*Earn CEU's from the 19 hours of scientific and business presentations as well as the Exhibition Hall
The Agenda presented here is downloadable / printable and is subject to change.
Meeting Agenda 2011
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Abstracts are located at the bottom of the page, click presentations highlighted in blue to view their description.


Thursday, October 20, 2011

  • 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
    Golf Outing
  • 6:00 pm
    Hall

Friday, October 21, 2011

Saturday, October 22, 2011


Presentation: Successful Outcomes Using a New Free Motion KAFO for Treatment of Infantile Blount's Disease (Joe Whiteside, CO, LO)

Friday, October 21, 2011 - 9:45 am to 10:00 am

Non-surgical treatment of Blounts disease has been somewhat controversial. Studies have shown success with use of a drop lock or solid upright KAFO variations which are accepted as the gold standard for orthotic treatment. A more recent study has shown a high rate of spontaneous correction when varying stages of severity, specific to Blounts Disease is present. Compliance has been a primary limitation in the locked knee designs due to the altered gait pattern and overall perception of being impractical. Other risk factors related to failure include obesity, varus thrust and orthotic application at an age older than three. To maximize results when managing bowing deformities of the lower limb, it is paramount to establish proper diagnosis, age appropriateness and progression of deformity. Differential diagnosis is multifactor based and primary in determining likelihood of deformity progression and orthotic outcome. The factors influencing progression include obesity ethnicity, varus thrust, radiographic measures of severity, stage of and unilateral vs. bilateral. Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (KAFO) designs specific to Blounts disease and other bowing deformities of the knee have consisted of: solid single or double upright, single or double upright with drop lock hinge and single upright with posterior swivel hinge and Positive Track Telescoping ankle joint. The length of time an orthosis worn in a 24 hour period is determined by the prescribing physician. Individual preference ranges from 23 hour wear versus daytime or nighttime wear. Recent data has shown an equal success rate in part time bracing in patients who wore their braces only night time compared to those only braced during the day, both approximately 90%.
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Presentation: Outcome Clinical Testing Techniques to Evaluate the Appropriateness of Torsion Adapters (Glenn Schober, CP Ohio Willow Wood)

Friday, October 21, 2011 - 10:15 am to 10:30 am

Numerous studies have evaluated the effectiveness of torsion adapters in technological environments (Segal, 2009; Van der Linden, 2002); however, a feasible evaluation in a clinical environment is rarely discussed. The purpose of this research is to introduce outcome measurements that support the clinical assessment of torsion adapters
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Presentation: Prepreg Carbon Fiber AFOs and Partial Foot Prostheses (Noel J. Chladek, CO)

Friday, October 21, 2011 - 10:30 am to 11:00 am

Attendees will acquire knowledge of our experiences with custom fabrication of pre-preg carbon fiber AFO's and partial foot prostheses. Presentation covers the material characteristics of carbon pre-preg that include a dynamic response with energy-storing capabilities when fabrication follows FAA guidelines. Resistance options for posterior spring and toe plate based on primary and secondary functional deficits are reviewed. Results of enhanced proprioceptive balance and gait stability are discussed in conjunction with indications and contraindications of this application.
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Presentation: Using Elevated Vacuum to Improve Functional Outcomes: A Case Report (Rob Hoskins, CP)

Friday, October 21, 2011 - 11:00 am to 11:30 am

Elevated vacuum (EV) is a promising technology in the field of prosthetics. It has been scientifically shown to increase the quality of contact between the residual limb and prosthetic socket, resulting in benefits to fit, suspension, and function of a prosthesis. However, very little research has been done on its effect on patient function. This unique case report was written to document the effect on one patient's function of transitioning from a patella tendon-bearing (PTB) socket with ischial weight-bearing thigh cuff (IWBTC) to prosthesis with an EV socket system. The patient underwent a transtibial amputation as a result of an avulsive trauma and used the PTB socket and thigh cuff for 16 years. In an effort to correct the patient's gait and improve his ability to perform the necessary tasks of his occupation, farming, the patient began using an EV prosthesis. He was interviewed and his functional status was evaluated one week, one month and one year after receiving the prosthesis. After one week the patient showed improvement in skin condition and expressed increased confidence in difficult locomotor tasks. At one month he was no longer experiencing pain in his sound side knee and his gait symmetry had improved dramatically. After one year the patient showed further improvement in gait and balance as well as the ability to wear the prosthesis comfortably for 24 hours at a time when necessary for his occupation. The transition from a PTB with IWBTC prosthesis to an EV system dramatically improved this patient's functional outcome and overall satisfaction.
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Presentation: Guerrilla Marketing for O&P (Outsource Marketing Solutions)

