Details

Webinar Objective: 

To give a broad technological overview to what is possible when using digital workflows to mill or 3D Print custom orthotics insoles.

 

Summary: 

This session will include details on existing rigid and soft shell 3D Printing, including the emerging ‘variational geometry’ software tools for designing & printing variable stiffness in a single material (resin or powder). The session will cover FIT360 tools, but only as a backbone for showing how new technologies are being used in this rapidly emerging market. Suitable for those new to this tech, or more advanced users.

Details

Webinar Objectives

In this webinar we will take you through the recent findings of the PROP OA randomised controlled trial. The webinar will provide an overview of the:
– Rationale and need for need for the trial
– Content of the bracing intervention tested within the trial, and the control
– Clinical and cost effectiveness findings
– Overall interpretation of the trial, and discussion of next steps

Overview

In this webinar Professor Melanie Holden will take us through the PROP OA trial, share the key findings and talk about what is next.
The PROP OA randomised controlled trial (RCT) aimed to evaluate whether adding compartment specific knee bracing with an adherence intervention to advice, written information, and exercise instruction (AIE+B) is clinically and cost effective compared with AIE alone in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA).
It was a 12 month, multi-centre, two-arm, parallel-group, randomised (1:1), superiority trial, with a 9 month internal pilot. The setting of the trial was primary care and the community, and participants with clinically diagnosed knee OA were identified from general practices and community advertisements around four regions in England. In total, 466 participants were randomised. AIE was delivered within a single, in-person consultation by a trained physiotherapist.
Individuals randomised to AIE+B were additionally fitted with a patellofemoral, tibiofemoral unloading, or neutral stabilising knee brace, according to their predominant compartmental distribution of knee OA, and were offered a two-week follow-up consultation. Brief motivational interviewing with targeted text reminders supported brace adherence.
The primary outcome was the composite patient-reported Knee Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score at 6 months post randomisation. Key secondary outcomes were KOOS-5 at 3 and 12 months, KOOS subscale scores and pain on weight-bearing activity at 3, 6, and 12 months, and incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) at 12 months.
PROP OA is registered with the ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN28555470) and is currently undergoing peer review for publication

Webinar Objectives

To illustrate a deeper understanding of factors impacting residual limb health/quality of life in relation to management of perspiration at the skin/prosthesis interface and how an innovative prosthetic solution can influence these.
In this webinar, you will:

• Learn about the investigative projects into understanding factors affecting perspiration in the prosthetic socket.
• Gain insight into an innovative silicone manufacturing technique resulting in a 3D breathable interface and ventilated socket.
• Review the research that validates a reduction in perspiration and its impact on residual limb health and quality of life.

Overview

The Össur AeroFit system comprises of a breathable silicone interface and a ventilated socket, together designed to reduce perspiration inside the prosthetic socket.

Excessive perspiration has been proven to impact on skin health and quality of life for prosthesis users.
The AeroFit Liner is a 3D printed silicone interface that features micro-holes at the skin surface layer and a multidimensional breathable mesh behind that takes perspiration away from the skin, allowing moist air to be circulated within the liner and then expelled through the ventilated socket. The socket features a number of strategically place vents within the socket wall.

Subsequent research demonstrates that managing humidity, not temperature, in the prosthetic socket results in significant reduction in perspiration during prosthesis use, which is perceived positively by the user and in turn leads to a perceived improvement in skin health and quality of life.

Details

Empowering the Technician Workforce explores the vital role technicians play in amputee rehabilitation, shared from my perspective as a prosthetic technician with 10 years of experience, current workshop lead, and chair of the technician committee. I’ll discuss how we can build a work environment that is inclusive, encouraging, and collaborative—one where every team member feels valued and empowered.

Details

I will explore ahead of AHP day what we have to celebrate. We will take stock and consider what makes us unique and how we best serve our patients. I will look at what the 3 elements of the future shift and will be exploring opportunities.

 

I will recommend: – ways in which I believe we can thrive as AHPs in the future shift. where we should position ourselves and what I believe to be the key factors for AHP success. I will share some practical examples and ideas, and appreciate discussion through questions.

Details

Webinar Objectives:

Describe the basic Design and Mechanism of action of passive hip flexion assist orthoses
Explain the observed impacts of passive hip flexion orthoses on gait kinematics in individuals with MS specifically how these devices can lead to an increase in peak hip flexion angle in the assisted limb.

