Orthopaedic technicians and support specialists

Interface between technology and medicine

Orthopaedic technicians and support specialists: Interface between technology and medicine

What do orthopaedic technicians and support specialists do?

Orthopaedic technicians and support specialists manufacture, repair, maintain and adjust medical aids. These include splints (orthoses) and artificial limbs (prostheses), but also supports, corsets and wheelchairs. They then instruct users on how to use the new aid.

Orthopaedic technicians and support specialists work at the interface between technology and medicine. They have a great responsibility for their customers' quality of life. They work in specialist shops such as medical supply shops, which often have workshops attached to them – as well as for the companies that manufacture medical aids.

They are also known as “orthopaedic mechanics” or “orthopaedic technology mechanics”.

Orthopaedic technicians and support specialists manufacture aids

Orthopaedic technicians and support specialists prepare individual aids according to medical orders. They advise customers in detail and work out a customised solution together with the treating doctors and therapists. They also sell medical aids, for example compression stockingsand sanitary, medical and medical rehabilitation products..

Sub-tasks in the manufacture of medical aids include:

  • Creating dimensional sketches
  • Measuring and mouldingof malformations and amputation stumps
  • Making plaster casts and models
  • Designing orthopaedic aids, for example support corsets, bandages, splints
  • Manufacture and fitting of prostheses, orthoses and supports using machine and manual techniques
  • Manufacturing of fitting parts for feet, calves, arms or hands from plastic, wood, metal, felt and leather
  • Training patients in the use of the new aid


Health personnel will make the diagnosis and can prescribe medical aids, e.g. from medi if necessary.
Your medical retailer will fit them individually for you.