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Introduction
What is Orthotics?
Orthotics is the profession that deals with the external support of the body and encompasses both neuro-muscular and muscular-skeletal
problems suffered by patients. The patient may require support to any segment of the body which suffers from a mechanical dysfunction,
such as the foot, knee or back for example. The brace is called an orthosis; sometimes referred to as a surgical appliance.
The Orthotist
An Orthotist is a recognised specialist who is state registered and qualified to assess, measure or plaster cast the body, and then fit
any orthosis ('Brace') to the body.
The profession's governing body is the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists: BAPO for short.
The Health Profession's Council (HPC) is the body that monitors and provides state registration. This is obtained following the
4 year degree course specialising in Orthotics and Prosthetics.
The Orthotist's Role
This is to listen to the patient and assess their needs. Once this has been established and a Treatment Plan agreed upon by both patient and
clinician, the Orthotist will measure or cast - as required - and convey the prescription to a specialist manufacturer. The orthosis is made
and subsequently then applied to the body, or in a shoe, to assist the patient's function.
The Orthotist has access to many specialised materials and is used to handling these on a day to day basis. Being aware of material
capabilities enables him to select the appropriate material and orthosis for the patient's needs.
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Mr M. Elmer
Nuffield Hospital
Upper Byron Place
Clifton
Bristol
BS8 1JH
0117 986 3322 |
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