Glossary of Terms
A Codes: A measures of activity levels used in rehabilitation
Abduction: Moving a limb away from midline of the body
Above Knee (AK): A prosthesis or amputation above the knee, more commonly referred to as a Transfemoral amputation.
Achilles tendon: Prominent tendon at the back of the leg, behind the ankle
Acquired amputation: limbs surgically removed due to disease or trauma.
Adduction: Moving a limb toward the midline of the body or (digits) towards the axial line of a limb
Adherent scar tissue: Tissue stuck down, usually to bone.
Alignment Reference Line (ARL):
Alignment: Position of prosthetic socket in relation to foot and knee.
Ambulate: To walk.
Amputation: Removal of all or part of a limb.
Amputee: A person who has had all or part of a limb amputated, or was born without a limb or part of a limb .
Anaesthesia: Loss of feeling or sensation in all or part of the body
Ankle disarticulation; Symes: Amputation of the lower limb at the ankle joint.
Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO): Device that encompasses the lower leg and foot.
Anterior: Toward the front (ventral) part of the body.
Artificial Limb: A type of prosthesis that replaces a missing body part.
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.
Atrophy: The reduction in the size of a muscle, often from disuse.
Beach activity limb (BAL) Used for swimming and shower activity.
Below Elbow (BE): An amputation or prosthesis below the elbow; more commonly called a transradial amputation.
Below Knee (BK): An amputation or prosthesis below the knee more commonly called Transtibial.
Bilateral – “Both sides”: Both legs or both arms as in Bilateral Below Knee.
Bilateral lower limb amputation: Amputation of both lower limbs.
Bilateral Trans-humeral amputation: Amputation of both upper limbs between the shoulder joint and the elbow joint.
Bilateral Trans-radial amputation: Amputation of both upper limbs between the elbow joint and the wrist joint .
Biomechanics: The scientific study of body movement and forces.
Blatchford: UK service provider and supplier of components.
Bulbous: A residual limb that is large at the end, near the surgical site.
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 (colour coded) which allow the amputee to have different resistance levels.
Bursa: A small fibrous tissue sac filled with fluid formed as a result of prolonged pressure or friction.
Cadence: The speed at which one walks.
Calcaneus: Heel bone Callous; thickening of the skin.
Carpals: The bones between the metacarpals and the wrist.
Cast: Modification adding or removing material from the plaster model of a residual limb to improve the fit of the socket that will be made from that plaster model.
Cavus foot A foot with an unusually high arch
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.
Cervical vertebrae: The seven vertebrae of the neck :
Check socket: A temporary socket, usually transparent, made over the plaster model to aid in obtaining a proper fit, which is used to evaluate the socket fit before the fabrication of the definitive socket. Also called a test socket .
Child Amputee Prosthetics Project (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.
Chopart: A partial foot amputation leaving only the calcaneus and talus intact. Mid tarsal level.
Clavicle: The collar bone.
Clinical Support Technician: A technician who has limited contact with users.
Coccyx: Distal portion of vertebral column; the tail bone.
Comminuted Fracture: A fracture in which the bone is broken in more than two pieces. A crushing force is usually responsible and there is often extensive injury to surrounding soft tissue.
Compound fracture: A bone fracture which has broken through the skin.
Condyle: A rounded protuberance that occurs at the ends of some bones e.g. the occipital bone, and forms an articulation with another bone.
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 limb deficiency: Condition present at birth, when all or part of a limb fails to develop normally. condition present at birth, when all or part of a limb fails to develop normally .
Congenital: “Born with”, as with birth deformities.
Contoured Anterior Trochanyeric /Controlled Alignment Method (CAT/CAM): 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.
Contracture: A shortening of a muscle.
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 cosmesis are almost always covered by a cosmetic stocking.
Cosmetic cover: The protective external cover that gives an endoskeletal prosthesis a normal anatomical appearance.
Cosmetic prosthesis: A prosthesis that provides cosmetic replacements of a missing limb only, with little or no functional use.
Crepitus: A crackling sound or grating feeling produced by bone grating on bone or cartilage indicative of osteoarthritis.
Cross site amputation: Amputation of more than one limb including a lower limb and an upper limb.
Debridement: The process of cleaning an open wound by removal of foreign materials and dead tissue, so that healing may occur without hindrance.
Deficiency: State in which one or more bones of a limb are totally absent, partially absent or hypoplastic.
Definitive prosthesis: A 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. which, it is anticipated, the client will use for a long time.
Department of Health (DoH): The Department of Health provides health and social care policy. It works to improve the quality and convenience of care provided by the NHS and social services.
Digits: Refers to the amputation of one or more fingers or one or more toes.
Disability: The functional loss as a result of the impairment.
Disablemt Service Centre (DSC) Also know as a limb fitting centre. The DSC provides the artificial limb fitting service.
