BY Tamish Giri

A few years ago, Ram, a 28-year-old software engineer, lost his right leg in a road accident. Though Ram recovered gradually, the accident left him not only physically handicapped but also emotionally shaken. However, determined to regain his independence and resume his normal life, he reached out to Orthopedica for prosthetic support.

A prosthetist at Orthopaedica conducted a thorough evaluation of Ram's residual limb, taking into account factors such as size, shape, and skin condition.

"We held a detailed discussion with Ram about his lifestyle, mobility goals, and preferences for the most suitable prosthetic design. With dedicated rehabilitation and the support of his prosthetic limb, Ram gradually regained his independence," Sangesh Shrestha, managing director of Orthopedica and a certified prosthetist orthotist, said.

Ram successfully returned to work, adapting to his professional environment with newfound resilience and determination.

The prosthesis is an artificial substitute for a missing body part, such as an eye, limb, or tooth, used for functional or cosmetic reasons, or both. Individuals undergo a series of fitting sessions, during which the prosthetic limb is adjusted to ensure optimal comfort and functionality. "Our specialists provide training on how to use and care for the prosthetic limb, addressing any concerns or challenges that an individual might encounter during the adjustment period," Shrestha said.

Established in 1992 by Sangesh's father, Gyanendra Chandra, Orthopedica has been providing orthotics and prosthesis services to more than 500-600 individuals annually.

"My dad had been working as an orthotist and prosthetist since 1979. We are Nepal’s first private orthotic and prosthetic clinic. It was started to provide orthotic and prosthetic services to help all the Nepalis in need, as such service was limited. We have provided the service to people from every district of the nation," Shrestha added.

Orthopedica has been offering the best possible services to people, with the inclusion of the latest technology in orthotics and prosthetics, since its inception.

The rise in road traffic accidents and diabetic cases has mostly contributed to the demand for orthotics and prosthetics in recent days. Likewise, the increase in birth anomalies and people’s awareness towards birth defects has also made people aware of getting the right services in time, which has increased the demand for our services, according to Shrestha.

Orthopedica used to get more than 1,000 patients every year during those days. But in the last few years, the number has decreased. The reason is an increase in service providers and distribution of ready-made products directly by medical shops, physiotherapists, and doctors too.

Orthopedica, with more than two decades in service, has become a trusted name among the doctors, physiotherapists, and organisations associated with physically handicapped individuals.

"Mostly, we get referred by orthopaedic, neuro, and physiotherapy doctors for cases like cerebral palsy, road traffic accidents, foot problems and degenerative diseases like Osteoarthritis," Shrestha added.

Currently, there are four orthotic and prosthetic clinics in Kathmandu while there are two others in the non-professional category. Likewise, Pokhara has two such clinics and Chitwan has one. Earlier, there were clinics all across the country supported by Handicap International. Currently, there is only one clinic in Bhrikutimandap, which is under the Social Welfare Council, and another in Banepa for children under Hospital & Rehabilitation Centre for Disabled CHildren (HRDC).

There were not many players in the field until a decade ago. Orthopedica used to get more than 1,000 patients every year during those days. But in the last few years, the number has decreased due to an increase in the number of service providers and distribution of ready-made products directly by medical shops, physiotherapists, and doctors too, said Shrestha.

"It is a service that should be provided with the presence and examination of qualified orthotists and prosthetists. Unfortunately, people are opting for unprofessional options," added Shrestha.

Orthopedica, with experienced orthotists, prosthetists, and technicians, wants to provide its service to the people of Nepal and extend the network with its quality service to make lives easier. "We have one of the most equipped orthopaedic workshops in the nation. The appliances are diverse and offered at reasonable prices. It is affordable to every economic class of the country," Shrestha added.

Ram's journey from the aftermath of a devastating road accident to a new beginning with prosthetic support underscores the importance of a holistic approach to rehabilitation. The integration of medical intervention and prosthetic expertise of Orthopedica played pivotal roles in Ram's recovery. Ram's case shows it is possible for individuals to rebuild their lives after traumatic experiences.