Prosthetics

This is the second of a pair of courses on orthotics and prosthetics in physical therapy. This 8-week course during the 5th term of the DPT curriculum emphasizes knowledge of prosthetic components and principles of biomechanics in the application, analysis, evaluation, and prescription of prosthetics in the context of comprehensive care of those with upper- and lower-extremity amputation.

Students in this course will expand their knowledge of prostheses used in physical therapy for those with upper- and lower-extremity amputation. Emphasis will be placed on biomechanical principles, the available evidence base, and clinical evaluation and management considerations underlying the clinical decision making of prosthetic prescription and clinical care for the individual patient/client. Particular attention will be paid to developing gait assessment skills to allow evaluation of gait abnormalities that can be affected with prostheses including the determination of a comprehensive plan of care to address gait dysfunction. This course requires independent clinical problem-solving to determine orthotic solutions and a comprehensive plan of care for unique cases.