What type of healthcare professional is primarily involved in prosthetic care?

The primary healthcare professional involved in prosthetic care is the prosthetist. A prosthetist is specifically trained to design, fabricate, and fit prosthetic devices for patients who have lost limbs due to injury, disease, or congenital conditions. They assess the patient’s needs, select appropriate materials, and create customized solutions to ensure optimal function and comfort.

Prosthetists possess specialized knowledge in biomechanics, anatomy, and materials science, which is essential for creating prosthetics that enhance the patient's mobility and quality of life. They work closely with the patient to ensure that the prosthetic limb aligns with their functional goals and adapts to their body, taking into account factors such as skin fit, alignment, and the body’s response to the device.

While physical therapists, occupational therapists, and surgeons also play important roles in the overall care of patients with prosthetics, their focus differs. Physical therapists concentrate on rehabilitation, helping patients regain strength and mobility, while occupational therapists assist with daily living activities and adapting to life with a prosthetic. Surgeons are involved in the surgical aspects of limb salvage or amputation but do not specialize in the fitting and adaptation of prosthetic devices. Therefore, the prosthetist is the most directly involved in the ongoing process of prost