Orthopaedic instrument maker

An orthopaedic instrument maker makes aids for people who have problems with their body due to, for example, an accident, congenital abnormality or illness. These aids are specially made to measure and adapted to the patient's wishes and needs.

What does an orthopaedic instrument maker do?

An orthopaedic instrument maker is responsible for making aids such as prostheses, orthoses, braces, supports, splints and corsets for people who experience limitations in physical functioning. The daily work of an orthopaedic instrument maker also includes the following tasks:

• Adapting aids to the patient's specific limitation, activities and lifestyle.
• Assessing and, where possible, repairing damaged or worn aids.
• Advising patients on the use and maintenance of aids.
• Working with prescribing doctors to find the most suitable aid for the individual patient.
• Communicating and working with patients to meet their wishes as well as possible.

Where does an orthopaedic instrument maker work?

Most orthopaedic instrument makers can be found in a hospital, rehabilitation centre or orthopaedic practice. There, they work closely with the patient, of course, but also with doctors, other instrument makers and health insurers.

Some orthopaedic instrument makers no longer make instruments themselves, but work as advisers, salespeople or researchers.