Prosthetics and Orthotics
The Prosthetics and Orthotics department provides specialised services for the provision of prosthetic and orthotic devices.
Prosthetics: A prosthesis is a custom-made device that replaces a missing body part. The Grampians Health prosthetic department provides limb prostheses only.
Orthotics: An orthosis is a supportive device fitted externally to the body, also known as a brace. It may be pre-made or custom-made.
Who we care for
We provide treatment for people across the Grampians region who:
- preparing for arm or leg amputation surgery
- have had amputation surgery in hospital
- are in the rehabilitation ward for prosthetic rehabilitation
- are long-term prosthetic users needing ongoing outpatient services
- are inpatients requiring an orthosis or brace for an injury, after surgery or for a medical condition.
- are outpatients from across requiring an orthosis or brace
What can you expect
You can expect high-quality, evidence-based service using all aspects of prosthetic and orthotic management. This includes clinical assessment, fabrication and fitting of your device, ongoing reviews, and advice from other areas as needed.
Amputee Clinic
We work with specialist allied health and medical staff to care for anyone with a limb amputation requiring review of their prosthesis due to how it fits, functions or your comfort or skin integrity from its wear.
The Amputee clinic also provides pre-amputation appointments.
Orthotic Specialist Clinics
Our orthotists participate in several multidisciplinary specialists clinics:
High Risk Foot Clinic: working with specialist podiatrists and medical staff to care for patients with diabetic foot wounds, Charcot neuropathy, and other foot deformities.
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH): working with specialist paediatric physiotherapists to care for babies with DDH.
Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service (VPRS): working with specialist paediatric allied health and medical staff to care for children and young people with acquired injuries, medical/surgical impairments, or functional impairments.
Funding Options
Prosthetics
Public patients: All Australians with a major limb amputation are entitled to funding for a prosthesis that meets their daily needs. In Victoria, the scheme for public patients over 65 is the Victorian Artificial Limbs Program (VALP). For those under 65, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) covers the costs. You need to register as a NDIS participant and sign a service agreement with the prosthetic department before your appointment.
Private patients: We service clients who lose their limb due to a workplace or transport accident and are covered by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) or WorkCover insurance. TAC or your insurance company will be provided with a quotation for service provision. Once approved and the prosthesis is fitted, TAC or the insurance company will be invoiced.
Orthotics
Orthotic inpatients: are generally not charged for orthotic management during their inpatient stay.
Orthotic outpatients: are mostly privately funded. Patients with TAC or WorkCover insurance may be eligible for funding. Public funding schemes include the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the State Wide Equipment Program (SWEP). If you are an NDIS participant, you need to sign a service agreement with the orthotic department before your appointment.