Orthotics and Prosthetic Technology

Prosthetics is the branch of surgery concerned with the replacement of missing body parts with artificial substitutes. Prosthetic Techicians design and create devices called prostheses, which are used to replace limbs that have been defective due to birth defects, accidents, amputation or other physical handicaps. Orthotic Technicians, on the other hand, work with patients with limb or spine related disabilities and design and create corrective devises known as orthoses. Orthotists are professionals concerned with manufacture and fitting of Orthosis. Hence, Prosthesis involves artificial replacement to the missing organs of or damaged parts of the body, whereas Orthotses give support to the weak organs or help correcting the default.

For a bachelor's degree in prosthetics and orthotics, one needs 10 + 2 with Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Biology. The duration of the course is 4 1/2 years. students couls also pursue a masters' degree in prosthetics and orthotics where the eligibility is bachelor's degree in prosthetics and orthotics.

There are also diploma courses available in this field. Students with diploma qualifications are employed as technicians. The eligibility requirement for a diploma course is that the candidates should have passed 10+2 with science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology) or they should have a pass in 10+2 in the vocational stream of machinist or 10+2 and ITI certificate in the subjects such as fitter/ turner/ machinist/ tool or die maker. The duration of a diploma course is usually of 2 years. Students with a pass in the final diploma examinations conducted by the Board of Technical Education of the State Govt. in Mechanical/ Electrical/ or Electronics Engineering are also eligible.

In the course, students are taught to make orthoses and prostheses, which are fitted to help rehabilitate disabled patients. Subjects can include chemistry, biology, physics, physiology, anatomy, mathematics, psychology for the physically disabled, mechanics, mechanical drawing, metalworking, prosthetic and orthotic techniques and extensive clinical training.

 Good analytical ability
 Manual dexterity
 Creative problem solving skills
 Mechanical ability
 Hand-eye coordination
 Organizational & planning skills
 Good interpersonal and verbal skills

With the kind of advances in technology that keep happening at a rapid pace, prosthetists and orthotists can design and make devices that provide higher degree of comfort, safety and freedom. Prosthetic and orthotic professionals work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation departments of hospitals and government agencies, laboratories, device manufacturing companies, ambulatory care services and special treatment facilities like arthritis centres. They could also opt for teaching and research and development after completing their graduation or post graduation in the same.