Orthotics and Prosthetics (O&P) is the specialized healthcare field focused on restoring and enhancing mobility, function, and quality of life for individuals with limb loss, limb difference, or musculoskeletal challenges.
- Orthotics involves the design, fabrication, and fitting of specialized braces or supports—called orthoses—that help support weak or unstable joints and/or limbs, correct alignment, relieve pain, or improve function. Examples include spinal orthoses, scoliosis orthoses, knee orthoses, cranial remolding orthoses (CROs), and knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs).
- Prosthetics involves the design, fabrication, and fitting of artificial limbs—called prostheses—that replace a missing body part due to amputation, trauma, or congenital limb absence or difference. Prostheses can restore mobility and independence, allowing patients to walk, run, and return to the activities they love.
Why Is O&P Important?
O&P care improves lives. It:
- Restores mobility for those living with limb loss, injury, or musculoskeletal conditions
- Enhances independence by enabling people to perform daily activities with confidence
- Prevents secondary health issues such as joint damage, falls, or chronic pain
- Empowers individuals to engage in work, recreation, and community life
O&P combines healthcare, engineering, and technology to provide patient-centered solutions. This combination drives the O&P profession—and the improves the lives it touches.
The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) proudly represents over 1,500 facilities and suppliers or manufacturers dedicated to advancing O&P care through education, advocacy, and research.
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