Prosthetics & Orthotics

DEPARTMENT OF PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS

HISTORY OF THE PROGRAMME

The program set up for the department of Prosthetics and Orthotics  came into existence through the re-establishment of the Act granting the Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy, Enugu on the 5th of December, 2017 by the Act of parliament (Act No 8) of 2017 the powers to award Degrees and expand its programs.

The college is one of the few higher Institution of learning that awards degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics in Nigeria.  With its inception, FEDCODTTEN became the second tertiary Institution apart from FUTO in Nigeria to offer a degree programme in Prosthetics and Orthotics.

The pioneer students of Prosthetics and Orthotics numbering 26 were admitted in September, 2019 for academic activities. At present, the department has an estimated population of 50 students with an average of 16 students per level. The Department currently enjoys a smooth relationship with the professional regulatory body in Nigeria which is the Medical Rehabilitation Therapist (Registration) Board of Nigeria (MRBTN), National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, and other Orthopaedic Hospitals/Clinics within Nigeria.  The students interact with their counterparts in other institution’s through the Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics Students (APOTS). The student’s association organizes Disabled Health week, Industrial visits and other social gatherings to promote knowledge sharing.

ORGANIZATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS

The Head of Department administers the Department through the Committee system. These Committees include the Appraisals Committee, Examinations Committee, Direct Teaching and Laboratory Costs Committee, Welfare Committee, Admissions Committee etc. Each member of staff belongs to one or more of these committees which take decisions on different aspects of the affairs of the Department. Decisions reached at Committee levels are approved by the Departmental Board of Studies, which is the highest decision making body in the Department. The Head of Department processes decisions of the Board of Studies to Senate through the Faculty Board of Studies which is chaired by the Dean. It is notable that similar committees exist at the Faculty level and they work in tandem with the Departmental committees.

STUDENTS’ WELFARE

The Department appoints class (academic) advisers for students at various levels. A class adviser registers the student on admission into the university and oversees the affairs of the students until their graduation. Therefore, students in the same year of study have the same class (academic) adviser. The channel of communication to higher authorities by the student begins with the class adviser. Some work aid schemes exist in the College to assist indigent students. Awards of recognition for academic excellence are available at the College, Faculty and Department levels for deserving students/graduates. The students are encouraged to register with the Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics Students (APOTS). The Department houses a nationally recognized chapter of this association.

PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS PROGRAMME: DEFINITION AND SCOPE

Prosthetics and Orthotics is a branch of medicine, specifically of surgery, concerned with the replacement of missing body parts (upper and lower limbs, and parts thereof) after amputation as a result of accident or congenital effects and also support of weak or ineffective joints or muscles using supportive braces and splints.

Prosthetics and Orthotics is a dynamic and expanding profession or field of study, which are technically separate disciplines, but their common goals in rehabilitation unite them into one cooperative entity. The goal is to fabricate and restore lost body parts basically of upper and lower limps. Prosthetist and Orthotist are involved in the design, measure, fabrication and fit of Prostheses (artificial upper and lower limbs, and parts thereof) and Orthoses (support of weak or ineffective joints or muscles using supportive braces and splints).

Major Divisions of Prosthetics and Orthotics

The two (2) sub-disciplines/divisions are: Prosthetics and Orthotics

Prosthetics: This involves the use of artificial limbs (prostheses) to enhance the function and lifestyle of persons with limb loss. The prosthesis must be a unique combination of appropriate materials, alignment, design, and construction to match the functional needs of the individual. These needs are complex and vary for upper and lower extremities. Lower limb prostheses might address stability in standing and walking, shock absorption, energy storage and return, cosmetic appearance, and even extraordinary functional needs associated with running, jumping, and other athletic activities. Upper limb prostheses might address reaching and grasping, specific occupational challenges such as hammering, painting, or weight lifting, and activities of daily living such as eating, writing, and dressing.

