BSC in Orthopaedics Assistant and Plaster Technique course

Eligibility Criteria:

For admission a candidate should have passed the 10+2 (Senior Secondary)
Examination or its equivalent Examination Science stream i.e. Physics, Chemistry and Biology OR Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics Subjects with 45% marks in the aggregate for General Category and 40% for SC/ST/OBC/MBC candidates or as per Govt. Guidelines from a recognized Board.
Candidate should have completed the minimum age of 17 years as on 31st December of the year of admission.

Criteria for Admission:

Selection shall be done by an Admission Board of the University strictly on merit. It will consist of two-step process –Written Entrance Examination followed by Counselling/Personal Interview (PI).

Reservation Policy:

Reservation shall be applicable as per policy of the State Government.

Duration of Course/Training:

The course shall be of three years duration from the date of commencement of academic session.

Course Outline:

The course outline for BSc in Orthopaedics Assistant and Plaster Technique typically includes the following subjects and topics:

Part-I: Theory Paper:

Paper-I - Human Anatomy and Physiology
Paper-II - Pathology of Muscle and Bones
Paper-III - Physics of Orthopaedic instruments and It’s Maintenance
 

Part-I: Paper-I - Human Anatomy and Physiology:

Introduction to the body as a whole
The cells, tissues of the body, Structure, Multiplication Cell Membrane, Contacts between cells, Cell Organelles, Projections from cell surface, The Nucleus, Chromosomes, Cell division, Sex Chromatin
Tissue: Types, structure, characteristics, functions
Epithelium: Simple, Compound, Classification of epithelia, Squamous, Cuboidal and Columnar, Basement Membranes
Connective: Areolar, adipose, fibrous, elastic, cartilage, blood and bone: Intercellular Ground Substance, Fibres, Cells, Summary of Functions
Muscle: Striated (Voluntary), Smooth (Involuntary, Cardiac)
Nervous tissue, Fibrous tissue: Neuron Structures, Peripheral Nerves, Degeneration and Regeneration of neurons, Sensory Receptors, Neuromuscular Junctions, Ganglia, Neuroglia
Cell regeneration
Membranes: Mucous, Serous, Synovial
Osteology (including whole skeleton, bones, joints) Basic Structure, Further Details, The periosteum
Development of bones (Osteogenesis): Cells inv., Bone Formation, How Bones Grow
Types of Bones, Structures of skeleton- names of bones, surface anatomy of bones and joints of upper and lower limbs.
Vertebral column. Regions, normal curves.
Muscles- Main group of muscles moving the limbs.
Nervous System Spinal cord in brief Surface Anatomy of nerves relevant to casting work.
Circulatory System Main blood vessels of the limbs:
How to palpate pulse and evaluate
 

Part-I: Paper-II - Pathology of Muscle and Bones:

Backache and Neck ache
Orthopaedic conditions in childhood: Fractures in Children, CTEV, DDH, Congenital, Genetic, Syndromic and Miscellaneous Disorders, Poliomyelitis, Cerebral Palsy, Anomalies of the Paediatric Upper and Lower Limb, Perthes Disease
Minor and adult disorders of Joint and bones, metabolic condition Osteoporosis, Rickets, Osteomalacia, Scurvy and Orthopaedics, Hyperparathyroidism, Paget’s Disease, Fluorosis, Inflammatory Arthritis, Seronegative spondyloarthropathies, Crystal Deposition Arthropathies, Degenerative Arthritis, Common features.
 

