A
AAOP: American Academy
of Orthotists and Prosthetists, A professional society of ABC board certified
practitioners. Founded 1970
ABC: American Board for Certification
in Orthotics and Prosthetics, A certification board for individuals and
facilities providing orthotic and prosthetic services. Established 1948
acquired amputation: limbs
surgically removed due to disease or trauma.
adherent scar tissue: Tissue
stuck down, usually to bone.
AE: Above elbow.
Also referred to as transhumoral.
AFO: Ankle-Foot Orthosis;
device that encompasses the lower leg and foot.
AK: Above knee.
Also referred to as transfemoral.
alignment: position of prosthetic
socket in relation to foot and knee.
amputation: the loss or absence
of all or part of a limb.
AOPA: American Orthotic and
Prosthetic Association. A trade association of facilities (no individuals)
that provide orthotic and prosthetic services. Founded 1917.
ARL: Alignment Reference Line
assistive/adaptive equipment: devices
that assist in performance or mobility, including ramps and bars, changes
in furniture heights, environmental control units and specially designed
devices.
B (
back to top)
BE: Below elbow.
Also referred to as transradial.
bilateral: A double amputee.
Both legs or both arms as in Bilateral BK etc.
BK: Below knee. Also
referred to as transtibial.
bumper: a rubber like (polymer
based) device inserted into a knee or ankle component as a resistance or
extension aid. Bumpers come in different durometers (color coded)
which allow the amputee to have different resistance levels.
C (
back
to top)
CAT/CAM, (Contoured Anterior
Trochanteric/Controlled Alignment Method): The popular term coined
by John Sabolich, CPO for his socket shape derived from the work of Ivan
Long, CP. The term was replaced by the trademarked name "Sabolich
Socket" do to internal conflicts within the prosthetic industry that prohibited
trade-marking CAT/CAM in the United Sates.
CAPP: body-powered device
named for the Child Amputee Prosthetics Project at UCLA where it was designed
to promote gross motor functioning and early grasp.
CAPO: Canadian Association
of Prosthetists and Orthotists.
Certification: A level of
training that is verified by the appropriate professional organization.
It is your proof that the practitioner has the required TECHNICAL training.
It in no way certifies the personality or business practices of the practitioner
or facility.
check or test socket: A temporary
socket, often transparent, made over the plaster model to aid in obtaining
a proper fit. A successful test socket will then be remade into the
definitive socket.
(Codes) L-Codes: procedure
codes for orthotics and prosthetics developed through the efforts of
HCFA (Health Care Financing Administration) and AOPA.
congenital amputee: Individual
born missing a limb(s). Technically, these individuals are not Amputees,
but are considered to be "Limb Deficient.”
congenital anomaly: A birth
abnormality such as a missing limb (amelia) or deformed limb (phocomelia).
congenital defiency: condition
present at birth, when all or part of a limb fails to develop normally.
Control cable (Bowden Cable): A
cable system taken from the aircraft industry to control the operation
of a prosthetic arm. Can also be used for lower extremity prostheses and
orthotic systems as well.
cosmesis: The outer, aesthetic
covering of a prosthesis, usually made of foam or a rubber like material.
Foam cosmeses are almost always covered by a cosmetic stocking.
D (
back
to top)
DAK: Double above
knee (aka bilateral). Also referred to as Bilateral transfemoral.
definitive, or "permanent" prosthesis:
A
replacement for a missing limb or part of a limb which meets accepted check-out
standards for comfort, fit, alignment, function, appearance, and durability.
disarticulation: An amputation
through a joint: the hip, shoulder, knee, ankle, elbow, or wrist.
donning and doffing: The act
of putting on and taking off a prosthesis.
dorsiflexion: Pointing the
toe/foot upward, toward the body.
durometer: Means different
'density' or strength and in the context of prosthetics means it will allow
the ankle or knee to move, bend, flex more or less.
E (
back
to top)
early prosthetic fitting:
A procedure in which a preparatory prosthesis is provided for the amputee
immediately after removal of the sutures. (See IPOP)
ED: Elbow Disarticulation
edema: swelling of the tissues.
endoskeletal prosthesis: One
built more like a human skeleton with support and components on the inside
and a cosmetic cover on the outside.
energy storing foot: A prosthetic
foot design that stores energy when weight is applied to it and releases
energy when the amputee transfers weight to the other foot.
eversion: To turn outward.
exoskeletal prosthesis: A
prosthesis that is hollow on the inside with a hard outer surface to bear
weight.
extension assist: A method
of assisting the prosthetic to "kick forward" on the swing through phase
to help speed up the walking cycle. Used primarily for seniors, high
AK amputations and those with limited strength in the residual limb.
F (
back
to top)
Forquarter Amputation:
Interscapulthorasic amputation.
