About Us

American Orthopedics, Inc. has positioned itself as the technology leader in prosthetics & orthotics over its 36 year history of providing care to the citizens of Central Ohio.

• American Orthopedics introduced immediate postoperative prosthetic fitting to Ohio.
• American Orthopedics implemented the post operative fitting of a Removable Rigid Dressing (RRD) protocol that has significantly reduced the interval between amputation and prosthetic fitting.
• American Orthopedics fitted the first below elbow myoelectric prosthesis in Columbus.
• American Orthopedics fitted the first Utah Arm (myoelectric above elbow prosthesis) in Columbus

American Orthopedics has the only BioSculptor, computer aided design and manufacturing system in Central Ohio along with the newly introduced handheld BioScanner. BioSculptor is a state of the art design and manufacturing system for prosthetics and orthotics, utilizing laser imaging, fast computer modeling and a high speed, 4.5 axis CNC mill. BioSculptor is capable of spiral CT scan data acquisition and input for hands on "casting" and rapid post surgical orthotic spinal management.

American Orthopedics provides early, cost saving, prosthetic intervention. This lessens rehab inpatient time as well as hospital stays.

American Orthopedics provides proven critical pathways for prosthetic management.

American Orthopedic's commitment to quality care, coupled with 21st century technology provides fast, cost effective service to the physically challenged.

Americans Orthopedic's partnership with OPGA / POINT Health Care provides cooperative interaction with the finest practitioners in the U.S.

American Orthopedics is clearly the first choice for prosthetic & orthotic coverage to managed care networks, with expertise in upper and lower prosthetics, upper, lower and spinal orthotics.

Our Practitioners

RON KIDD

Ron is an Ohio Licensed/American Board Certified Prosthetist and Orthotist specializing in lower extremity Prosthetics and Orthotics. He is also trained in all other aspects of the O&P profession. In addition to his clinical load, Ron is managing partner and senior practitioner at American.

After receiving his Bachelors degree from East Carolina University and military service, Ron entered the O&P field. He received his postgraduate education at NYU, UCLA, and NU. He moved to Ohio in 1986 where he acquired American Orthopedics. He is a member of The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists as well as the Ohio Academy Chapter. He has served as President of The Ohio Orthotics and Prosthetics Association and POINT Health Centers of America. He received a Gubernatorial Appointment and served as founding President of The Ohio Orthotic, Prosthetic and Pedorthic licensure Board.

Ron lectures regularly to numerous health care professionals and has presented several lectures at national professional meetings. He is a recognized authority in computer aided design and manufacture (CADCAM) for the prosthetics and orthotics industry.

On a personal note, Ron is married with two grown children and is the proud Grandpa to Alexandra. He and his wife share their love of outdoors and gardening. They are also both licensed private pilots and fly their Cessna 210 whenever possible. Ron is also an automobile enthusiast and lovingly cares for several classic cars.

RICK NITSCH

Rick Nitsch is an Ohio Licensed/American Board Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist specializing in lower extremity prosthetics with special interest in above knee amputation/prostheses.

After receiving an Associates Degree at Franklin University and practicing for 18 years he joined the professional staff at American Orthopedics in Columbus, Ohio in 2001. His Certificate in Prosthetics was earned at Century College. Rick is currently a consultant for the VA in Columbus.

Rick is a frequent lecturer to various healthcare professionals, including Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation resident physicians and Physical Therapists at all major hospitals in Columbus. He also has been an examiner for the American Board of Certification in Prosthetics for more than 10 years.

DAVID DELUCCIA

David DeLuccia is an Ohio Licensed/American Board Certified Orthotist/Prosthetist specializing in lower extremity orthotics with an interest in lower extremity prosthetics.

After receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in physical education from Manhattan College and completing his residency, he joined the professional staff at American Orthopedics in Columbus, Ohio. His Certificate in Orthotics was earned at the Newington Certificate Program. David is currently an orthotic specialist for the Bureau of Worker’s Compensation.

David is a frequent lecturer to various healthcare professionals, including Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation resident physicians and Physical Therapists at all major hospitals in Columbus. He also serves as a consultant to the wound care clinic at Ohio State.

BRIAN WEAVER

Brian Weaver is an Ohio Licensed Prosthetist/Orthotist and an American Board Certified Prosthetist specializing in lower extremity prosthetics with an interest in upper extremity prostheses.

After receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Oregon State University, he joined the professional staff at American Orthopedics in Columbus, Ohio. His Certificate in Prosthetics was earned at Northwestern University and his Orthotics Certificate from the Newington Certificate Program. Brian is an active member of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists, as well as its Ohio Chapter.

Brian is a frequent lecturer to various healthcare professionals, including Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation resident physicians and Physical Therapy Masters Degree students at The Ohio State University Medical Center, as well as to local physical therapy groups. He also serves as a consultant to the Orthotic and Prosthetic clinic at Ohio State.

KRISTIN BIGHAM

Kristin Bigham is an Ohio Licensed/American Board Certified Orthotist specializing in lower extremity orthotics. She recently completed her prosthetic residency and will be taking her certification exams in fall 2006.

After receiving her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University, Kristin earned her Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics from Georgia Institute of Technology. She graduated in the inaugural class from the nation’s first Master’s degree program in orthotics and prosthetics.

JENNIFER ANDERSON

Jennifer Anderson received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from The Ohio State University and where she continued to earn her Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering. Jennifer has always had an interest in orthotics and prosthetics. While in school, Jennifer discovered that she wanted to work with patients hands-on more than in a theoretical design environment. In 2004, she joined the professional staff of American Orthopedics as a Certified Fitter of Orthotics.

ZACH RUHL

Originally from Wichita, Kansas, Zach Ruhl received his baccalaureate degree from Duke University, a master’s degree from St. Michaels in Vermont, and graduated from the Prosthetic and Orthotic Program at UCLA. He is certified in prosthetics by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics and is an active member of the American Academy. He is licensed by the state of Ohio in prosthetics.

Himself, an amputee above the knee (due to trauma), Zach has worn a prosthesis for nearly 30 years. His insight as both a patient and a practioner has influenced his practice significantly, informing both the requirements and the solutions for successful prosthetic function. He is especially interested in early intervention, specializing in immediate postoperative techniques and procedures.

Outside the office, Zach enjoys growing things, spending many contented hours in his greenhouse and garden.

Brian Weaver