Vol. 8, No.5

June 2003

Consensus Conf #2 Held on Post-Operative Amputation Care

Co-chairs Gary M. Berke, MS, CP, FAAOP and Douglas G. Smith, MD were pleased with the spirited discussions during the meeting and promised to produce a report in record time. Project Quantum Leap’s second conference towards documenting Clinical Standards of Practice (CSOP) was devoted to Post-Operative Management of the Lower Extremity Amputee. The two-day conference in Chicago held recently included experts in such areas as vascular surgery, orthopedics, O&P, research, physical therapy, physiatry, and rehabilitation. The findings will reflect the consensus of the goals of treatment and the length of time for the post-operative period. The group felt the post-operative period should extend well beyond the usual two weeks immediately following amputation.

The intent of a CSOP consensus conference is to analyze diagnoses which can be considered difficult to treat or controversial in nature, as well as those where sparse literature is available to guide patient care. “It serves as a mechanism to document our clinical belief systems in what we do and why we do it a particular way,” said Donald E. Katz, CO, FAAOP, Academy President. Unlike other symposia where there may be a general registration for attendees, a consensus conference of this nature is the convening of a select panel of professionals representing a broad range of disciplines and perspectives who meet on an array of clinical issues germane to a specific subject matter. The end goal of a CSOP conference is to publish a document which defines the current status of patient care, to develop consensus on controversial issues where possible and to identify research priorities. Findings from the first consensus conference on Treatment of Idiopathic Scoliosis and Schuermann’s Kyphosis were presented at the Annual Meeting in San Diego by Chairman Donald E. Katz, CO, FAAOP. The report is currently undergoing critical review and will be published as a supplement to the JPO in September.

Hits to Academy Website Up Significantly

Academy web hits are at an all time high of 51,000 per month. Last year the monthly hit rate was approximately 35,000 hits. Typically the website experiences a 20 percent decline in hits two months after the annual meeting, however for the past two years the number of post annual meeting hits has steadily increased. Staff attributes the consistent rise in hits to the new look of the site and the ability for staff to post information in a timely manner. Thanks to enabling programming from oandp.com, staff now has the ability to update 70 percent of the site without the assistance of a programmer.

Walter Reed Army Medical Center & Academy Host Microprocessor Knee Forum

Forum chairman Dale Berry, CPO assembled 20 experts to examine issues relating to the microprocessor knee to support the Army’s request.

Twenty experts met at the Army’s request on the campus of Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC recently to discuss various issues relating to the use of the microprocessor knee. Walter Reed is charged with managing the needs of returning servicemen from the Iraqi War who may require prostheses. Most injuries have come from landmines according to an Army spokesman and the center is prepared to assist several hundred returning servicemen. The Forum was structured similar to a consensus conference with its primary goal to establish a specific patient procedure and protocol for the microprocessor knee component. Chairman Dale Berry, CP selected participants based upon their personal clinical experience in fitting, prescribing, evaluating and/or clinical research with the microprocessor knee component. Participants were assigned a topic related to their specific experience and knowledge and prepared a 30-minute presentation for the forum. Speakers concluded their presentation with specific recommendations. The panel then voted to adopt, reject or modify the recommendations made by the speaker. Topics included:

• Microprocessor Introduction & Definitions

• Pre-Prosthetic and Medical Consideration

• Patient Selection And Identification

• Patient Justification and Validation

• Physical Therapy

• Patient Evaluation and Documentation

• Microprocessor Features and Benefits

• Component Variations

• Outcomes and Utilization Protocol

• Advance Patient Considerations

• Biomechanics and Gait Labs

• Follow-Up Procedures And Protocols

Findings from the forum are currently in the review process and should be published this Fall.

Academy Initiates Structured Giving Program

The Academy recently announced the start of the O&P Giving Back Program, a structured giving program which offers practitioners and facility owners the ability to plan their support of Project Quantum Leap (PQL) over the next three years. “Being able to plan a level of contribution and the timing for when the check is written is a real advantage for many individuals and businesses,” explained Julie Hayes, Academy director of communications and development. “It’s a bit like the scheduled payments people make to United Way.” Payments may be made in three installments payable by November 30, 2003, June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2005. A minimum of one-half of the total donation is requested in the initial installment.

At each level of giving, the donor receives recognition and benefits reflective of their level of support. The levels for an individual practitioner range from $500 to $2,500 while facilities start at $1,000 and go up to $5,000. PQL supporters will be recognized through the Academician newsletter, on signs at the Annual Meeting, website listings and premium items for offices or facilities. A complete listing of contributor benefits can be found on the Academy’s website at Support Project Quantum Leap (www.oandp.org/pql/support).

The Academy’s Project Quantum Leap will shape the future of the profession by implementing a vigorous O&P awareness campaign to encourage students to pursue a career in O&P, documenting clinical standards of practice to define treatment protocols and encouraging the funding of applied research in O&P.

Additional information about Project Quantum Leap or making a tax-deductible online donation can be found on the Academy website at www.oandp.org/pql or directly from Julie Hayes at pql@oandp.org or (703) 836-0788, ext 203. The Academy has also created special giving opportunities for those who wish to honor an individual who has made a significant contribution to the profession.

Need PCE Credits This Year?

The Academy now offers 2 JPO Quizzes in each issue and members pay half the price that nonmembers do.

