O&P Clinical Care Insiders

In this episode, recorded live at the 52nd Academy Annual Meeting in Nashville, host Seth O’Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), is joined by Kiley Armstrong, MS, MPO, CPO, research prosthetist/orthotist at Northwestern University, for a conversation on the role social determinants of health play in orthotic and prosthetic care. Armstrong shares her journey into a leadership role with a soccer organization for individuals with amputations before previewing her session, “Considering Social Determinants of Health to Elevate O&P Care and Outcomes.” The discussion explores how factors such as education, economic stability, social environment, neighborhood conditions, and access to healthcare can significantly influence patient outcomes, often extending beyond the clinical intervention itself. Armstrong highlights real-world barriers including transportation, childcare, and insurance challenges that can contribute to missed appointments and interrupted care, while emphasizing the importance of trust building, awareness of implicit bias, and open communication in the clinician-patient relationship. She also shares practical strategies for addressing disparities, including leveraging community resource tools, developing referral networks, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and clinic leadership to better support patients. O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of O&P Clinical Care Insiders: Industry Partners Edition, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Fraser Allan, prosthetist/orthotist at Thuasne, to explore the SpryStep® Agilik™ KAFO and its microprocessor-driven approach to mobility. Fraser explains how the device differs from traditional high-resistance, stance-yielding systems by providing powered knee flexion and extension to actively replace lost muscle function. The conversation highlights improvements in swing-phase mechanics, support for crouch gait when stability is present, and the potential to reduce fatigue by limiting compensatory movements. They also cover key clinical considerations, including common contraindications such as contractures and spasticity, along with the importance of proper patient selection and expectation-setting. The episode wraps with a look at the device’s development, sensor technology, functional capabilities like sit-to-stand and stairs, and the trial-to-fabrication process. This episode is sponsored by Thuasne. O&P Clinical Care Insiders: Industry Partners Edition is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Seth O’Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Brian Hafner, PhD, bioengineer and professor in the University of Washington’s Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, to discuss the development and validation of the Prosthetic Mobility Performance Test (PROMPT). Dr. Hafner shares insights from his upcoming Thranhardt Lecture at the Academy Meeting, where he will introduce the research behind this flexible, performance-based tool designed to measure lower limb prosthetic mobility in clinical settings. The conversation explores the challenges of building and validating outcome measures, cross-institutional collaboration, lessons learned during the pandemic, and the evolving role of standardized data in improving patient care and shaping policy within the orthotics and prosthetics profession. O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings. Show notes Interviews with Rehabilitation Specialists: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9007274/ Survey of Physical Therapists: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12367168/ Survey of Prosthetists: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9452451/

In this episode, host Seth O’Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Michelle Hall, MS, CPO, FAAOP(D), lead prosthetist and O&P residency director at Gillette Children’s in St. Paul, Minnesota. Michelle breaks down the top five challenges she sees in pediatric prosthetic care, exploring topics such as parental indecision, condoning unhelpful behaviors, the risk of over-accommodation, distinguishing discomfort from true pain, and the value of giving children meaningful choices. Together, Seth and Michelle unpack the nuances of working with young patients and their families, offering practical insights and strategies for navigating these complex, yet rewarding, clinical scenarios. O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Seth O’Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Jim Brookshier, MPO, CLPO, FAAOP, cranial specialist and clinical professor at the University of Texas Department of Neurosurgery in San Antonio. Together, they explore the critical elements of effective cranial remolding care—from the importance of early intervention and referral source education to managing heat, ensuring compliance, and navigating the impact of social media. Brookshier shares insights on the narrow window for conservative treatment, practical tips for addressing heat-related challenges, and strategies to support families in maintaining consistent helmet use. The discussion also tackles the spread of misinformation online and highlights the resources, mentorship, and professional community available to clinicians in this evolving field. O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Seth O’Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), is joined by Shane Grubbs, CPO/L, FAAOP, director at Ottobock.care and chair of the Academy’s Upper-Limb Prosthetics Scientific Society. Together, they unpack Shane’s top five challenges in upper limb prosthetics—from building patient confidence to creating supportive environments, improving education, setting realistic expectations, gaining experience, and balancing fundamentals with innovation. Along the way, they discuss why mentorship, continual learning, and clear communication are critical to advancing clinical outcomes for patients. O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of O&P Clinical Care Insiders: Industry Partners Edition, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), speaks with Breanne Logan, MSOP, CPO, senior clinical manager at BrainRobotics, to explore the transformative impact of emerging prosthetic technologies. They dive into the features and development of the Kneuro microprocessor knee, discuss how confidence and mobility go hand-in-hand for transfemoral amputees, and examine the broader implications of recent legislative changes affecting K2 ambulators. Breanne also shares what’s on the horizon for BrainRobotics and how innovation is shaping the future of O&P care. This episode is sponsored by BrainRobotics. O&P Clinical Care Insiders: Industry Partners Edition is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, recorded live at the 51st Academy Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium in Atlanta, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Tara Wright, CPO, FAAOP, a prosthetist-orthotist at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare in St Paul, Minnesota. Together, they dive into the evolving role of additive manufacturing in orthotics and prosthetics, discussing how digital workflows, software integration, and step-by-step tech adoption can enhance clinical outcomes. Tara shares real-world examples of how embracing innovation—at a manageable pace—can benefit both practitioners and patients. The conversation also highlights the power of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in advancing the profession. O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of O&P Clinical Care Insiders: Industry Partners Edition, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), speaks with Lindsay E. Ryback, director of lymphology & phlebology at Thuasne, and Lesleigh Sisson, CFo, CFm, vice president and general manager of O&P Insight. Recorded live at the 51st Academy Annual Meeting in Atlanta, the conversation explores lymphedema, a chronic condition caused by abnormal lymph fluid buildup. Lindsay and Lesleigh discuss treatment options, including Complete Decongestive Therapy and compression therapy, and break down the impact of the newly passed Lymphedema Treatment Act. They highlight the power of patient advocacy in shaping this legislation and what it means for coverage, reimbursement, and O&P practices looking to integrate lymphedema care. Lindsay also shares how Thuasne's products and resources support clinicians in delivering effective treatment. This episode is sponsored by Thuasne and O&P Insight Show notes The following links were mentioned during this podcast episode. Lymphedema Compression Treatment Items (from CMS.gov) Lymphedema Advocacy Group Lymphedema Compression Treatment Items: Implementation (from CMS.gov) O&P Clinical Care Insiders: Industry Partners Edition is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Samantha Stauffer, MSOP, CPO, FAAOP, director of research at Independence Prosthetics-Orthotics, to discuss her groundbreaking research on pain and performance in post-amputation patients, featured as a Thranhardt Lecture Award at the 51st Academy Annual Meeting. Samantha shares her journey into pain science, explores central sensitization, and explains the PQRST method for pain assessment. They also discuss strategies for identifying and managing pain, the value of a multidisciplinary approach, and tools to enhance patient outcomes. 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 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 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.