Prosthetics and Orthotics
Prosthetics and orthotics are allied health sciences that focus on the design, fabrication and fitting of artificial limbs (prostheses) and orthopedic braces (orthoses). The bionics companies Philadelphia helps people who have lost a limb or suffered an orthopedic impairment, regain mobility, independence and quality of life.
The primary goal of prosthetics and orthotics is to restore normal body movement in the upper and lower extremities and other parts of the body. Using innovative devices, O&P professionals fabricate and fit products that improve function, ease pain, reduce injury risk, promote healing and improve physical appearance.
Amputations, birth defects and disease are just some of the reasons why people lose limbs or suffer from orthopedic disabilities. Fortunately, health care workers who specialize in prosthetics and orthotics help these patients regain their mobility by fitting them with artificial limbs or orthopedic braces that correct deformities and reduce pain.
O&P practitioners work with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. They perform a detailed assessment of each patient's needs and develop an O&P plan that addresses these needs and goals. The plan is used to create and fit the device that will provide the greatest benefit.
In addition to restoring mobility, O&P professionals may also work with the family and other healthcare providers to manage the patient's long-term care needs. They may also provide education to help patients maintain and use their O&P devices.
Research & Development
Prosthetic and orthotic research is essential for the continued improvement of this field. New devices, improved technologies and innovative approaches to treatment are needed to improve patient outcomes and increase the quality of life for those who have lost a limb or suffered a debilitating injury.
Identifying and analyzing gaps in the delivery of O&P services to underserved populations is an important step toward improving access to these services, especially for those who are less well-off. This is done through the use of quantitative research methods, including the identification of demographics that may influence the delivery of O&P services, the investigation of barriers and resources that prevent patients from receiving the most beneficial treatment, and the development of interventions that improve access to these services for all.
For example, researchers are examining the potential benefits of a sensory prosthesis that measures pressure and transmits signals to the nerves in a patient's hand through wires that are surgically implanted around these nerves. These sensors are designed to replicate the sensations a person would receive from a healthy hand, which may allow them to more easily control their prosthetic limb.
Advanced Technology in Orthotics and Prosthetics
The prosthetics company in Philadelphia has made tremendous advances in the past decades. These include improved materials, better designs and more sophisticated construction processes. For example, more recent orthoses have become lighter in weight through the use of carbon fiber composite materials and aramid fibers embedded into an epoxy resin matrix.
The use of these materials in conjunction with modern production techniques can reduce the weight and thickness of an orthosis without sacrificing stiffness, which is a key feature for improving a patient's quality of life. This technology can also be applied to other body parts, such as the knee and foot. Click here for more details about this service: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nose_prosthesis.