From the Editor

Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.-Scott Adams, The Dilbert Principle

Even though they comprise only a relatively small segment of the total amputee population, upper-limb amputees are benefiting from the newest creative developments in prosthetic technology and clinical practice. You can read what a panel of upper-extremity specialists regard as the most significant developments in these areas in this issue's feature article, "The State of the Art in Upper-Extremity Prosthetics."

The San Diego Triathlon Challenge is a creative brainchild that began almost ten years ago to help disabled athletic star Jim MacLaren and has since expanded to help many more athletes to achieve their goals.

Since 1994, the event has raised over $2.7 million; more than 875 disabled athletes have received grants, and an endowment fund has been established to assure assistance to athletes. This year's event, which raised about $812,000, is described in "The Sports Page."

The dreaded date of April 15 isn't the only deadline coming up in April. The day before, April 14, is the date healthcare entities must be in compliance with the HIPAA privacy rules. To find out what your practice needs to do, turn to the article "HIPAA Privacy Regulations: A Compliance Challenge."

The year 2002 was a turbulent one in many ways. What lies ahead in 2003? John Michael, MEd, CPO, FAAOP gives his views in the "Perspective" page.

The O&P EDGE introduces a new department, "Today's Consumer," in this issue. We hope you will put our magazine in your waiting rooms for patients to read real life stories about their peers.

Our readers are part of our team. As always, your news, views, questions, and comments are welcome!

Table Of Contents - January 2003

	The State of the Art in Upper-Limb Prosthetics: Reflections from Respected Voices We compiled a list of experienced leaders in the field of upper-limb prosthetics, drafted a list of thought-provoking questions, and collected insightful and illuminating responses in a series of separate interviews. Feature
	Outcomes Measurements in Upper-Limb Prosthetics: Why So Elusive? Feature - Exclusively Online
	HIPAA Privacy Regulations: A Compliance Challenge This article is the first in a two-part series discussing the two most important compliance challenges facing the O&P field. DC Direct
	Amputee Firefighter and Stuntman Goes Full Speed Ahead Today's Consumer
	Triathlon Helps Athletes Achieve Dreams The Sports Page
	Spanish NGO Aids Honduran Youngsters Salute!
	Jerry Cadigan, CPO(c) Profiles
	As We Look Back on 2002—and Ahead to 2003 Perspective
	From the Editor Viewpoints