2015 O&P Industry Meeting Schedule

To assist with planning your 2015 Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics Industry education and product showcase schedule, here’s a list of events, dates, and locations we’ve compiled for O&P practitioners, technicians, students, and staff.

**Schedule Updated March 18, 2015**

Event	Date	Location
Hanger Education Fair	2-7 Feb. 2015	Las Vegas, Nevada
Academy Annual Meeting & Symposium	18-21 Feb. 2015	New Orleans, Louisiana
ISPO Deutschland 2015	27-28 Feb. 2015	Germany
Short Course on Ankle-Foot Orthoses	9-10 March 2015	Glasgow, United Kingdom
PrimeFare West 2015	20-21 March 2015	Denver, Colorado
Georgia Society AAOP Meeting	27-28 March 2015	Atlanta, Georgia
Ohio Chapter AAOP Meeting	27-28 March 2015	Columbus, Ohio
Annual Congress in Technical Orthopedics	27-29 March 2015	Germany
Rehacare & Orthopedic Canton 2015	27-29 March 2015	Guangzhou, China
Northwest Chapter AAOP Meeting	16-18 April 2015	Bellevue, Washington
CAPO Conference 2015	22-24 April 2015	Montreal, QC Canada
IAAPOC Annual Meeting	30 April-2 May 2015	Virginia Beach, Virginia
World Confederation of Physical Therapy	1-4 May 2015	Singapore
SOSORT 10th Annual Meeting	7-9 May 2015	Katowice, Poland
ACPOC 2015 Annual Meeting	13-16 May 2015	Clearwater Beach, Florida
WAMOPA Annual Meeting	14-16 May 2015	Reno, Nevada
Pennsylvania Chapter AAOP Meeting	14-16 May 2015	Washington, PA
7th Intl Symposium on Diabetic Foot	20-23 May 2015	The Netherlands
Louisiana Association State Meeting	28-30 May 2015	Lafayette, Louisiana
Midwest Chapter AAOP Meeting	27-29 May 2015	Rosemont, Illinois
Michigan O&P Association Meeting	11-12 June 2015	Bay City, Michigan
PrimeFare East 2015	19-20 June 2015	Nashville, Tennessee
New York State Chapter AAOP Meeting	17-19 June 2015	Albany, New York
ISPRM 9th World Congress	19-23 June 2015	Berlin, Germany
ISPO World Congress 2015	22-25 June 2015	Lyon, France
Amputee Coalition National Conference	23-25 July 2015	Tucson, Arizona
Florida Chapter AAOP Meeting	30 July-1 August 2015	Fort Myers, Florida
Texas Chapter AAOP Meeting	31 July-1 August 2015	San Antonio, Texas
PFA/APMA Symposium 2015	23-26 July 2015	Orlando, Florida
Tennessee Society O&P Meeting	17-19 Sept. 2015	Chattanooga, Tennessee
ISPO Canada Symposium	2-3 October 2015	Toronto, Canada
AOPA National Assembly 2015	7-10 October 2015	San Antonio, Texas
Northern Plains Chapter AAOP Meeting	10-11 Sept 2015	Minneapolis, Minnesota
NC/SC Chapter AAOP Meeting	1-3 October 2015	Charlotte, North Carolina
New England Chapter AAOP Meeting	28-30 Sept 2015	Manchester, NH
PrimeFare Central	24-25 April 2015	OKC, Oklahoma

 The highlighted events above indicate scheduled attendance by staff from Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc. If there are any Tamarack products you’d like to see or if you’d like to schedule a meeting with anybody from the company, please notify us by email beforehand.

If you find that we’ve missed any national or international O&P trade events or have made any errors, please contact us.

Blister Prevention for Podiatrists

Despite advancements in shoe design as well as sock and insole quality, foot blisters continue to plague active individuals who participate in individual and team sports activities. Even the most seasoned professional athletes are sidelined by blisters; a sign that education and embracing “outside the box” products and technologies are quite logically the missing links to finally eliminating foot blisters once and for all.

