• Provides a consistent approach using internationally accepted terminology.
• Includes a section on diabetic foot care.
• Expanded section on upper extremity orthoses.
• A summary section at the end of each chapter provides readers with a review of important concepts.
• Updated and expanded coverage of transtibial and transfemoral protheses.

Preface

This volume was initially developed while the senior author was teaching prosthetics and orthotics to entry-level physical therapy students over a period of many years. During that time our students and others asked repeatedly for a single resource around which they could focus their learning. This book is our response to their prodding.

Although developed primarily for physical therapy students, this book should be useful for many with limited experience or background in prosthetics and orthotics. It should be appropriate for other health care professionals including nurses, physicians, occupational therapists, vocational counselors, and more recently, managed care providers. The text assumes only a basic understanding of anatomy, kinesiology, and to some extent, pathology.

The primary objective of this volume is to provide a sound overview of the principles underlying the art and science of prosthetics and orthotics as currently practiced in the United States. We fully recognize that there are distinct regional differences and preferences in prostethics and orthotics (P&O) practice throughout this country and others. The reader should know that he or she may never encounter some of the devices described in this text and is very likely to encounter devices, which vary significantly, or even drastically, from those presented herein. This book is not intended as an encyclopedic treatise of every possible P&O device. Such a work, if possible, would be overwhelming in size and outdated before it appeared in print. Rather, our intention is to address the fundamental concepts underlying the rational selection and application of common prosthetic and orthotic devices. Our hope is that the interested reader will use this information as a foundation for informed dialog to enhance the quality of patient care.

A final comment must be made about the concept of integrating both prosthetics and orthotics into one volume. Although traditionally considered as somewhat distinct topics, we have found an integrated approach to teaching these subjects to be very logical and effective. Recent developments in materials and fabrication methods and common functional goals for applying these external devices appear to blur some of the long-standing distinctions between these two disciplines. Although comments and techniques from both prosthetics and orthotics may be integrated, the reader is reminded that chapters dealing with anatomical levels of both disciplines appear as separate entities. This allows the text to be used as a quick reference by simply accessing the chapter dealing with the relevant question. Perhaps future editions of this or similar texts may include chapters entitled "Prosthotics"!

Donald G. Shurr
John Michael

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