Howard Orthotics and Prosthetics Newsletter: Orthotic and Prosthetic Devices in the Digital Age
NEWSLETTER
ORTHOTIC AND PROSTHETIC DEVICES IN THE DIGITAL AGE 3D Scanning Technology Improves The Accuracy and Environmental Footprint of Our Custom Devices
Understanding The Traditional O&P Production Process
Orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) have long been one of the few industries still dominated by manual craftsmanship. However, that may be starting to change as new technologies are reshaping how we design, build, and ship custom orthotics and prosthetics. At Howard Orthotics and Prosthetics, we’re excited to bring the benefits of these advancements to our patients. Designing and building custom orthotic and prosthetic devices can be a lengthy and complicated process. While we always want to maintain our hands-on approach to patient care, digital technology can streamline the process of adjusting and replacing our devices, making it easier and faster for you to get the needed equipment. To learn more about how Howard Orthotics and Prosthetics’s adoption of this cutting- edge technology can benefit you, call us today to schedule an appointment!
Orthotists and prosthetists have long understood that designing custom devices requires a great deal of manual work. Whether designing an orthosis (a brace to help support the affected limb) or a prosthesis (an artificial limb to replace a missing body part), you must move through several steps to ensure optimal fit and functionality. Traditionally, the O&P industry has used casts to gain an understanding of a patient’s particular anatomy. A prosthetist/orthotist then uses this cast to design a device that will be custom-built in a central fabrication center. At Howard Orthotics and Prosthetics, we do 90% of the fabrication in-house to ensure our products are of the highest quality. We are excited to continue taking advantage of new technologies that can streamline our process. Now, new scanning and digitization technology have made custom devices more affordable
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ORTHOTIC AND PROSTHETIC DEVICES IN THE DIGITAL AGE Continue from previous page. and readily available. At Howard Orthotics and Prosthetics, we’ve adapted the Structure Sensor Pro to provide our patients with top-notch custom prosthetic and orthotic devices. The Benefits of Scanning Technology
The Structure Sensor Pro is a 3-D scanning technology that allows us to get a digital image of a patient’s anatomy, providing far more detailed and accurate information than we could get from a cast. You also won’t have to worry about the hassle and expense of casting! The process is simple. The Structure Second Pro connects to an iPad, which we then use to create a detailed model of your limb. From there, we can upload your data, design your device, and digitally send any necessary information to the fabrication center where your device will be manufactured. There are several benefits to this new technology. Scanning takes much less time than casting, and we also don’t have to physically ship the cast to the fabrication center, shaving even more time off your device’s production calendar. That means you’ll get your device even sooner! Digital delivery also helps us reduce our environmental footprint, as does the fact that we’re using fewer materials to produce your device. The scanner allows us to use significantly less plaster and other casting materials during production, making digitization a much more environmentally friendly option. The digital models the Structure Sensor Pro creates are also more accurate, ensuring a better, more comfortable fit. Finally, the data from the scan can make it easier to convince health insurance carriers to replace or adjust devices when necessary because the scan simply provides more information for us to make our case. Utilizing Scanning Technology At Howard Orthotics and Prosthetics Our team of dedicated certified prosthetists/orthotists is excited to use this new technology to provide the best possible service to our patients. We’re currently making the following orthotic devices with our Structure Sensor: • Foot/ankle orthotics, including CROW boots • Back braces • Knee braces And for our prosthetic devices, we’re using the Structure Sensor Pro to create custom-made gel liners plus outer covers for our prosthetic legs. Request An Appointment To Try Out This New Technology! At Howard Orthotics and Prosthetics, we understand how challenging living with an orthosis or prosthesis can be. We aim to make things easier by adopting this new 3D scanning technology to speed up production time and improve the accuracy of our design. If you’re ready to learn more about the benefits of scanning technology, call us to schedule an appointment today!
