Orthotics and Prosthetics Center

Orthotics and Prosthetics Centers are specialized healthcare facilities that focus on providing medical devices to patients who need mobility support or who want to replace missing or lost limbs. These centers play a critical role in improving the quality of life of individuals dealing with mobility issues, limb loss, or other physical challenges.

Orthotics

• Definition: Orthoses are devices designed to support or correct musculoskeletal impairments. These devices aid individuals who have experienced a reduction or loss of mobility in the arms, legs, or trunk, whether due to congenital conditions or acquired factors. Orthoses facilitate movement restoration, restrict excessive motion in injured areas when necessary, and serve to correct deformities or postural abnormalities.
• Devices: These include braces, splints, supports, insoles, corsets, long and short walking orthoses designed to relieve pain, support an injured or weak limb, and prevent further injury.
• Conditions Treated: People suffering from conditions like arthritis, scoliosis, cerebral palsy, stroke, foot deformities(e.g., flat feet), nerve lesions, tendon lacerations, joint contractures and sports injuries often benefit from orthotic devices.

Prosthetics

• Definition: Prosthetics is the branch of healthcare focused on the design and fitting of artificial limbs (prostheses) for patients who have lost a limb due to congenital conditions, traumatic injuries, gunshot wounds, or medical conditions such as infections, vascular diseases, or diabetes.
• Devices: Prosthetic limbs can be customized for upper or lower limbs and can range from simple mechanical devices to highly advanced bionic prosthetics that mimic the natural movement of the human body.
• Types of Prosthetics:
• Lower Limb Prosthetics (for leg amputation): Includes prosthetic feet, knee joints and sockets and provide cosmetic appearance.
• Upper Limb Prosthetics (for arm/hand amputation): Includes prosthetic arms, hands, and hooks.
• Advanced Prosthetics: Modern advancements include myoelectric prosthetics, which are powered by electrical signals from the muscles, allowing more natural and functional movement.

Services Provided in Orthotics and Prosthetics Center:

1. Consultation and Assessment: Specialists evaluate the the patient's needs and mobility goals based on their condition, age, gender and living environment before recommending the appropriate device.
2. Custom Fitting and Design: Devices are often tailor-made to fit the individual’s body and specific needs.
3. Rehabilitation Support: These centers usually offer physical therapy and rehabilitation services to help patients adjust to their new orthotics or prosthetics.
4. Ongoing Care: Continuous follow-up care is provided to ensure the devices remain comfortable and functional, and adjustments are made as needed.

Importance of Orthotics and Prosthetics Center:

• Improved Mobility and Quality of Life: These devices help patients regain independence and functionality, reducing the impact of physical disabilities.
• Customization: Each device is personalized based on the patient's needs, lifestyle, and goals.
• Advancement in Technology: Innovations in materials, designs, and electronics have greatly improved the function and comfort of orthotics and prosthetics.

In short, Orthotics and Prosthetics Center are vital in helping people recover and lead active, independent lives following serious injuries or congenital issues, thanks to the use of specialized devices.

Videos