Hanger, Inc.

We’re thrilled to announce Hanger Ventures’ debut investment in Canadian-based company Bionic Power Inc. A developer of active lower body smart orthotic devices, Bionic Power helps to enhance walking abilities for children and adults with neuromuscular diseases and conditions. The collaboration will provide the company with financial funding and services for product development, clinical trials, and go-to-market support. Launched in February 2024 as a Hanger, Inc. business, Hanger Ventures is focused on advancing #OandP innovation and improving patient outcomes by investing in entrepreneurs and small businesses that ignite clinical and technical advances in the field. Read the full press release to learn more about the inaugural investment: https://lnkd.in/gXuXK23c

Join us in congratulating Hanger’s Vice President of Scientific Affairs Shane Wurdeman, PhD for being selected as a 2024 #Thranhardt Award recipient by the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA)! The award recognizes individuals committed to advancing education and research in the #OandP field. As part of the recognition, Wurdeman, alongside Ottobock's Andreas Kannenberg, will present the results of “Assessing Outcomes with Microprocessor Knee Utilization in a K2 Population (ASCENT K2): Findings from a Clinical Trial of 107 Individuals with Above-knee Amputation” at this year’s National Assembly.   The study wouldn’t have been possible without the steadfast efforts of #HangerClinic team members across the country, who dedicated their time and expertise to measuring patient outcomes. Thank you for your passion and commitment to help advance the field. #EmpoweredCareers

We are thrilled to announce that we have entered into an agreement to acquire O&P Insight, an established leader in #OandP consulting. As two companies with similar cultures, values, and a shared focus on enhancing the impact we have on the profession, we are excited about this opportunity to collaborate in this capacity. “O&P Insight is uniquely focused on helping O&P businesses run profitable and compliant business operations, and brings an incredible amount of credibility, talent, and value,” shared Pete Stoy, Hanger’s Chief Executive Officer. “Collaborating with O&P Insight in this capacity will enable us to place a greater focus on the services side of our business for the betterment of the profession, as we believe that healthier independents and manufacturers, buoyed by the Hanger ecosystem, equals tremendous value creation for the entire industry.” Read more in our newsroom: https://lnkd.in/dJiHUhBj

The greater Philadelphia #HangerClinic team and Salus University partnered last month to host the third annual Adaptive Recreation Activities Day! More than 75 attendees—including those with upper and lower limb loss, spinal cord injury and neurological conditions—enjoyed pickleball, golf, pilates, goalball, adaptive cycling, wheelchair basketball, and more.   The event wouldn’t have been possible without incredible partner organizations like ALPS South, IM ABLE Foundation, EM13RACE, LLC, Magee Rehabilitation Adaptive Sports Program, and Eastern Amputee Golf Association. A big thank you to this group for empowering attendees to try new hobbies, reignite their passions, and network with others in the limb loss and limb difference community and beyond. #EmpoweredCareers  

From New York to California, #OandP advocates across the country are working together to help improve access to care and expand insurance coverage for those with limb loss and limb difference. The O&P Almanac recently highlighted the ongoing efforts in their "States of Change" article, including the work of Spencer Greene MS, CPO, Matthew Johnson, MPT, CEEAA and Maggie Baumer, JD. Check out the article and learn more about how to get involved: https://lnkd.in/gnJSCWTn #EmpoweredCareers

We wish everyone a safe and Happy Fourth of July with family and friends!

It's not often that we get to help a donkey get back on his hooves!   After an accident on the farm caused his right front leg to be amputated, Dale the donkey was introduced to the #HangerClinic team in Fort Dodge, IA to help him regain his mobility.   Over a two-month span, prosthetist Kurt Oetken, along with technician Rick Lein and resident Ray Lee, worked in consultation with a veterinarian to fit Dale with a custom prosthetic device that would take the pressure off his remaining front limb and allow him to walk and run without pain.   Last month, Dale was officially fit with his new leg and now spends his days happily roaming the farm, causing mischief with his goat friends. Check out this video to see Dale in action! #EmpoweredCareers

We're still beaming over the incredible turnout from the third annual Adaptive Activities Day at Salus University on June 22! Our greater Philadelphia area #HangerClinic team partnered with #OandP students and staff from the university to facilitate this awesome event. Nearly 30 participants of all different abilities participated in various adaptive activities including basketball, golf, pickleball, and more.   Special thanks our sponsors and partners, including IM ABLE Foundation, EASTERN AMPUTEE GOLF ASSOCIATION, Jefferson Health Moss-Magee Rehabilitation, ALPS South, and EM13RACE Adaptive Clothing, as well as all the team members and volunteers who made this event a success. It's always exciting to see attendees try something new – and help participants feel a sense of community and support. #EmpoweredCareers

It was a big week for the O&P community as East Tennessee State University (ETSU) celebrated the launch of their Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics program and held a ribbon cutting for the new Karl Fillauer Learning Center on campus.   The center is named for Karl Fillauer, former board chairman of Fillauer Companies, in honor of his contributions to the O&P community. It will serve as a hub for students to learn to use state-of-the-art equipment to craft custom #oandp devices.   “As the CEO of Fillauer and a proud member of our family-founded company, we are so grateful to ETSU for recognizing my father and his invaluable contributions to the industry by naming the learning center in his honor,” said Michael Fillauer. “It is an exciting time to be in O&P, and with ETSU becoming one of only 14 pivotal O&P programs across the country, this milestone provides a new generation of young people an opportunity to do rewarding work in a field that continues to grow.” Program applications are open until September 1, and the first cohort of O&P students will arrive in January 2025. Read more about the program launch and the dedication of the Karl Fillauer Learning center: https://lnkd.in/geE9TpnM

In recognition of #NationalScoliosisAwarenessDay, we spoke with scoliosis expert and #HangerClinic Naperville, IL clinician Kristin Wendell about her background and favorite part about working in #OandP. “My interest in treating scoliosis began during my last residency rotation. We worked to optimize braces, making them as thin and low-profile as possible, while still being effective to increase compliance and wear time. It was there I began to understand the value orthotists can provide to patients by making a lasting impact on their spinal alignment, as well as confidence in their bodies.” Kristin’s favorite part of working with scoliosis patients is celebrating a win, saying “I can provide a great orthotic brace, but the patients are the ones putting in the hard work of wearing the brace consistently. I get the fun part of showing them that because of their effort, they are now more centered or have less rotation.” For those wanting to expand their knowledge on scoliosis, Kristin recommends the Scoliosis Research Society and Scolios-us, both of which have great resources. Thank you for your passion and dedication to the field, Kristin! #EmpoweredCareers #ScoliosisAwarenessMonth [Pictured: Kristin and her scoliosis patient Hailey.]