Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Treatment Methods in Orthoprosthetics
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English,
Teaching staff
Enviar un mail a :
Alejandro Portela aeportela@uic.es
Aina Ros: arosa@uic.es
Introduction
The subject makes available to students the knowledge of the currently existing procedures to correct organic deficiencies, anomalies and alterations of the locomotor system through the indication and preparation of external correction devices (orthoses) or the replacement of organic segments using prostheses. The topics will introduce techniques used in the study of gait and limb movements in human beings as well as the methods of functional stimulation, reinnervation and neuroprosthesis.
The subject will have a high practical content where students can train skills related to orthotic and prosthetic engineering. In the same way, they will access specialized clinical facilities in orthopedic practice where they will be guided by specialists in this area of medicine. Students will work in the orthotics laboratory regarding the design and implementation of the different types of orthotics and prostheses with which to make these procedures available to the patient. Working side by side with renowned professionals in this field will lead to the understanding and completion of the theoretical knowledge acquired, introducing students to the real world of ortho-prosthetic technique.
Pre-course requirements
To have passed the following subjects of the First Year of Bioengineering: Anatomy and Physiology, and Biomaterials and Biocompatibility, and of the Second Year: Fundamental Biomechanics, Applied Pathology, and Fundamentals and Electronic Systems.
Complementary subjects
Neurosciences Applied to Orthotics, Computation, Robotics and Bionics, and Design and Image Diagnosis.
Objectives
- Know the existing types of orthoses and prostheses.
- Know the Biomechanics of upper and lower limb orthoses and prostheses.
- Know the ergonomic and functional adaptations of a prosthesis.
- Know the materials used in the manufacture of orthoses and prostheses.
- Know the principles of functional electrostimulation (FES)
- Know the different types of neuroprostheses
- Know the functional applications of a portable exoskeleton system
- Know the principles of additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping applied to the design of orthoses and prostheses
- 3D design and manufacture of orthoses and prostheses.
- Know the principles of muscle reinnervation
- Know the instrumentation used in the study of human gait
- Know how to identify the basic signals obtained in a human gait laboratory and process them using digital signal processing techniques
- Know the basic principles of control theory applied to postural control and human walking
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CN01 - Describe aspects related to bioengineering based on subject-specific books together with scientific publications at the forefront of knowledge.
- CN06 - Define the fundamental principles of the technologies used in the design and manufacture of micro- and nanosensors in biotechnology areas.
- CP01 - Interpret relevant data (normally within their area of study) and issue judgements that include a reflection on relevant issues of a social, scientific and ethical nature.
- CP04 - Produce fixed and removable structures in medical device applications.
- CP08 - Apply biotechnological methodologies and tools for research, development and production of products and services.
- HB01 - Convey information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialised and non-specialised audiences.
- HB04 - Assess the social and environmental impact of technical solutions through the analysis and application of quality principles and methods.
- HB05 - Integrate a third language, usually English, in a multilingual and multidisciplinary environment, with an adequate oral and written level and applying the terminology of bioengineering
- HB07 - Relate well-being with globalisation and sustainability, achieving skills for the use of technique, technology, economy and sustainability in a balanced and compatible way.
- HB12 - Evaluate manufacturing systems and processes, metrology and quality control.
- HB14 - Identify engineering concepts that can be applied in the field of biology and health.
Learning outcomes of the subject
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Distinguish the conceptual and methodological foundations of the various platforms that make up bioengineering: biotechnology, nanotechnology, pharmacology, immunology, microbiology, modeling, proteomics and genomics, drug delivery, project management...
• Apply the fundamentals of bioengineering in fields such as tissue engineering, orthotics, dental prosthetics, start-up creation, sustainability, and the design, manufacturing, and characterization of new medical devices.
• Define the characteristics of implants, dental prosthetics, radiological and surgical splints, relating them to osseointegration, prosthetic rehabilitation, and medical prescription.
• Define the materials and processes used in the manufacturing of implants, dental prosthetics, radiological and surgical splints.
Syllabus
Topic 1 — Foundations for Rehabilitation Technologies
Introduction to the field and core concepts.
Topic 2 — Applied Biomechanics and Principles of Orthoses
Biomechanical fundamentals underlying orthotic design.
Topic 3 — Upper Limb Orthoses
Types, indications, and design considerations.
Topic 4 — Lower Limb Orthoses
Types, indications, and design considerations.
Topic 5 — Spinal Orthoses
Types, indications, and design considerations.
Topic 6 — Amputation: Fundamentals, History, and Epidemiology
Background and context of amputation.
Topic 7 — Upper-Limb Prostheses
Types, levels, components, and control systems.
Topic 8 — Lower-Limb Prostheses
Sockets, suspension, knee mechanisms, and foot/ankle components.
Topic 9 — Advanced Rehabilitation of the Amputee + Project Kickoff
Phantom limb and phantom pain. Neuroplasticity. Mirror therapy. Virtual/augmented reality. Advanced prosthetic rehabilitation.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Totally participatory.
Expositive: Transmitting knowledge and activating cognitive processes in the student, involving their participation, through lessons on each of the topics.
Cooperative learning: Developing active learning through cooperative work strategies among students and promoting shared responsibility to achieve group goals.
Practical learning: The students will attend an Orthotoprosthetic clinic and laboratory where they will acquire the practical knowledge necessary to indicate an orthosis or prosthesis based on the patient's needs. They will know the different options that exist to solve the different problems presented, and they will become familiar with the design, preparation, adaptation and repair of such elements.
Problem Based Learning:
• From the statement, analysis, processing and solution of real problems
• Promoting in the student responsibility for their own learning
• Developing a relevant knowledge base
• Developing skills for critical evaluation and the acquisition of new knowledge
• Developing skills to pose complex problems and possible solutions
• Develop skills for interpersonal relationships
• Involve the student by increasing their initiative and enthusiasm
• Developing their cognitive, integrative, expression and communication skills.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
The evaluation will consist of the following elements:
A) Report of practices in Clinics (20%)
B) Partial exam (30%)
C) Final exam (30%)
D) Practical Sessions (20%)
Important considerations:
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The average score of the midterm and final exams must be a passing grade (> 5) in order to be averaged with the rest of the assessments
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Plagiarism, copying or any other action that may be considered cheating will score zero in that evaluation section. Moreover, plagiarism during exams will mean the immediate failure of the whole subject.
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In the second-sitting exams, the maximum mark students will be able to obtain is "Excellent" (a mark with honours distinction will not be possible).
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Changes of the calendar, exam dates or the evaluation system will not be accepted.
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Exchange students (Erasmus and others) or students resitting will be subject to the same conditions as the rest of the students.
Bibliography and resources
Bibliographic resources, images and videos inserted in the class
Complementary basic bibliography:
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J. Webster, D. Murphy, Atlas of Orthoses and Assistive Devices, 5th Edition. Elsevier 2018. ISBN: 9780323483230.
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J. Hsu, J. Michael, J. Fisk, AAOS Atlas of Orthoses and Assistive Devices, 4th Ed, Mosby 2008
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EduExo - The Robotic Exoskeleton Kit. Handbook and Tutorial. Beyond Robotics GmbH, 2019.
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Farina, D., Jensen, W. and Akay, M. eds., 2013. Introduction to neural engineering for motor rehabilitation (Vol. 40). John Wiley & Sons.
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Kuiken, T.A., Feuser, A.E.S. and Barlow, A.K. eds., 2013. Targeted muscle reinnervation: a neural interface for artificial limbs. Taylor & Francis.