Commonly Used Terminology
Abduction
A movement which brings the limb closer to the midline of the body
Adduction
A movement which positions the limb further away from the body
Alignment
The spatial relationship between the prosthetic socket and the prosthetic foot
Anterior
Towards the front of the body
Check Socket
A temporary socket made of transparent plastic that is used by the prosthetist to diagnose the fit of the socket
Contracture
Tightening of the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that prevents normal movement of a joint
Cosmesis
The outer covering of a prosthesis, aesthetics
Definitive Prosthesis
A replacement for a missing limb after all post-surgical swelling has subsided
Disarticulation
Amputation through a joint (i.e. ankle, knee, hip)
Donning and Doffing
The process of putting on and taking off a prosthesis
Dorsiflexion
Pointing the toe or foot upwards
Edema
Swelling of the tissues
Eversion
To turn outward
Exoskeletal
A prosthesis that is hollow on the inside and has a rigid outer covering
Extension
A position of increasing the joint angle, straightening out
Flexion
A position of decreasing the joint angle, bending
Gait Training
Learning, usually from a physical therapist, how to walk safely and properly with a prosthesis
Immediate Post Operative Prosthesis
An artificial limb that is applied in the operating room after the amputation has occurred
Inversion
To turn inward
Lateral
Away from the midline of the body, to the side
Liners
A sleeve or covering of the residual limb that is used for suspension, cushioning and protection
Medial
Towards the midline of the body
Myodesis
A process during an amputation where the muscles are attached to bone
Myoplasty
A process during an amputation where the muscles are attached to opposing muscles
Neuroma
A nerve ending that is cut during an amputation that can “ball up”. Neuromas are usually extremely sensitive and painful
Occupational Therapist
A person trained in gaining greater independence for patients through rehabilitation and relearning how to perform activities of daily living efficiently and safely
Occupational Therapy
Evaluation and training performed by a licensed occupational therapist which focuses on maximizing the activities of daily living
Pedorthotist
A trained healthcare practitioner who specialized in orthopedic footwear and foot orthoses
Phantom Limb Pain
Pain that appears to come from an area below where the amputation occurred
Phantom Limb Sensation
The feeling that an amputated limb is still attached to the body
Plantar Flexion
Pointing the toe or foot downwards
Physical Therapist
A person trained in the rehabilitation process of patients who have limited or lost functions of mobility
Physical Therapy
Evaluation and training performed by a licensed physical therapist which focuses on exercise, reducing pain and regaining mobility
Posterior
Towards the back of the body
Prosthesis
An artificial body part
Prosthetics
The profession of evaluating, fabricating, fitting and adjusting an artificial limb
Prosthetist
A trained healthcare practitioner who evaluates, fabricates, fits and adjust prosthetic devices
Pylon
A structure that is used to connect the prosthetic socket to the prosthetic ankle/foot complex
Residual Limb
The portion of a limb that remains after amputation
Shrinker
A prosthetic sock created of elastic material that is used in reducing swelling of the residual limb
Socket
The part of the prosthesis that fits around and protects the residual limb; usually made of thermoplastic, laminated, or carbon composite material
Socks
A sock that is fabricated to fit the residual limb. It is used to manage the loss of volume in the residual limb throughout the day
Sound Side Limb
The non-amputated or non-affected limb
Symes
Amputation through the ankle joint that still maintains the fatty heel pad for cushioning
Temporary Prosthesis
A prosthesis that is fabricated soon after amputation. This prosthesis is used until post-surgical swelling has subsided.
Transfemoral
Amputation that occurs at a level above the knee joint but below the hip joint
Transtibial
Amputation that occurs at a level below the knee joint but above the ankle joint