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| Master
Sgt. Nathan Simonson makes adjustments on a positive
plaster mold. The orthotic lab technician makes, assembles
and repairs orthopedic appliances for patients who require
protective support or correction because of bone or
muscle injury, disease or deformity. He is assigned
to the 374th Medical Group at Yokota AB, Japan. (U.S.
Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Val Gempis)
|
By
Master Sgt. Val Gempis
Air Force Print News
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- An
Airman here constructs, assembles, repairs and adjusts orthopedic
appliances to help injured people in the Pacific Region
get back on their feet.
“(I) help people with disabling
conditions improve their degree of function to a healthy
level,” said Master Sgt. Nathan Simonson, an orthotic laboratory
technician with the 374th Medical Group.
The lab here, more commonly
known as the “brace shop,” is the only one within Pacific
Air Forces. Sergeant Simonson, the only orthotic technician
here, said about 1,000 people from bases across the Pacific
region visit his clinic annually. His patients’ ailments
result from traumatic injury, congenital problems, fractures,
arthritis, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and muscle,
tendon and cartilage tears. The technician said his goal
is to help patients restore their mobility and prevent or
limit disability.
Working under the supervision
of orthopedic physicians, Sergeant Simonson carefully follows
prescriptions. He evaluates each patient and takes measurements
or casts of their extremities to make, fit and repair the
appropriate orthopedic device. Using drills, saws, shears,
punches, sanders, grinders and sewing machines, he makes
a wide variety of orthoses to treat almost every part of
the body.
“It’s a detailed-oriented and
laborious job that requires good hand-to-eye coordination,”
he said. “You need a basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology
and kinesiology (as well as) learning how to work with metals
and plastics here.”
He has made hundreds of items
ranging from intricate back braces to custom foot orthotics.
Although the brace shop specializes in custom bracing, the
lab also carries a wide variety of prefabricated, over-the-counter
devices for treating a lot of different and more common
diagnoses. But Simonson said the most important part of
his job is a good evaluation.
“Not all treatments are the
same,” he said. “Everyone has different needs. There are
a lot of joints and bones in the body.”
Simonson said knowing his patient’s
work environment helps him do his job better. Mechanics
and flight line Airmen work outside for hours. Custom insoles
for their boots help ease pressure on their feet, he said.
Having a properly made orthotic device absorbs shocks, provides
support and relieves pressure on uncomfortable sore spots.
“It’s a very rewarding job,”
Simonson said. “People are very appreciative of what I do
for them. It’s great to see the smiles on their faces after
regaining their health.”
