Prosthetics and Orthotics : Introduction
Prosthetics and Orthotics is a medical and engineering based healthcare
profession which deals with rehabilitation of physically handicapped
individuals who suffer from limb malfunctions or abnormalities or absence
or loss of limbs or other body parts. The loss of body parts may have
been the result of an accident or mishap or amputation owing to medical
conditions like diabetes or gangrene or cancer or in some cases the
defect may be congenital i.e people are born with this handicap where
a limb / a body part may be missing. Such a condition prevents a person
from leading a normal life. There may also be cases where people suffering
from conditions like polio or muscular degeneration need an external
support for movement and strength to go about their day to day activities.
Prosthetists and Orthotists are professionals who help people suffering
from neuromotor and musculoskeletal disorders such as the ones mentioned
above, to return to a normal life by using their skills and advanced medical technology.
In a nutshell, though the fields Prosthetics and Orthotics appear to be
autonomous, these professionals usually work as part of multi-skilled
teams. Their clientele ranges from small children to adults and elderly
population suffering from age-related injuries and illnesses.
A Prosthesis, or what is commonly known as an artificial limb is an extension
or replacement of a missing or damaged body part. It can be an artificial
leg, an entire hand or just the palms of hands or feet etc. Those
professionals who deal with prosthesis are called Prosthetists.
An Orthosis is a device which can give support to weak limbs or help
to correct a deformity. It is derived from the Greek word 'ortho'
meaning 'to straighten'. Such devices include braces, splints and special footwear
which assist movement and tend to lessen the amount of discomfort. Orthotists
are professionals concerned with manufacture and fitting of Orthosis.
These professionals need to be highly trained to be able to work competently.
In our country there are a number of institutions which train prosthetists
and orthotists to enable them to work with a team of orthopaedics,
physiatrists and other medical professionals.
The Indian Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists is a professional
organization formed in 1987. It aims at the development of prosthetic
and orthotic field in India to be at par with the international standards.
It works towards making people aware of the various orthotic and
prosthetic practices and thereby eliminate quackery. It coordinates
with the Rehabilitation Council of India, international organizations
like the International Society for prosthetics and orthotics, institutions
and universities for short-term courses and research.
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