Australian Podiatrist, Rebecca Rushton, BSc(Pod) shares her professional experience with treating foot blisters in her new SlideShare presentation, Blister Prevention for Podiatrists. We do want to take a moment to note that this presentation is equally suited for the entire spectrum of healthcare professionals who treat individuals for foot blisters, calluses, and ulceration. Athletic Trainers, Orthotists, Pedorthists, Podiatrists, Therapists, and Wound care nurses are also involved in the care of athletes and patients who suffer from recurring irritation (hot spots) and blisters from footwear and various medical devices.

It’s not just amateurs and weekend warriors who hit the wall when blisters finally sideline them from the field or result in a DNF after training diligently for months to cross the finish line. Some of the biggest names in professional sports have been sidelined by foot blisters (as reported in the media):

• Jamaal Charles Dealing with Blisters
• NFL Players Return Held Back by Infected Foot Blister
• In Season’s Long March, Every Step Can Be Painful

Since 1998, Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc. (Minneapolis, MN USA) has sought to help healthcare professionals and athletes resolve nagging foot blister issues through the development of the company’s patented low friction interface technology. ShearBan, a product most commonly known in the O&P industry, is available in sheets and precut patches to address friction & shear in footwear, insoles, and medical devices. 6 years later, Tamarack introduced ENGO Blister Prevention Patches, the consumer-packaged equivalent to ShearBan in the sports medicine and consumer athletics marketplace.

With the support of healthcare professionals and consumers around the world, Tamarack hopes to one day establish ShearBan and ENGO as household names in foot blister prevention and relief. But don’t take our word for it – order a pack for yourself. There’s nothing to lose (the product is guaranteed!) but the memory of painful foot blisters!

>>> Disclaimer: Rebecca Rushton serves as the exclusive Australasian educator and distributor for ENGO Blister Prevention Patches. Rebecca’s interest in this product resulted from her tireless search for an effective, long-lasting solution for her own nagging foot blisters.

New Tamarack e-Newsletter, November 2014

 

Explore the November 2014 issue of Tamarack Habilitation Technologies’ e-Newsletter…

In an effort to provide more frequent product, clinical-technical education, and industry-related information to the customers we serve, Tamarack has begun producing a new monthly e-Newsletter, mailing to opt-in subscribers and also available through our social media pages.

 

Each month, we’ll share new product highlights, fabrication and design tips & techniques, and share valuable continuing education opportunities and industry news, catered to the O&P, DME, and allied healthcare professionals we serve.

In this issue:

• New GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patches, now available from distributors worldwide
• Tamarack joins local cut & sew organization to support domestic manufacturing
• Continuing education credit opportunities for certified orthotists & prosthetists (USA)
• New Adjustable Assist Tamarack Flexure Joint Caps

>>Continue reading: Tamarack e-Newsletter, November 2014<<

Ground Reaction AFO Clevisphere Joint Design

Occasionally, we receive a call asking about whether or not we recommend installing the Clevisphere^™ Joint (Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc.) backwards to create a rear-entry style ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), designed to allow adjustable dorsiflexion control.

Due to the stress translated to the material during high activity – and risk of fatigue cracks near the joint cavity – we don’t endorse this application; however, numerous clinicians have found this design to be quite successful clinically without any shortcomings.

Jason Schott, CPO with Advanced Prosthetic & Orthotic Designs (APOD) recently shared his experience using Clevisphere Joints as anterior stops in a rear-entry AFO.

“It has generated a lot of interest in my local community,” reports Jason. “In the office, we refer to it as ‘The Schott AFO’. It has been the most successful approach in my 13-years of practice to address ankle and forefoot problems that limit ROM into dorsiflexion without pain. The brace allows for full plantar ROM, but limits the painful ROM. It remains in the shoe and is easy to don because the trim lines are all anterior.”

