CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN PROSTHETIC AND ORTHOTICS

The Prosthetic and Orthotics Science is an Allied Health and Technical Process Industry that addresses the segment of disable due to Deformity, Genetic mutation, spinal cord injury, or who lose their parts by war, punishment and accidents etc. The very earliest evidence of humankind's recognition of deformity and concern for rehabilitation is difficult to identify. All most all ancient civilizations had no written records where in The Rig-Veda, an ancient holy poem of India, is said to be the first written record of prosthesis. Written in Sanskrit some where between 3500 and 1800 B.C., it illustrate the story of a warrior, Queen Vishpla, who lost her leg in battle, was fitted with Iron Prosthesis, and returned to battle. Many who are unfamiliar with the Orthotics and prosthetics profession may not be aware of the technological advancements being made in the development of O&P devices. Today improved materials and recent technologies like CAD/CAM, CNC Carving, Reverse Engineering, Laser scanning to make surface model are enabling many individuals with disabilities to return to activities they previously enjoyed. 2) What is P&O Engineering? è What is Prosthetic: Prosthesis is an artificial replacement or extensions of a missing part of the body because of parts lost by injury (traumatic) or missing from birth (congenital). Professnals deal with prosthesis is called Prosthetic Professoinals. è What is Orthotics: Orthotics is the medical field concerned with the application and manufacture of orthoses, devices which support or to correct the function of a limb, improve funtion or relive symptoms of disease. The word is derived from the Greek "ortho", to straighten. èWhat P&O Professionals Does: Orthotics & Prosthetic Technologist and Technicians is specialist who do Design, fabricates and fit the orthopedic braces (Orthoses) and artificial limbs (prostheses) necessary for disables rehabilitation. Providing Orthotics and prosthetic care involves the application of clinical and technical processes to meet patient rehabilitation objectives. The professional are experts in polymer processes, strength of materials, Material science and applied bio-mechanical principles to develop and totally customize an Orthoses (brace) or prosthesis (artificial limb). 3) P&O as an Industry . è Recent Technology in P&O : CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing) technology is increasingly being used to help design and fabricate models from which Orthoses and prosthetic sockets are produced. Measurements can be scanned in by laser scanner which produces the information describing the size and shape of the limb allows the Prosthetist-Orthotist to design the device for the patient by using the computer. Now the design can be downloaded to an automated CNC Carver to make the Orthoses or prosthesis. CAD/CAM also allows the Surface patches to modify that generated from limb to custom and analyzes for the unwanted pressures and can avoid adverse results on the nerve system of the users. èTrends in P&O: Custom fabricated and custom fitted prostheses and Orthoses require high strength and low weight. Often modern Tool Room or Work Shop are used that have CNC and CAM to get high accuracy in the fabrication. Materials originally developed for aerospace applications are often utilized in the fabrication of prostheses and Orthoses. Many arm prostheses have electrically powered hands and elbows. Simple switches may be used to control these, but it is also possible to use sensors on the skin to detect signals generated by muscles to control the prosthesis. Electronic knee joints for prostheses can now be programmed for the individual patient. 4) Training and Courses: The courses include classroom and practical sessions in laboratories, where students learn the fundamentals of Manufacturing, Materials, Measuring, CAD/CAM, Medical subjects and fitting of appliances. The range of options available today requires the Prosthetist/Orthotist be well Trained and Educated to analyze the individual needs of each patient and to develop appropriate recommendations. The courses are aimed at enabling qualified Prosthetists/Orthotists to work with physicians, therapists and other professionals involved in rehabilitation in a clinical environment. The major Training and Research center falls under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, State owned and aided rehabilitation institute. After training a student may choose to Practice in the Orthotics and/or Prosthetic track. Few National Institute offering Diploma, Degree, PG and Work shop related for P&O Specific program etc are given in the chart. Few Institute of National Importants in P&O Engineering S.No. Institute Course 01 SV NIRTR, Ministry of Social Justices Olatpur, P.O Bairoi, Cuttack - 754 010 Dip. In P&O, B.P&O Engineering 02 National Institute for Orthopatically Handicapped, BT Road, Boon Hoogly, Kolkatta -700090 B.P&O Engineering 03 The Institute for the Physically Handicapped, Vishnu Digamber Marg New Delhi - 110 002, B.Sc (Hon)-P&O 04 The Government Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, K.K.Nagar, Chennai, Dip. in P&O Engineering 05 The Department of Rehabilitation, Safdarjung Hospital, Ansari Nagar, N.Delhi Dip. in P&O Engineering 06 The All India Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hazi Ali Park, Mumbai - 400 034, B.P&O Engineering 07 Central Polytechnic, Taramani, Chennai 600 013, Dip. in P&O Engineering 09 CTTC-(An Indo-Danish) Bhubaneswar Department of SIDO, Ministry of SSI Tailor Made Work shop related Course for P&O Specific Program. 5) Opportunity: O&P is an profession with a variety of exciting employment opportunities available including O&P practitioners, Technicians and Technologist, Consultants, Assistants and Fitters based on the their Educational and experience back ground. There are Nemours NGO’s to offer lucrative employment and also there are ample of opportunity to work for Companies who manufacture Orthoses or Prosthesis fitting and accessories. Now a day’s many multinational companies coming up in India to open their there modern plant could give good placement. According to the experts, a moderate ranked fresher may get salaries as good as 10000 INR. 6) Conclusion: You can have Marvel experience to see a person with an amputation using a wheelchair, walks out of your Clinic after being fit with a new prosthesis. Helping the person with the assistance of a good fitting Orthoses or Prosthesis, to fulfill their dreams give unmatchable satisfaction.