Phil Stevens Presents at Annual Academy Meeting

Phil Stevens, M.Ed, CPO, participated as a lecturer, presenter and moderator at the 33rd Annual Academy Meeting and Scientific Symposium of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists. The Academy is dedicated to promoting professionalism and advancing the standards of patient care in orthotics and prosthetics through education, literature, research, advocacy and collaboration.

Phil was one of three speakers on the "Orthotic Management of Infants." He lectured on "Craniosynostosis" or premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures, the resultant head shapes, and the role of remolding orthoses in the post-operative management of these infants.

He also moderated a session with topics ranging from maggot debridement to new composite materials to the provision of clinical services in developing nations.

His presentations included two papers on pediatric orthotics. The first was "Deformational Plagiocephaly Associated with Ocular Torticollis: A Clinical Study and Case Review." This was a unique case study in which deformational plagiocephaly was induced by ocular torticollis secondary to an ocular disorder (superior oblique palsy). This included a discussion on the craniofacial asymmetries commonly observed with deformational plagiocephaly, congenital muscular torticollis and ocular torticollis (specifically superior oblique palsy).

The second was "Orthotic Management of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy." The presentation focused on the orthotic management during their early years when they are still able to walk independently. The benefits of nocturnal bracing and the hazards of daytime bracing, according to current literature, were reviewed.

Phil also presented "Lower Extremity Management of Spina Bifida and Muscular Dystrophy" as part of the Academy's certificate program, Current Trends in Pediatric Orthotics. The talk provided a literature-based overview of the management of these two populations. Attendance at these lectures fulfills the requirements needed to become a Fellow of The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists.

The Academy Meeting was held in San Francisco in March.

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