General Prosthesis and Orthosis Practice

At the end of the course, student should be able to: 1. prepare mould with plaster of paris for trans tibaial, trans femoral, trans radial and trans humeral amputees; 2. asses a patient and prescribe the right prostheses; 3. modify moulds to measurement; 4. assemble the component parts of prostheses; 5. appreciate clinical provision of prostheses and orthoses; 6. manufacture of prostheses and orthoses; 7. cover moulds with laminates; 8. fit prostheses on patient after observation of patients’ gait and correction; 9. measure and cut out thermoplastic sheet for quad and PLS; and 10. educate the patient on prosthetic orthotics care.

Measurement and casting of a transtibial amputee using plaster of paris and measuring tape; Measurement and casting of trans femoral, trans radial and trans humeral amputees. Preparation of a positive mould using plaster and paris (P.O.P.) powder; Modification of moulds to measurements; covering the mould above with laminates i.e. P.V.A sleeve, stockinette, fibre glass, resin and reagents. Allowing the socket above to cure; cutting out and trimming the socket; assembling of the component parts of prostheses i.e. socket, ankle block and foot; bench alignment of component parts of prostheses and bond; fitting of the patient statically i.e. without moving; carrying out dynamic alignment on the prostheses. Observing patient’s gait and makng corrections where necessary after fitting with prostheses; Finishing the prosthesis by shaping and lamination. Checking that the patient’s prosthesis is as prescribed; making the patient ambulate with the prosthesis; educating the patient on prosthetic care – cleaning, routine appointment and limitations. Orthosis practice – assessment, measuring and casting a patient with lower foot deformities; assessing, measuring and casting a prosthesis for paraplegic, polio aid; preparing a positive mould using plaster of Paris powder; modification of the mould to measurement; measuring and cutting out thermoplastic sheets for quad and PLS, put sheets in oven at appropriate temperature, apply sheets on prothetic mould, allow to cool, then trim; assembling the component parts of orthoses i.e. the plastic mould, laminate side bars, knee pads and straps. Bench alignment of the component parts, check alignment of orthoses of joints, carrying out static fitting of the patient; carry out dynamic alignment and fitting on the patient; observing patients gait and make corrections where necessary; finish the orthoses by riveting; checking that orthotic device is as prescribed. Making the patient ambulate to achieve optimal gait with the orthoses. Counsel the patient on the use and care of the orthotic device – cleaning routine appointment and limitation.