Orthotist and Prosthetist What is an orthotist? An orthotist is
a health care professional who makes and fits braces and splints
(orthoses) for patients who need added support for body parts
that have been weakened by injury, disease, or disorders of the
nerves, muscles, or bones. They work under a doctor's orders to
adapt purchased braces or create custom-designed braces. Braces
are often named for the body part they support, such as: An AFO
brace is an ankle-foot orthosis. A KAFO brace is a knee-ankle-
foot orthosis, or long leg brace. A Halo brace is a brace that
surrounds the head and is held in place with small screws in the
skull. It is used to stabilize the neck and prevent further
damage to the spinal cord after injury. What is a prosthetist? A
prosthetist is a health care professional who makes and fits
artificial limbs (prostheses) for patients with disabilities.
This includes artificial legs and arms for patients who have had
amputations due to conditions such as cancer, diabetes, or
injury. Orthoti