Next Advanced Training Series Topic Focuses on Emerging Technology: Scientific Principles and Clinical Application of Stance Control Orthoses

Stance control has been the hot topic of the orthotic community and the best-attended workshops at both the Academy and AOPA meetings. There are now three manufacturers with products in this arena and more are anticipated. The course, set for September 18-20 at the Sheraton Gateway outside Chicago, includes a review of normal and pathological gait basics and the impact of traditional locked-knee KAFOs on energy efficiency. Even though stance control is new, there are some scientific studies that have completed preliminary results. Participants will learn the technical specifics of each particular approach to providing a stance control orthosis, including patient demonstrations. Manufacturers will participate in the program, but not as sales presentations. Each attendee will be qualified to use all the options by the end of the course and have a good understanding of the advantages and limitations of each approach. Members save $100 over nonmember rates.

November Advanced Training Series Continues with Biomechanical Design of Lower-Limb Orthoses

The Academy’s Advanced Training Series continues November 6-8 in Chicago with the debut of this intensive three-day course focusing on the practical application of biomechanical principles. The overall emphasis will be on making scientifically-based, clinical driven decisions from objective data about each patient’s individual physical condition and functional deficits. Participants will learn how to conduct a comprehensive triplanar biomechanical assessment of each body segment and how to record this data using a visually-based assessment data sheet. The course will be taught by Don Weber CO(c), Dan Blocka, CO(c), FCBC and Gordon Ruder, CO(c), an internationally renowned faculty. Additional details may be found on the Academy’s website at www.oandp.org or by calling Bethany Oxer (703) 836-0788, ext 206.

Membership Application Now Online

The Academy now has the technical capability of accepting online payments for new memberships. Applicants are cautioned that acceptance into the Academy is contingent upon their meeting the eligibility requirements. Membership will be confirmed once eligibility is verified by Academy staff. Look for online renewal payments next year.

Las Vegas Conf Looks at New O&P Technologies

Jack Uellendahl, CPO expected the working title of his session “Cool New Stuff in Upper Extremity Prosthetics” to be changed by the planning committee for the Academy’s Continuing Education Conference (CEC), but program chairman Mark Werner, CPO, FAAOP indicated it was right on target. “We’re excited about the combination of topics being presented,” said Werner. “The conference will focus on the latest technologies in O&P in a comprehensive way. Presentations will help clinicians identify when exciting new technology is appropriate, give them the medical justification for recommending this technology to referring physicians and outline strategies for reimbursement for providing the most appropriate patient care.” Included in the program are two clinical discussions on stance control orthotic knee joints, as well as management of the neuropathic lower extremity, transfemoral alignment considerations and gait deviations, gait patterns commonly seen in stroke patients, among others. For the first time findings from the Microprocessor Prosthetic Knee Forum held at Walter Reed Army Medical Center will also be presented. The CEC will be September 12-13 at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas (complete program information and registration form can be found on the Academy’s website at www.oandp.org.)

NY Chapter Includes Fitters in Annual Meeting Program

The New York State Chapter of the Academy has several programs in the works according to chapter president Marcus F. Klemmt, CPO, FAAOP. To meet the chapter’s goals and objectives, a full program is planned for the annual fall meeting in Rye Brook, NY October 9 - 11. New York expects to be the first chapter to offer a continuing education program for the new ABC Post Mastectomy Registered Fitters and Registered Orthotic Fitters. Technicians will have a comprehensive full day program, and for the practitioners, along with a full weekend of speakers. In addition, the chapter is also offering a CPR two-year certification program, an ABC facility accreditation program, as well as other special educational opportunities. The chapter use special discounts to encourage members to bring their “referring physician” to the meeting as well as office personnel to learn about HIPPA and legislative issues. The NYSAAOP also continues to support the critical tasks being addressed by the Academy by donating $1,000 for Project Quantum Leap, contributing $5,000 to the Negotiating Rulemaking Process and by joining NAAOP.

Midwest Chapter Offers New Scholarship

The Midwest Chapter recently announced the establishment of a scholarship fund to honor the memory of Dale Yasukawa, CP, past president of the chapter. The chapter partnered with the O&P Assistance Fund and Dale’s wife, Linda Yasukawa, PT, MS, to create a scholarship as part of the Dale Yasukawa Memorial Fund in the amount of $500. The scholarship is offered to full-time certificate candidates enrolled in Northwestern University's Prosthetic Orthotic Center during the fall 2003 and spring 2004 terms. The award will be used to offset Midwest Chapter meeting registration fees, assist in the purchasing of books, supplies, and equipment needed for ongoing studies at NUPOC. For complete details regarding this scholarship and other scholarships offered to O&P students, please visit www.opcareers.org.

PA Chapter Combines Meeting with MD

The newly combined Pennsylvania/DC/Maryland/Virginia Chapter hosted their annual meeting last month at Station Square in Pittsburgh. Attendees were pleased with the variety of lectures offered. A unique range of topics was covered from pediatric orthotics to discussions on fabrication. The meeting was well attended with over 90 attendees and 30 exhibitors. The chapter invited several Pennsylvania lobbyists to learn more about O&P by touring the exhibit hall, speaking with exhibitors and sitting in on several lectures. Joe Reagle, President-Elect of the Pennsylvania Chapter is looking forward to next year’s meeting. “We will be changing the layout of our meeting to accommodate lectures, workshops and a half-day program focusing on fabrication sciences. There is a definite need for this type of programming in our region,” he said.

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