• Are you in pain? • Have you sustained an injury? • Does your brace or prosthesis Need a Tune-Up? Give us a call today to schedule an appointment! WATERTOWN: (315) 786-8973 CANTON: (315) 714-2325
REFER A FRIEND! Do you have any friends or family unable to do the following? Move without pain • Bend & move freely • Balance confidently & securely If you know someone suffering from aches and pains, or in need of prosthetic or orthotic assistance, refer them to Howard Orthotics & Prosthetics today. Share this newsletter or have them call 315.786.8973
• Are you in pain? • Have you sustained an injury? • Does your brace or prosthesis Need a Tune-Up?
WE LISTEN, WE CARE WE GET RESULTS
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Give us a call today to schedule an appointment!
PATIENT SUCCESS STORY
Success Story - Jared M. “Active Duty Soldier stationed at Fort Drum. After a partial finger amputation, the occupational health clinic on base referred me out to Howard Orthotics and Prosthetics to get some articulated replacement fingertips. I could not be happier with the results. Roger and Sara were so helpful and friendly and it was evident that they truly hold a passion for the work they do. They are both great to deal with and experts at their jobs. The business is fully equipped with the latest medical and physical therapy equipment while being cozier than any other clinic I’ve ever been. The staff are friendly and inviting as well and Jessica went out of her way on several occasions to contact me and ensure the referral from Tricare was good to go. Whether you are military or not, give these folks a chance, you will not regret it.” www.howardrehabcenter.com
The only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work for them. – Michelle Obama
STAYING ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH WITH NYS AAOP The national American Academy of Orthotics & Prosthetics (AAOP) was founded in 1970 and is the professional scientific organization representing certified practitioners associated with the profession of orthotics and prosthetics. The goal of AAOP is to promote learning , knowledge, and research in the orthotic and prosthetic professions. AAOP fulfills this role by providing professional resources, continuing education, and advocacy to enhance the skill level and awareness of orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) professionals. The New York State Chapter of AAOP (NYSAAOP) is an extension of the national organization. The NYSAAOP creates an annual meeting bringing together O&P professionals from all over NY state and surrounding states. The NYS meeting allows O&P professionals to come together as a whole at least once a year to learn about the newest developments and to discuss topics related to the O&P field. Topics include patient care techniques, new products, business practices, and insurance fairness.
Roger Howard, CPO became a member of the national American Academy of Orthotics & Prosthetics (AAOP) in the mid-1990s. He also became a member of the NYS Chapter of the American Academy of Orthotics & Prosthetics. Roger took on leadership roles with the NYSAAOP starting in 1996. He ultimately served as the President of the board of directors for the NYSAAOP in 1999. In the years after he continued to serve in other capacities such as the Athletic Sponsor Chairperson.
Sara Remley, CPO became a member of the national American Academy of Orthotics & Prosthetics (AAOP) in 2014. That same year she also became a member of the NYSAAOP. In 2022 Sara also took on a leadership role in the NYSAAOP. Currently, she holds the position of secretary on the board of directors for the NYSAAOP. This board position allows Sara to stay current with developing issues such as insurance coverage, the latest techniques, and products available in the field of orthotics and prosthetics. The board members
of the NYSAAOP work to bring these new techniques, products, and other current topics to our chapter members in the form of educational programs across the state. Sara’s leadership board position continues to keep Howard Orthotics and Prosthetics up to date with the latest technology and educational programs available to ensure our patients receive the best and latest up-to-date care. Roger and Sara are dedicated to the O&P field and belong to scientific organizations in order to enhance their knowledge. They value going above and beyond everyday work hours in order to ensure that the best care can be brought back to the North Country. They will be heading down to the NYS Chapter AAOP Meeting in May and are excited to bring back the newest knowledge and techniques to better serve their patients.
316 Sherman Street Watertown, NY 13601 Tel: (315) 786-8973 Fax: (315) 786-7993
6128 US Highway 11 Canton, NY 13617 Tel: (315) 714-2325 Fax: (315) 786-7993
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www.howardrehabcenter.com Our Mission We strive to provide our patients with the highest quality of service and products while ensuring a standard of excellence in all of our patient care. It is our goal to exceed our professionalism with a high level of integrity, unsurpassed customer satisfaction, and compassion towards each patient we serve.
Roger Howard, CPOs, Director
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