Orthotics and Prosthetics Course

Lesson 1 • Pathology and Amputation Etiology

Examines vascular disease, diabetes, trauma, and congenital conditions leading to limb loss or dysfunction. Connects etiology to device selection and rehabilitation goals.

Lesson 2 • O&P Profession Overview and Ethics

Defines the scope of practice, professional roles, and ethical obligations of certified practitioners. Establishes the regulatory and interprofessional framework students will operate within.

Lesson 3 • Biomechanical Principles for O&P

Introduces forces, moments, levers, and pressure distribution as applied to the human body. These principles underpin every device prescription and alignment decision.

Lesson 1 • Medical History and Chart Review

Teaches structured intake of diagnoses, medications, surgical history, and comorbidities. Accurate history review prevents contraindicated device choices and informs safe treatment planning.

Lesson 2 • Physical Examination Techniques

Covers goniometry, manual muscle testing, skin integrity assessment, and residual limb evaluation. These hands-on skills generate objective data for prescription and outcome measurement.

Lesson 3 • Functional and Activity Level Classification

Applies standardised functional classification systems to match device capability to patient lifestyle. Proper classification prevents under- or over-prescription of prosthetic components.

Lesson 4 • Psychosocial and Quality-of-Life Assessment

Addresses body image, depression screening, social support, and patient motivation as factors in rehabilitation success. Integrates psychosocial data into the overall clinical profile.

Lesson 1 • Metals and Structural Components

Reviews aluminium, titanium, and stainless steel used in exoskeletal frames, joints, and pylons. Mechanical properties determine load-bearing capacity and device longevity.

Lesson 2 • Workshop Safety and Fabrication Tools

Establishes safe use of heat guns, vacuum pumps, grinders, and laminators in the O&P workshop. Safety compliance protects practitioners and ensures consistent fabrication quality.

Lesson 3 • Thermoplastic Materials in O&P

Examines low- and high-temperature thermoplastics, their forming temperatures, rigidity, and clinical applications. Material selection directly affects device durability and patient comfort.

Lesson 4 • Soft Goods, Liners, and Interface Materials

Introduces silicone, urethane, and gel liners alongside padding and suspension sleeves. Interface materials mediate load transfer and protect residual limb skin integrity.

Lesson 1 • Knee Orthosis Design and Fitting

Examines functional, unloader, and rehabilitative knee orthoses for ligament instability and osteoarthritis. Proper fit and alignment prevent migration and ensure therapeutic effect.

Lesson 2 • Knee-Ankle-Foot and Hip Orthoses

Addresses KAFO and HKAFO designs for paralysis, muscular dystrophy, and spinal cord injury. These complex devices require precise alignment across multiple joints for safe ambulation.

Lesson 3 • Ankle-Foot Orthosis Fundamentals

Covers AFO types, trim lines, and ankle positioning for conditions including foot drop and spasticity. AFO design decisions directly influence gait kinematics and patient safety.

Lesson 4 • Spinal Orthoses Overview

Introduces cervical, thoracolumbar, and lumbosacral orthoses for fracture management, scoliosis, and pain. Spinal orthosis principles complement lower limb content and broaden clinical scope.

Lesson 1 • Elbow and Forearm Orthoses

Examines elbow extension splints, anti-spasticity orthoses, and lateral epicondylitis supports. Proper forearm rotation control is critical to functional upper limb use.

Lesson 2 • Hand and Wrist Orthosis Principles

Covers static, static-progressive, and dynamic hand orthoses for tendon repair, arthritis, and nerve injury. Correct positioning prevents deformity and supports tissue healing.

Lesson 3 • Shoulder and Arm Orthoses

Addresses shoulder immobilisers, abduction orthoses, and arm slings for rotator cuff and brachial plexus injuries. Shoulder orthoses must balance immobilisation with functional access.

Lesson 1 • Suspension Systems for Lower Limb Prostheses

Compares pin lock, lanyard, elevated vacuum, suction, and sleeve suspension mechanisms. Suspension choice affects pistoning, proprioception, and residual limb health.

Lesson 2 • Casting and Rectification Techniques

Teaches plaster and fibreglass casting, positive model creation, and systematic socket rectification. Accurate rectification translates anatomical data into a functional, comfortable socket.

Lesson 3 • Partial Foot and Syme Prostheses

Addresses toe fillers, foot orthoses, and Syme socket designs for distal amputations. Partial foot prostheses restore push-off and prevent secondary musculoskeletal complications.

Lesson 4 • Transtibial Amputation and Socket Design

Covers residual limb anatomy, pressure-tolerant and pressure-sensitive zones, and total surface bearing principles. Socket fit quality is the primary determinant of prosthetic function and comfort.

Lesson 1 • Upper Limb Prosthetic Components

Covers body-powered hooks and hands, externally powered myoelectric hands, and hybrid systems. Component selection depends on amputation level, residual function, and patient preference.

Lesson 2 • Prosthetic Foot Selection and Function

Compares SACH, single-axis, multiaxial, energy-storing, and dynamic response feet by activity level. Foot selection determines energy return, stability, and terrain adaptability.

Lesson 3 • Bench Alignment Principles

Establishes static alignment references for transtibial and transfemoral prostheses before dynamic assessment. Correct bench alignment reduces the number of dynamic adjustments required.

Lesson 4 • Prosthetic Knee Components

Examines mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and microprocessor knee joints for transfemoral and knee disarticulation levels. Knee selection balances stability, swing control, and patient activity demands.

Lesson 1 • Outcome Measurement and Evidence-Based Practice

Applies validated tools such as the PLUS-M, OPUS, and TAPES to quantify functional and quality-of-life outcomes. Evidence-based practice requires selecting measures appropriate to device type and patient population.

Lesson 2 • Preprosthetic and Preorthotic Rehabilitation

Addresses residual limb shaping, strengthening, desensitisation, and patient education before device delivery. Early rehabilitation optimises limb readiness and shortens time to functional prosthetic use.

Lesson 3 • Practice Management and Continuous Improvement

Covers business operations, quality management systems, patient satisfaction, and continuing education requirements. Sustainable practice requires integrating clinical excellence with operational efficiency.

Lesson 4 • Paediatric O&P Management

Addresses growth accommodation, developmental milestones, and family-centred care in paediatric device provision. Paediatric cases require frequent modification cycles and age-appropriate functional goals.

Lesson 5 • Prosthetic and Orthotic Training Protocols

Covers donning and doffing instruction, weight-bearing progression, and advanced mobility training. Structured training protocols accelerate functional independence and reduce fall risk.