Orthosis & Prosthesis Techniques

Orthosis and prosthesis are two methods of dealing with significant injury or body deformity. Orthosis involves the use of mechanical devices to correct abnormal or harmful walking patterns. Prosthesis involves the use of manmade devices to replace missing body parts. Techniques for orthosis and prosthesis vary with the form of injury or deformity present.

Orthosis

• According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, your doctor may recommend orthosis for one of several reasons. These include correcting or preventing foot deformities, supporting or aligning your ankle or foot, and improving the general daily function of your ankle or foot. The devices used for orthosis are called orthotics. In their simplest form, they are available as over-the-counter heel inserts or foot pads you slide into your shoe. However, an orthopedist (musculoskeletal specialist) can also create custom orthotics designed to fit the exact profile of your foot and ankle.

  To create your custom orthotic device, your orthopedist will take a molded impression of your foot called a cast. This cast will be analyzed on a computer by an orthopedic technician, who will use the data from this analysis to make a therapeutic device that precisely matches the profile of your foot, and provides specialized protective support.

  Orthotics come in both soft and rigid forms. Soft orthotics are typically made of compressible material, and act as shock absorbers, in addition to relieving uncomfortable pressure on your foot and increasing your balance. Your orthopedist is most likely to recommend this sort of orthotic if you suffer from arthritis, diabetic foot or serious physical deformities. Rigid orthotics are made from carbon fiber or plastic, and are meant to control the overall function of your foot. You may receive a rigid orthotic for conditions including differences in the length of your legs, and strains or displacements higher up on your body that originate from foot problems.

Prosthesis

• Prosthesis is used to replace a number of different missing or diseased body parts, including hands, arms, legs, feet, joints and eyes. The devices used for prosthesis are called prosthetics. Perhaps the most common types of prosthetics are false teeth or dentures, otherwise known as dental prostheses.

  If you require prosthesis, your doctor or surgeon will begin the fitting process by examining the area of your body that will interface with the new prosthetic device. Measurements of this area will be made in as much detail as possible to guarantee the best possible fit between your body and the manmade materials used for replacement. If you are undergoing prosthesis for limb replacement, your doctors will typically begin this process several months after your body heals from amputation or other surgical procedures. This will provide time for any swelling or other after-effects to subside, and will ultimately provide a much better final fit for your device. Once your device is fitted, your doctor will instruct you on its proper use and care. You may also receive physical therapy to learn proper prosthesis control.