Prosthetists
Prosthetists supply and fit replacement limbs – a replacement
limb is called a prosthesis.
Most of us have four good limbs – two arms and hands, and
two legs and feet. Some people, though, have 'limb absence'. They
may have been born with a limb or part of a limb missing or they
may have lost a limb in an accident or have had it amputated during
an operation to keep them well.
Prosthetists supply all these patients with replacement limbs. They
make sure the prosthesis is the best possible and that it fits and
works properly.
Prosthetists will help people of all ages. They will design special
limbs for each person they treat. They take casts of the area where
the limb will be fitted and then technicians make the limb. Prosthetists
will fit the limb and make any adjustments needed as well as help
the person use it.
Orthotists
Orthotists give people specially made splints, braces or shoes
that support parts of the body and help them to move more easily
and without pain. Sometimes special equipment or footwear are given
to patients to stop them injuring themselves.
They will see people first for a check up and then look at what
needs to be designed to help that person. They make sure it's made
properly. When it's made they will see the patient for a fitting
and teach the person how to use the equipment or device.
Orthotists usually work for a company that makes special devices.
Orthotists go out to one or several hospitals as part of a clinic
or outpatients (this is when people come to hospital for a short
appointment). They might also visit special centres to help people
with special needs.
Orthotists work with a variety of people of all ages, here are
two examples:
- children with a type of disability that means they need splints
to help them walk
- older people who need special shoes or insoles in their shoes
because they have problems with their feet, for example, if they
have diabetes.
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