“Further, the brace allows for us to incrementally increase dorsiflexion ROM on follow-up visits as the patient’s hind-foot begins to stretch out in subtalar neutral. Most importantly, we are treating conditions that previously required a solid ankle brace. I’ve never had one break. We have used the joints with laminated full-height designs with great success for ground reaction applications. I love the self-aligning feature of the Clevisphere™ Joint and am able to be flexible with the placement of the joints due to their self-aligning properties. I use this on hikers and many active people and the pain relief is instant”, remarks Jason.

Tamarack Habilitation Technologies always recommends that practitioners and technicians avoid trimming more material from the joint cavity than necessary to maximize (joint) coverage; ensuring lasting device and component durability and performance. Additional fabrication and adjustment tips & techniques are highlighted in the Clevisphere Joint Product Guide, available online and in-print (upon request)

If you have experience using the Clevisphere Joint in this or another “creative” application, let us know.

For more information about the Clevisphere Ankle Joint from Tamarack, visit our website: http://www.tamarackhti.com/joints/clevisphere.asp

Anatomy of an ENGO Blister Prevention Patch

Whether this is your first time coming across ENGO® Blister Prevention Patches, or you’re a long-time customer who’s curious to learn more about these ultra-slick (literally) blister prevention patches, we hope the following information motivates you to consider adding ENGO Blister Prevention Patches to your athletic, dress, and casual footwear.

Unlike conventional blister care bandages, ENGO Blister Prevention Patches apply directly to your footwear; addressing the cause, not the effect, of painful foot blisters. Whether your shoes are too tight, the shoe liner is abrasive, or there’s a gnarly seam rubbing against your foot with each step you take, ENGO Blister Prevention Patches provide long-lasting, targeted friction relief wherever discomfort and foot blisters occur.

ENGO Blister Prevention Patches are available online and in select specialty running stores in Australia, Scandinavia, the UK, and USA and are manufactured in the USA by Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc.

For more information, visit www.GoENGO.com

World Wide Pressure Ulcer Prevention Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2014

Washington, DC – According to the Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers: Clinical Practice Guidelines; “Pressure Ulcers increase hospital costs significantly. In the US, pressure ulcer care is estimated to approach $11 billion (USD) annually, with a cost of between $500 (USD) and $70,000 (USD) per individual pressure ulcer.”¹

The NPUAP defines a pressure ulcer as: “Localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue, usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure, or pressure in combination with shear.”

“Pressure Ulcers are a frequently occurring health problem throughout the world. They are painful, costly, and an often preventable complication for which many individuals are at risk,” as stated in the Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers: Clinical Practice Guideline.

The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) is proud to announce that World Wide Pressure Ulcer Prevention Day is to be celebrated on November 20, 2014. The objective of World Wide Pressure Ulcer Prevention Day is to increase national awareness for pressure ulcer prevention and to educate the public on this topic. NPUAP has developed an extensive media materials package appropriate for all healthcare settings and organizations. To download this free material visit: http://www.npuap.org/resources/educational-and-clinical-resources/2014-world-wide-pressure-ulcer-prevention-day/

Seeking to make this year’s event large and visible to the public, the NPUAP welcomes the support of organizations and corporate partners who wish to affiliate with this significant activity.

On November 20 at 2:00 PM Eastern, in honor of World Wide Pressure Ulcer Prevention Day, the NPUAP is pleased to offer a FREE webinar, hosted by Dr. Nancy Bergstrom, titled “Repositioning as a Pressure Ulcer Prevention Strategy: A Multi-site Clinical Trial.” Dr. Bergstrom will introduce findings from the TURN Study conducted at UT Health School of Nursing, where researchers looked at optimal frequency of patient repositioning for pressure ulcer prevention. Stay tuned at www.npuap.org for more information on how to register.

The objective of World Wide Pressure Ulcer Prevention Day is to increase national awareness for pressure ulcer prevention and to educate the public on the topic.

We encourage you to be an advocate for individuals around the world who are susceptible to pressure ulcer development due to hospitalization or reliance on seating systems or other medical device by sharing this important message about improving wound PREVENTION measures, worldwide.

