Medical Orthotist/Prosthetist
Job overview
Medical orthotist/prosthetists are involved in the design, manufacturing and fitting of splints, braces, surgical appliances (orthotics) and artificial limbs (prosthetics).
Orthotists/prosthetists are members of rehabilitation teams, and help people suffering from disabilities to live as normally as possible.
What do people do in this occupation?
An orthotic assists or takes over the function of a joint or part of the human anatomy that is either deformed or does not function correctly e.g. hands, shoulders, hips and knees.
A prosthesis replaces a missing part of the body.
Generally the most commonly affected parts are the legs, although a prosthesis may be made to replace missing arms, hands etc.
Medical orthotists/prosthetists work in a team with surgeons, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and nursing staff.
They also deal directly with patients.
Surgeons diagnose the problems patients are experiencing and send prescriptions to orthotists/prosthetists, setting out the treatment the patients are to receive.
Medical orthotists/prosthetists usually discuss with the surgeons these prescriptions and the technology available, before they design and manufacture suitable orthotics/prosthetics for the individual patients.
In order to create orthotics/prosthetics that are both well-fitting and functional, orthotists/prosthetists examine patients' disabilities, take measurements and make plaster moulds of the affected areas.
Appliances once made from steel and leather are today replaced by ones in plastics and materials such as carbon fibres, acrylic resin, titanium and silicon, which make it possible to manufacture lighter, more functional and aesthetically acceptable appliances.
Some prosthetics can function electronically.
What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Prospective orthotists/prosthetists should be genuinely interested in working with people with physical disabilities and should show this when dealing with them.
They need to be psychologically well adjusted, with the ability to inspire confidence.
Biomechanical insight enables these professionals to design orthotics and prosthetics that are practical and successful.
Practical skill is an important requirement, since a large part of the work involves the actual manufacturing of orthotics and prosthetics.
What qualifications are needed?
Specialised tertiary training for the profession is usually available in the world's larger population centres.
