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Aug 06, 2026
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OPCA 1025 - Conventional Orthotic Theory and Fabrication Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture 1 Lab 4
Course Description: This course focuses on the theory and design of conventional metal orthoses, with emphasis on the fabrication of a metal ankle-foot orthosis (AFO). Course activities include integration of lower-extremity anatomy, biomechanics, and material science to interpret prescriptions and work orders, identify and select components, and implement an orthotic treatment plan under the direction of an orthotist. Instruction addresses strategies for accommodating fixed and flexible deformities and for integrating footwear characteristics into lower-limb orthosis positioning and alignment. Lab work emphasizes safe use of tools and equipment, professional communication and documentation, and comprehensive fabrication of a custom conventional metal AFO with a stirrup or caliper plate. Students must be able to perform physical tasks to complete course requirements.
Prerequisite(s): OPCA 1015 with a grade of C or higher or concurrently enrolled
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: Concurrently enrolled in OPCA 1010 ,OPCA 1015 , OPCA 1035 , and OPCA 1045
Major Content
- Lower extremity anatomy
- Lower extremity biomechanics
- Safety
- Initiate the treatment plan: conventional metal systems
- designs
- components
- documentation
- Implement treatment plan: conventional metal systems
- material selection
- comprehensive fabrication of a conventional (Metal) AFO with stirrup
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- identify surface anatomy of the lower leg. (C.1.4)
- identify gross anatomical structures of the nervous, musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary systems of the human body. (C.1.4)
- demonstrate effective communication skills appropriate for the field of O&P.
- demonstrate professionalism appropriate for the field of O&P.
- communicate using medical terminology. (C.1.4)
- apply foundational knowledge of biomechanical principles. (C.3.0, C.8.0)
- apply biomechanical principles in fabrication decisions. (B.1, C.3.0, C.8.0)
- identify the impact of AFO prescription on the triplanar motions of the foot and ankle. (C.3.2)
- practice sound judgement regarding safety of self and others. (A.1.2)
- demonstrate safe and appropriate use of tools. (C.1.7, C.4.0, C.4.1)
- demonstrate safe and appropriate use of equipment. (C.1.7, C.4.0, C.4.1)
- adhere to safety procedures and practices throughout the fabrication process. (A.1.2, C.4.0, C.4.1)
- identify metal orthosis designs.
- identify metal orthosis components.
- initiate a treatment plan under direction of an orthotic professional. (C.2.0)
- demonstrate knowledge of conventional orthoses.
- review physical assessment information in treatment plan. (C.2.1)
- confirm physical assessment data is adequate to implement treatment plan. (C.2.2)
- determine fabrication and technical criteria from treatment plan. (C.2.1, C.3.1)
- apply critical thinking to decision making for orthosis fabrication.
- select components based on work order. (ABC, C.8.1.3.6.a, b, c, d, e, C.8.1.3.c)
- implement an orthotic treatment plan for AFO, metal system. (C.4.0)
- identify properties of materials used in AFO designs. (C.1.5, B.2)
- locate manufacturers specifications. (C.1.5)
- utilize material science in fabrication procedures. (C.1.5, C.8.0)
- delineate/correct tracing that accommodates for fixed or flexible deformities of the ankle. (ABC, C.8.1.3.d)
- contour device to delineation/corrected tracing. (ABC)
- assemble and align metal ankle-foot orthoses to be ready for fitting. (ABC, C.8.1.3.b.4)
- identify concepts of alignment.
- comprehensive fabrication of a conventional (metal) AFO with a stirrup.
- fabricate a metal AFO as directed by an orthotist. (A.1.3, C.1.7)
- demonstrate an understanding of orthotic manufacturing techniques.
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC): Goals and Competencies
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