Orthotics and prosthetics

Our orthotics and prosthetics team helps people of all ages move more comfortably and safely with custom-made devices. We run dedicated units backed by our own fabrication service, so a brace, an insole or an artificial limb can be made, fitted and adjusted in-house.

What is orthotics and prosthetics?

Orthotics and prosthetics is the non-surgical, allied-health side of orthopaedic care. Orthoses are external devices, such as insoles, splints and braces, that support or control a part of the body that is weak, painful or out of shape. Prostheses are artificial limbs that replace a limb that is missing or was not fully formed. Our orthotists and prosthetists assess you, take casts or measurements, fit the device and then review and adjust it as your needs change.

Who is this service for?

Orthotics and prosthetics can help if you have:

• Lost a limb, or were born with a limb that did not fully form
• Foot pain or flat feet that need supportive insoles
• Diabetes that is starting to affect your feet
• A spinal curve such as scoliosis that needs a brace
• Weakness or foot drop that makes walking or balance harder
• A child with clubfoot, cerebral palsy or an unusual head shape

Many people are referred here by another member of their care team, such as a surgeon, diabetes doctor, paediatrician or physiotherapist, though you can also come to us directly. If you're using a brace, insole or artificial limb and the skin underneath becomes red, sore or breaks down, contact your orthotist or prosthetist promptly so the fit can be checked.

What to expect

Your first appointment is an assessment. The orthotist or prosthetist looks at the part of the body involved, watches how you stand or walk, and talks through what you need the device to do. They then take the measurements, casts or a 3D scan needed to make a device that fits you. For a prosthetic limb or a complex brace, that's the start of a longer fitting process.

Once the device is ready, you'll be fitted and shown how to put it on, wear it and care for it. As you settle in, it's normal to need small adjustments, and children's devices are changed as they grow. Where walking or daily tasks are affected, our team works alongside physiotherapy and other specialists so you regain as much movement and independence as possible.

Orthotics and prosthetics at Mediclinic

Our orthotics and prosthetics units are based in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and people often reach them on referral from another part of their care team. Our allied-health team fits orthoses, from foot insoles to spinal braces, and makes prosthetic limbs. Many devices are made and adjusted in-house through our own fabrication service. Babies with a flattened head shape can be fitted with a cranial remoulding helmet to help guide the skull into a rounder shape as they grow. Through our diabetic foot programme, we provide protective footwear and insoles to lower the risk of ulcers. For people who have had an amputation or a major injury, our in-patient rehabilitation service brings the device team together with physiotherapy, occupational therapy and nursing, so fitting and rehabilitation happen side by side.