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.

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Personality Type

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

use casts of body parts maintain prosthetic-orthotic laboratory equipment orthopaedic goods industry design objects to be crafted advise on medical device features biomedical techniques comply with legislation related to health care use of special equipment for daily activities recommend orthopedic goods to customers depending on their condition musculoskeletal anatomy prosthetic-orthotic examination order supplies

Source: Sisyphus ODB