Michael Estrada, executive vice president of new business initiatives of Thorlo, Inc., has been appointed to serve a 3-year term on the Amputee Coalition’s board of directors, according to a press release. “I am thrilled to be elected to the…
Author: Terense Kemp
University of Michigan renovates O&P facility
The Orthotics and Prosthetics Center at the University of Michigan underwent $1.2 million in renovations, coinciding with the university’s centennial anniversary, according to a press release. Over the last 5 years outpatient visits have increased 32%; currently the center sees…
Two VA hearings address prosthetic care for veterans
Two recent hearings of the House and Veterans Affairs committee addressed prosthetic procurement and an audit of outside contractors that provide prosthetic services to the Department of Veterans Affairs. In a prepared video statement, Peter W. Thomas, general counsel for…
Exercise, vitamin D prevented falls in elderly
Exercise or physical therapy and vitamin D supplementation could prevent falls in community-dwelling adults aged at least 65 years who are at risk for falls, according to the United States Preventive Services Task Force’s new recommendation guidelines. In 1996, the…
VA applies federal acquisition rules to biologics
Federal acquisition rules will now apply when buying biological medicines, which were originally exempt from such rules, according to the Veterans Health Administration. On May 30, House lawmakers scrutinized the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) for putting medicines used in knee…
Medicaid coverage for prosthetics, DME restored in Hawaii
The Department of Human Services plans to restore Medicaid coverage for outpatient rehabilitation, prosthetics and optometry services to adults younger than 65 years. The DHS announced it will also restore coverage for durable medical equipment, and will not impose limits…
BOC recognizes practitioners with Emeritus status
The Board of Certification/Accreditation, International, introduced “Emeritus status” to recognize practitioners who are no longer practicing, but still retain certification title. The designation honors years of experience, expertise and quality patient care in the orthotics and prosthetics industry, according to…
Contest finalist Chinook Foot Orthotic Laboratory develops green technology
Chinook Foot Orthotic Laboratory Inc. is one of eight finalists competing for the grand prize of $100,000 in the BDC Young Entrepreneur Award. The company is being recognized for its innovation project, A Greener Footprint, which will improve the efficiency…
College Park donates foot proceeds to Purple Heart Homes
College Park Industries is donating $200 for every purchase of its limited edition Tactical Soleus foot to Purple Heart Homes, which provides custom housing solutions for service connected disabled veterans and their families. The foot was crafted especially for Dale…
Gel Liners May Decrease Sensory Feedback in Transtibial Amputees
Extensive research has been conducted to examine how different prosthetic components affect movement patterns, pressure distribution and ground reaction force during walking in below knee amputees. However, little research has been done to investigate how gel liners, specifically the thickness…