Friday, October 21, 2011 - 11:45 am to 12:00 pm

How can a small business effectively promote itself without spending a fortune? It's time to “go guerilla!” Learn how to market a business with a "shoestring" budget. In order to do that successfully, you need to avoid some classic mistakes. The first mistake of many small business owners is not understanding the vital role of marketing in building a successful business. Second mistake is not knowing what marketing initiatives have the best results (and what marketing initiatives have no results at all!) Measurement is key as is an understanding of the marketplace. Demographics of the marketplace are changing, creating opportunities for O&P professionals who design their businesses to satisfy the needs of growing customer niches.
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Student Presentation: Idiopathic Toe Walking (Kinsey Herrin)

Friday, October 21, 2011 - 1:00 pm to 1:15 pm

Clinical outcomes after orthotic treatment of idiopathic toe walking using an articulated ankle foot orthosis and a foot orthosis with an attached rigid carbon fiber footplate: A pilot study
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Student Presentation : Use of Minetti Equation to Compare Two Prosthetic Limb Setups for Running (Dara Ross)

Friday, October 21, 2011 - 1:15 pm to 1:30 pm

An equation shown to estimate the amount of internal work done was used to compare two prosthetic component set ups for a transfemoral amputee runner. It has been anecdotally suggested that running with a straight leg prosthesis can be easier than running with a prosthetic knee. This was tested by collecting appropriate data and comparing the estimated internal work done. Hypothesis is that there is no difference in the estimated work done when running with a prosthetic knee and without a prosthetic knee.
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Student Presentation : Product Development: Broadening Capabilities of Harmony® Mechanical Pumps in Elevated Vacuum Socket Systems with a Vacuum Pressure Bleeder Valve. (Brad Poziembo)

Friday, October 21, 2011 - 1:30 pm to 1:45 pm

The purpose of this presentation is to describe various products that provide solutions to many of today's problems that occur when fitting an elevated vacuum socket system.  Some current issues deal with sealing sleeve durability, diminished suspension when vacuum is not achieved, obtaining total contact distally while donning, and socket tightness.  When these problems arise, practitioners can become frustrated and reluctant to use elevated vacuum technology on their patients.  Unique solutions are available from a wide range of manufactures such as a locking seal, manifold, vacuum compatible shuttle lock, and vacuum regulation bleeder valve.  Each of these products will be discussed in detail.  With these options available to practitioners, more patients can be fit with an elevated vacuum socket system and obtain the advantages that this technology provides.   
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Presentation: Transform Your Practice by Providing Clinical Education (Thomas McGovern)

Friday, October 21, 2011 - 2:45 pm to 3:00 pm

Centers of Influence (COI) can be one of the most effective sources of new clients. To survive - and prosper - in today's healthcare arena, O&P Facilities will need to develop a marketing strategy that provides ongoing access to these coveted groups. One such strategy is a clinical education program. Practitioners will learn how to develop a series of continuing education programs that provide value and continuing education credits to other professionals while highlighting the practitioner's expertise at the same time. Attendees will be taught the benefits and value of consistently in-servicing their referral sources. They will learn how to establish an ongoing educational platform. In addition, a case study of an O&P facility in Ohio will be examined that has grown their business over 24% in one year by utilizing a similar system.
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Presentation: Design and Fitting of a Flexible Socket System (Glenn Hutnick, CPO, FAAOP)

