Orthotics and prosthetics

We deliver patient centred treatment, in both outpatient and inpatient settings. We play a crucial role in the treatment of inpatients, assisting in early stabilisation and mobilisation of these patients. 

Orthotics

An orthosis is an externally applied device used to modify the structural or functional characteristics of the neuro-muscular and skeletal systems. An orthosis is the true term for a brace or appliance that is designed and fitted external to the body in order to control or alter bio-mechanical alignment, protect and support a healing injury, assist rehabilitation, reduce pain, increase mobility and/or increase independence.

Prosthetics

A prosthesis is an artificial device attached or applied to the body to replace a missing part (such as an arm or leg following amputation).

Services

• Acute prosthetic rehabilitation – including pre-surgery consultation, immediate post-operative care and peer support
• Interim prosthetic program – provides new amputees with fitting of their first prosthetic limb, walking training and education as either an inpatient or as an outpatient attending day rehabilitation. This service is delivered in a multi-disciplinary environment alongside other health professionals
• Definitive prosthetic program – our program delivers lifelong prosthetic services for amputees living in the community with rapid access to other allied health, medical and nursing disciplines as required
• Amputee clinic – the amputee clinic is held at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. This clinic provides prosthetic and medical review for amputees to ensure their prosthesis is working well and enabling early identification of any adjustments or maintenance that may be required
• Orthotic outpatient services – provides orthotic management for people living in the community, including assessment and the provision of a device for the management of trauma and injury, diabetic foot conditions, burns and other neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.

We are committed to a high quality service through ongoing staff development, appraisal, teaching, clinical research and adherence to evidence based practice.

Outpatient clinics located at Level 3F (ground floor) Royal Adelaide Hospital. 

Clinics operate Monday to Friday with dedicated appointments each day for rapid access, including urgent presentations for patients which require fracture management, urgent repairs and wound breakdown assessment.

 Our services are also available through:

• The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (LINK)
• Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre (LINK)
• Day Rehabilitation Service at TQEH (LINK)
• Statewide services at Repat Health Precinct– SA Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service and SA Spinal Cord Injury Service
• Outreach services are also provided to the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN).

• Sarah Wilson - Director

Allied health services accept GP, private specialists, allied health and other health professional referrals.

Once your referral has been received it will be triaged according to clinical urgency.

If your referral is accepted, you will either:

• receive a letter, phone call or text message confirming your appointment time, date and location
• receive a letter confirming you have been waitlisted for an appointment.

If the referral is declined, your GP or referring medical practitioner will be notified.

• The Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association
• ISPO Australia
• Limbs 4 Life
• The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
• Polio Australia

Allied health services accept GP, private specialists, allied health and other health professional referrals.

A written referral is required prior to an appointment being issued. Emailed or faxed referrals are preferred. 

Referrals should include:

• patient details - address, date of birth, contact phone number, medicare number, pension card
• reason for referral
• relevant clinical history of the patient
• list of current medications
• current treatment regimen
• recent relevant test results – x-ray, pathology, etc
• referrer's name and contact details.

Children requiring orthotic and prosthetic assessment should be referred to their local Health Network (LHN) or the service at the Women’s and Children Hospital.

Some outpatient services are provided on a fee for service basis for the provision of equipment.

CONFIRM ADD THESE TWO REFERRAL FORMS 
https://www.rah.sa.gov.au/assets/general-downloads/CALHN-Orthotics-Assessment-Request-18.12.17.pdf (from 2017)
https://www.rah.sa.gov.au/assets/general-downloads/CALHN-Prosthetics-Service-Referral-Form-TQEH-2022.docx (from 2022)