Disarticulation: Separation of two bones at a joint: an amputation through a joint: the hip, shoulder, knee, ankle, elbow, or wrist; no bone is cut.
Distal: Away from the trunk (median line of the body) : when referring to a limb, the part farthest from the body.
Doffing: The act of taking something off (a prosthesis, a stump sock, a stump shrinker).
Donning: The act of putting something on (a prosthesis, a stump sock, a stump shrinker).
Dorsal: Relating to or situated at or close to the back of the body or to the posterior part of an organ.
Dorset Orthopaedics: Private rehabilitation clinic in Dorset.
Dorsiflexion: The motion of the ankle joint that raises the foot. Pointing the toe/foot upward toward the body.
Drop foot: An inability to dorsiflex foot (raise the foot).
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.
Dynamic alignment: Adjusting the prosthetic components to suit the movement patterns of the client .
Dynamic Response Foot: A type of foot produced for the Endolite system that has mild energy storing properties.
Early prosthetic fitting: A procedure in which a temporary (preparatory) prosthesis is provided for the amputee immediately after removal of the sutures. (See IPOP) .
Edema: Collection of fluids causing swelling of the tissues (also spelled oedema).
Elbow disarticulation (ED): Amputation of the upper limb at the elbow joint.
Endolite: A type of limb system commonly supplied by the NHS utilising an endoskeletal system.
Endoskeletal prosthesis: One built more like a human skeleton with support and components on the inside and a cosmetic cover on the outside.
Endoskeletal: Endoskeletal means having an internal framework or chassis. A human is therefore endoskeletal as the skeleton is an internal framework. This is clearly a different situation from a crab which has an external framework – an exoskeletal construction.
Energy storing foot: A prosthetic foot designed with a flexible inner structure that flexes slightly during weight bearing and then releases its energy to help the prosthesis move forward.
Epicondyle: The protuberance above a condyle at the end of an articulating bone.
Ertl Procedure: A transtibial amputation technique in which bone is introduced between the tibia and fibula, so that they will be secured together for greater comfort and function.
Erythema: Abnormal flushing of the skin caused by dilation of the blood capillaries. Erythema may be produced by various conditions. It is often a sign of inflammation and infection. For example erythema nodosum is a disease of sudden onset characterised by fever, joint pains, and an eruption of painful swellings on the legs.
Eversion: To turn outward.
Exoskelatal Prosthesis: Modern exoskeletal prostheses are normally of a laminated construction where layers of fabric such as glass fibre and carbon fibre are incorporated into a resin under vacuum. Older designs of exoskeletal construction include shaped sheet aluminium alloy and wood.
Exoskeletal: Exoskeletal means having an external framework. A crab is therefore exoskeletal. This is different from a human for example, as a human skeleton is effectively an internal framework A human is therefore endoskeletal.
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.
Extension: The movement of a joint so that the bones comprising of the joint move away from each other, e.g. in knee extension the tibia and femur move away from each other, increasing the angle at the back of the knee
Femur: The Thigh long bone between the hip and the knee.
Femurette: Assessment tool, typically used by physiotherapists in the assessment of above knee amputees.
Fibula: Lateral bone of leg, from knee to ankle.
Flaccid: Relaxed or flabby : without muscle tone.
Flexion: The bending of a joint so that the bones comprising of the joint move towards each other, e.g. in hip flexion the femur and pelvis move closer together. Flexion contracture : A permanent muscular contraction due to spasm or fibrosis.
Folliculitis: Inflammation of hair follicles in the skin.
Foot Orthosis (FO): Foot Orthosis, also called “orthotics” or arch supports .
Forequarter amputation (Interscapulthorasic amputation): Amputation of the upper limb at the scapulo-thoracic and the sternoclavicular joints.
Fracture: Any break in a bone.
Functional Prosthesis: A prosthesis that provides a functional replacement for a missing limb. This may also provide cosmetic restoration.
Fusion: To grow together; as in a joint which grows together and no longer bends.
Gait training: The method of learning to walk properly using a lower limb prosthetic device.
Genu Valgum: Abnormal outward curving of the legs, resulting in separation of the knees .
Hand (mitt): Either passive or active (terminal) device used to replace the hand.
Handicap: The impact of the environment and circumstances on the individual’s disability .
Hard socket: A prosthetic socket made of rigid materials.
Heamatoma: A localized hemorrhage.
Heel strike: The moment when the heel makes contact with the floor at the end of the swing through phase.
Hemipelvectomy: Amputation above the hip joint in which part of the pelvis is removed
Hemiplegic: Paralysis of one side of the body.
Hemophilia: A medical condition in which bleeding does not stop in the normal manner.
Hip disarticulation (HD): Amputation of the lower limb at the hip joint, leaving the pelvis intact..
Hip Orthosis (HO) A brace which controls motion of the hip.
