Academy Publishes State-of-the-Science Conference Findings on Bone-Anchored Prostheses
Latest SSC Proceedings now available as open access through the Journal of Prosthetics & Orthotics (JPO)
The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (the Academy) is pleased to announce the publication of the proceedings from its fourteenth State-of-the-Science Conference (SSC14), O&P Scope of Practice and Regulatory Status of Bone-Anchored Prostheses (BAP).
Held July 27–28, 2024, SSC14 brought together an interdisciplinary panel of clinicians, researchers, and policymakers to examine how the introduction of bone-anchored prosthesis (BAP) technology is transforming prosthetic care delivery,redefining professional roles, and influencing reimbursement and regulatory frameworks.
The Proceedings capture expert consensus, highlight current evidence gaps, and outline priorities for future research to inform clinical practice and policy development across the O&P profession.
Key discussion areas included:
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Scope of Practice: Defining the Certified Prosthetist’s role in post-surgical BAP care and clarifying what activities fall within or outside the professional scope.
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Regulatory Pathways: Understanding how FDA classifications and approval mechanisms impact BAP device access, labeling, and coordination among care teams.
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Reimbursement: Evaluating the new L5991 code for osseointegrated connectors and identifying reimbursement limitations for comprehensive BAP care.
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Research Priorities: Highlighting critical areas of needed study, including candidacy criteria, rehabilitation protocols, component compatibility, and long-term outcomes.
“The emergence of Bone-anchored prosthetic technology marks a defining moment in the evolution of prosthetic care,” said Gerald Stark, PhD, MSEM, CPOL, FAAOP(D), President of the Academy. “SSC14 provides the necessary clarity andconsensus needed to clinically guide the O&P profession to adopt this transformative technology safely and effectively.”
The Academy commends Brian Kaluf, MSE, CP, FAAOP(D), who served as Chair of SSC14, for his leadership in guiding the conference discussions and overseeing the development of the Proceedings. The Academy also extends its gratitude to all contributing authors and panelists for their expertise and thoughtful participation.
The Proceedings are available digitally via open access through the JPO. This publication was sponsored in part by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC).