ORI3110 Orthosis and Prosthesis of the Upper Limbs, and Lower Limb Exarticulation Prostheses Course description

This is the last of four courses in orthopaedic technology. The course is based on the clinical work processes covered in ORI1000, ORI1300, ORI2200 and ORI2300. Knowledge acquired in the courses on anatomy, pathology and biomechanics will be used.

The course mainly deals with orthoses and prostheses for the upper limbs. It also covers prostheses/orthoses for persons with deformities/lengthening prostheses and ankle, knee and hip exarticulation prostheses, which are less common amputation levels and makes up a smaller part of the prosthetists’ work at lower limb level. The types of prostheses in this course are biomechanically and technically complex. The course will not provide all the necessary competence, but will provide the students with an insight into what is required in order to adapt functional prostheses at these amputation levels.

The student must have passed the first and second years of the programme or equivalent, with the exception of the courses ORI1050 and ORI1060.

After completing the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• has knowledge of orthoses and prosthetics for persons with congenital deformities of the lower limbs
• can elaborate on the relationship between the anatomy, pathology, biomechanics and function of the upper limbs
• can explain medical reasons for dysfunction in and amputation of upper limbs
• can describe psychosocial aspects of upper-limb amputation
• has knowledge of control technology used in upper limb prostheses and orthoses
• can describe surgery for ankle, knee and hip exarticulation and the consequences of this for prosthetic treatment and design at these levels of amputation
• is familiar with theories on health behaviour change
• can describe the Norwegian patient injury compensation system

Skills

The student

• can identify and analyse the characteristics of normal and pathological movement and function in the upper limbs
• can conduct and analyse functional examinations of upper limbs
• can identify movements in the upper limbs and torso by modifying harness functions and assess muscle contraction for use of myoelectrical solutions
• can analyse and apply biomechanical theory to different cases
• can plan and give grounds for follow-up plans based on users’ needs
• can solve clinical and technical problems concerning prostheses or orthoses within the subject areas covered by the course
• can carry out clinical processes and for users who need upper limb orthoses and prostheses
• can apply ICF’s framework and use the outcome measures in the user’s orthopaedic follow-up plan
• can discuss research articles relevant to the course content

General competence

The student

• can discuss interdisciplinary cooperation in the rehabilitation of people with injuries, disorders or loss of upper limbs
• can document and communicate relevant clinical and biomechanical assessments in patient records and communicate such assessment orally
• is familiar with the objectives and functions of relevant user organisations
• can discuss anger and conflict management
• can reflect on social and health-related problems, including neglect, violence, abuse, substance abuse and other consequences of physical, mental, social and socio-economic problems
• can talk with people at risk about these problems and refer them to other professionals if necessary

The work and teaching methods used comprise seminars, a clinical and technical module, lectures, digital learning resources, group work and self-study.

The following coursework requirements must be met before the student can take the exam:

• a minimum attendance of 80 % in seminars and skills training

Individual clinical and oral exam, over the course of one day.

Clinical equipment.

Grade scale A-F.

All answers are assessed by two examiners. An external examiner is used regularly, at a minimum of every third completion of the course. When selecting answers for external evaluation, a minimum of 10 percent of the answers shall be included, with no fewer than 5 answers. The external examiner’s assessment of the selected answers shall benefit all students.

• 15 credits overlap with the course ORTO3300 Upper Limb Prostheses and Orthoses and Lower Limb Disarticulation Prostheses.
• 15 credits overlap with the course ORI3100 Orthosis and Prosthesis of the Upper Limbs, and Hipdysarticulation