American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists

09/24/2026

Following the amputation of two toes in 2021, Deion Sanders has received custom silicone prosthetic toes designed to support his foot, improve balance and alignment, and make weight-bearing more comfortable.

🔗 Read more in USA TODAY:

Deion Sanders revealed custom prosthetic toes designed to improve his balance, alignment and comfort after his 2021 amputations.

09/24/2026

The Academy’s Pediatric Society is creating opportunities for O&P professionals to exchange knowledge, strengthen clinical practice, and connect around the unique considerations of pediatric care.

We’re sharing a preview of the Society’s latest member newsletter, featuring updates and perspectives for professionals working across pediatric O&P. The full newsletter is available exclusively to Society members as part of membership.

Thank you to the Society’s leadership team for supporting this professional community: David Patterson, CO, LO, Chair; Allison Bressler, MSBME, CPO/LPO, Communications Officer; Sara Marmar, MS, CPO, LPO, Research Officer; and Kat Davis, LCPO, MPO, Education Officer.

Interested in connecting with colleagues and becoming more involved in pediatric O&P?

Join the Pediatric Society: https://buff.ly/awLEfkf

09/24/2026

In the latest episode of O&P Research Insights, Dr. Steve Gard welcomes Andreas Kannenberg, MD, PhD, to discuss his JPO article examining the clinical and biomechanical evidence for non-microprocessor knee mechanisms.

They explore the tradeoffs between stability and function, differences among common knee designs, and how terrain and residual limb strength can influence knee selection. Dr. Kannenberg also discusses gaps in the existing research and why non-microprocessor knees remain an essential option in prosthetic care worldwide.

Listen to the full episode here: https://buff.ly/UNAcdri

09/24/2026

How can preoperative MRI support more personalized breast prosthesis selection after mastectomy? This preliminary feasibility study explores an open-source, non-invasive method for measuring breast volume and mapping individual volumetric parameters to commercial prosthesis sizes.

🔗 Read the full report: https://buff.ly/UPTpnNp

09/23/2026

After years of helping others as a prosthetics clinician, triathlete Jim Ashworth-Beaumont is experiencing emerging prosthetic technology from a new perspective. Following a near-fatal cycling accident, he became the first person in the UK to use a new type of prosthetic arm, bringing the perspectives of both clinician and patient to its potential impact.

🔗 Watch his story via the BBC: https://buff.ly/h4AhH9I

A prosthetics expert's life changed after a cycling accident. Now he is testing new technology himself.

09/22/2026

What does it mean to turn professional growth into service to others? For Academy Fellow with Distinction Kristin Carnahan, MSPO, CPO, FAAOP(D), Fellowship reflects a commitment to lifelong learning, mentorship, and paying forward the guidance she has received throughout her career.

Read Kristin’s full Fellow Spotlight to learn more about her career, approach to mentorship, and advice for the next generation of O&P professionals: https://buff.ly/WrhIy8J

09/22/2026

Tomorrow! There is still time to join us for the first session of our FREE webinar series: Understanding and Managing Challenging Encounters.

Explore practical strategies for navigating complex conversations, strengthening patient relationships, and supporting better clinical outcomes.

Register here: https://buff.ly/HPcnC9w

09/22/2026

A neuroprosthetic arm with a direct nerve interface is moving beyond supervised laboratory testing and into the home. In a first-of-its-kind trial at University of Utah Health, researchers will follow one participant for a year to examine how thought-controlled movement and sensory feedback translate to everyday prosthesis use.

🔗 Read more:

The University of Utah has begun the first at-home trial of its thought-controlled LUKE bionic arm. A participant will test the device for a year to help researchers evaluate its impact on everyday life.

09/21/2026

New research. Emerging technologies. Better approaches to care. Progress in O&P happens when people share what they know and work together to improve lives.

📍 Join us February 10–13, 2027, in New Orleans for the 53rd Academy Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium.

✔️ Grow your expertise. Advance patient care. Explore 160+ educational sessions with 100+ CEUs offered.
✔️ Connect with your community. Exchange ideas with peers, researchers, educators, and industry leaders.
✔️ Discover what’s next. Explore innovations from 100+ exhibitors and manufacturers helping shape the future of O&P.

Register before November 20, 2026, to take advantage of early bird rates!

🔗 https://buff.ly/Hjyzqps

09/21/2026

How are sensor-based upper-limb and hand exoskeletons evolving to support post-stroke rehabilitation? A review of 219 studies examines advances in sensing and device design, while highlighting limited evidence for translating impairment-level gains into activities of daily living and real-world function.

🔗 Read the full report: https://buff.ly/8vw0DwA