OP 6300: Lower Limb Orthotics I

2 Credit Hours
Concurrent: OP 6300L
This course provides fundamental knowledge of orthotic care management for patients with lower limb conditions distal to the knee. Students are exposed to the orthotic care of each device, including various conventional and thermoplastic lower limb orthoses.

Course Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

Explain how orthoses function mechanically to control motion of the lower limbs.
Employ safe methods of patient assessment (i.e., tests and measures of posture, ROM, MMT, reflex testing, gait assessment, etc.).
Interpret tests and measures of patient assessment (presence or absence of deficits in function).
Formulate goals of the orthosis to enable desired function (i.e., to achieve anatomical alignment, gait correction, ease of donning/doffing, etc.).
Explain the design of the orthosis to achieve the function (i.e., 3 force systems, leverage, material stiffness, shape/contour, component selection, etc.).
Employ safe laboratory and clinical practice (i.e., proper use of equipment and tools for clinical patient assessment, impression taking, positive model rectification, fabrication, fitting and adjustment (i.e., universal precautions, PPE, etc.).
Identify appropriate and inappropriate methods of impression taking (e.g., casting), positive model rectification, and fitting using knowledge of anatomy, kinesiology, biomechanics, materials and develop a plan to correct errors.
Safely engage in the process of creating various custom-molded foam and thermoplastic lower limb orthoses from patient evaluation, casting, positive model rectification, fabrication, and fitting on a simulated patient model.