|
What is a Prosthetist-Orthotist?
A “Prosthetist” is an individual who is educated and trained in the area of medicine pertaining to the design, fabrication and fitting of replacement limbs (prosthesis) which have been lost. An “Orthotist” is an individual who is educated and trained in the area of medicine pertaining to the design, fabrication and fitting of custom designed braces (orthotics) for the entire body from head to toe.
Who requires a Prosthesis?
People may require a prosthesis for a variety of reasons. These include a traumatic injury, vascular disease, diabetes, cancer or a congenital disorder.
Who requires an Orthosis?
People may require an orthosis for a wide variety of reasons. These include diagnoses such as diabetes, traumatic brain injuries, stokes, cerebral palsy, polio, fractures and post surgical stabilization. An Orthotic is any external brace that helps stabilize or support the body.
Are Prosthetics and Orthotics like other types of medical equipment?
Custom designed prosthetic and orthotics devices are not like other medical equipment because they are custom designed for the individual patient. This custom design and fabrication allows for the optimum fit and function of the device providing the patient with the highest possible functional outcome. The professional expertise of the Prosthetist-Orthotist allows them, in collaboration with the physician and therapist, to optimize the design for each patient. This is especially true for the complicated cases where something “off the shelf” is not an option.
I have heard that I have to give my limb time to “toughen up” in order to get used to my prosthesis-orthosis. Is this true?
NO, there is never a time when you must let your body “toughen up”. Unfortunately there is the idea out there that the wearer must tolerate an abnormal amount of pressure when wearing their device. The body develops skin breakdown or a callous when there is too much pressure applied to an area. This only makes the pressure area worse which results in more irritation. Adjustments to the device are easily accomplished and should be done to insure the optimum outcome.
Having difficulty with your prosthesis?
Often people become discouraged with their prosthesis due to things beyond their control. Things such as weight, personal habits, general health, activity level and prosthetic design can have an effect on how the prosthetic interface functions. There a wide variety of options available to patients when it comes to the actual design of their prosthesis. This is the responsibility of the Prosthetist/Patient/Physician interaction to optimize the outcome. Also if the proper follow-up isn’t done, then these options can’t be re-evaluated to ensure the proper fit and function of the prosthesis.
How often should I follow-up with my Prosthetist-Orthotist?
This depends largely on the type of device you were fit with. When in doubt, call the office. If you are having difficulties, call the office. As a routine, a 6 month follow-up is the normal scheduled follow-up time period. This insures that if a potential problem is beginning, it can be addressed in the proper way to eliminate any difficulties.
What can I expect from your office?
Being that our office is owned and staffed by a Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist, you can expect a more personal touch to the care you are provided with. Just like the small town family doctor who spent time discussing your individual health, we believe that education and personal interaction are extremely important to the outcome of your care. We encourage your input and look forward to discussing your individual expectations and goals for your treatment. This insures that you are an integral part of the process. We want you to obtain the highest possible outcome from your treatment. If it isn’t fitting or functioning properly, we will make sure that it does.
|