About the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel

The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) serves as the authoritative voice for improved patient outcomes in pressure ulcer prevention and treatment through public policy, education and research. Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc. is a proud supporter of the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, serving on the organization’s Corporate Advisory Council.

1. National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel and Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance. Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers: Clinical Practice Guideline. Emily Haesler (Ed.) Cambridge Media; Osborne Park, Western Australia; 2014.

GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch Continuing Ed Course

In partnership with Becker Orthopedic and clinicians, Charles Kuffel, MSM, CPO, FAAOP and Kevin Hines, CPO of Arise Orthotics and Prosthetics (Minneapolis, MN USA), Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc. is pleased to announce the availability of the GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch scientific & clinical case presentation.

The presentation, New Intervention for the Management of Skin Breakdown for Amputees, is available for viewing online and qualifies licensed Prosthetists and Orthotists for 1.5 continuing education credits from the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics.

This presentation will provide healthcare professionals with…

• A basic understanding of the concept of friction management and its role in wound care and prevention
• A review of the pro’s and con’s of traditional products used to treat and prevent skin breakdown for amputees
• An introduction to a new skin breakdown solution, called the GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch
• Highlights from a series of individual case studies using the GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch to support the healing and prevention of skin breakdown

Steps to Obtain Continuing Education Credit:

1) Watch the online presentation (click the image at left)

2) Complete the 10-question exam (80% score to pass)

3) Submit exam to Becker Orthopedic for grading and credit allocation.

 

If you have any questions or comments about this presentation, please leave a reply on this page or email us. 

The GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch is manufactured by Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc. and distributed to O&P suppliers worldwide by Becker Orthopedic. 

Choosing the Optimal Patch Size with GlideWear or ShearBan

Whether you’re trying ShearBan (self-adhesive PTFE sheets & patches) or GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patches (2-ply silk-like shear reducing fabric) for the first time or are looking to optimize your patch size and placement for maximum performance and cost savings, SIZE does matter. This post serves to provide guidance and considerations in choosing the correct patch size for your individual need.

New from Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, the GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch is indicated for lower limb amputees who experience discomfort or skin breakdown on their residual limb due to interface pressure and shear between the socket, liner, and skin.

The GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch is currently available in two sizes:

Small (standard) – measuring 2.5 inch x 4.75 inch (6 cm x 12 cm)

Large – measuring 4.5 inch x 7.5 inch (11 cm x 19 cm)

In choosing the correct size for you or your client’s needs, consider starting with the small size, which is optimal in MOST applications. Whether you’re using the GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch to relieve or prevent discomfort and skin breakdown on the patalla, popliteal, distal anterior tibia, or fibular head, we only recommend using a patch that’s slightly larger than the area of concern.

If the small patch provides insufficient coverage due to limb size/volume or wound size, only then do we recommend selecting the larger patch size. Wrinkling is also reduced or eliminated when patch size is optimized and not exceeding the size of the limb.

Keep in mind that prosthetic liners are used for suspension, so the least amount of spot reduction of “hot spots” or pressure areas is the goal. 

---

 

ShearBan, another friction & shear interface technology from Tamarack, is also intended to provide friction & shear reduction in areas of concern and not throughout the entire device. Because ShearBan’s ultra-slick PTFE surface is slippery as ice, the material should be used to spot relieve friction & shear wherever hot spots, blisters, ulceration, or callusing appears.

ShearBan is available in 8 inch x 12 inch sheets for custom trimming as well as 1.75 in x 2.75 inch oval patches for easy placement on footwear, insoles, and medical devices.

For more information about GlideWear and ShearBan, visit www.tamarackhti.com.

GlideWear and ShearBan are manufactured in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A. by Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc. Contact us with questions or feedback!

GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch FAQs

This article is intended to address the top three questions that healthcare providers and end-users have asked us regarding the GlideWear® Prosthetic Liner Patch by Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc.

The GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch is indicated for lower-limb amputees who experience discomfort and skin trauma in specific locations on the residual limb, providing immediate relief and lasting protection from shear-related skin breakdown.

How do GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patches work? 

