Unit 1407 - Orthopaedic Technology Fundamentals

1. Introduction to Orthopaedic Technology

• Role of Orthopaedic Technologists
  • Scope of practice
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Importance of Anatomy and Physiology in Orthopaedic Technology
• Overview of Common Orthopaedic Conditions and Treatments
  • Overview of disorders and treatment approaches

2. Skeletal System

• Bone Types and Classification
  • Long, short, flat, irregular, sesamoid bones
• Bone Structure and Composition
  • Cortical vs trabecular bone
  • Bone cells and remodeling
• Functions of the Skeletal System
  • Support, movement, protection, mineral storage, hematopoiesis
• Common Skeletal Disorders Relevant to Orthopaedic Technology
  • Osteoporosis, fractures, bone infections, tumors

3. Muscular System

• Muscle Types
  • Skeletal, cardiac, smooth muscles
• Structure and Function of Skeletal Muscles
  • Muscle fibers, fascicles, tendons
• Relationship Between Muscles and Bones in Movement
  • Lever systems, muscle contractions
• Orthopaedic Conditions Involving Muscles
  • Strains, tears, muscular dystrophies

4. Joint Anatomy and Function

• Joint Classification
  • Fibrous, cartilaginous, synovial joints
• Structure of Synovial Joints
  • Joint capsule, synovial membrane, ligaments, bursae
• Joint Functions and Movement Types
  • Flexion, extension, rotation, etc.
• Common Joint Disorders
  • Arthritis, dislocations, bursitis, ligament injuries

5. Orthopaedic Trauma

• Traumatic Injuries to the Musculoskeletal System
  • Mechanisms of injury
• Fracture Types and Classification
  • Closed vs open, transverse, oblique, comminuted, greenstick
• Treatment Modalities
  • Immobilization, reduction, fixation techniques
• Role of Orthopaedic Technologists in Trauma Care
  • Assisting in emergency care, splinting, patient monitoring

6. Orthopaedic Surgical Procedures

• Common Orthopaedic Surgeries
  • Arthroscopy, joint replacement, fracture fixation
• Surgical Instrumentation
  • Types and uses
• Preoperative and Postoperative Care
  • Patient preparation, wound care, infection prevention
• Responsibilities of Orthopaedic Technologists in the Operating Room
  • Instrument handling, sterile field maintenance

7. Orthotic and Prosthetic Devices

• Types of Orthotic Devices
  • Braces, splints, supports
• Types of Prosthetic Devices
  • Limb prostheses, joint prostheses
• Design and Function of Devices
  • Materials, biomechanics considerations
• Fitting Process and Customization
• Role of Technologists in Device Selection and Adjustment

8. Medical Imaging in Orthopaedics

• Imaging Modalities
  • X-rays, MRI, CT scans, Ultrasound
• Principles of Each Imaging Technique
• Diagnostic Importance in Orthopaedics
  • Identifying fractures, soft tissue injuries, degenerative changes
• Role of Technologists in Imaging Procedures

9. Orthopaedic Pathologies

• Arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Sports Injuries
  • Sprains, strains, tendonitis
• Congenital Disorders
  • Clubfoot, hip dysplasia
• Degenerative Conditions
  • Disc degeneration, spinal stenosis
• Impact on Anatomy and Physiology

10. Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy

• Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Techniques
  • Mobilization, strengthening exercises
• Physical Therapy Modalities
  • Heat, cold, electrical stimulation
• Designing Exercise Programs for Recovery
• Collaborative Role of Orthopaedic Technologists
  • Patient education, monitoring progress