Medical Orthotists & Prosthetists are concerned with the design, manufacturing and fitting of splints, braces, surgical appliances (orthotics) and artificial limbs (prosthetics).

Prosthetics can be defined as artificial limbs or silicone prostheses that replace a limb or other body part after amputation or congenital absence.

Orthotics are typically used in the following instances, with these categories often overlapping:

• Support of an injured joint or body part – to allow for healing to occur safely
• Improved functioning as a result of misalignment or weakness- often used over the long term
• Protection against injury – often used in sport
• Correction or prevention of deformity – often as a result of neuromuscular or degenerative conditions