Prosthetic and Orthotic Services

Prosthetics is a specialty within the field of health care technology concerned with the design, manufacture and application of prostheses. A prosthesis is defined as an "externally applied device used to replace wholly, or in part, an absent or deficient limb segment".

Orthotics is a specialty within the field of health care technology concerned with the design, manufacture, and application of orthoses (braces). An orthosis is defined as an "externally applied device used to modify the structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular and skeletal system".

Prosthetics and orthotics are established disciplines in the field of health science and are often practiced together as they have many commonalities from clinical, technical, and therapy perspectives.

A prosthesis or orthosis enables a person with disability or functional impairment to remain active, productive and independent, participate in society, and lead a healthy and dignified life. A good quality orthosis or prosthesis, when appropriate to the person and their environment, has a significant impact on the level of person's independence and reduces the need for formal support services.

The prosthetic and orthotic manufacturing units have also been established. These units manufacture prostheses for those who required amputation because of diabetes, leprosy and road traffic accidents. The plan is to upscale this unit - the only one of its kind in southern Andhra Pradesh - into a much larger one.