Restoring Movement: How Prosthetics are Transforming Lives

Written by Sathya Mathiyalagan

November 11th, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In this month’s theme of Prosthetics, we will be delving into the world of a prosthetist. These individuals are responsible for making artificial limbs (prosthetics) for people with disabilities. 

Patients who go through amputations due to diseases, disorders, or injuries need to obtain artificial legs or arms and unfortunately lose a great amount of independence. They will be dependent on their families and caregivers for simple daily tasks. Prosthetists bring back the independence for patients by making artificial limbs for them. Patients regain their independence and confidence through improved mobility. 

 

What education do Prosthetists need?

1. Undergraduate Degree (4 years)

2. Master’s Degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics (2 years)

   1. This covers classes about upper and lower extremity prosthetics, orthotics, plastics, spinal orthotics and other materials 

3. Graduate Degree Program (Part of Master’s Degree)

   1. Clinical aspect: students work under an O & P professional and require a minimum of 500 clinical hours. This is equally split between prosthetics and orthotics. 

4. Residency (1 year) 

5. Certification Exam

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Once they have completed the education needed

to become a prosthetist, they are able to work many

different healthcare facilities. This includes hospitals,

inpatient rehab centers, outpatient rehab centers,

private practice, and industrial health centers.

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What is the difference between an Orthotist and Prosthetist? 

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For those of you who do not know, an Orthotist is someone who fits braces and splints, which come under the term orthotics. This is necessary for individuals who have weakened body parts due to injury, disease, or disorders of the nerves, muscles or bones. The main difference between the two is that orthotists deal with making support for weakened muscles and bone, whereas prosthetists make artificial limbs. 

 

However there is a list of tasks that Orthotists and Prosthetists do commonly. They include:

 

• Assess and talk with people to learn their needs

• Take measurements or molds of the body area that will have a brace or artificial limb

• Create orthopedic and prosthetic devices following doctors' instructions

• Pick suitable materials for the orthotic or prosthetic device

• Educate people on the proper use and care of their devices

• Change, repair, or substitute prosthetic and orthotic devices

• Keep records of each person's details

 

If you’re curious to learn more about orthotics, make sure to check out next week’s article!

 

What is Phantom Limb Pain?

 

Phantom limb is when patients feel a sensation of their missing body part. They feel pain after an amputation. This seems like an illusion to others since that area of the body no longer exists, but the pain felt by the patient is real. It has been found that the addition of prosthetics helps lower phantom limb pain, and slowly makes it extinct, increasing the limb’s functionality as well. 

We hope you enjoyed learning about the amazing work that prosthetists do to transform lives. These skilled professionals combine medical knowledge and engineering to design and fit prosthetic devices that help patients regain mobility. Prosthetists make a profound difference in their patients' lives, empowering them to overcome physical challenges and gaining back their independence. Through their dedication, they remind us of the incredible impact that specialized healthcare can have on individual lives and our communities.