Profession prosthetic-orthotics technician

Prosthetic-orthotics technicians design, create, fit and repair supportive devices, such as braces, joints, arch supports, and other surgical and medical appliances.

Personality Type

• Social / Realistic
• Investigative / Social
• Realistic / Investigative

Knowledge

• Prosthetic devices

  The various artificial replacements of body parts or limbs, which were lost during a trauma, disease or an accident.

• Prosthetic-orthotic device materials

  The materials used to create prosthetic-orthotic devices such as polymers, thermoplastic and thermosetting materials, metal alloys and leather. In the choice of materials, attention must be paid to medical regulations, cost and biocompatibility.

• Types of orthopedic supplies

  Various types of orthopaedic supplies such as braces and arm supports, used for physical therapy or physical rehabilitation.

• Orthotic devices

  The types of devices used for support such as braces, arch supports and joints.

• Human anatomy

  The dynamic relationship of human structure and function and the muscosceletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, integumentary and nervous systems; normal and altered anatomy and physiology throughout the human lifespan.

• Biomedical engineering

  The biomedical engineering processes used to create medical devices, prostheses and in treatments.

Skills

• Manufacture prosthetic-orthotic devices

  Create prosthetic-orthotic devices according to the designs of the prosthetist-orthotist, company specifications and national and international regulations. Use specialised materials, tools and machinery.

• Manipulate wood

  Manipulate the properties, shape and size of wood.

• Interpret prescriptions

  Interpret the specifications written down by doctors or other professionals to determine the type of product or device that needs to be created, as well as the materials that need to be used.

• Test prosthetic-orthotic devices

  Ensure that the prosthetic-orthotic devices fit the patient according to specifications. Test and evaluate them to ensure that they work as intended. Make adjustments to ensure proper fit, function and comfort.

• Maintain prosthetic-orthotic devices

  Ensure that all prosthetic-orthotic devices are properly stored and taken care of so they maintain their functionality and appearance.

• Manipulate metal

  Manipulate the properties, shape and size of metal.

• Repair orthopedic goods

  Replace and repair orthopaedic material such as prostheses, technical supports and rehabilitation aids.

• Finish prosthetic-orthotic devices

  Complete the manufacturing of prosthetic and orthotic devices by sanding, smoothing, applying paint or lacquer layers, stuffing and covering some parts with leather or textiles.

• Use technical drawing software

  Create technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.

• Manipulate plastic

  Manipulate the properties, shape and size of plastic.

• Repair prosthetic-orthotic devices

  Perform repairs, fix and modify prosthetic-orthotic devices according to the specifications.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB