What type of professional is responsible for making and fitting prostheses?

A prosthetist is a specialized healthcare professional focused on designing, creating, and fitting prostheses for individuals who have lost limbs or require limb replacements due to injury, disease, or congenital conditions. Their training involves understanding the complexities of human anatomy, biomechanics, and the latest technologies used in prosthetic design. This expertise enables them to customize prostheses that not only fit the individual’s physical needs but also enhance their mobility and quality of life.

In contrast, while orthopedic surgeons might perform surgeries related to the musculoskeletal system and sometimes be involved in the overall management of limb loss, they do not specialize in the direct fitting and adjustment of prosthetic devices. Physical therapists and occupational therapists also play crucial roles in rehabilitation and helping patients adapt to life with prostheses, but their focus is on functional training and daily activities rather than the creation and fitting of the devices themselves.