The Role of a Prosthetist-Orthotist

 

Being a Prosthetist-Orthotist is a challenging and rewarding career for those who enjoy working with people to improve and enhance the quality of their lives. It draws upon a very wide set of skills and expertise.

 

PO’s often work alongside other healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists (who would oversee the patient's exercise regime) occupational therapists (who would train the patient in how to perform daily activities with the device and prosthetic technicians who construct devices.

 

Trained professionals work with patients of all ages, usually in a large hospitals or specialist rehabilitation clinics. Patients' disability may be the result of an accident or amputation, perhaps following a disease, such as diabetes, or they may have been born without a limb.

 

Prosthetists design and fit artificial limbs (prostheses) to replace those lost through amputation or limbs missing at birth.

 

Orthotists design and fit surgical appliances (orthoses) such as braces, callipers, collars and splints. These can be used to support limbs or the spine to relieve pain, aid (or isolate) movement or prevent physical conditions getting worse.

 

 

Duties would usually include:

 

• Assessing a patient's physical capabilities before they have an artificial limb or appliance fitted.

• Taking measurements and producing a cast to which the prosthesis or orthosis would be fitted.

• Designing a suitable device using knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, materials and technology.

• Explaining a finished design to a technician, who will produce the final product.

• Making sure the appliance or limb is functioning properly, and carrying out adjustments or repairs.

• Working with the client until they are confident in using and managing their assistive device.

• Carrying out follow-up checks with patients to see how they are coping with their device.