prosthetic-orthotic-unit

Prosthetic & Orthotic Unit

Prosthetics is a specialty within the field of health care technology concerned with the design, manufacture and application of prostheses. A prosthesis is defined as an "externally applied device used to replace wholly, or in part, an absent or deficient limb segment". Orthotics is a specialty within the field of health care technology concerned with the design, manufacture, and application of orthoses (braces). An orthosis is defined as an "externally applied device used to modify the structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular and skeletal system". Prosthetics and orthotics are established disciplines in the field of health science and are often practiced together as they have many commonalities from clinical, technical, and therapy perspectives. A prosthesis or orthosis enables a person with disability or functional impairment to remain active, productive and independent, participate in society, and lead a healthy and dignified life. A good quality orthosis or prosthesis, when appropriate to the person and their environment, has a significant impact on the level of person's independence and reduces the need for formal support services. At VMS a full-fledged Prosthetics and Orthotics (P&O) Unit was established in 2013 with the support from International Red Cross Society (ICRC). The P&O Unit here at VMS uses Ploy Propylene Technology (Affordable and Efficient Material available in International Market). Although there are few more P&O units in J&K but the one here in VMS is professionally best in class and that is the reason that this P&O Unit has referrals from other Units and Hospitals. Utmost
care is taken for patient comfort and ease of use in terms quality, patient satisfaction. The unit caters to the demands of patients with Unilateral or bilateral Upper Limb(s), Lower Limb(s) and Spine Prosthesis / Orthosis as the case may be. At VMS the limbs and splints are provided free of cost to the needy after a process of assessment for eligibility followed by gait training by physiotherapists specially trained for the purpose. The dedicated team of P&O Department in VMS have undoubtedly made this P&O Unit the best in J&K which resulted in greater flow of patients needing Prosthesis or Orthosis thereby increasing the chances of waiting queue.

How a Prosthesis is Fabricated.

The P&O unit of VMS has so far donated 2343 orthosis and 575 prostheses since its inception in 2012. As per the infra structure available currently at VMS, the P&O unit is capable of fabricating the following devices:
. Prosthesis for Lower limb level amputation
. Prosthesis for Upper limb level amputation