The silk-like 2-layer stretch fabric used in the manufacturing of GlideWear slides against itself when friction forces are heightened during activity, protecting sensitive skin tissue from abrasion and repetitive rubbing that leads to skin breakdown.

Although a prosthesis may fit exceptionally well for the most part (and should!), increased physical activity, diet, and both socket and ambient temperature play a critical role in regulating limb volume in a prosthetic socket. Keeping a skin care kit on-hand to keep the limb as cool, dry, and protected from skin breakdown throughout the day is essential to ensuring uninterrupted use of the prosthesis without limiting function.

How long do GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patches last?

The GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch has been tested to 180,000 rub cycles (lab simulation of the rubbing forces between two opposing materials against the skin during walking) and 100 wash & dry cycles with no visible wear. After approx. 2 years of product evaluation and 14 months of sales, we are not aware of any instances of the fabric deteriorating or losing it’s low friction properties over time.

Most importantly, be sure to wash the patches regularly and dry thoroughly before each use. We recommend keeping a supply of 4 to 6 patches on-hand for daily use between washing cycles.

Which size patch should I use?

In choosing the correct  GlideWear prosthetic Liner Patch size, consider starting with the small size, which is optimal for MOST applications. Whether you’re using the GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch to relieve or prevent discomfort and skin breakdown on the patalla, popliteal, distal anterior tibia, or fibular head, we only recommend using a patch that’s slightly larger than the area of concern.

If the small patch provides insufficient coverage due to limb size/volume or wound size, only then do we recommend selecting the larger patch size. Wrinkling is also reduced or eliminated when patch size is optimized and not exceeding the size of the limb so, if wrinkling is a concern with the larger patch, consider using the small patches.

Where can I buy the GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch?

For a comprehensive listing of healthcare industry and direct-to-consumer purchasing options, visit the GlideWear website.

We recommend talking to your Prosthetist or primary healthcare provider to discuss whether the GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch will meet your needs and if socket or liner adjustments are required to ensure proper performance of your prosthesis.

Continue reading Frequently Asked Questions about the GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch

For more information about the GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch, visit http://www.glidewear.com/plp

The GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch is manufactured in Minnesota, USA by Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc. Patented US864659 – GB2478206. Other Patents Pending. CE-Registered. 

Eliminate Turf Toe-Related Skin Breakdown with ShearBan

At the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) National Assembly, held last week in Las Vegas, Nevada, Cyde Peach, CO and President of Indiana Brace shared his experience with using ShearBan, an innovative PTFE film with adhesive backing from Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc. (Minneapolis, Minnesota USA).

Clyde developed the X-1 Blades (shown below), an all composite foot orthosis to treat specific foot injuries, including turf toe and hallux rigidus.

 

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, turf toe is a sprain of the main joint of the big toe. It happens when the toe is forcibly bent up into hyperextension, such as when pushing off into a sprint and having the toe get stuck flat on the ground.

Sprains of the big toe joint became especially prevalent in American football players after artificial turf became more common on playing fields – hence the term “turf toe”. Artificial turf is a harder surface than grass and does not have much “give” when forces are placed on it.

Although often associated with football, turf toe occurs in a wide range of sports and activities.

The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society defines hallux rigidus as  arthritis of the big toe joint. It is the most common arthritic condition of the foot and second only to hallux valgus (bunion) as a condition associated with the big toe. Females are more commonly affected than males in all age groups, and the condition typically develops in adults between the ages of 30 and 60 years.​

Clye’s X-1 Blades were developed using ShearBan in areas at-risk for skin breakdown, including the MTP Joint (base of the “Big Toe”) and heel. The ultra-slick, blue film provides targeted protection from rubbing that leads to excessive shearing that all-too-often results in skin breakdown (blistering and callus); sidelining athletes from their activities and careers.

ShearBan is available in 8 inch x 12 inch sheets and precut oval patches and is sold worldwide by Becker Orthopedic (Ph: 800-521-2192 / 248-588-7480 / web: www.beckerorthopedic.com).