Photo Essay: Behind the scenes of Orthotics and Prosthetics

Jim Adderson, program manager for assistive technology, checks in with six-year-old Drayden Sweeney, who was born with an absent shin bone and affected foot.

Prosthetists and technicians work together to get the right fit and function for each patient. In this case, Catherine teams up with her husband, Don Locke, a prosthetic technician, to fabricate the clear diagnostic socket. Don selects the thermal plastic that will be used to create the socket. The plastic is heated and is then vacuum-sealed around the plaster mould.

Catherine began working with Drayden around his first birthday, as he began to pull up to stand and cruise furniture. “You work so closely with patients and families that you get pretty attached. That relationship really helps give a better understanding of what the patient needs and what will work best for them,” Catherine said. Here we see her fitting the clear diagnostic socket that Don fabricated and marking it for adjustments. Patients often have prosthetics for different activities. For example, Drayden also has a swimming prosthesis that he uses for water activities.

Stuart Grandy, prosthetic technician, adds a print to the plastic that will be used to create a corrective helmet. The helmet is used to treat plagiocephaly, which is a deformation of the bones of the skull that produces a characteristic assymetrically shaped head.

Stuart shows off the newly-formed helmet. After some initial adjustments, a clinician will meet with the patient for fitting. 

Darlene Jollimore, Orthotist, trims the edges of a customized lower leg orthosis to maximize comfort and function.

Greg is a third generation orthotic technician, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. Here, he presents an old brace that would have been used for a polio patient. While metal and leather braces are still used, plastic braces are increasingly popular.

Sonya Vardy underwent an above knee amputation in May 2013 due to bone tumors and chronic infection. After 24 years of pain and surgeries, the amputation has meant improved mobility and quality of life to Sonya. “For me, this was hope that I could get back to my life,” she said. “Everyone here is so friendly and accommodating and there’s a very family-centered feel. The team here really anticipates the little things that will make the process easier, like taking the time to answer my husband’s questions and explaining things to both of us. It feels like we’re part of their team, and that our feelings and insights are really listened to and part of this process.”

Jenny Billet, orthotic resident, is sealing a fibreglass cast in order to fill it up with plaster to make a positive mould. Jenny has completed the academic portion of her training and will work under supervision for two years before writing her board exams. “I always knew I wanted to work in health care, and I was really attracted to the combination of art and science that you get with orthotics and prosthetics. It’s also a nice blend of technical work and patient care. I like that you get to take the time to let a patient open up and tell their story.”

Liz Sepic, prosthetic and orthotic technician, works with two layers of leather to create a custom moulded leather protector with padding built inside. “Each patient we’ve encountered has different needs associated with their day-to-day activities, so a one-size-fits-all approach does not work,” Liz explains. “Our goal is to achieve the lightest, strongest, most comfortable product for the patient, keeping in mind their particular risks and needs.”

Deborah Stewart, occupational therapy assistant, is responsible for monitoring the inventory of wheelchairs as well as programming those that are motorized. Wheelchairs that aren’t needed are donated or broken down for recycling and repurposing of parts. “We have a great relationship with Easter Seals and Red Cross, so we know which sizes they need and which they already have,” she explains. “If we can’t donate them, we take them apart, recycle the metal and keep any reusable parts.”

The mobility centre is a simulated real life environment that includes potholes, corners, curbs, stairs, gravel, sand and a crash mat, which allows patients to try different terrains and scenarios safely while adjusting to a wheelchair. Team members are also encouraged to try these different environments and take place in workshops that allow them to better facilitate learning for patients. “The best learning method in this case is ‘tell me, show me, and let me try,’ so it’s important that those teaching are able to do that,” Deborah explains.