Prosthetist-orthotist

You would help people who need an artificial limb or a device to support or control part of their body.You would create devices which would give them greater independence and could hugely improve their quality of life, 

Your work would assist people who find it physically difficult to move. You could work with people recovering from a stroke or who have rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes or cerebral palsy.

A prosthesis is a device that replaces a missing part of a person’s body. As a prosthetist, you would design and fit artificial limbs (prostheses) to replace limbs lost through amputation or which are missing at birth.

An orthosis is fitted to an existing part of the body. As an orthotist, you would design and fit surgical appliances (orthoses) such as braces, callipers, neck collars and splints. They support people’s limbs or the spine to relieve pain, help people move or prevent physical conditions getting worse. A person might wear the orthosis permanently or just use it temporarily.

You would:

• Assess a patient's needs

• Take measurements and use computer modelling to design the prosthesis or orthosis

• Explain the design to a technician, who will make it

• Fit the device to the patient, making sure it is comfortable

• Do follow-up checks with patients to see how they are coping with it

• Make sure the appliance or limb is functioning properly

• Carry out adjustments or repairs if needed

You would work with other healthcare professionals. Physiotherapists would oversee the patient's exercise regime. Occupational therapists would help the patient understand how to perform daily activities with the device.

You can see more about this role in the NHS on the Prosthetist/orthotist page on the NHS Careers website.

• British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists

• NHS Scotland 360-degree video on a prosthetic limb fitting – see how a prosthetist works with a patient, as if you're in the room

• NHS Scotland Careers – see behind the scenes with an orthotist