Orthotics: This involves precision and creativity in the design and fabrication of external braces (orthoses) as part of a patient’s treatment process. The orthosis acts to control weakened or deformed regions of the body of a physically challenged person. Orthoses may be used on various areas of the body including the upper and lower limbs, cranium, or spine. Common orthotic interventions include spinal orthoses for scoliosis, HALOs used in life-threatening neck injuries, and ankle foot orthoses used in the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy.

To be able to carry out the above functions, sound technological skills are essential through in-depth technological expertise together with the practical skills. A sound knowledge of Human Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology and Bioengineering materials are essential as these prostheses are mainly placed in the body. Understanding of the materials and their effects on the body tissues as well as the effect of body environment on these materials are essential. This knowledge enables the production of successful prostheses and orthotics to replace forms and functions of the lost natural tissues in the body while ensuring mitigation of pathology.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Graduates have excellent career prospects. Prosthetist and orthoptist are employed in:

  1. Teaching Hospital as a Prosthetist and Orthotist
  2. Federal / States Ministry of Health
  3. General Hospitals as a Prosthetist and Orthotist
  4. Orthopaedic Hospitals as a Prosthetist and Orthotist
  5. Lecturer in a University and other higher Institutions of learning
  6. Research Institutions as a Prosthetist and Orthotist
  7. Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) as a Prosthetist and Orthotist
  8. Military Hospital as a Prosthetist and Orthotist
  9. Police Clinics as a Prosthetist and Orthotist
  10. Private Hospitals as a Prosthetist and Orthotist
  11. Establishment of Private Clinics as a Prosthetist and Orthotist etc

PHILOSOPHY OF THE PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS PROGRAMME

The philosophy of Prosthetics and Orthotics programme is to produce Prosthetist and Orthotist with sound knowledge of principles and techniques in addition to scientific and clinical knowledge used in the practice of Prosthetics and Orthotics, with due recognition of the vital roles played by other members of the Orthopaedic team in Health Care Delivery.

AIM

The aim of the programme is to produce Prosthetists and Orthotists who can design and fabricate various orthopaedic appliances/fittings and prostheses used in the treatment of Orthopaedic patients.

PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES

  1. To realize the important role of Prosthetists and Orthotists as major partners in the Orthopaedics.
  2. To partner with Orthopaedic surgeons in creating awareness on orthopaedic health issues in our developing economy
  3. To inculcate sufficient professional knowledge to enable Prosthetics and Orthotics be involved in research activities that can lead to better service provision.
  4. To ensure relevance of training to local environment including the application of local technology and materials.
  5. To have the capability to undertake independent practice within the limits of the professional training and help in employment generation.
  6. To provide the student with sufficient training to undertake and appraise research findings, apply same to improve his practice, add value to Orthopaedic Health care delivery as well as respect for the patient served.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

To be admitted into the 5 years B. Tech. (Prosthetics and Orthotics) programme, the candidate must have either of the following:

  1. UTME ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

In addition to an acceptable pass in UTME (combination Biology, Chemistry, Physics and English), the candidate must have:

  • Senior Secondary School Certificate Credit Passes in 5 subjects at not more than two sittings. The Subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English language and Mathematics.

OR

  • 5 WASSC/GCE/SSSC O/Level or NECO credits as in (i) above.

2. DIRECT ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

  • HSC/GCE A/LEVEL passes in two relevant subjects with SC/GCE O/Level credit passes in Chemistry and three other subjects from among these, Biology, Physics, English language and Mathematics at not more than two sittings.
  • Holders of OND (ND) certificate in health related field with minimum of upper credit pass are eligible for admission into 200 level provided that their programme covers certain basic courses offered in the school up to the second year.
  • Holders of HND in Prosthetics and Orthotics with minimum of upper credit pass are eligible for admission into 300 level depending on the appropriateness of their requisite academic preparation.

In addition to fulfilling the requirements in (2ii & iii) above, a holder of OND (ND) and / or HND must also have five GCE O/Level credit passes including Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and English.