Part- I: Paper-III: Physics of Orthopaedic instruments and It’s Maintenance:

General principles of Operative procedures and orthopaedic appliances
Surgical diathermy.
Suction machine, Various lightening system, Fumigation, Orthopaedic instruments. Uses, Functioning, maintenance, implications in orthopaedics
OT Tables and attachments, Autoclave instrument
Handling and care
C-Arm image intensifier (Conventional & Digital)
 

Practical:

Identify the given bone, its side, important features & keep it in anatomical position
Demonstrate important muscle attachment on the given bone
Identify & describe origin, course, relations, branches (or tributaries), termination of important nerves and vessels of forearm
Describe the different types of muscle fibres and their structure
properties of synapse, reflex, receptors
Identify orthopaedic instruments and describe it’s various applications.
Usage and Functioning of the OT table, basic operative instruments, OT Table and it's various attachments
Surgical diathermy, Sterilization and Autoclave.
 

Part-II - Theory Papers:

Paper -  I: First Aid, Applied sciences and Pharmacology
Paper - II: Basic Orthopaedics
Paper - III: Traumatology
 

Part-II: Paper - I: First Aid, Applied sciences and Pharmacology:

First Aid, Applied sciences:

Definition of first aid, aims and objectives, responsibilities and general principles for first aiders.
Bandag, material used in bandaging, techniques of application of a roller bandage, techniques of application of a triangular bandage.
Different types of knots and slings.
First aid kit, articles and purposes
Application of splints, plaster of Paris, traction and strapping
Emergency care in - Wound - Haemorrhage - Shock
Transportation of injured patient
 

Pharmacology:

Introduction
Brief history of the evolution of modern drug therapy
Law regulating drugs-national, international
Pharmacopias
Plants, animals, minerals and synthetics Solution and suspensions
Dosage, forms-pills, capsules, tablets, etc.
Sources of drugs
Pharmaceutical Preparations
Weights and Measures
Prescribing of drugs
Administration of drug
Action of drug-local, systemic
Toxic symptoms and antidotes
Factors influencing action of drugs
Grouping of drugs
Care of drugs
 

Part-II: Paper-II: Basic Orthopaedics:

Orthopaedic diseases:
AVN, Soft Tissue disorders, Skeletal dysplasia
Infections- osteomyelitis, T.B.
Osteomyelitis, Septic arthritis, Madura Foot, Leprosy, Hand Infections, Tuberculosis of Various Joints and Spine
Congenital Talipes Equino Varus (CTEV)
Developmental dysplasia of hip (DDH)
Osteoporosis
Osteoarthritis
 

Part-II: Paper- III: Traumatology:

Trauma, Fractures- Types, Healing & Complications.
Factors affecting fractures healing.
Idealcasting technique.
Functional portion of joints.
Care of patients with plaster
Regional Trauma- Names of common fracture, common deformities.
Reduction techniques
How to apply traction and counter-traction.
Types of fractures- definition of fracture, Open & Close Fractures. Pattern of fracture Stable-Unstable.
Thomas splint, pelvic traction.
Buddy strapping.
Common orthopaedics splints, AFO, wrist dup sp]int, humerus brace, tibia] gutter.
Cuff & Collar, Ann sling.
Robert Jones Bandage.
Role of plaster technician in poly trauma
Assessment of trauma patient
Common fractures of Upper and Lower extremities, skull, spine
Radiology - basic interpretation skills
 

Practical:

Bandaging material and Methods
First aid kit description
IV Cannula, Needles, Syringes - their proper use and disposal
Wound Care
Sterile dressing techniques
Different Modes of administration of Drugs
Basic Interpretation of Radiographs
 

Part-III - Theory Papers:

Paper- I: Orthopaedic Implants and Plaster Technology
Paper- II: Operation room techniques and it’s Management
Paper- III: Biomechanics, Physiotherapy and Professionalism
 

Part-III: Paper- I: Orthopaedic Implants and Plaster Technology:

