Lower Extremity Review
Purdue University researchers have developed a shoe insole that could help make the healing process more portable for people who have diabetes-related foot ulcers. The researchers used lasers to shape silicone-based rubber into insoles and then create reservoirs that gradually release oxygen throughout the day.
Curbell Plastics, Orchard Park, NY, has been named the exclusive supplier of ProComp sheet across the U.S. ProComp is an innovative polypropylene material reinforced with carbon fibers for a 25% increase in stiffness. The individual fibers provide the ability of the composite to flow and stretch during melt temperature vacuum forming. Curbell Plastics was selected due to its orthotic and prosthetic expertise within the Curbell O&P specialty group.
OPTP has added a new 4″ diameter foam roller to its elite Pro-Roller line, available in standard and soft densities. The 36″ x 4″ roller is closer to the ground than the regular 36″ x 6″ diameter roller, for a safer, more stable feeling. They are well suited for the elderly, beginners, or individuals with a compromised sense of balance and are easier to control while using for massage.
Cadence Insoles introduces a new model to its line of exclusive, retail-only, over-the-counter orthotics. The EX MP provides semi-rigid support, durable high-rebound/low-compression set polyurethane foam, and an antimicrobial, low-friction CoolMax top cover with a built-in metatarsal pad. The EX MP is only available for purchase from physicians’ offices and select retailers; it is not available for online sales.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the new Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes, effective for claims with a date of service on or after January 1, 2019. The following code changes are relevant to lower extremity care providers…
The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC) has established a minimum score to pass the therapeutic shoe fitter certification exam. Certified therapeutic shoe fitters participated in an ABC standard setting meeting to set this new criteria. A new form of the CFts exam was also approved earlier this year; it will be administered for the first time in February 2019.
KLM Laboratories continues to help practitioners meet the ever-changing needs of each patient. The Posted CP-3300 orthotic shell is the newest addition to the KLM prefabricated product family. This semi-flexible polypropylene shell has a 2-degree inverted rear foot post that is lightweight and low bulk. The design of the horseshoe shape will allow for heel lift attachments, which are under development.
Colfax, Annapolis Junction, MD, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire DJO Global, Vista, CA, for $3.15 billion. The transaction, which will be funded with cash, debt, and equity, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2019. Upon closing of the sale, DJO Global will operate as a new segment within Colfax and be led by current DJO Global President and CEO Brady Shirley, who will report directly to…
The new C-Brace by Ottobock HealthCare uses the world’s first mechatronic stance and swing phase control orthosis (SSCO) system, introduced with the original C-Brace, to control stance and swing phase with microprocessor sensor technology. Building upon the features of the first-generation C-Brace, the new C-Brace is smaller and lighter, allowing it to be worn under clothing.
Kurt P. Spindler, MD, of Cleveland Clinic and founder of the Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) Group, has received a 5-year, $6 million grant to study techniques used for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The grant, awarded by the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, supports a multi-center, randomized clinical trial…
German comfort footwear company Waldlaufer introduces the stylish new Kagan lace-up, a therapeutic shoe without the therapeutic look, designed to accommodate the footwear needs of women with extra-wide feet, bunions, and hammertoes. Like every Waldlaufer shoe, the Kagan is handcrafted in Europe using the finest leathers and super-light, air cushion soles.
A group led by Cambridge Bio-Augmentation Systems (CBAS) was awarded a £865,000 grant by Innovate UK to develop an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) platform that analyzes patients’ daily physical movements. The solution will apply to a wide range of conditions and help clinicians make data-informed decisions about patient progress and well being, with the aim of improving care and providing greater insight for patients and their families
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a draft strategy to help reduce administrative and regulatory burden on clinicians caused by the use of health information technology such as electronic health records (EHRs).
Therafim’s Ease line of compression hosiery debuted in 2014, growing in popularity and expanding ever since. Now, Therafirm has expanded the line with the introduction of X-Large sizes. Compression knee highs are sized by ankle and calf circumferences. With new sizing including X-Large, Ease knee highs now fit ankle and calf circumferences up to 15” and 23”, respectively.
New from PAL Heath Technologies is the Foot Orientation Apparatus (patent pending, serial number 62/739,962) to be used with PAL’s Xtremity 3D foot scanner. The lightweight and portable apparatus was developed to obtain subtalar neutral positioning of the foot, ensuring foot scans are more accurate for the physician and more comfortable for the patient.
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