Notes on Orthotics and Prosthetics Principles and Types

Basic Principles of Orthotics and Prosthetics

  • Instructor: Ms. PI Boshof
    • Lecturer in Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics
    • Qualified with NDip, BTech, Post Grad Cert in Rehab Studies, and M Rehab Studies.

Learning Outcomes for Bachelor of Health Science in Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics

  • Understanding the concepts of Orthotics and Prosthetics.
  • Identifying various types of orthoses and prostheses.
  • Defining the roles and goals of Orthotists and Prosthetists.

Overview of Orthotics and Prosthetics

  • Orthoses (braces and splints) and Prostheses (artificial limbs) are critical in enabling individuals with physical limitations to:
    • Live healthy, productive, and independent lives.
    • Participate in social, educational, and work-related activities.
  • Importance of terminology and anatomical knowledge to effectively integrate and assess patients.

Major Divisions of the Body

  • The human body is divided into:
    • Axial Body: includes head, neck, and trunk
    • Appendicular Body: includes upper and lower extremities.
  • Knowledge of these parts is essential for understanding motions and creating orthotic solutions.

Upper and Lower Extremities

  • Upper Extremity Parts:
    • Shoulder girdle, arm, forearm, hand.
  • Lower Extremity Parts:
    • Pelvis, thigh, leg, foot.

Anatomical Planes of the Body

  • Sagittal Plane:
    • Vertical plane dividing body into right and left portions.
  • Coronal Plane:
    • Vertical plane dividing body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections.
  • Transverse Plane:
    • Horizontal plane separating body into superior (top) and inferior (bottom) halves.
  • Midsagittal Plane:
    • Centered vertical plane that creates equal right and left halves.

Definition of Orthotist and Prosthetist

  • Orthotist:

    • Professional who designs and fits orthoses for limb and spinal conditions.
    • Responsibilities include:
    • Designing and fabricating orthoses.
    • Performing fittings, evaluations, and maintaining patient records.
    • Understanding new orthotic developments and supervising support staff.

  • Prosthetist:

    • Specialist in designing and fitting prostheses for limb absence.
    • Key responsibilities include:
    • Selecting materials, designing, and adjusting prostheses.
    • Educating patients on prosthesis use and maintenance.
    • Keeping abreast of advancements in prosthetic care.

Types of Orthoses and Prostheses

Types of Orthoses:
  • Lower Limb Orthoses: Foot Orthosis (FO), Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO), Knee Orthosis (KO), etc.
  • Upper Limb Orthoses: Finger Orthosis (FO), Hand Orthosis (HO), Elbow Orthosis (EO), etc.
  • Spinal Orthoses: Lumbar Sacral Orthosis (LSO), Thoracic Lumbar Sacral Orthosis (TLSO), etc.
  • Cranial Orthoses: Specialized helmets for head shaping corrections.
Types of Prostheses:
  • Lower Limb Prostheses: Transmetatarsal, Transtibial, and various disarticulation prostheses.
  • Upper Limb Prostheses: Transcarpal, Transradial, and elbow disarticulation prostheses.

Goals of Orthotists and Prosthetists

  • Core Objectives:
    • Restore normal function and appearance post-injury.
    • Train in biology, biomechanics, and material sciences.
    • Develop skills in material manipulation to create orthoses and prostheses.

Assignments and References

  • Homework:
    • Research commonly used orthotics and prosthetics terminology.
    • Read the chapter on "Prescription Guidelines" in the textbook by Lusardi.
  • Reference:
    • Lusardi, M. M. & Nielsen, C. C. (4th Edition). Orthotics and Prosthetics in Rehabilitation. Elsevier.