Definitions

Prosthetics is a specialty within the medical field concerned with the design, manufacture and application of prostheses.

Prosthesis; prosthetic device (plural = prostheses):  Externally applied device used to replace wholly, or in part, an absent or deficient limb segment.  Also known as an artificial limb, artificial arm or artificial leg.

A prosthetist is a clinician who assesses, prescribes, measures, fits, supplies and reviews prostheses as treatment interventions.

Orthotics is a specialty within the medical field concerned with the design, manufacture and application of orthoses.

Orthosis; orthotic device (plural = orthoses): Externally applied device used to modify the structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular and skeletal systems. Also known as a brace or splint. Includes prescribed footwear.

An orthotist is a clinician who assesses, prescribes, measures, fits, supplies and reviews orthoses treatment interventions.

Prosthetics and orthotics services follow the 8 steps of service delivery: 1 = referral and appointment, 2 = assessment, 3 = prescription (selection), 4 = funding & ordering, 5 = product preparation, 6 = fitting, 7 = user training, 8 = follow-up, maintenance and repairs.