What does an orthotist do?

What is an Orthotist?

An orthotist focuses on the design, fabrication, and fitting of orthotic devices, also known as orthoses. These devices are used to support, align, protect, or improve the function of various parts of the body, typically the limbs or spine.

Orthotists work closely with patients, physicians, physical therapists, and other members of the healthcare team to assess individuals' needs, develop customized treatment plans, and provide appropriate orthotic solutions to address specific anatomical or functional deficits. They have a deep understanding of human anatomy, biomechanics, and materials science, allowing them to create orthoses that are tailored to each patient's unique characteristics and requirements.

What does an Orthotist do?

Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of an orthotist encompass a wide range of clinical and administrative tasks aimed at providing comprehensive orthotic care to patients with musculoskeletal conditions, neurological disorders, or injuries. Some key responsibilities include:

• Patient Assessment and Evaluation: Orthotists conduct thorough assessments of patients' physical abilities, functional limitations, and anatomical characteristics to determine their orthotic needs. They review medical records, perform physical examinations, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans.
• Orthotic Device Design and Fabrication: Orthotists design, fabricate, and customize orthotic devices, such as braces, splints, shoe inserts, and prosthetic limbs, to address patients' specific needs and requirements. They select appropriate materials, take precise measurements, and utilize advanced fabrication techniques to create orthoses that provide optimal support, alignment, and function.
• Orthotic Device Fitting and Adjustment: Orthotists fit orthotic devices to patients' bodies, ensuring proper alignment, fit, and comfort. They make necessary adjustments to orthoses to optimize function and accommodate changes in patients' conditions or anatomical features. Orthotists educate patients and caregivers on how to use and maintain orthotic devices effectively.
• Patient Education and Counseling: Orthotists provide patients with information and guidance on the use, care, and maintenance of orthotic devices. They educate patients and caregivers on proper wearing schedules, hygiene practices, and precautions to prevent complications or discomfort associated with orthotic treatment.
• Collaboration with Healthcare Team: Orthotists collaborate closely with physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care and treatment plans. They communicate regularly with members of the healthcare team to discuss patients' progress, address concerns, and make appropriate adjustments to orthotic interventions.
• Documentation and Record Keeping: Orthotists maintain accurate and detailed patient records, including assessments, treatment plans, device specifications, and progress notes. They ensure that documentation is complete, organized, and compliant with regulatory standards to facilitate continuity of care and communication among members of the healthcare team.
• Continuing Education and Professional Development: Orthotists stay updated on advances in orthotic technology, materials, and techniques through ongoing education and professional development activities. They attend conferences, workshops, and training sessions to enhance their knowledge and skills and maintain licensure or certification requirements.

Types of Orthotists
In the field of orthotics, there are various types of orthotists who specialize in different areas of orthotic care and serve diverse patient populations. Some common types of orthotists include:

• General Orthotists: General orthotists provide comprehensive orthotic care to patients with a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, neurological disorders, or injuries. They assess patients' needs, design and fabricate orthotic devices, and provide ongoing support and education to optimize patients' mobility and function.
• Pediatric Orthotists: Pediatric orthotists specialize in providing orthotic care to infants, children, and adolescents with congenital or acquired orthopedic conditions, neuromuscular disorders, or developmental disabilities. They have expertise in assessing pediatric patients' growth and development, designing customized orthoses that accommodate their unique anatomical features and functional needs, and working collaboratively with pediatricians, therapists, and caregivers to optimize outcomes.
• Spinal Orthotists: Spinal orthotists focus on designing and fitting orthotic devices for patients with spinal deformities, injuries, or post-surgical conditions. They specialize in spinal orthoses, such as thoracolumbosacral orthoses (TLSOs), cervical collars, and scoliosis braces, to provide support, stabilization, and alignment for the spine. Spinal orthotists work closely with orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers to develop comprehensive treatment plans and optimize patients' spinal function and comfort.
• Lower Limb Orthotists: Lower limb orthotists specialize in providing orthotic care to patients with lower extremity conditions, such as foot and ankle deformities, gait abnormalities, or limb loss. They design and fit orthotic devices, such as ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs), and prosthetic limbs, to improve patients' mobility, stability, and independence. Lower limb orthotists collaborate with podiatrists, prosthetists, physical therapists, and other specialists to address patients' lower limb needs comprehensively.
• Upper Limb Orthotists: Upper limb orthotists specialize in providing orthotic care to patients with upper extremity conditions, such as hand and wrist injuries, brachial plexus injuries, or neuromuscular disorders. They design and fit orthotic devices, such as wrist splints, hand orthoses, and elbow orthoses, to support, protect, and facilitate functional use of the upper limb. Upper limb orthotists work closely with hand therapists, occupational therapists, and surgeons to optimize patients' upper limb function and rehabilitation.

What is the workplace of an Orthotist like?

The workplace of an orthotist can vary depending on their specific role, specialty, and employer. Orthotists may work in a variety of settings where orthotic care is provided, including orthotic and prosthetic clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, specialty orthopedic clinics, and private practice.

In these settings, orthotists typically have access to a well-equipped clinical environment where they can assess patients, design and fabricate orthotic devices, and provide ongoing patient care. They may have access to specialized equipment and tools for taking precise measurements, creating custom molds or casts, and fabricating orthoses using materials such as plastics, metals, or composite materials.

Orthotists often collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and prosthetists, to develop comprehensive treatment plans and ensure optimal outcomes for patients. They may participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, patient rounds, and case conferences to discuss patient progress, review treatment plans, and coordinate care across disciplines. Additionally, orthotists may have opportunities for professional development, continuing education, and research to stay updated on advances in orthotic technology and treatment modalities.