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U.S. Air Force 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, impairment disease or deformity. He is assigned to the 374th Medical Group at Yokota Air Base, Japan. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Val Gempis

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan, June 7, 2005 — 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. 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, 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) learn 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 flightline 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.”

© 2005 Defend America. All opinions expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of Military.com.

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