Orthopedics is a branch of medicine, which concerns treatment of bones, muscles, articulations, ligaments and tendons. So, an orthopedist is the doctor, who deals with damages of human musculoskeletal system. It is interesting to know that orthopedists work in teams as a rule. An orthopedic technician usually works under the direction of an orthopedic physician or surgeon.
Specification, Skills and Duties of Orthopedic Technicians (OT)
Orthopedic technicians and orthopedic technologists deal with:
- Feet deformations (arch-like feet construction, feet swelling, the “cold feet”, varicosis)
- Defects in the posture (scoliosis, slouch, lordosis)
- Muscle spasms
- Fractures and other musculoskeletal injures
- Prosthetics and implantation
Orthotics is the main specification of an orthopedic technologist. A good specialist should be an expert in application of artificial or mechanical medical aids, which prevent or assist movement of injured joints or muscles. The duties of an OT include: pre- and post-operation care for patients, adjustment of auxiliary medical equipment, such as crutches, walkers, canes, applying and removing braces, casts and splints, changing postoperative wound bandages.
An OT should also have good practical skills in the following issues:
- accurate identification of skeleton fragments;
- diagnosis of bones or articulations injuries;
- analyzing X-ray photographs;
- applying orthopedic devices;
- inserting sutures, stapling;
- preparing patients for surgery, assistance during surgery;
- communication with patients, especially in stressed situations.
Correct Your Posture and Wear Smart Shoes!
An orthopedic technologist will teach you how to use your orthopedic corset or will design a unique pair of shoes for your feet. An expert in technology of orthotics manufacturing is the one who designs and helps you adjusting and using special equipment or wear. Usually people turn to orthopedic technologists when they need to correct their posture, choose footwear for flat-footedness treatment or purchase an orthopedic pillow or a mattress for a child.
Where do Orthopedic Technicians work?
As a rule, an OT works in the following establishments: emergency departments, hospitals (departments of surgery), acute and clinic settings, such as sports clinics, orthopedic offices, and some other settings. There are also cases, when medical establishments search for paramedics with orthopedic experience. An orthopedic technician working in the field of plastic surgery is also a common case nowadays.
We hope this article will be useful for those people, who are going to visit a doctor, or those who start their practice as an OT.
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