Details

Join us for a special P&O Day UK webinar as we celebrate a profession built on collaboration and innovation. This year, we shine a spotlight on the role of research and education in raising awareness of prosthetics and orthotics, both within healthcare and beyond.

In this 90-minute session, three leading voices from the field—Dr. Alix Chadwell, Eileen Morrow, and Dr. Chantle Ostler—will each deliver a 15-minute talk exploring how research can shape the future of P&O practice, policy, and education.

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Featured Talks

 

🔹 Evidence, Empowerment & Equity: Why P&O Must Lead our Research
Speaker: Eileen Morrow
This session will highlight the critical role orthotists and prosthetists play in delivering outcome-driven, preventative care—and why their voices must be included in research that shapes clinical policy. Drawing from her work in paediatric orthopaedics and national trials, Eileen offers a compelling case for embedding research in daily clinical practice and outlines how strong evidence can secure the future of the profession.

🔹 Research in Your Career
Speaker: Dr. Chantle Ostler
What does research in a P&O career really look like? This session explores a spectrum of possibilities—from using evidence in day-to-day practice to pursuing a clinical academic career. Chantle will share practical pathways, funding options, and insights into building a research-positive culture, including an example from the Portsmouth Enablement Centre.

🔹 Talk by Dr. Alix Chadwell
Title and description t
Alix

Plus:

A panel-led discussion on how we can work together across professions to build greater visibility and understanding of P&O

An interactive Q&A session with all three speakers

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This event is open to prosthetists, orthotists, AHPs, researchers, educators, and all those interested in strengthening the role of P&O through evidence and education.

The course aims to improve the skills of the Orthotist when providing 
therapeutic footwear to their patients.​

Day 1 is presented virtually and covers footwear assessment procedures, what to consider, analysis of the situation and how to use this information to choose the most appropriate type of footwear.  The different types of footwear will be discussed, stock, modular, and bespoke footwear (its uses, allowances, benefits and limitations).  The mechanics of feet and how they affect footwear and how footwear affects feet is included, with lots of detail about designing bespoke footwear and how each part of it should be specified and designed by the orthotist to achieve the best outcome for the patient.​​

Days 2 and 3 are face to face and includes practical sessions aiming to improve assessment, measuring skills, casting, fitting, supplying and reviewing skills.​
Potential problems at fitting and review and how to resolve them will be discussed and suggestions on how to improve practice will be suggested. ​
Attendees should be prepared to share a short case study on day 1.  This can be either a success or a problem that they experience in their footwear provision.  A brief description is all that is needed but photos would help.​​
Attendees should bring an example of a footwear draft to day 2.​

Delegates will need to attend all 3 days of this Short Course.

​About the Instructor​ - Clara Bailey

Clara graduated in 1995 from Paddington College in London with a HND in orthotics.  She has worked at the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield for the past 24 years, where she is the Clinical Lead Orthotist.

She is also the Blatchford Footwear Clinical Lead.

Winner of the 2020 BAPO Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2023 Advancing Healthcare BAPO Award for Inspirational Innovators in P&O, footwear provision is Clara’s specialty and passion. ​
She recognises the importance of therapeutic footwear to our ever-growing and aging population and provides mentorship and troubleshooting for colleagues who are having issues with footwear. She especially enjoys providing complex orthopaedic footwear to patients, and seeing how well-fitting, functional footwear can change their lives.  ​
Clara created a footwear training course that she presents within the Blatchford team. The course has recently received its CPD accreditation, opening it up to all orthotists through BAPO. She has also written a book as a compliment to the course. ​
Clara has been involved with the ongoing development of the Blatchford line of footwear, improving the range and helping write the new catalogue. Clara has also produced many guides and leaflets for use within Blatchford to help with clinical processes. ​
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Intended Participants:  This course is open to practising Orthotists only.
BAPO Members, BAPO Member Graduates and non BAPO members.

Please note: this course is not available to Students.

We encourage practising Orthotist attendees to apply for reimbursement from OETT
(The Orthotic Education and Training Trust).
Course fee funding for non-BAPO members would be at the BAPO member rate for practising Orthotists only.
Applications can be made on the OETT website at www.oett.org.uk
Requests for reimbursement must include evidence of reflective learning/CPD.

Details

This webinar will detail the design and application of the PDE Neuro strut alongside 3D printing the components for the calf, ankle and foot. The aim of the webinar is to fully explain the modularity and adjustability of the orthosis. The main concept is the interchangeable struts that allow the adjustment of the overall orthosis stiffness.