GLOSSARY
Abduction
Distal end angled away from midline of body usually via a joint, also known as Valgus.
Adduction
Distal end angled toward midline of body usually via a joint, also known as Varous.
AE
Above elbow or Transhumeral.
AK
Above knee or Transfemoral.
Alignment
Orientation of prosthetic socket, foot and knee to aid in amputee’s balance and walking
Amputee
A person who has had an upper or lower extremity loss
AFO
Ankle Foot Orthosis or brace to control ankle and foot.
Atrophy
A reduction in size due to compression and lack of activity.
BE
Below elbow or Transradial
Bilateral
Both upper or lower limbs amputated
BK
Below elbow or Transtibial
Bulbous
Residual limb is large on distal end near amputation site.
Cadence
Walking speed of individual.
Calcaneus
Heel bone of foot.
Callous
Hard thick skin on a pressure area.
Cast
The plaster model of a residual limb.
Cavus foot
A foot with high arch.
CAD System
Computer Aided Design, positive mold taken by computer CAD system verses taking a cast, all modifications are done on computer and mold is carved out on carver from a blank mold verses taking cast and pouring plaster in cast mold. Process is much more efficient and not as messy.
Check socket
A transparent socket used to evaluate fit of prosthetic socket prior to fabrication.
Certified Orthotist
Also know as a CO, American Board for Certification (ABC) Certified Orthotist, professional specializing in fitting orthotic devices.
Congenital
Birth abnormality.
Contracture
When muscles tighten around a certain joint cutting down the its full range of motion.
Cosmetic cover
Gives the prosthesis an anatomical appearance.
Certified Prosthetist
Also know as a CP, American Board for Certification (ABC) Certified Prosthetist, professional specializing in fitting prosthetic devices.
Certified Prosthetist Orthotist
Also know as a CPO, American Board for Certification (ABC) Certified Prosthetist Orthotist, professional specializing in fitting prosthetic & orthotic devices.
Decubitis
Pressure soar
Definitive prosthesis
Prosthesis which appears cosmetic and/or anticipated will be used once residual limb has matured.
Desensitization
Messaging or rubbing areas of sensitivity to cut down on that sensitive area
Disarticulation
Amputation that occurs through a joint in the body (Ex. Shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee)
Distal
Area farthest from designated location.
Doffing
Taking device off
Donning
Putting the device on
Dorsiflexion
Raising the foot upward
Drop foot
Unable to raise the foot
Dynamic alignment
Adjusting prosthesis to maximize amputee’s gait.
Edema
Increased fluid in tissue causing swelling.
Endoskeletal Prosthesis
Prosthesis that gains its strength from an internal pylon (pipe) composed of modular adjustable components sometimes covered by a soft cosmetic cover.
Ertl Procedure
Below knee amputation technique which surgeon will bridge the distal Tibia and Fibula with a bone graph. Once healed the distal end can tolerate weight loading.
Exoskeletal prosthesis
Prosthesis that gains its strength from a hard outer surface, typically plastic, non adjustable but more durable. GAIT TRAINING- Learning how to walk with prosthesis
Femur Bone
Bone in thigh
Fibula
Smaller and thinner outside bone lower leg below knee.
Fibula head
Upper lateral protrusion on the Fibula.
Forequarter
arm, shoulder, Clavicle, and Scapula removed
Gait
Walking pattern of person.
Hemipelvectomy
leg, hip, and pelvis removed
HKAFO
Hip/ Knee/ Ankle/ Foot/ Orthosis
Humerus Bone
Bone from shoulder to elbow
Hyperextension
Extending angle of joint past normal.
Immediate Post-Operative Prosthesis
IPOP, Prosthetic device fit immediately post surgery.
Interface
Surface that comes in contact with patients skin
Ischial containment
Above knee amputee socket which will contain patient’s pelvic butt bone, aiding in weight bearing and controlling socket for a more efficient gait.
Ischial Tuberosity
Pelvic butt bone where patient sits.
KAFO
Knee/ Ankle/ Foot/ Orthosis
Keel
Internal structure of prosthetic foot that gives it strength and/or energy responsive characteristics
K Level
Medicare requires the physician to catagorize an amputee's potential activity level by designating a K-level. That K-level will limit an individual to certain componentry dependended on their potential acitivity level. Catagorized K Level 0-4.