G (
back
to top)
gait training: The
method of learning to walk properly using a lower limb prosthetic device.
GRIP/ADEPT: body-powered,
voluntary-closing terminal devices that close with tension is applied to
the cable.
H (
back
to top)
HD: Hip disarticulation.
Amputation which removes the leg at the hip joint, leaving the pelvis intact.
HP Hemi-pelvectomy (HP): an
amputation where approximately half of the pelvis is removed.
HKAFO: Hip-Knee-Ankle-Foot
Orthosis; device that encompasses the hip and leg.
hand/mitt: either passive
or active (terminal) device used to replace the hand.
hard socket: a prosthetic
socket made of rigid materials.
heel strike: the moment when
the heel makes contact with the floor at the end of the swing through phase.
I (
back
to top)
IPOP or Immediate Post Operative
Prosthesis: A temporary prosthesis applied in the operating room
immediately after the amputation.
inversion: To turn inward.
ischial containment socket: (SEE ischial
tuberosity): The Ischial Containment socket cups the Ischial
bone on the inside and back as well as the bottom to accomplish two things:
1) By cupping, or containing this bone inside the socket, the socket tends
not to shift laterally (outside) when weight is put on it, making walking
more efficient. This style of socket can have a very intimate fit and may
take some time to get used to in order for it to become comfortable.
ischial tuberosity: The bone
that protrudes from the back of the pelvis (the "butt bone") that may get
sore when sitting on a hard surface for extended periods of time.
K (
back
to top)
KAFO: Knee-Ankle-Foot
Orthosis; device that encompasses the entire leg.
KD: Knee disarticulation.
Amputation through the knee joint.
knee components: devices
designed lo create a safe, smooth walking pattern.
L (
back
to top)
lateral: To the side,
away from the mid-line of the body.
liners: Used for suspension,
comfort and protection of the residual limb. Includes rigid, silicone
and neoprene.
LSO: Lumbosacral Orthosis;
device that encompasses the lower torso .
M (
back
to top)
manual locking: device
that locks the knee in complete extension to prevent buckling and falls.
medial: Toward the mid-line
of the body.
modular prosthesis: An artificial
limb assembled from components, or modules usually of the endoskeletal
type where the supporting member, or pylon, is covered with a cosmetic
covering (See “Cosmesis”) shaped and finished to resemble the natural limb.
multiaxis foot: Allows inversion
and eversion and rotation of the foot and is effective for walking on uneven
surfaces.
myoelectrics: Literally muscle
electronics. Myoelectric prosthesis were first developed in Russia.
This is a technology used in upper-extremity prosthetics. The prosthesis
contains electrodes which are used to control the prosthesis via muscle
contractions which in turn control a motor in the terminal device, wrist
rotator or elbow . An attached battery pack provides the power system
which translates the muscle contractions into movements of the prosthesis.
myodesis: muscles anchored
to end of bone.
myoplasty: muscles anchored
to opposing muscles.
N (
back
to top)
neuroma: The end
of a nerve left after amputation, which continues to grow in a cauliflower
shape. Neuromas can be troublesome, especially when they are in places
where they are subject to pressure from the prosthesis socket.
Normal Shape/Normal Alignment (NSNA)-
also know as a narrow ML socket: First described by Ivan Long,
this socket more closely approximates the shape of the musculature of a
residual limb, when compared to a quad socket. The sides,
or medial/lateral measurement is tightened down to squeeze the residual
limb, with most of the squeezing taking place on the outside or lateral
side. This helps control the rotation of the socket by putting pressure
along the fleshy area of the leg that can handle some side to side pressure.
nudge control: a mechanical
switch that operates one or more joints of the prosthesis.
O (
back
to top)
occupational therapy/OT: evaluation
and training to maximise independence and function in daily living.
orthosis/brace: a plastic
or metal device used to straighten and/or Support a body part, improve
function, or aid recovery.
orthotics: The profession
of providing orthotic services.
orthotist: a patient-care
practitioner who evaluates, designs, fabricates and fits orthoses (braces)
and other devices to straighten or support the body and/or the limbs.
P (
back
to top)
partial foot amputation:
An amputation on the front part of the foot; also called “Choppart Amputation”.
physical therapy/PT: the evaluation
and treatment of disease, injury or disability through the use of therapeutic
exercises and modalities to strengthen muscles, improve range of motion
and decrease pain.
pistoning (or milking): the term
used when your liner stretches resulting in your residiual limb pulling
in and out - like a piston.
planarflexed/planar flexion:
Means the toe is pointing down, toward the sole. Almost like pushing
the gas pedal down and simulating that position or alignment.
pneumatic/hydraulic: provides
controlled changes in the speed of walking.
polycentric: multiple-axis
joint, particularly useful with a very long residual limb.
prehension: to hold, grasp
or pinch.
