B.SC. 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.

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

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.