9781422279908

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What Is a Prosthetist or Orthotist? M edicine and technology are constantly intertwining to make human life better. A perfect example of this is the field of prosthetics . A prosthesis is an artificial body part, usually placed in or on the human body to allow for normal movement or function. People lose limbs or suffer orthopedic impairment for many reasons, including accidents, combat injuries, birth defects, and debilitating diseases. Patients may also need orthopedic braces, also known as orthoses. The health care workers who specialize in these arti- ficial limbs are called orthotists and prosthetists. O&Ps, the shorthand term, help their patients regain their mobility by fit- ting them with artificial limbs and braces.

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