In 1970, the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO) was founded as a non-governmental organisation based on the non-profit work of multidisciplinary professionals in healthcare. ISPO contributes throughout the world to all aspects of science and practices associated with the provision of prosthetic and orthotic care, rehabilitation engineering and related areas.

The purpose and function of ISPO is the promotion of quality care and education of professionals for the benefit of consumers. To achieve this, ISPO serves an international, impartial, non-political body responsible for co-ordination, correlation and advice.

There are presently approximately 3,000 members in 84 countries. Members of ISPO are individual professionals, including surgeons, prosthetists and orthotists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, shoemakers, technicians, nurses, podiatrists, chiropodists, biomechanical/ rehabilitation engineers and paediatricians.

Education and training is a major area of interest and activity for ISPO. ISPO has developed and published appropriate educational and training curricula.