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.
Eligibility : The minimum educational requirement to become a prosthetist
and orthotist is a four and half year degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics
from a recognised university...Click
here for more information
Job Prospectus and Career Options : The nature of work of a prosthetist
and orthotist involves various stages. To start with a P&O professional works
as part of a clinical team which comprises of orthopaedics.....Click
here for more Information
Remuneration : Orthotists and Prosthetists usually get a basic pay in the range of Rupees...Click
here for more information
Institutes :
Some of the prominent institutions offering courses in prosthtics and orthotics can be had from the following links..
Click
here for more information
