Introduction of O&P

The prosthetics and orthotics service is an integral part of the health and rehabilitation services in a country. It is important that these services follow the health care referral system of the country. In order to have an optimum access to prosthetics and orthotics services throughout a country it needs to have a strong linkage with the primary health care services and community-based rehabilitation programmes.
Orthotics:The science that deals with the use of specialized mechanical devices to support or to supplement weakened or abnormal joints or limbs.Prosthetics:-Branch of medicine or surgery that deals with production and application of artificial body parts
Orthotists and Prosthetists:-Skilled professional who design construct and fit artificial limbs and orthopedic devices for patient with body deformities and disorders. Prosthetists specialize in designing and making artificial limbs. Orthotists specialize in designing and fitting orthopedic braces such as surgical support corrective shoes. These professionals are similar and an individual may be both orthotists and prosthetist. Even though they deal with different abnormalities and designs.

 Rehabilitation of persons with locomotor disabilities or neuromuscular disorder is a team
work, where Centre of attention is the person with disabilities. The team usually
comprises of the Physical medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist (Physiatrist) who is
usually the leader, Prosthetist and Orthotist, Physiotherapist, Occupational therapist,
Social worker and Rehabilitation Nurse. Depending upon the need, other professionals
like Orthopedic Surgeons, engineer, psychologist, geriatrist and other related
professionals are also included in the team.
General planning of the total rehabilitation of the disabled is usually done by the
Physiatrist. The role of Prosthetist and Orthotist is important. It is she/he, who fabricates
and fits the prosthesis or orthosis to the persons with disabilities both temporary and
permanent often referred as “Patient” and thus helps make the patient independent,
confident and useful member of the society.
The prosthetist/orthotist (ISPO Category I) is responsible for direct user/patient services and management of the orthopaedic workshop usually at Reference Centres or Training Institutions. A detailed list of the tasks of the prosthetist/orthotist is contained in the professional profile in Annex A. These tasks fall into the categories: patient care or providing direct service to persons with disabilities; management and supervision; training and education; community services; research and development. They are carried out within an ethical code and complying with medical and legal requirements.
In respect of providing user service, the prosthetist/orthotist is a full member of the rehabilitation team, can advise on the design of an appropriate prosthetic/orthotic device to meet the needs of any user requiring prosthetics/orthotics service and with the assistance of the orthopaedic technologist and technician/bench worker prepare the prosthesis or orthosis to fit the individual, and ensure its optimum use and user’s satisfaction. He/she will have the skills necessary to assess the fit and function of the device and make adjustments as necessary.
The management tasks of the prosthetist/orthotist relate to the functions of the orthopaedic workshop/laboratory and the staff under his/her supervision. He/she may also interact with governmental and non-governmental agencies in respect of the planning and implementation of national services and with other rehabilitation professionals at local and national level. He/she will interact as required with personnel involved in community-based rehabilitation programmes.
The prosthetist/orthotist may supervise and conduct the training and education of other prosthetists/orthotists, of orthopaedic technologists (ISPO Category II) and technicians/ bench workers (ISPO Category III) and be involved in lecturing and demonstration to other members of the rehabilitation team.