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Prosthetic and Orthotic Services

Prosthetic Services

What Is Prosthetic Services?

Prosthetic Services offers a complete range of external prosthetic devices to limb amputees. We fit all levels of amputations, for both children and adults, including myoelectric devices. Canadian Certified Prosthetists fabricate and fit each custom device to the highest of standards, using up-to-date component technology and materials. We also service and repair prosthetic devices and components. Our facility offers a full selection of socks, sheaths, shrinker socks and suspension sleeves.

Who Is Eligible For Prosthetic Services?

Amputees of all ages and all levels of limb amputation are eligible for Prosthetic Services at The Rehabilitation Centre. Patients treated at The Rehabilitation Centre have lost a limb due to circulation problems, complications related to diabetes, trauma, (including work related injuries), congenital limb loss, and cancer. The costs of prosthetic devices may be covered by the Assistive Devices Program (ADP), the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), private insurance companies, Non-Insured Health Benefits Program (NIHBP). It is the responsibility of the client to determine if their insurance plan will provide coverage for prosthetic devices. A doctor's prescription is required for most services.

What Is The Goal Of Prosthetic Services?

Fitting someone with a limb prosthesis can improve their quality of life. A properly fitted prosthesis can restore the ability to walk, or to grasp and manipulate objects, resulting in greater independence, the ability to return to work and recreational activities, a better body image and improved self esteem. By providing repairs, maintenance and fitting adjustments of prosthetic devices, often done in-house on the same day, amputees can quickly return to their daily activities, with increased function and comfort.

Who Are The Members Of Prosthetic Services?

Patients with amputations are seen in clinic by the prosthetic team, which includes the medical specialist, as well as members from nursing, prosthetics, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Each member has a unique role in helping persons with amputations to achieve their full potential.

How Does Someone Contact Prosthetic Services?

Prosthetic and Orthotic Services can be reached by calling 613-737-7350 ext. 75314 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Your voice message, should you need to leave one, with be responded to within 24 hours. For general information about prosthetic services please contact Jocelyn Fawcett CP(c), Clinical Prosthetist, jfawcett@ottawahospital.on.ca.

How Can Someone Become A Prosthetist?

Training is offered through George Brown College in Toronto. To learn about the Clinical Program visit: http://www.gbrownc.on.ca/Marketing/FTCal/hsci/S407.html.

For information about the Technical Program visit: http://www.gbrownc.on.ca/Marketing/FTCal/hsci/S102.html

Orthotic Services

What Is Orthotic Services?

Orthotic Services specialize in providing custom orthotic devices (braces) for individuals with orthopaedic and neurological disorders. Orthoses provide support and control to facilitate desired motion for improved function in daily activities.

We have extensive experience in treating adults and children with a variety of neuro-muscular and orthopaedic conditions such as: multiple sclerosis, stroke (CVA), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), poliomyelitis, diabetic neuropathy, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, traumatic brain injury, muscular dystrophy, arthritis, idiopathic scoliosis, and plagiocephaly.

What Is The Goal Of Orthotic Services?

In working with the client our goal is to provide innovative and functional orthotic bio-mechanical designs that incorporate new technologies and current research to best suit the client's lifestyle and meet their clinical needs.

Who Are The Members Of Orthotic Services?

Our department is a nationally accredited facility by the Canadian Board of Certified Prosthetists and Orthotists. The Orthotic Services employs the skills and expertise of certified orthotists and registered orthotic technicians. The orthotist works with the client and their various other healthcare professionals such as physicians, physiotherapists and occupational therapist to assess, design, and fit the best orthotic solutions for their needs. The registered technicians fabricate the devices. We currently have four certified orthotists on staff, whose specialized skills include: adult orthotic care, pediatric orthotic care, plagiocephaly helmets, custom spinal scoliosis orthoses, wrist-hand orthoses, weight-bearing orthoses, and sport knee orthoses. Our clinicians are registered as Orthotic Authorizers with the Ontario Ministry of Health, Assistive Devices Program.

Who Is Eligible For Orthotic Services?

The Orthotic Services provides services to any individual with orthotic related needs. A prescription from a physician is required. Orthotic devices are not covered under the general Ontario Health Insurance (OHIP) plan. In Ontario, the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) provides partial funding for ADP eligible devices. Anyone with an OHIP card is eligible for ADP funding. We also provide services for individuals who are insured by Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), Non-Insured Health Benefits Program NIHB, Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), and social services. Private extended health insurance plans often provide partial funding for orthotic devices. It is the responsibility of the client to determine if their insurance plan will provide coverage for orthotic services. Details about funding options will be discussed during an initial assessment visit.

What Is Expected Of The Client?

• For most orthoses three to four appointments are required depending on the complexity of the device. During the initial appointment, the orthotist will perform a comprehensive biomechanical assessment and gait analysis if necessary. A cast or mold may be taken at this time if a custom orthotic device has to be fabricated.
• At the second appointment, the orthotist will ensure correct fit, function and comfort of the device before it is dispensed to the client.
• Once the client has had an opportunity to wear the device for two to three weeks the client will return for a follow-up appointment. At this appointment the orthotist ensures that the orthosis is functioning as it should and that there are no skin problems.
• Other appointments are made as needed to address problems or make repairs to the orthosis.

How Can Someone Contact Orthotic Services?

Client requires a medical prescription to be assessed by our services. The client, the client's caregiver, or client's healthcare practitioner can call to make an appointment with an orthotist for an assessment. To make an appointment, call the Prosthetic and Orthotic Services receptionist at 613-737-7350 ext. 75314. If you have specific questions about orthotics you may ask to speak to one of our clinical orthotists.

Our hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday (except statutory holidays). We offer service in both English and French.

The Orthotic Services is located in room 1209 at The Rehabilitation Centre.