History of plaster of Paris
Properties of plaster of Paris
Preparation of plaster of Paris bandages,
Different types of slabs and casts,
Correct method of applying slabs and casts
Special plaster - FCB, PTB etc.
Plaster removal
Plaster cutter and associated instruments
Casting and splinting
Braces and traction
Types of plaster its advancement
Dressing and dressing room techniques
Introduction: general environment and cleanliness
Dressing table and trolley, drums: preparation contents and maintenance
Dressing material: types, preparation, use and sterilization.
Different types of solutions used for dressing viz. hydrogen peroxide, providing iodine etc.
Medicated dressings viz sofratulley, collagen etc.
Basic principles of bandaging
Principles involved in the design, fabrication and use of orthopaedic implants.
Orthopaedic implant mechanics and materials
Biocompatibility, strength, lubrication and interfacing.
Hip joint replacement
Knee joint replacement
Ankle joint replacement
Fractures, fracture healing and non-surgical fixation
Surgical fracture fixation
 

Part-III: Paper-II: Operation room techniques and it’s Management:

Reception of patients in OT premises
Scrubbing, dressing
Tourniquet and its' application
Growing, painting and draping
OT Fumigation and UV Lights
Autoclaving
Preparation for anaesthesia
Check out procedure
Sterilization: Definition, classification of sterilization, importance of sterilization, sterilizing agents, physical methods
Sutures
Absorbable - Surgical catgut, collagen sutures, synthetic absorbable sutures etc.

Nonabsorbable - silks, cotton, polyamide, polypropylene, stainless steel etc.

Part-III: Paper-III: Biomechanics, Physiotherapy and Professionalism:

Biomechanics: mechanics of the human musculoskeletal system.
Biomechanics of skeletal: basic properties and mechanics of bone, articular cartilage, tendons and ligaments, biomechanics of lower limb, major joints of the lower limb, including the bio-mechanics of walking.
Upper limb and spine: detailed examination of the forces acting on the spine during lifting.
Physiotherapy of spine, upper limb (shoulder joint, elbow joint, wrist joint), lower limb (knee joint, ankle joint, phalanges etc.)
Rehabilitation of patient after recover from trauma / injury / Operative procedure.
Professional, who is committed to excellence, is ethical, responsive and accountable to patients, community and profession.
 

Practical:

Preparation of POP bandages
Preparation of various Plaster Slabs
Casting and Splinting techniques
Application of Padding
Special Plasters (PTB, Hip Spica, etc)
Plaster Removal (Hand Saw, Machine Saw)
Plaster cutter and associated instruments
Dressing room techniques
Suturing material and various suturing techniques
Painting, Draping in the OT
Basic physiotherapy of Upper and Lower limbs

Career Prospectives:

Graduates with a BSc in Orthopaedics Assistant and Plaster Technique have promising career prospects in various healthcare settings. Some potential career opportunities include:

Orthopaedic Assistant:   Work alongside Orthopaedic surgeons to assist in surgeries, manage patient care, and perform pre-operative and post-operative tasks.

Orthopaedic Technologist:   Specialize in Orthopaedic equipment and devices, including casting, splinting, and bracing. Play a key role in patient immobilization and support.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT):  Respond to emergencies and provide immediate care to individuals with Orthopaedic injuries, helping stabilize patients before they reach the hospital.

Rehabilitation Specialist:  Contribute to patient recovery by assisting in rehabilitation exercises and therapies, focusing on restoring mobility and functionality after Orthopaedic procedures.

Clinical Educator:   Share your expertise by teaching and training aspiring Orthopaedic assistants, plaster technicians, and medical staff in educational institutions or healthcare organizations.

Orthopaedic Technician in Sports Medicine:  Collaborate with sports teams, athletes, and sports medicine professionals to provide specialized care for sports-related injuries.

Orthopaedic Equipment Sales:  Work for medical equipment companies, educating healthcare professionals about Orthopaedic products and assisting in their use.

Hospital Orthopaedics Department:   Join hospital Orthopaedics departments as part of the care team, assisting in patient assessment, treatment, and management.

Home Healthcare:  Provide specialized home care services to patients who require ongoing Orthopaedic care, wound management, and mobility assistance.

Research and Development: Contribute to medical research and development by participating in studies, testing new techniques, and advancing Orthopaedic technology.