ORTHOSIS An orthosis is the correct term for an externally applied device that is designed and fitted to the body to achieve one or more of the following goals: Control biomechanical alignment Correct or accommodate deformity Protect and support an injury Assist rehabilitation Reduce pain Increase mobility Increase independence Commonly prescribed orthoses include; Foot Orthoses, for various foot, leg or postural problems, Ankle and Knee Orthoses, for joint protection, pain reduction or support after surgery, Ankle-Foot Orthoses and Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthoses to improve mobility, support rehabilitation and biomechanical goals, Upper Limb orthoses, to provide positional and functional support to the upper limb, Fracture Orthoses, the modern alternative to plaster or fibreglass casts, Spinal Orthoses, to correct or control spinal deformities and injuries and to provide immobilisation or support to spinal injuries. There are a wide variety of prefabricated and custom made orthoses used for many musculo-skeletal problems. They are specialised devices and should always be fitted by a fully qualified orthotist/prosthetist.
PROSTHESIS A prosthesis is an artificial device attached or applied to the body to replace a missing part. Orthotist/prosthetists are qualified in the provision of a full range of external prostheses for the lower and upper limb, which are individually prescribed, designed, manufactured and fitted to restore the function and cosmesis of an amputated limb after a full and thorough client assessment. Due to modern advances in prosthetic technology, prostheses are becoming lighter, stronger and more naturally functioning. Technological advances include the ‘energy storing foot’, the ‘microprocessor controlled knee’ and the myo-electric (bionic) hand. (www.aoap.org.au)