Ottobock announces the newest member of the Skeo liner family, the 6Y87 Skeo 3D TF for transfemoral amputees. Skeo 3D liners feature ASG (Anatomy Specific Geometry) technology, which reflects the complexity of the lower leg anatomy and optimizes the liner’s medical and functional purpose, including protection, flexible movement, superior skin comfort, time savings, and sense of security. The new liner has a conical distal shape and cylindrical proximal shape for improved fit. The textured inner surface helps to channel moisture away from the skin, and the full-length zero-stretch matrix reduces pistoning.

Ottobock
800/328-4058
ottobockus.com

http://lermagazine.com/products/ottobock-6y87-%E2%80%A8skeo-3d-tf-liner

 MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Otto Bock HealthCare announces a new version of the C-Leg® microprocessor-controlled knee, adding improved swing phase control, enhanced stumble recovery, a higher weight limit of 300 lbs., and increased splash protection.
Otto Bock introduced the C-Leg® to the world in 1997, transforming above-knee prosthetic care around the globe. Since then the C-Leg has become the most clinically evaluated and studied prosthetic knee in history, with dozens of studies confirming the C-Leg’s position as the Standard of Care for transfemoral amputees. A very recent clinical study concluded that C-Leg demonstrated “increased efficacy in safety, energy efficiency and cost effectiveness when compared to other prosthetic knees.”1

“The new C-Leg joins Genium and C-Leg Compact in Otto Bock’s family of advanced prosthetic knees,” said Otto Bock U.S. HealthCare President/CEO Brad Ruhl. “We’re very proud to offer a complete spectrum of solutions for amputees that’s really unique to our industry. All our technology, all our research, is focused on getting closer and closer to natural walking for amputees.”

A key benefit of the new C-Leg is increased peace of mind for users. The optimized stumble recovery provides even greater resistance in case a user trips or stumbles so, for example, a toy left on the living room floor is a much-reduced threat for falling. Improved swing phase control means easier swing initiation, resulting in more natural response to a change in speed, especially handy on busy streets or crowded venues.

In addition, an extra activity mode has been added, as well as increased moisture protection with attached silicone caps covering the charging ports. And, thanks to an increase in the weight limit to 300 lbs., the benefits of C-Leg technology are now available to even more users.
The new C-Leg is part of Otto Bock’s ongoing commitment to advanced technologies for better patient outcomes. Since 1997, Otto Bock has continued research and development efforts for the C-Leg, regularly making incremental product improvements, as well as two previous major advances of the original microprocessor knee. The new 2011 version represents the third major update to the C-Leg.

Matt Wise, an early-adopter of the original C-Leg, commented that the 2011 version is “even smoother. The knee is forgiving and responsive, whether I am tired from a day camping in the woods with my kids or I’m hurrying down a ramp to get to my car after work – and my third set of stairs.”

The new C-Leg is ideal for anyone with high stability and reliability requirements in everyday life, providing a high degree of mobility and freedom. It offers outstanding stability when walking over uneven ground, walking slowly or quickly, negotiating slopes, and walking down stairs step-over-step.

Otto Bock also recently announced its latest advancement in prosthetic knee technology, the Genium™ Bionic Prosthetic System. This one-of-a-kind prosthetic knee is built on an entirely different technological platform from the C-Leg, utilizing sophisticated software to turn multiple environmental inputs into the most natural, intuitive motion available.

 June 14, 2011, Minneapolis, Minn. Today, Otto Bock HealthCare announces the launch of the Genium™ Bionic Prosthetic System. This one-of-a-kind prosthetic knee utilizes sophisticated software to turn multiple environmental inputs (a complex sensor system, including a gyroscope and an accelerometer) into the most natural, intuitive motion available.

The result of extensive research and development, the Genium is built on an entirely new prosthetic technology platform. This groundbreaking technology redefines quality of life for wearers, allowing them to make quick, complex movements, easily step over obstacles, and even ascend stairs.

