Satisfaction with the aesthetic appearance of a prosthetic limb is an important factor associated with psychosocial adjustment following an amputation. This TeaTime talk will explore aesthetic design alternatives for upper and lower limb prostheses, drawing upon principles from product development to help us understand how specific product properties (design elements) can elicit different emotional responses from users.

We will also reflect upon recent work exploring the psychosocial impact of lower limb prosthetic design, ending the session with some reflection over factors that may influence an individual preferences.

Microprocessor knees (MPKs) have been available on the NHS for established prosthetic users since April, 2017. Observations at our centre in an established cohort saw patients decreasing risk of falls and improving energy expenditure, alongside other physical and psychological benefits. This raised the question of whether MPKs should be considered for new post-amputation patients who also meet the NHS inclusion criteria (Clinical Commissioning Policy, 2016).

 

My poster aims to review one service’s experience with prescribing MPK’s to patients as their first prosthetic prescription to determine what selection criteria might ensure successful MPK use at 12 months.

This session explores practical ways to embed sustainability into everyday prosthetics and orthotics (P&O) practice. It will highlight how clinicians, technicians, companies, support workers and services can reduce environmental impact through smarter material choices, waste reduction, recycling initiatives, and greener clinical processes—all while maintaining high-quality patient care. Drawing from ongoing work within the NHS and BAPO’s sustainability plan, the talk will share real examples, lessons learned, and opportunities for collective action across the profession. Attendees will leave with practical ideas and inspiration to integrate sustainability into their own clinical and organisational settings

Details

Join us for an interactive Teatime Talk where we will discuss practice-based learning (PrBL), and how learning opportunities develop the future of our profession.

 

This engaging session is aimed at all members of the prosthetic and orthotic workforce. If you are just starting your career, have years of clinical experience or are somewhere in between, we want to hear your views and ideas. We encourage participation in discussion for an “All teach, all learn” approach.

We will explore and discuss how practice-based learning can drive innovation and strengthen the future Prosthetics and Orthotics workforce.

Details

Physiotherapists and Orthotists share a clinical commitment to the management of footdrop. However, there is often a bias in their respective approaches. Physiotherapists are often more focused on the swing phase and achieving toe clearance. This is reflected in their use of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). Orthotists appear to Physiotherapists to be more focused on stance and this is reflected in their (perceived) preference for AFOs. This Teamtime talk scopes out how the two disciplines can work more collaboratively to achieve better clinical outcomes.

Details

Introducing SpryStep® Agilik™ – an innovative, microprocessor powered KAFO, featuring a composite design strut. We will examine how this new technology can positively influence stance phase stability and provide powered assistance during the swing phase. Interested on how this can influence patient outcomes, we will examine potential patient groups and show some examples of patient case studies to better examine this exciting new technology.

 

During this session, we will:
– Introduce the Bionic Power and Thuasne® collaboration.
– Provide a brief overview of the evolution of orthotic solutions for patients with significant neuromuscular deficits.
– Explore the Agilik™ Technology- what is it and how does it work?
– Explain how Thuasne®’s composite materials knowledge and Agilik™ can be used to optimise biomechanical principles.
– Discuss outcome measures and potential long-term benefit of using the Agilik™.
– Review some case studies and the outcomes of the SpryStep® Agilik™ on patients with neuromuscular weakness.

Details

Join us for an engaging session exploring the real value of BAPO membership — what it offers, why it matters, and how you can get involved. This 75-minute webinar will bring together a range of voices across our membership community, from full and graduate members to technicians, learners, affiliates, and retired professionals.

 

The session will include:

• An overview of BAPO membership and recent updates
• Insights into how membership supports professional development and representation
• A panel discussion featuring members sharing their experiences and benefits gained
• A live Q&A session
• Optional breakout rooms for those looking to renew or re-engage with BAPO

Whether you’re new to BAPO, a long-time member, or considering rejoining, this webinar will highlight how membership strengthens both your professional journey and our collective voice as a profession.

Details

This webinar will introduce participants to Ethnocare and its innovative prosthetic device, the Overlay.

