Contents

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Practice Analysis of Certified Practitioners in the Disciplines of Orthotics and Prosthetics

September 2022

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Knowledge and Skill Statements

Knowledge and skills statements describe the organized body of information and the physical or mental manipulation of information or things required to perform the tasks associated with each domain.  

The complete list of knowledge and skill importance means is provided in Table 24. The task force made multiple edits to the knowledge and skill statements for clarity and to describe more fully what the knowledge or skill was describing. Two new skill statements were also added. Performing a physical exam (e.g., ROM, MMT) and performing orthotic/prosthetic gait training are the new additions. These two skills were previously included with other statements, however the task force agreed they should be listed as separate and distinct skills.

Table 24


Knowledge and Skill Statements
Knowledge of:
1. Musculoskeletal anatomy, including upper limb, lower limb, spinal, cranial
2. Neuroanatomy and neurophysiology
3. Systems anatomy (e.g., motor control, vestibular, somatosensory)
4. Surface anatomy (e.g., bony landmarks)
5. Medical terminology
6. Kinesiology, including upper limb, lower limb, spinal
7. Normal human locomotion
8. Observational gait assessment
9. Pathological gait
10. Gait training
11. Tissue characteristics and management
12. Wound Care
13. Volumetric control
14. Planes of motion
15. Biomechanics
16. Mechanics (e.g., levers and force systems)
17. Pathologies (e.g., muscular, neurologic, skeletal, vascular)
18. Basic pharmacology
19. Referral documents (e.g., diagnostic codes)
20. Procedures for data collection and recording
21. Policies and procedures regarding protected health information (PHI)
22. Roles and responsibilities associated with other healthcare professions
23. Reimbursement protocols (e.g., CMS, LCDs)
24. Material safety procedures and standards (e.g., OSHA, SDS)
25. Standard/universal precautions
26. Orthotic/prosthetic design
27. Orthotic/prosthetic fitting criteria
28. Clinical examination techniques (e.g., range of motion, manual muscle tests, sensation, proprioception)
29. Measurement and shape capture techniques, materials, devices and equipment
30. Measurement tools and techniques
31. Modification/rectification procedures as they relate to specific orthotic/prosthetic designs
32. Orthotic/prosthetic forms (e.g., assessment, orthometry, measurement, evaluation, outcomes)
33. Outcome measures
34. Materials science
35. Components
36. Alignment devices and techniques
37. Hand and power tools
38. Care and maintenance of orthoses/prostheses
39. Digital shape capture, computer-aided design and additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing)
40. Item warranty and warranty limitations
41. Risk management (e.g., liability, financial audits, patient confidentiality, facility safety)
42. Research methodology and literature
43. Biostatistics
44. Human development and aging as they relate to orthotic and prosthetic treatment
45. Psychology of patients with disability (e.g., social determinants of health)
46. Disability rights (e.g., ADA)
47. Patient educational materials
48. Ethical standards, including ABC Code of Professional Responsibility
49. Scope of practice related to orthotic/prosthetic credentials
50. Boundaries of the scope of practice (i.e., when to refer a patient to other healthcare providers/caregivers)
51. Federal and state rules, regulations and guidelines (e.g., FDA, HIPAA)
52. ABC Facility Accreditation Standards
53. NCOPE Residency Standards
Skill in:
54. Interpreting referral documents (e.g., prescriptions, orders)
55. Interpreting radiological images
56. Communicating with patient and/or caregiver(s)
57. Communicating with referral sources and appropriately licensed healthcare providers
58. Conducting a comprehensive clinical evaluation (e.g. history, goals, expectations)
59. Identifying surface anatomy
60. Performing a physical exam (e.g., ROM, MMT)
61. Interpreting physical findings (e.g., recognizing skin pressures, dermatological conditions)
62. Assessing pathological gait/motion
63. Assessing orthotic/prosthetic gait or motion
64. Performing orthotic/prosthetic gait training
65. Managing patients relative to their diagnosis or condition
66. Critically assessing the literature as it pertains to patient care
67. Measuring and capturing shapes of patients for orthoses/prostheses
68. Using mechanical measuring devices
69. Using computer-based measuring devices/scanning devices
70. Delineating, rectifying and/or modifying positive or digital models
71. Fabricating orthotic/prosthetic devices
72. Using safety equipment
73. Using hand and power tools
74. Selecting appropriate materials and components
75. Using alignment devices
76. Aesthetic finishing
77. Evaluating fit and function of an orthosis/prosthesis
78. Selecting, administering and interpreting Outcome Measures
79. Adjusting and modifying orthoses/prostheses
80. Maintaining and repairing orthoses/prostheses
81. Addressing patient's goals related to activities of daily living
82. Revising treatment plans to reflect patient’s change in condition
83. Documenting clinical care and medical justification


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