"Which product on the market needs the most improvement?"

"The one thing that I use that I would like to see improved is the tracer CAD-CAM system for orthotics. There's a bunch of companies who have them out on the market, but they don't work very well.

"They have CAD-CAMs for the knee and back, but for orthotics, you have to get around the foot. Right now, there's nothing in the market that captures the foot well enough to make a sound, positive mold from it. I've never understood why nothing's ever really come out that addresses just the foot."

Tracy Adams, CO

Shoals Orthotics and Prosthetics Inc.

Florence, Ala.

"The thing that needs the most improvement would be liners. The reason I say that is because whenever I like a liner, there's always something slightly wrong with it. Some liners that are of a good quality might mold to a person's leg, but they tend to wear out faster. I have a lot of problems with wear and tear on those.

"Other liners that don't mold to the leg might last longer, but if you have [a patient] with a little bit of a misshapen stump, then the liner might not accommodate it. You just can't find that perfect liner yet.

"The silicone is too soft and wears out too much, or it's too rigid and heavy and doesn't conform well to the leg. A lot of liners cause skin irritations. So, trying to find the right one for the right person is very hard."

Thomas J. Whitehurst, CPO

President

Riverside Prosthetics Inc.

Evansville, Ind.

"I have thought about this for several years. The most needed and slow-improving area is our own method of practicing. With all of the financial restrictions we have today and what the future looks like, we need to: first, understand cost accounting (real cost vs. reimbursement); second, reduce labor costs while improving quality; and third, introduce CAD-CAM in as many areas as possible.

"In other words, be the best practitioners we possibly can. And encourage improvements in the way we deliver our products. Look at the recent leap Biosculptor has made in their front end CAD-CAM hardware and software. This is what our practitioners need in their hands."

Laura Ryder, CP, FAAOP

President/CEO Ryder Orthopedics Inc.

Fort Myers, Fla.

"Pediatric componentry is the item most in need of improvement. Right now most research and development is done for our adult patients, which is definitely needed.

"However, when it comes to our pediatric patients, we have to make do with items designed for adults that are merely ‘shrunk down' to fit them.

"Pediatric patients would obtain better results with devices specifically designed with their size and limitations in mind."

Frank Vero, CPO

President

M&M Rehab Inc./dba Ocala Artificial Limb & Brace Co.

Ocala, Fla.

What's your question?

Do you have a question you'd like to ask your colleagues? Here's your chance. The O&P Almanac is looking for a few good questions for this column. If you have suggestions, submit them to Becky Kesner at bkesner@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0876, ext. 215. Want to answer a question? Call Becky Kesner at (571) 431-0876, ext. 215, and give her your two cents' worth on the next topic of the month.