Designed to address the challenges of limb volume fluctuations and socket fit issues, the Overlay uses an integrated air expansion system to provide amputees with customizable comfort and improved stability, mobility and performance throughout the day. The session will share the story behindEthnocare’s user-centered development process, present clinical evidence on the problems caused by current solutions, and demonstrate how the Overlayrepresents a simple, universal, and impactful advancement for both patients and clinicians.

Course information
Course description:	This course, “Effective Outcomes Recording in Prosthetics and Orthotics,” aims to equip the prosthetic and orthotic workforce with essential tools for effective outcomes recording, addressing the current challenges of service delivery, including shortfalls in standards, inconsistent practices, and high staff attrition rates. By recognising the historical barriers stemming from funding limitations and time constraints for clinicians, the course emphasises the importance of demonstrating service efficacy through tangible data. Participants will explore various outcome measures, implement best practices for data collection, and learn to advocate for evidence-based practices that can drive meaningful change within the profession. Ultimately, the course seeks to empower clinicians to enhance patient care and contribute to the ongoing evolution and sustainability of prosthetics and orthotics services.
Course aim(s):	The primary aim of this course is to provide prosthetic and orthotic professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to:    Understand the Importance of Outcomes Recording:  Recognise how effective data collection can demonstrate service efficacy and improve patient care.  Explore Different Types of Outcomes:  Learn about various outcome measures available in the prosthetics and orthotics field, including clinical, functional, and patient-reported outcomes.  Implement Effective Recording Practices:  Develop strategies for integrating outcomes recording into daily clinical routines, ensuring that clinicians can efficiently collect and analyse data.  Drive Change in the Profession:  Foster a culture of evidence-based practice within the prosthetics and orthotics community, advocating for the importance of outcome recording in securing funding and improving service standards.  Enhance Professional Development:  Empower clinicians to contribute to the ongoing evolution of the prosthetics and orthotics workforce through improved data-driven decision-making.
Learning Outcomes:	Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:    1.   Understand the Role of Outcomes Recording:   Articulate the significance of outcomes recording in demonstrating the efficacy of prosthetic and orthotic services.    2.   Identify Outcome Measures:   Differentiate between various types of outcomes, including clinical, functional, and patient-reported measures, and understand their relevance in practice.    3.   Implement Data Collection Techniques:   Apply effective strategies for collecting and analysing outcomes data in a clinical setting, ensuring accuracy and reliability.    4.   Analyse and Interpret Data:   Evaluate outcomes data to assess service effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and enhance patient care.    5.   Advocate for Evidence-Based Practices:   Promote the importance of outcomes recording within the prosthetics and orthotics community to support funding initiatives and improve service standards.    6.   Foster a Culture of Continuous Improvement:   Encourage ongoing professional development and collaboration among peers to integrate outcomes recording into routine clinical practices.    7.   Develop Action Plans:   Create actionable strategies for implementing outcomes recording in their own practice, fostering accountability and quality improvement.

Details

Methods
Between March 2015 and June 2018 a total of 90 patients were included from lower amputees referred for bone anchoring surgery to the Radboud UniversityNijmegen in the Netherlands. 53 persons received a BADAL: X standard femur stem (OFI-C), 16 persons received a BADAL X short femur stem with collumscrew (OFI-Y) and 21 persons received a BADAL X tibia stem (OTI). The adverse events were recorded from the medical charts and Prosthetic Use Score (PUS)and the quality of life Global Score (GS) were assessed with the Questionnaire for Persons with a Transfemoral Amputation (Q-TFA).
Results
Implant survival was 94,2% (OFI-C = 93.8%, OFI-Y = 93.3%, OTI = 95.5%). Five implants were removed; one because of a periprosthetic fracture, two becauseof septic loosening and two because of unexplained pain. Periprosthetic fracture occurred in four patients and all were treated surgically, three with fixation,one with implant removal. Baseline Q-TFA-PUS and GS scores increased significantly in all patients. PUS improved with 58% (58 at baseline with socketattachment and 83 at 5 yrs FU with bone anchoring). GS improved with 68% (40 at baseline with socket attachment and 67 at 5 yrs FU with bone anchoring).
Conclusion
Contemporary BADAL X press-fit titanium bone anchoring system, when used in lower limb amputations, result in
acceptable rates of survival and safety, with considerable improvements in functional outcomes.