Vessl's Recap of AOPA 2025

Introduction

The American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) National Assembly has always been the place where ideas turn into momentum. This year’s event in Orlando proved just that. For Vessl, it was a milestone. The team spent hours connecting with prosthetists, researchers, and patients who share the same vision: prosthetic sockets must evolve to better serve users. Plus our co-founder, Sydney Robinson, took to the stage a few times to share all the exciting innovations the team has been working on.

Discussing the Future of Adjustable Sockets

At the expert panel “Adjustable-Volume Prosthetic Sockets: Evidence, Reimbursement, and System Selection,” our co-founder, Sydney Robinson sat alongside some of the brightest minds in the field: Tyler D. Klenow, from Ottobock, Curt A. Bertram, from O&P Insight, and Rob Burcham, from Martin Bionics. Together, they dug into the question everyone’s asking: what will it take to make adjustable sockets the standard of care?

The answer: we’re not there yet. Early studies show clear benefits, but the panel agreed the field needs more depth and quality of research before adjustable sockets hit the mainstream. And when it comes to reimbursement, it’s all about the patient. Coverage decisions hinge on outcomes that prove why this person, with this story, needs adjustability built into their prosthesis.

What really lit up the conversation was the balance between patient stories and hard data. As the panelists put it, pairing lived experiences with in-house mechanical testing, the kind that measures exactly how much limb volume change a socket can handle, creates a one-two punch of evidence. It’s the combination that convinces payors, wins over policymakers, and ultimately clears the path for adjustable sockets to become standard of care.

Later, Sydney took the spotlight again for “Introducing Vessl's Automatic Volume Management System; Fit that Adapts, Comfort that Lasts,” giving the audience a firsthand look at Kinn™ in action. She emphasized how automatic adjustment isn’t just a neat feature; it’s a real benefit for prosthetists and amputees alike, helping reduce discomfort, frustration, and the trial-and-error often associated with socket fittings.

She highlighted the broad impact on patients: active users can move freely without worrying about fit issues, and patients facing barriers like limited dexterity can achieve more independence and comfort than ever before. The demo made it clear that Kinn™ works seamlessly within existing clinic workflows and reimbursement codes, so practitioners can adopt it without adding extra steps or complications.

For the team, this was a thrilling moment seeing our work come to life on stage, in front of clinicians, and making a tangible difference for patients was an unforgettable highlight of the week.

Conversations at our booth

Outside the lecture halls, the energy continued at our booth. Over 100 demos of the Kinn Automatic Volume Management System gave clinicians the chance to experience firsthand how automatic adjustment works in practice. For Sydney and the team, spending the week alongside Stevie (our longtime patient model) seeing Kinn in action beyond Zoom calls was a real moment of pride.

The questions, feedback, and excitement from the O&P community reaffirmed that Kinn resonates not just as a product, but as a tool that solves daily challenges in fitting. Beyond the demos, reconnecting with colleagues, meeting new partners, and hearing patient stories reinforced the impact this technology can have at every level.

What’s next after AOPA

AOPA isn’t just a conference; it’s where the passion, innovation, and patient-centered spirit of the O&P community come alive. Walking the halls and talking with clinicians and patients, we felt that energy in every conversation. The stories we heard reinforced why we do what we do: proving medical necessity is critical, every patient’s experience matters, and while the data on adjustable sockets continues to grow, there is still work to be done to build the evidence clinicians need.

We left Orlando buzzing with inspiration. Reconnecting with longtime colleagues, meeting new faces we had only known virtually, and seeing firsthand the impact Kinn™ can have reminded us why every demo, discussion, and adjustment session matters. A huge thank-you to Rick Riley, Teri Kuffel, and the entire AOPA board for organizing an unforgettable event, and to everyone we met along the way. There are so many more people we want to thank, and you know who you are.

For the Vessl team, AOPA is proof that the work we are passionate about is moving the needle. Adjustable sockets backed by data, patient-centered care, and real-world impact are no longer just ideas; they are happening now, and we are thrilled to be part of the journey.

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