HOUSTON — The Association of Children’s Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics Annual Meeting began with a forum for sharing knowledge and new developments in research, equipment, observations and treatments for children and adolescents with limb deficiencies. Jorge A. Fabregas, MD, president of the…
Month: March 2017
Speaker: Pediatric toe walking not idiopathic, can be improved with regular physical therapy
HOUSTON — Pediatric toe walking is not necessarily idiopathic and can be the result of an underlying deficit, Megan Smith, CO, director of clinical research at Surestep, said at the Association of Children’s Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics Annual Meeting. She said gait…
Carbon fiber AFO-SMO orthoses improved gait in patient with cerebral palsy
HOUSTON — The use of a carbon fiber ankle-foot orthosis with supramalleolar orthosis inner boots improved the gait of a 13-year-old patient with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, according to data presented at the Association of Children’s Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics Annual Meeting.…
University of Pittsburgh researchers receive award to develop ultrasonic sensors for an exoskeleton
The National Science Foundation’s Cyber-Physical Systems program has awarded researchers from the University of Pittsburgh a 3-year $400,000 grant to develop an ultrasound sensor system for a hybrid exoskeleton, which would use both electrical nerve stimulation and external motors. According…
Smartphone ‘geofencing’ could help track chronic care
A location-tracking app could be used to help track and manage care for patients with chronic diseases and provide feedback on helpful lifestyle changes, according to researchers from the University of California, San Francisco. “As the prevalence of chronic disease…
Researchers show virtual reality can be used to catch a real ball
Scientists from Disney Research have demonstrated how a person could use an interactive virtual reality system to reliably catch a real ball, according to a press release. “Catching and feeling the real ball in your hand makes [virtual reality] VR…
NAAOP issues comments on CMS proposed rule
The National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics has submitted comments in support of a proposed CMS rule that would specify the requirements and qualifications needed for suppliers of custom-fabricated orthotic devices. However, while the National Association for…
PEL becomes distributor of Encore Propel cushion, locking liners
PEL LLC is now the exclusive distributor of Encore prosthetic gel liners, the company announced. According to a press release, the Encore Propel gel liners are made with high cushion thermoplastic gel, and enriched with medical grade mineral oil. Further,…
Wounded Warriors Amputee Softball Team names Jim Abbott honorary chair of its kids camp
The Wounded Warriors Amputee Softball Team has named former Major League Baseball pitcher and Olympic gold medalist Jim Abbott as the 2017 honorary chairman of its alumni kids camp, according to a press release. The Wounded Warriors Amputee Softball Team…
Ottobock acquires BionX Medical Technologies
Ottobock HealthCare has acquired BionX Medical Technologies Inc., a Boston-based prosthetic foot and ankle producer, according to a company press release. BionX is the developer of the emPOWER Ankle, a device that “replaces the function of the muscles and tendons…