait propulsion as part of a larger effort to scientifically relate prosthetic component/ alignment to function.

Measure the geometric and stress/strain differences, evaluate differences in functional performance and assess the perceived effects on comfort, function, and health related quality of life when using prosthetic designs for transtibial amputees.

Compare the actual measurements from hand casting and laser scanning. Assess if laser scanning is a viable, accurate and consistent form of residual limb replication.

Compare two different variable-dampening knee prostheses, the magnetorheological-based Rheo Knee Össur) and the hydraulic based-C-Leg (Otto Bock) to the mechanically-passive, hydraulic-based Mauch SNS (Össur). Focus on metabolic cost at a self-selected walking speed. Kinetic and kinematic data comparison was also completed.

Discuss the mobility and number of steps per day a person with a prosthetic limb is able to achieve. Review how this can assist in better addressing solutions to sedentary lifestyles and flaws in socket and prosthetic designs that prevent people with lower limb amputation from being more physically active.

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.

The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists undertook this three phase study to establish preliminary data comparing the number of CPOs to the number of eligible Medicare beneficiaries likely to need P&O services in each state. Phase I identified discrepancies in the distribution of qualified practitioners and identified a geographic cluster of Southern states where there are substantially less qualified practitioners per potential P&O patient than elsewhere in the country. This Phase II report analyzes these data by Metropolitan Statistical Areas to provide additional insight into the distribution of qualified practitioners in high and low population density regions of the country. Practical implications from this new research will be discussed.

Learn what separates the all-stars from the bench warmers. Why do some people quickly and easily win peoples’ confidence? Since an estimated 65-70% of communications is what we see and do rather than what we say it is important to understand what non-verbal messages you are unconsciously sending and receiving. Gain an awareness of this powerful communication tool. Learn how to improve your communications through your actions.

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?” Take a look at how you can use accreditation standards to manage your practice better for increased productivity and revenue.

One of the Academy’s grant projects is designed to foster evidence based practice by conducting an ongoing series of State-of-the-Science Conferences (SSCs). For 2006, an SSC on Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthoses for Ambulation was conducted with support from a grant by the U.S. Department of Education (H235RO500001). This presentation reviews the key findings and recommendations from this multidisciplinary meeting of international experts.

See CP patient case study presentations showing improved gait through a program focused on increased ROM.

Identify key variables which influence orthotic management of the pediatric and adolescent spine outcome; patient age and maturity, curve size and pattern and in-brace reduction.

Consider new upper limb technological options for a “difficult to fit” patient population.

Discuss prosthetic experience with the Otto Bock Electric Elbow since the initiation of beta-site testing in the summer of 2004.

See the feedback that is possible with the technology of a new electric hand including sensors of grip force, shear force, and relatively simple feedback mechanisms.

Discuss findings of the preliminary study of 40+ upper extremity patients fitted with the Animated Control System. There have been over 450+ patients fitted over the last 4 ½ years.

Review occupational therapy pre-prosthetic goals and treatment strategy, the referral process and resources for your local OT’s.

Review the latest developments in electric partial fittings and application to clinical practice.

Gain insight on proven ways to keep your employees happy and productive and your business thriving.

Discuss treatment methods for lower extremity management of Spina Bifida and Muscular Dystrophy.

Review current treatment protocols for the pediatric hip.

The purpose of this presentation is to describe an alternative fitting technique for the wrist disarticulation amputee.

Discuss a unique prosthetic device which has five individually powered digits to provide the user with a device that actually looks and acts like a real human hand.

Discuss the problem that prosthetists are faced with regarding choosing body-powered technology. There are concerns over the choice between a voluntary-opening (VO) and voluntary-closing (VC) protocol for prehensor control.

Discuss the process of implementing an occupational therapy program based on this theory.

Review historic and current prosthetic treatment for individuals with thumb amputations.

Determine whether a transhumeral amputee would benefit from an external powered elbow, or a hybrid elbow.

Discuss how a Remote Consulting Model (RCM) can assist in the treatment of patients in the delivery and post delivery of care.

Discuss highlights of several case studies of multiple high level patients fit with the Dynamic Arm (Electric Elbow) between April and December 2006. The patients, for the most part, are first-time prosthetic wearers and the level of limb loss is shoulder disarticulation or higher.

Consider a seven-step prosthetic treatment protocol that has been successfully implemented in over six interscapular thoracic cases at UCSF.