preparatory prosthesis: An
unfinished functional replacement for an amputated limb, fitted and aligned
in accordance with sound biomechanical principles which is worn for a limited
period of time to accelerate the rehabilitation process. It is generally
without cosmetic finishing and is used to expedite prosthetic wear and
use; it also aids in the evaluation of amputee adjustment and component
selection.
prosthesis: An artificial
part of the body.
prosthetics: The profession
of providing cosmetic and/or functional restoration of missing human parts.
prosthetist: A person involved
in the science and art of prosthetics; one who designs and fits artificial
limbs.
posterior: The back side of
the body.
pylon: A rigid member, usually
tubular, between the socket or knee unit and the foot that provides weight
bearing support shaft in an endoskeletal prosthesis.. This is referred
to as a “pole” in a temporary prosthesis.
Q (
back
to top)
quad socket: The
Quad socket has a shelf about one inch wide on the posterior wall
of the socket which the Ischial Tuberosity rests on . The Quad socket has
four clearly defined sides.
R (
back
to top)
residual limb: The
remaining portion of a limb after amputation, also called the “stump”.
RGO = Reciprocating Gait Orthosis;
special HKAFO that allows paralyzed persons to walk step over step; generally
used with crutches for balance
rigid dressing: A plaster
wrap over the stump, usually applied in the operating or recovery room
immediately following surgery, usually in below the knee amputations, for
the purpose of controlling edema (swelling) and pain and to promote shrinkage
and shaping of the residual limb in preparation for a prosthetic fitting.
S (
back
to top)
S.A.C.H.: Solid Ankle
Cushioned Heel foot component. A very basic, “passive” foot; very
stable.
SD: Shoulder Disarticulation--
Amputation through the shoulder joint.
shrinker: A prosthetic reducer
made of elastic material and designed to help control swelling of the residual
limb and/or shrink it in preparation for a prosthetic fitting.
single axis foot: Used since
the Civil War, this foot has an ankle hinge that provides dorsiflexion
and planar flexion. i.e. , toe up & toe down. The disadvantages
of a single axis foot include poor durability & cosmesis.
single axis knee: free
singing knee with small amount of friction.
socket: portion of prosthesis
that fits around residual limb/stump and to which prosthetic components
are attached.
soft socket: inner socket
liner of foam, rubber, leather, other material for cushioning the residual
limb.
split hooks: terminal devices
with two hook-shaped fingers operated through the action of harness and
cable systems.
stance control: friction device
with an adjustable brake mechanism to add stability.
stance flexion: mimics normal
knee flexion at heel strike.
stockinette: tubular open-ended
cotton or nylon material.
stump: A word commonly used
to refer to the residual limb. (SEE RESIDUAL LIMB)
stump sock: wool or cotton
sock worn over residual limb to provide a cushion between the skin and
socket interface.
stump shrinker: an elastic
wrap or compression sock worn on a residual limb to reduce swelling and
shape the limb.
suction: provides suspension
by means of negative pressure vacuum in a socket; achieved by forcing air
out of the socket through a one-way valve when donning and using the prosthesis.
supercondular suspension:
A method of holding on a prosthesis by clamping on the bony prominence
above a joint, called “Condyles”
suspension system(s): The
method used to hold the prosthesis on to the body. Includes locking
pin, TES belt, suspension sleeve, waist belt, and suction.
swing phase:
prosthesis moving from full flexion to full extension
switch control = use of electric
switches to control current from a battery to operate an electric elbow,
wrist rotator or terminal device.
Symes: A disarticulation amputation
through the ankle joint that retains the fatty heel pad portion for cushioning.
T (
back
to top)
temporary prosthesis:
A prosthesis made soon after an amputation as an inexpensive way to help
retrain a person to walk and balance while shrinking the residual limb.
terminal devices: devices
attached to the wrist unit of an upper extremity prosthesis that provide
some aspect of the function (grasp, release, cosmesis, etc.).
TES belt: A neoprene or Lycra
suspension system for AK prostheses that has a ring which the prosthesis
slides into. There is a neoprene belt that attaches around your waist by
velcro/hook and loop fastener.
TLSO: Thoracolumbar-Sacral
Orthosis; device that encompasses the entire torso.
transtarsal amputation: Through
the tarsal (tarsus) or foot bones. (SEE “PARTIAL FOOT AMPUTATION”)
U (
back
to top)
V (back
to top)
vertical alignment:
voluntary-closing devices:
terminal devices that are closed by forces on a control cable; grasp is
proportional to the amount of pull on the cable.
voluntary-opening devices: terminal
devices that are opened by body motion and closed by elastic bands or springs.
W (
back to top)
WHO: Wrist-Hand Orthosis;
device that encompasses the wrist and hand.
wrist unit: component that
allows interchanging or repositioning of terminal devices.