Friday, October 21, 2011 - 3:15 pm to 3:30 pm

The use of flexible inner sockets has become quite commonplace in the fabrication of both lower and upper limb prosthetics. The current design method is to house the flexible socket in a rigid retainer. Therefore the only flexibility that is actually occurring is at the proximal trim lines, or where fenestrations have been cut out. These regions still do not allow that much flexibility. They mainly allow better access for adjustments. With the increased use of elevated vacuum systems, socket designs have been primarily hard sockets with PETG inner sockets to reduce the incidence of leakage. These hard socket designs can make leakage prevention difficult as a patients residual limb shape changes during gait and especially while sitting. The dynamic flexible socket system discussed in this presentation will educate the practitioner how to design an elevated or regular socket system that is more dynamic than its current counterparts.
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Presentation: Unilateral Transtibial on Steep Incline/Decline with Hydraulic Ankle (Brian Kaluf, Board Eligible Prosthetist)

Friday, October 21, 2011 - 3:30 pm to 3:45 pm

This study investigated the difference in gait biomechanics and patient perception to optimize the prosthetic prescription for a unilateral transtibial amputee ambulating on steep terrain. The continually expanding catalogue of new prosthetic components allows the practitioner to design an intervention that meets the specific demands of a patient. Extreme incline and decline terrain found in certain geographic area can pose a disability to patients using a prosthetic foot that does not accommodate the angle and keep the prosthetic foot flat on the ground. Recently available integrated load sensors can provide quantitative biomechanic data and establish evidence of the benefit certain prosthetic feet provide to a patient. A unilateral transtibial amputee was fit and aligned with her current flex-walk style prosthetic foot and two different prosthetic feet with hydraulic ankles. The patient walked on level ground and on a ramp. The patient was asked to answer a quantitative questionnaire about each prosthetic foot. The loads on the socket were recorded during each trial using the COMPAS system and the biomechanic curves were evaluated for differences. The questionnaire, biomechanic data and opinion reported by the patient corresponded with one prosthetic foot, and this foot was chosen in the final prescription.
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NC Licensure Forum: Panel Discussion by Advocates and Opponents to Licensure for O&P Practitioners in North Carolina. A moderated Open Forum Discussion will follow the Panel's Presentations.

Saturday, October 22, 2011 - 8:00 am to 9:30 am

This Forum is the opportunity for you to learn the pros and cons of the pursuit of professional Licensure for Orthotists and Prosthetist in the state of North Carolina. You will be presented with this information and then invited to express your opinions and ask questions. By the Forum's end we hope to arrive at a general consensus as to whether or not State Licensure should be pursued in North Carolina.
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Presentation: Psychometry Measurements (Michael Wilson, CPO, LP, FAAOP)

Saturday, October 22, 2011 - 9:30 am to 10:00 am

Abilities to safely and efficiently use an orthotic/prosthetic device are acquired sensorimotor skills. These acquired skills are enhanced by imagery and anticipation and are utilized along with other measurements, such as psychometrics, in clinical outcome assessment modalities. Psychometry usually pertains to measurement issues, but also pertains to the capacity to acquire knowledge super-normally by handling object. Using very simple training methods and equipment, orthotists/prosthetist can train their clients to attain this "super-normal" state of mind when using O&P devices, and thus create a conceptual illusion of whole and normality when attached to and operating such devices.
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Presentation: Outcome Measures for Elevated Vacuum Suspension (Glenn Schober, CP Ohio Willow Wood)

Saturday, October 22, 2011 - 11:15 am to 11:45 am

Elevated vacuum suspension maintains prosthetic linkage to the patient's limb by providing a consistent vacuum pressure source. A vacuum is created by actively removing the air between the liner and the socket fixating the liner (and limb) to the inner socket wall. If used properly, there are many benefits associated with this type of suspension including increased proprioception, reduced tissue breakdown, improved gait, and superior linkage (Board, 2001; Street, 2006). It is important to expand the knowledge about elevated vacuum suspension regarding patient outcomes to further understand these benefits. The purpose of this research is to provide outcome information concerning elevated vacuum suspension. In particular, data is analyzed regarding patient preferences and quantitative vacuum pressure responses
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Presentation: Management of Severe OA of the Knee using Customized Off Loading Knee Orthoses (Joseph Whiteside, CO, LO)

Saturday, October 22, 2011 - 11:45 am to 12:30 pm

This study reports on the results of using a custom made knee orthosis as an alternative to surgical intervention and in four patients with valgus/varus deformity in excess of 20 degrees.
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