Prosthetics & Orthotics is the most important field in rehabilitation for a disabled as he has to use appliances for whole life, when other care is not required after a fixed period. Lately, our government has understood this problem and has taken up various measures so that proper appliances can be developed and given to those who need them.

       Rehabilitation technology has developed rapidly during the last two decades, due to successful transfer of scientific knowledge from other fields of engineering as well as by research and development within the field of rehabilitation engineering. Clinical application of many of the newly developed devices and systems now require the skills of highly specialised rehabilitation professionals who must carefully assess the different needs of the person with disability and present a range of clinical option. Such professionals must be thoroughly familiar with disability and present a range of clinical options. Such professionals must be thoroughly familiar with a variety of materials, designs, functions and appearances to the technological devices and be sensitive to the desires and comforts of the users.

PROSTHETISTS & ORTHOTIST AS FULL MEMBER OF THE CLINIC TEAM :

1. Advises the team on the design of a prosthetic and orthotic device, including the socket, the method of suspension and the selection of the proper components.
2. Advises the team and participants directly in the evaluation of the final design including fitting, function and cosmesis.
3. Records and reports any pertinent information regarding patients and patients's families.
4. Assists and advises in the pre-surgical and surgical planning in patients requiring prosthetic and orthotic service.
5. Assists and advises in the post-surgical management of the disabled patients.

IN THE PROVISION OF PROSTHETIC AND ORTHOTIC APPLIANCES :

1. Makes all necessary casts and measurements of patients and records all pertinent information.
2. Performs all modifications of positive molds of the patients and formulates socket plans and layout.
3. Formulates prosthesis or orthosis design including model and pattern making and the selection of materials (this includes orthopaedic foot wear in consultation with shoemaker). The Govt. of India allots funds for helping the disabled but this remains unutilised in all the states mainly because there are a few Orthotics & Prosthetics Centres. The Govt. has decided to open centres in all the district Head Quarters and to meet this demand trained professionals.