“The term 'amazing' is used around the world to describe the current standard of care, our C-Leg® microprocessor-controlled knee,” said Brad Ruhl, President and CEO of Otto Bock US HealthCare. “But the Genium moves us into a completely different arena, offering the closest thing to natural human motion currently available.”

The Genium offers new features that respond instantly to whatever changes in speed or direction the wearer makes.  It also helps reduce strain on the body as well as lowering the cognitive effort required to move through everyday and challenging activities.

“As a clinician, it is exciting to be able to offer this type of technology to prosthetists and patients everywhere,” commented Mark Edwards, MHPE, CP, and Otto Bock HealthCare US Director of Professional and Clinical Education.  “My background as a Prosthetist and educator exposes me to everything new to the market – and this is an innovation I’m truly proud to support.”

For more information, visit www.ottobockus.com/genium

 BURLINGTON, Ontario, Canada – Otto Bock HealthCare Canada was recently honoured with the Corporate Award from The Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons (www.cfpdp.com). The award, presented on Saturday, February 12, 2011, at the Great Valentine Gala in Toronto, recognizes companies who have made an outstanding contribution in assisting persons with disabilities, especially in the workplace.

“I am proud of the Otto Bock team in Canada and the work we do, and it is an honour to be recognized for our contributions to those with disabilities,” says Mark Agro, President and CEO of Otto Bock HealthCare Canada. “Helping to restore human independence and quality of life is rewarding each and every day, and I enjoyed the opportunity to share Otto Bock’s dedication to that mission with such a large audience.”

Nine hundred people enjoyed a special dinner and evening of entertainment which provided an enduring tribute to the achievements and aspirations of Canadians with disabilities. In its 27th year, a main objective of the Gala is to improve awareness in the business community, government and general public of the amazing contributions of persons with physical disabilities.

Dan Horkey, Founder of Global Tattoo Orthotic Prosthetic Innovations (GTOPI) in Port Orchard, recently completed a biomechanical design empowering young child, Maddox, from Denver, Colo.

Five year old Maddox, wears an assistive knee ankle foot orthotic leg brace after he was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis when he was two. Maddox’s mother said, “I want to be pro-active and ward off any potential negative comments from the children. As his mother and biggest fan, I promised Maddox that when the time came for him to start kindergarten that he would have the ‘coolest’ brace there ever was. My goal is for others not to necessarily see the brace but the artwork that is on the brace. If he is to receive any attention, I want it to be positive.”

 13-year old credits the men and women of the U.S. military
as her inspiration

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Cali Overcast of Fountain, Colorado, was only four years old when the 9/11 terrorist attacks took place, but she’s never forgotten the impact it had on her young life.

“I remember how bad I felt that all of those people had died and gotten hurt, so from then on I decided to support our country and the men and women fighting to protect it,” said Cali. “My first leg brace I got later that year, I put an American flag on it.”

As Cali explains in her winning Otto Bock Socket Art Contest essay, she was born with a type of dwarfism called Ollier’s that affected the growth of her left leg and has so far required fourteen surgeries. She’s also survived spinal meningitis, but a staph infection (MRSA) required the amputation of her leg when she was just nine years old.

“When I woke up, I remember how I thought about how was I going to deal with this, how kids were going to accept me, if I could have a normal life and be accepted. Then I remembered something my Mom always told me, that there is always someone dealing with something worse. My first thought was the soldiers and how some of them were getting their arms and legs blown off by bombs and being shot at constantly.”

Cali’s winning socket art has a camouflage background and military logos on the front and a red, white and blue eagle below. Her description continues:
“On one side it has Bravery on the top because the military has to be very brave to do what they do, then a butterfly for all of the troops we have lost. Below that is Love, I love the soldiers and they have to love their country to give their life for it and to protect it. On the other side there is a support ribbon, below that is a guardian angel, because the troops are our guardian angels for protecting us and keeping our country free, but they also need guardian angels to protect them. Below that is Protect, the troops protect us. Last, the back is dedicated to my brother, Virgil Scott Bonner, he is a Marine and currently stationed in Camp Lejeune, NC.”