Kyphosis
Patient has a humpback condition caused by a spinal curvature.
Lateral
Away from the midline of body.
Liner
Material used as an interface to offer comfort and skin protection usually consisting of gel, foam, or flexible thermoplastic.
Lordosis
Lumbar spinal curvature .
Lower extremity
LSO
Lower leg from pelvis to toes
Lumbo/ Sacral/ Orthosis
Malleolus
Predominant medial and lateral bones of ankle
Medial
Toward midline of body.
Myodesis
Amputation surgical technique which muscles are tied to the bone.
Myoelectric arm
Upper extremity prosthesis which muscular signals are read by electrodes in socket, converting signal to activate and function electric hand and elbow.
Neuroma
Nerve bundle that grows in a network and usually causes pain
Orthotics
Also known as BRACE, external device applied to limit or assist motion or correct deformities of human body..
Patella
Knee cap
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Also known as PVD, disease of blood vessels
Permanent prosthesis
Prosthesis which appears cosmetic and/or anticipated will be used once residual limb has matured.
Pes Planus
A foot flat arch
Phantom pain
Pain that was in limb prior to amputation, patient still feels the pain after limb is removed.
Phantom Sensation
Also known as GHOST SENSATIONS, patient still feels limb that has been amputated. Some feel cramping, itching, toes curling but limb is not there.
Pistoning
Residual limb slipping up and down inside the prosthetic socket, usually due to residual limb being smaller than socket.
PLY
Thickness of sock, the more ply the thicker the sock (Ex. 1-ply, 2-ply, 3-ply, 4-ply, 5-ply)
Plantar
Bottom surface of foot
Preparatory prosthesis
Prosthesis fit once sutures or stitches are removed, device is used for training gait, proper sock regulation, proper donning and doffing, and understanding skin evaluation after weight bearing.
Prosthesis
An artificial substitute for a missing part of the human body.
Radius
Bone in lower arm between wrist and elbow connected to thumb.
Range of motion
The amount of movement in a joint also known as ROM.
Residual limb
Also known as STUMP, the remaining portion of limb after amputation.
Revision
When the residual limb is surgically modified. (Ex. Removal of sharp boney prominence, shorten residual limb for better vascular supply etc.)
Rigid dressing
Post operative dressing usually manufactured out of plastic, fiberglass cast, or plaster to create a socket fit applied after amputation to controls swelling and protect residual limb.
Scoliosis
S shaped curvature of spine
Socket
Component of prosthesis which contains the residual limb.
Stump shrinker
Sock with gradiated compression, fit to residual limb for preventing edema and to aid in shaping residual limb.
Stump sock
A sock worn over the residual limb to control socket fit when changes occur in limb throughout day. Come in several thicknesses or ply 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 ply.
Symes
Amputation occurs through ankle
Suspension device
Apparatus utilized to hold prosthesis or orthosis to person.
Temporary prosthesis
Prosthesis fit once sutures or stitches are removed, device is used for training gait, proper sock regulation, proper donning and doffing, and understanding skin evaluation after weight bearing.
Terminal device
Hand or hook on end of Upper extremity prosthesis
Test socket
Transparent socket used to evaluate fit of prosthetic socket prior to fabrication.
Tibia
Larger of two bones in lower limb below knee.
TLSO
Thoracic/ Lumbar/ Sacral/ Orthosis
Transfemoral
Above knee amputation
Transfers
When the patient moves or is moved from one location to another. (Ex. Sliding board transfer from the wheelchair to the bed)
Transhumeral
Above elbow amputation
Transmetatarsal
Amputation thru part of forefoot
Transradial
Below elbow amputation
Transtibial
Below knee amputation
Ulcer
Opening wound in skin usually draining
Ulna
Bone in lower arm between wrist and elbow connected to pinky finger.
Unilateral
Described as one side affected only
Upper extremity
Upper arm from shoulder to fingers
Valgus
Distal end angled away from midline of body usually via a joint, also known as Abduction.
Varus
Distal end angled toward midline of body usually via a joint, also known as Adduction.