Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics
The Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics was established within the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation sciences (USWR) in 1992.
The Orthopedic Technology program trains students to work with orthopedic surgeons to treat patients in a variety of health care environments. This program provides the skills and knowledge needed to become qualified technical orthopedic experts. The department has a 20 years history and throughout the time has significantly improved in adding postgraduate and Ph.D. levels to the program and upgrading the curriculum to a world class standard.
What is Orthotics and Prosthetics?
Orthotics and Prosthetics is a major which evaluate, prescribe, design and manufacture the orthoses and prostheses devices for people with musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders. According to WHO (ISO 8549) definition, orthosis is an “Externally applied device used to modify the structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular and skeletal systems” and in this line Orthotics is “Science and art of treating people by the use of orthoses” and also prosthesis is “Externally applied device used to replace wholly or partly an absent or deficient limb segment” and Prosthetics is “Science and art of treating people by the use of prostheses”.
Aims
The Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics aims to train competitive graduates who are able to serve suitable orthopedic and prosthetic services with a standard quality. To gain this approach we use the latest scientific research achievements and keep an up to date record of our service. Our aim is to improve the quality of life and enhance the independence of individuals with physical disability. For instance, some important objectives include:
· Recognition and application of tools, machines and equipments those are needed for fabricating orthoses and prostheses
· Recognition and application of different methods of tracing, casting, modification and CAD/CAM, also plastic vacuum operation and plastic resin laminating
· Recognition and selection of appropriate materials, components and joints for devices
· Evaluation, examination and recognition of Patient's disorder, weakness and impairment
· An efficient clinical decision making for each case and achieving problem solving skills
· Acquiring knowledge of different orthoses and prostheses for different problems and recognition of suitable devices for them
· Achieving proper abilities for designing and fabricating orthoses and prostheses based on medical and engineering principles
· Co-operation with rehabilitation team for offering optimal services
· Recognition and application of safety rules and also clinical management
· Acquiring skill for using evidence based practice in the clinical practice
Teaching
The department ensures your professionalism and confident practice by delivering technical orthopedics training from the beginning of your course till the last day of your study. The students have access to the comprehensive advanced study and clinical training and teaching, library and recreation facilities of the only rehabilitation university in the country and in the region.
Both Master and PhD begin by three course semesters with the aim of improving the knowledge of students in the field of prosthetics and orthotics. Then, the students enter to the research program which this period is shorter in Master, but research study is longer in PhD and needs innovation in fabrication of new devices or new theory in this field or research method.
Research
Research is the foundation for teaching and clinical practice in Orthotics and Prosthetics Department. Our department has an internationally recognized research program in different areas and it will continue this approach.
Services We Offer
As one of the oldest educational departments in the country with world class academics and professional clinical fields, the department provides a wide range of clinical and theoretical knowledge to make graduates ready to work in metropolitan and rural areas as an allied health care professional. Our nationally and internationally recognized faculty members provide you with the highest quality of work experience in different associated centers. These centers include:
Rofeideh Rehabilitation Hospital
nezammafi Rehabilitation Center
Asma Rehabilitation Center