In addition to showing her constant support and gratitude for the military through her socket art, Cali also dedicates her time to talking to wounded service members and speaking at benefit fundraisers for them. Her hope is that sharing her experiences of life after limb loss inspires them during their recovery.

“We are certainly inspired by this young girl’s dedication to a cause close to her heart and how she uses her socket art to reflect that intense commitment,” said Karen Lundquist, Director of Corporate Communications for Otto Bock HealthCare. “Also impressive is her ability at such a young age to be able to put aside the challenges of her own continuing medical issues and focus instead on helping others, and we are proud to name her our Socket Art Contest winner.”

Presented by Extremity Games,
an Athletes with Disabilities Network Program

April 9, 2011 from 10 am - 6 pm
Joshus Tree National Park, California

EVENT DETAILS
This full day adaptive rock climbing Clinic will introduce persons with disabilities to outdoor climbing through top-rope climbing style. This clinic is focused on athletes with a leg or arm amputation. Anyone living with limb loss or limb difference is welcome to attend. Clinics will consist of instruction for beginner to intermediate climbers.

Two AMGA certified guides, as well as elite rock climbing athlete and above knee amputee Ronnie Dickson, will be on-hand providing instruction. All equipment and gear will be provided.
For more information contact:
Ronnie Dickson at 863.651.6844.

REGISTRATION
There are a limited number of spots available. Spots are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Registration Fee: $20, which includes lunch, a full day of climbing with instruction, all equipment and dinner.

Registration opens online January 15, 2011 at www.adnpage.org/JTclinic.

The Ronnie Dickson Project: Amputee Climbing from Louder Than 11 on Vimeo.

 MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Andreas Kannenberg, MD, PhD, and director of medical affairs for Otto Bock was recently selected to receive the Thranhardt Award by the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association National Assembly Clinical Sessions Workgroup.

The award is endowed by the Southeastern Hanger Companies in order to recognize individuals committed to advancing O&P education and research. The honor includes a cash award of $500 and the opportunity to present the report that earned the award at the AOPA National Assembly. Dr. Kannenberg presented his submission, “A New Shoulder Orthosis to Treat Painful Shoulder and Facilitate Gait Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients” at the 2010 Assembly in Orlando, FL.

“We recognize the Thranhardt Award is the most prestigious award given in the field of O&P in the U.S. for scientific and clinical presentations, and Andreas is well deserving of the honor,” said Brad Ruhl, President & CEO, Otto Bock US HealthCare. “Commitment to research to support the O&P profession is a priority at Otto Bock, and his work is an example of our dedication to that objective.”

Dr. Kannenberg earned his medical degree in 1989 from Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany, and he was board certified as a general practitioner in 1995. His more than ten years of clinical experience includes work in general and family medicine, surgery, internal medicine, rheumatology, orthopedics and rehabilitation medicine.

As the director of medical affairs of Otto Bock HealthCare, Duderstadt, Germany,Dr. Kannenberg coordinates a global medical and research team and network to consult R&D, product management, and sales on medical backgrounds relevant to Otto Bock´s products and R&D projects. His team is responsible for researching and defining medical requirements for new products, initiation and management of clinical trials, and medical training as well as the medical support to negotiate with health care payers. The establishment of the Medical Affairs department he oversees has allowed Otto Bock to even more closely connect with the medical community, improve patient outcomes of new products, and accelerate the transfer of new technology to clinical practice.

“Otto Bock is deeply committed to performing research to develop state-of-the-art technology solutions for patients with limited mobility,” said Dr. Kannenberg. “It’s an honor both to be a part of those industry leading efforts and to receive recognition in the form of the respected Thranhardt Award.”