What does an orthotic technician do?
work as an orthotic technician revolves around the creation of supporting devices such as braces or prosthetics, in patients with medical abnormalities or missing limbs. Being successful in this career usually requires someone who has sound communication skills and the ability to solve various health problems. Although it is sometimes possible to get into this area with an associated degree in orthotic technology, the bachelor's degree is ideal. The primary work duties of the orthotic technician include the measurement of patients, designing and creating support equipment, demonstrations of their use and repairing support equipment.
Before creating a support device, it is usually necessary for an orthotic technician to first measure the patient. For example, before building a knee orthosis, the patient's knee may measure. Precise measurement is essential for creating a device that perfectly outlines and is convenient for patient.
After the initial measurement is done, the orthotic technician suggests the supportno device. This process usually involves drawing rough sketches, determining dimensions and decision -making to use materials. In patients with missing limbs, it usually creates a cast and may also have to determine which color pigment, which is to best compare the prosthetic limb with the patient's skin tone. As a result, an orthotic technician must be highly qualified and able to design various support equipment.
As soon as the design completes, the orthotic technician then creates a support device. A specific type of materials used for this process may vary, but may include plastic, metal, rubber and fiber. For this process, it will often be implemented by hand and electric tools to form the device into specific size of the patient. In the case of limb prosthetics, the device will usually use a cast. Its aim is to basically create a supporting device that is stable, fromIt tells the exact size of the patient and is properly aligned.
, along with it, usually demonstrates how to use devices and explain any other details. Because the patient is often not familiar with the use of a supporting device, the orthotic technician explains the basics of carrying and maintaining it. If the patient finds that the device is unpleasant, it can also make final adjustments and fine tune. In addition, the orthotic technician will repair the support equipment if necessary. This may include replacement of parts such as screws or tuning the overall structure.