In our season 3 premiere episode, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), talks with Gerald Stark, PhD, MSEM, CPO/L FAAOP(D), a certified prosthetist orthotist and director of clinical and technical operations for BionIT Labs. They discuss the importance of learning from mistakes for continual improvement in clinical care. Dr. Stark outlines five common errors clinicians face, including misinterpreting anterior distal pressure, improper femoral positioning during casting, and failing to accommodate hip flexion contractures. They also discuss the impact of padding the wrong wall for transfemoral sockets and incorrectly outsetting the foot in trans-tibial prosthetics. Through these insights, Dr. Stark emphasizes the importance of adaptability and continuous improvement in prosthetic and orthotic care.

O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

In the inaugural episode of our quarterly podcast, O&P Clinical Care Insiders: Industry Partners Edition, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), chats with Jonathan Taylor, director of clinical development and education at Spinal Technology. They explore the complexities of scoliosis bracing, comparing various brace types. Taylor emphasizes the lack of a single superior bracing method, noting the importance of clinical expertise and patient compliance. The conversation also touches on the impact of digital design and fabrication techniques in modern orthotic practices and the crucial role of industry partners in clinical decision-making. They conclude by highlighting the ongoing need for patient-centric care and the valuable resource role that companies like Spinal Technology can play for clinicians.

This episode is sponsored by Spinal Technology.

Show Notes

1:27 Spinal Technology depth of knowledge- Orthotic Management of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

2:40 Basics of Brace Design

5:10 Back to Basics- Variations of Brace Design

10:55- Good visual to explain the different approaches and different techniques 

Providence Nocturnal Scoliosis® Orthosis

3D Boston (Style) Scoliosis Brace

3D Chêneau (Style) Scoliosis Brace

Low Profile Milwaukee Brace

Not all Braces Are Created Equal

11:30 Nocturnal vs Full Time Bracing

Advantages of Nocturnal Bracing

Corrective Forces of Full-Time Bracing

Research in Nocturnal Bracing

2001 Nighttime Bracing Study with the Providence

Illustrations of the Providence Nocturnal Scoliosis® Orthosis

Illustrations of the Boston (Style) Full-Time Orthosis

12:30- Compliance

stWear Compliance Monitoring System

14:00 Parent Resources

16:56 Hyper correction Forces 

Growth Plates

20:23 What is Scoliosis

What are Scoliosis Braces

20:34 Pub Med Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

22:50 Practitioner Resources

23:12 CAD/CAM Digital Design

27:25 Case Study Scoliosis Specialists

Top 10 Reasons

In this episode, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), talks with Mike Madden, CPO, FAAOP, about the often-overlooked role of technicians in O&P.  Together, they explore the significance of technical expertise, strategies for effective workforce development, and ways to attract and retain skilled talent. Madden delves into the creative and essential nature of technical work, advocates for improved pay and benefits, and discusses how modular education approaches could address workforce shortages in the field.

O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), talks with Dr. Rory Gilhooly, a podiatric physician at Community Podiatry Group in Flint, MI, about diabetic foot health in O&P care. They discuss orthotic interventions for diabetic foot management, highlighting the importance of carefully monitoring inserts and footwear to prevent complications. Dr. Gilhooly shares insights on surgical options for managing diabetic foot issues and emphasizes the value of regular follow-ups to catch early warning signs, such as calluses or infections. The conversation also underscores the essential collaboration between podiatrists and prosthetists to provide the best patient outcomes.

O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Joe Fairley, CP, Business Development Manager of Digital Services for Proteor. They explore the evolution of CAD CAM technology in orthotics and prosthetics, focusing on the transition from traditional carvable files to 3D printable designs and the significant advancements in scanning technology. Joe shares insights on overcoming challenges such as the learning curve for clinicians and emphasizes the critical role of training and education. He also advocates for using consultants to ease the adoption of digital tools and forecasts continued growth in digital workflows, with exciting potential for future innovations in scanning technology and AI integration.

O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Nicholas Gomez, PhD, CPO, FAAOP, an injury biomechanics consultant, a biomechanical engineer and a certified prosthetist, and Julia Dunn, PhD, a biomedical engineer specializing in biomechanics and Rehabilitation Engineering at the University of Utah, College of Engineering. They discuss their diverse backgrounds and the interdisciplinary nature of their research, focusing on the benefits of upper-extremity prosthetic devices, including their positive effects on gait and biomechanics. The discussion also covers the advantages of osseointegration in enhancing comfort, proprioception, and prosthesis usage. Tune in to learn about the holistic benefits of prosthetic devices, including passive wear to improve balance and alleviate issues such as back pain.

O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

In the latest episode, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Francois Van Der Watt, CPO, LPO, a certified orthotist-prosthetist and owner of Van Der Watt Prosthetics & Orthotics. Together, they explore cutting-edge advancements in running prosthetics, covering topics like bench alignment and the imperative for manufacturers to integrate the latest scientific findings. They delve into the controversies surrounding bilateral prosthetics, while also contemplating the potential impact of artificial intelligence and biomechanics on the future of prosthetic design. They also emphasize the importance of advocating for accessible prosthetics and orthotics, highlighting the need for choice, affordability, and personalization to improve quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

This episode is sponsored by Ottobock. 

O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings. 

In this episode, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Lindi Mitsou, MSPO, CPO, a clinical applied assistant professor of prosthetics and orthotics at the University of Hartford, and co-chair of the Academy's Fabrication Sciences Society. They discuss recent advancements and trends in prosthetic and orthotic fabrication, highlighting the importance of interprofessional collaboration and the value of continuing to learn new techniques. Mitsou also shares her experience as Connecticut's lead advocate for the So Every BODY Can Move initiative.

O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

In the latest episode, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Merkur Alimasaj, an engineer in the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology at Universität Heidelberg in Heidelberg, Germany, and Lauren Levey, CPO, MSPO, prosthetics program director at Boston Orthotics and Prosthetics at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. They discuss innovative approaches to orthotics and prosthetics care, emphasizing collaboration and creative solutions. The conversation highlights the need for tailored care as patients transition from pediatrics to adulthood, the importance of understanding the unique needs of adult patients with congenital conditions like spina bifida, and the necessity of a comprehensive approach that considers their entire medical history.

O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

In the latest episode, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Mona Patel, LCSW, founder and executive director of the San Antonio Amputee Foundation. Together, they discuss the significance of Mental Health Awareness Month, exploring Patel's impactful journey in supporting the limb loss community. They touch on the profound influence of peer support, the intricate dynamics of limb loss and its impact on loved ones, the risks of bottling up emotions, and the invaluable role of support groups in fostering healing and resilience.

O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.