During your scheduled appointment you will see a qualified Prosthetist/Orthotist, if you are linked in with Barwon Health services you may also see a multidisciplinary team consisting of a rehabilitation doctor, amputee physiotherapist, occupational therapist, social worker, podiatrist or psychologist.

An Orthotist is a tertiary qualified, allied health professional trained in the assessment, prescription manufacture, provision and ongoing review of orthoses. Orthotists are trained to provide these Orthoses that encompass the entire body, not solely focused to any one area of the body. The main goal is to improve the quality of life for clients under their care by assisting movement and function to those with an illness or disability. This is achieved through the application of an appropriately selected ‘off-the-shelf’ or fully custom made orthosis to match the clients presentation and their self-selected goals.

Definition: Orthosis (pl. Orthoses): An externally applied ‘brace’ or ‘splint’ that is either custom made or prefabricated device used to assist movement and function in several different ways (AOPA,2020);

• Improving alignment of single or multiple body segments
• Accommodating deformity to promote movement and function
• Supporting a body part after surgery or injury
• Reducing pain for long term conditions
• “offloading’ excess pressure to high-risk areas

Orthotists treat a variety of illnesses, disabilities and injuries. These include, but are not limited to;

• Stroke (CVA),
• Acquired brain injury (ABI)
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Polio (post-polio syndrome)
• Guillian Barre Syndrome
• Cerebral Palsy
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
• Weakness and Paralysis to the upper and lower limb.
• Diabetic Foot Injury

All Clinicians at Barwon Prosthetics and Orthotics are qualified Prosthetist’s/Orthotist’s, and active members of Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA). All clinical staff regularly perform continuing professional education to enhance their skills and build on their current knowledge.

For further information, please see a link to the Australia Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA), outlining the description of an Orthotist’s role 

Prosthetic Osseointegration (otherwise known as a ‘bone anchored prosthesis’) is the surgical implantation of a metal rod into the bone to attach prosthetic componentry. This replaces the traditional methods of fabricating a socket for the stump to fit within. Osseointegration is still a relatively new method for amputees, however interest in this procedure has grown rapidly over recent years as a potential alternative for amputees.

Osseointegration has both advantages and disadvantages for any amputee considering this option for their prosthetic needs, each should be considered against your individual situation to see if this is the right one for you.

Osseointegration advantages include the elimination of socket related issues, improved sensation, and a reported increase in range of motion to the lower limbs. However, the main disadvantages include increased risk of infection due to a permanently open abutment site and damage to the internal structures requiring further surgery.

BPO currently provides the adjustment and maintenance of existing osseointegration componentry. If you would like to discuss osseointegration services further, please call our office or talk with your treating Prosthetist.

For more information on Osseointegration please see a link to the Australia Orthotic Prosthetic Association’s (AOPA) fact sheet

BPO facilitates a weekly amputee clinic every Monday morning for prosthetic and medical review.

This service includes the Rehabilitation Consultant and Prosthetist. The main role of clinic is to prescribe prostheses and address any medical issues associated with the amputation. This includes issues that are impacting on your rehabilitation.

The Amputee clinic is a life-time service available to you. Routine review appointments are offered at timely intervals to adequately monitor the prosthesis and your health related to the prosthesis.

Normally, a review is organised at the time of your appointment, however if you think a review is required please contact our office on (03) 4215 5488.

Following your amputation driving may become a more difficult activity for you to undertake, you will require the input of an occupational therapist to help guide you back to legal and safe driving.

Vehicles can be modified to accommodate your amputation, with several companies skilled in completing this regularly, this may include the fitting of left foot accelerator pedals, wheelchair hoists or spinner knobs to the steering wheel.

You may be able access financial support through the Victorian equipment program (SWEP), or through other financial support if your amputation is covered through another in insurance program (NDIS, TAC, Worksafe etc).

Your rehabilitation consultant will be able to assist completing a medical report for VicRoads to assess your disability and ability to return to driving. You can also contact VicRoads on 11 31 71 or vicroads.vic.gov.au for more information.

Driving is an important part of your independence, and can assist with achieving your rehabilitation goals, however it is also important to only attempt a gradual return to driving when safe to do so.

BPO can assist you in accessing the correct help through a qualified occupational therapist. Please discuss this with your treating prosthetist at your next appointment for more information.

The NDIS is a funding option available to those who are under 65 AND have a permanent and significant disability, check to see if you are eligible here

Please see our Contact page for information regarding referral to our service