Bundesfachschule für Orthopädietechnik

Trans-Femoral Prosthetics

Specialist area lower extremity: Trans – Femoral Prosthetics
In the training curriculum of the Federal Academy Trans-Femoral Prosthetics with its own specialist area is represented within the range of lower extremity. The field of Knee- and Hip disarticulation is integrated, which however do not take the emphasis of the training period.

The theory part includes the following subjects:
- Different levels of amputation and amputation techniques with the associated characteristics
- Human stance and gait
- Possibilities of immediately - and/or early fitting of patients
- Classification of amputees into different activity levels with the associated selection of the prosthetic components
- Biomechanics of quadrilateral and CAT-CAM socket systems
- Systematic of the division of knee joints
- Prosthetic alignment and gait analysis
- Biomechanics of different socket designs of knee- and hip disarticulation prostheses
- Gait deviations and their causes

The practice part in the 2nd semester includes in particular trans-femoral prosthetics, in which the CAT-CAM technology and the work with the patient are the main subjects.
Despite all CAD- support of the industry, the BUFA believes in learning the cast taking of bony structures manually and thus in better understanding the anatomy of the human body. It is the basis of the work of a Prosthetist/Orthotist.

The participants are practicing this during the construction of an ischial containment seat-ring with the final fitting under load.

With this experience, the collaboration with model patients continues. Cast taking, modification technology, prosthetic alignment, the following intensive fitting, error analysis and alteration are the subjects.

A modification at the computer (CAD-CAM), socket fabrication, fitting and error analysis is another main area of the practical course. Also here, model patients are invited to the practical training of our students.

This applies also to the field of knee disarticulation prosthetics; from cast taking to intensive patient fitting, extensive knowledge is obtained about the broad spectrum of this provision technology.

Beyond that, the Federal Academy repeatedly offers basis- as well as advanced seminars in these topics. An early registration, because of rising demand and at the same time limitation of participants, is recommended. This is necessary in order to keep an intensive care of participants and thus maintain the high training quality of the Federal Academy for Orthopaedic Technology.

Trans Tibial and Foot Prosthetics

In the context of the BUFA yearly Diploma course, Trans Tibial Prosthetics with its own specialist area is also represented.

The training takes place in theory and practice, the theory part covers the whole topic of anatomical/pathological basics of trans tibial amputations. Biomechanics of Socket systems and designs and prosthetic gait analysis finalise the course.

Different options of socket and prosthesis types are manufactured during the practice lessons for model patients. The fabrication of a trans tibial prosthesis with supra condylar socket and Botta-cosmesis, a silicone adhesion contact socket with a transparent hard socket as well as a fitting of a gel-liner prosthesis are carried out by the students. Apart from the finishing techniques we particularly pay attention to the work with the patient, like exact fitting control and gait analysis.

In a similar way the subject foot prosthetics is offered at the BUFA. Also here, the subject is divided into theoretical lessons and following practical applications to the patient.
Beyond that, the Federal Academy offers continuing education courses in these topics

Special Field Prosthetics