Prosthetics and Orthotics

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I took the decision of joining the department of Prosthetics & Orthotics for a 4month attachment, reason being, instant interest and attraction. Ever since I heard about this unique course back in Kenya, I had been researching regarding the future prospects and my career. My interest became an immediate yes when I arrived at the department and met Dr. Swagatika Mishra and her team. She thoroughly explained to me about this field, which was an extremely exciting inspiration. I could relate myself with the department already. The fact that it involved a whole lot of things, from anatomy and physiology, to engineering concepts, amazed me. I wanted to experience this. Therefore, my decision was rewarding. These months spent with the department, were a privilege. My focus is now towards entering this field and excelling.

This report summarises the concepts and cases which I got to observe and be a part of under the supervision of the professionals, namely, Dr. Swagatika Mishra, Mr. Akash Rai, Mrs. Uttara Deshmukh and Mr. Lokendra Singh Pal.

The first lesson was to understand the terms Prosthetics and Orthotics. Here is what I learnt about Prosthetics.  

PROSTHETICS

This refers to the branch of medicine or surgery that deals with the production and application of artificial body parts.

Prosthesis is an artificial device that replaces a missing body part, which may have been lost through trauma, disease or congenital conditions.

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A concept is understood when seen practically. The department runs busy on a daily basis. Patients come mainly from the nearby villages with tragic stories about their accidents which lead to amputation. Below are the patients I got to observe and assist in terms of providing a suitable prosthetic solution.

CASES

NOVEMBER

Bhaskar Vajinath Navande (Knee Disarticulation)

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This was the first case that I observed in detail. I obtained further knowledge on:

Levels of amputations

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Musculoskeletal Anatomy

Patient care

Gait Training

Process of stump measurement

Patient psychology

Phantom Limb

I was introduced to Gait training in detail and my task was to help Bhaskar with his gait. Along with this, Dr. Swagatika made me realise the importance of "perfection" as one mistake can destroy the patients will to lead a normal life. "If the patient falls, he will never be able to get up on his own."

Janardan Jagtap (Transradial amputee)