Prosthetics and Orthotics Labs
Making a real difference to people’s lives.
Global demand for artificial limbs, (Prosthetics) and devices that fit to the body (Orthotics) such as braces, footwear and insoles to improve the quality of life of people from all backgrounds is soaring. However, the people who make, fit and monitor prosthetics and orthotic devices require a rare combination of clinical, medical and engineering skills.
Which is why we are proud that our unique facilities are home to a £5 million-pound research centre designed to create the next generation of doctorally qualified leaders in Prosthetics and Orthotics. The project brings together 27 industry and clinical partners.
Within our broader portfolio of research, training and partnerships that provision of P&O devices and services, is our Undergraduate Training Programme. As one of only two Institutions in the United Kingdom currently offering this programme, we provide a superb learning environment for students to begin their training and embark on a fascinating career opportunity.
Taught hands-on clinical practice
Students of Prosthetics and Orthotics are taught hands-on clinical practice while dealing with patients in our custom-designed clinic rooms.
Well-equipped machine room
Further practice is undertaken in our workshops which boasts a well-equipped machine room with CADCAM facilities and the plaster room where impressions of patients' anatomy can be modified for the subsequent manufacture of custom-made prostheses or orthoses.
Conduct motion analysis
Undergraduate students have the opportunity to conduct motion analysis in one of three movement laboratories. Postgraduate students also carry out work on research towards their Master or Doctorate degrees.
Resources
Our purpose-built facility includes areas for clinical examination and treatment, as well as facilities for Prosthetic and Orthotic device manufacturing which are manned and supported by the specialist expertise of our technical and academic staff.
Bespoke clinical suite
The suite features the specialist equipment required for assessing, measuring and casting amputees’ limbs and all our service users, including; plinths, parallel bars, plaster sinks and additional equipment for practicing, such as 3D mannequins. Our students can practice their hands-on skills as well as how to assess, fit and align their devices for their patients to use.
Plaster room
Our Plaster Room is used to enhance and modify traditionally captured 3D body segments, prior to manufacture.
Fully tailored and equipped workshop
Features all the specialist equipment required for the design and manufacture of bespoke prosthetics and orthotics.
Machine room and CAD CAM suite
Set up to enable the 3D CAD-CAM milling of Prosthetics and Orthotics as well as more traditional production methods.
Gym
Our modern gym allows us the opportunity to monitor the performance of our devices during different activities of daily living, away from normal human walking.
Rehabilitation room
A smaller clinical room, for small tutorials or group work.
Anatomy room
Includes 3d anatomical models and learning resources such as books and projectors allowing students to enhance their understanding of anatomy and physiology.
Gait analysis lab
Our gait analysis lab is equipped with force plate, video and motion capture systems allowing us to conduct 2d vector video and 3d instrumented gait analysis of our patients.
Additional facilities
These include a separate computer suite, lecture rooms, lounge, and various areas for postgraduate research and “resource rooms” for staff and students alike to pool information and learning.
The School of Prosthetics and Orthotics is situated within the University’s School of Health and Society and has access to further resources and infrastructure such as clinical simulation suites and libraries.