Material for Orthotic and Prosthetic Application
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Keywords
orthotics , prosthetics , o&p , materials
Project
Authors
Melvin, Leslie
Block, Jennifer
Date Submitted
2016
Material Type
Presentation
Secondary Material Type
Institution
Century College
Industry Partner
Third party industry reviewers
License
CC BY
Funding Source
TAACCCT Round 3
Additional Public Access
Abstract
There was a time when leather, wood, and steel were the primary materials used when designing and fabricating orthotic and prosthetic devices. Not anymore. In the O&P field, thermoplastics and other synthetic materials provide varying combinations of strength, weight, flexibility, and energy return, while composites and metal alloys facilitate lighter, stronger artificial limbs.
So, what materials should be selected for any given patient? Factors to consider include the patient’s age, weight, general health, occupation, hobbies and aspirations, where they live (cold or warm climate), and insurance coverage.
And because there are so many material choices available and each has its own advantages and disadvantages, decisions must be made to balance material qualities, such as firmness, flexibility, rigidity, adjustability, strength … and so on.
This presentation helps to address some of these issues by providing:
information about the considerations to make when working with orthotic and prosthetic materials,
categories and descriptions of materials used in the O&P industry: natural, synthetic, textiles, and metals,
information about the chemicals used in O&P devices,
and
Helpful, self-assessment sections.
Industry (NAISC)
Manufacturing -- Miscellaneous Manufacturing -- Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing (3391)
Occupation (SOC)
Production Occupations -- Medical Appliance Technicians (51-9082)
Instructional Program (CIP)
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences (51)
Credit Type
Credential Type
Associate Degree
Educational Level
1st year Community College or equivalent