Specialists called prosthetists fit all artificial limbs. Orthotics is concerned with the design and fitting of supportive braces and splints to patients who because of muscle weakness or deformity have disabling conditions of the limbs or spine. The patient may have been born with a deformity or may have developed a problem later in life. The splint may only need to be worn temporarily, perhaps after an accident or operation, or permanently if the weakness or deformity cannot be corrected. The devices, which are fitted by the orthotist, cover a very wide range of products including collars to support the neck, spinal supports, splints, belts, corsets, leg calipers and splints, and special footwear.
Prosthetists provide care to patients with partial or total absence of a limb.
Both prosthetists and orthotists deal with patients of all ages. They must, therefore, be good at dealing with people in a tactful and sympathetic way.