Prosthotology: The science of prosthetics and orthotics

Purpose - The present field of prosthetics/orthotics is an erratic agglomerate of vague guidelines, skills and knowledge. The author conceived prosthotology to clarify, expand and enlighten prosthetics/orthotics into a science with a solid foundation and clear framework. This paper seeks to present itself as an introduction to the field and its relationship with cybernetics and systems. Design/methodology/approach - Prosthotology achieves this by disregarding the established barriers between the human body, mind and environment. This traditional scheme is replaced by focusing on goals and goal systems instead. A goal system consists of a goal former and a goal achiever. When a goal achiever cannot achieve a goal, it can be amended. If a goal achiever cannot initialise, a prosthesis may provide amendment. If a goal achiever cannot propagate, an orthosis may provide amendment. Findings - This perspective enables one to focus on a person's needs, what exactly is inhibiting these needs, and how best to permit the needs to be granted. It does not assume that, in order to achieve a goal, only the human body can be used. Practical implications - Prosthotology provides direction and advancement for prosthetics and orthotics. It also enhances integration of prosthetics and orthotics with other engineering disciplines. Originality/value - So far one has only scratched the surface of the potential of prosthetics and orthotics, using prosthotology, this potential is obvious and a step closer.