What do prosthetists do?
Prosthetists work together with a team of doctors, physiotherapists and other allied health professionals for the rehabilitation of patients who have undergone limb amputation or people who are born without limbs.

The prosthetist will assess the patient and make the necessary measurements to design an artificial limb (prosthesis) that is suitable for the patient. After assessing the patient, the prosthetist will obtain a model of the residual limbs, either using Plaster of Paris or a 3D digital image. The prosthetist will then modify the shape in order to fabricate a comfortable socket for the patient and assemble the components that make up the prosthesis for comfortable fitting for the patient. When the fit and alignment of the prosthesis is satisfactory, a cosmetic cover is put on and shaped to resemble the remaining limb.

What do orthotists do?
Orthotists are part of a team of multi-disciplinary healthcare professionals, working together to rehabilitate patients who require specialised mechanical devices to support or supplement weakened or abnormal joints or limbs.

Children with Cerebral Palsy or Spina Bifida may require an Ankle Foot Orthoses to help them walk.

What are the fields of practice for prosthetists and orthotists?
 There are opportunities to work in areas such as (but not limiting to):

• Amputee Rehabilitation
• Neuro Rehabilitation
• Paediatric Rehabilitation
• Orthopaedics
• Rheumatoid or Osteo Arthritis          
• Geriatrics
• Diabetic Endocrinology

What educational qualifications do I need to practice as a prosthetist/orthotist?
You must complet formal tertiary education to qualify as a Prosthetist / Orthotist.

Where can I get more information about the prosthetic/orthotic profession?
Presently, there is no local professional association for prosthetists and orthotists. If you wish to find out more about prosthetics and orthotics in Singapore, please contact a prosthetist / orthotist at 62594026.

You may also like to visit the Foot Care & Limb Design Centre (Jalan Tan Tock Seng) and experience what it's like to be a prosthetist or orthotist.

Find out more about what it's like to be a prosthetist and orthotist !

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Footnote:
The allied health practitioner may not be able to conduct the full range of services/activities listed above, as his/her scope of practice depends on the level of training, experience and competence attained. The onus is on the employer and the practitioner to ensure that all services/activities are conducted within the scope of competence of the respective practitioner.