Hip-Knee-Ankle-Foot-Orthosis (HKAFO): An orthosis (brace) which supports the patient from the hip to the foot.
Humerus Bone: The bone from the shoulder to the elbow .
Hydraulic: A knee unit which provides controlled changes in the speed of walking.
Hyperextension: Angle of extension greater than normal.
Hypoplastic: Pertaining to a bone that is present, significantly diminished in size, but not severely changed in shape. N.B. The noun form is “hypoplasia”.
Iceross: Icelandic Roll on silicone socket. This is an off-the-shelf silicone socket. They come I a range of sizes that provide adequate fitting for most amputees. They are made of a softer type of silicone than a bespoke one and are subsequently less hard wearing.
Idiopathic: A medical term meaning “cause unknown” used to describe medical conditions of unknown origin.
Impairment: The temporary or permanent anatomical or physiological deficit:
In-patient: A patient admitted to a hospital or other medical facility.
Inflammation: Redness which may be accompanied by heat and swelling.
Interface: Inner surface of a prosthetic or orthotic device which is in contact with the patient’s skin.
Inversion: To turn inward.
Ischaemia: This term is applied to deficiency of blood supply to any part of the body, relative its local requirements.
Ischial containment sock (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 (I.T. bones): 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.
Juzo suspension: A means of suspending a prosthesis utilising a cylinder formed from an elasticated material that grips around the socket and is pulled over the knee.
Juzo: The special elasticated sock that is used to reduce swelling in your stump post amputation.
Knee components: Devices designed lo create a safe, smooth walking pattern.
Knee disarticulation (KD): Amputation of the lower limb at the knee joint.
Knee Disarticulation: An amputation through the knee joint, or a prosthesis for such amputation.
Knee Orthosis (KO): An orthosis which provides support to the knee.
Knee-Ankle-Foot-Orthosis (KAFO): An orthosis which provides support to both the knee and ankle .
Kyphosis: Spinal curvature in the thoracic spine; humpback:
L-Codes: Procedure codes for orthosis and prosthetics developed through the efforts of Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) and AOPA.
Lateral: Away from the midline of the trunk (body); as in the outside of the leg.
Lesion: Break in the skin, causing impaired function as a result of damage by disease or wounding .
Ligament: Connective tissue between bones.
Liner: A soft material interface between the stump (residual limb) and the prosthetic socket. Used for suspension, comfort and protection of the residual limb. Includes rigid, silicone and neoprene.
Longitudinal deficiency: Aberration of the formation of parts in the long axis of the limb so that some bones may be partially or totally absent.
Lordosis: Spinal curvature : often an exaggerated curve of the lumbar spine.
Lower limb wearer: Patients fitted with a prosthesis (artificial leg) for the lower limb.
Lower Limb: The hip, thigh, leg, ankle and foot (also referred to as lower extremity).
Lumbar spine: The five vertebrae between the pelvis and the ribs.
Lumbosacral Orthos (LSO): A brace which supports the lower back and pelvis (encompasses the lower torso).
Malleolus: A rounded bony prominence on eithr side of the ankle joint; the plural is malleoli.
Manipulation: Treatment by manual techniques.
Manual locking knee (MLK): A prosthetic knee component, which can be locked in extension for safety during ambulation, prevents buckling and falling : the lock is manually released when the amputee sits.
Medial: Toward the midline of the trunk (body), as in the inside of leg.
Metacarpal: The five long bones of the hand to which the fingers attach.
Metatarsals: The five bones of the foot to which the toes attach.
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.
Multi Flex Ankle: Ankle joint available in the Endolite system that provides movement to mimic that occurring in the anatomical ankle joint during gait cycle.
Multiaxial foot: A prosthetic foot that has motion in more than one plane. Allows inversion and eversion and rotation of the foot and is effective for walking on uneven surfaces.
Muscle: Tissue which has ability to contract when stimulated.
Musculoskeletal: Musculoskeletal refers to the system of muscles and bones in vertebrates. Includes the bones, joints, and surrounding soft tissue such as the skin, muscles, ligaments, and joint capsules.
Myodesis procedure: An amputation technique in which the cut muscles are secured to the bone so that they will perform better with less atrophy.
Myodesis: Muscles anchored to end of bone.
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.
Myoplasty: This is the plastic surgery of muscle, where a part of a muscle is partly detached and anchored to opposing muscles or used to repair tissue defects or deformities in the vicinity of the muscle.
Nerve: Tissue capable of transmitting impulses.
Neuroma: The benign tumour growing from the fibrous coverings of a peripheral nerve after amputation. It 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.
NHS Purchasing and Supplies Agency (PASA): The agency acts as a strategic advisor to the NHS on supply issues.
Non-union: A fractured bone which does not heal normally.
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.
Nueropathy: Any disease of the peripheral nerves, usually causing weakness and numbness.
Occupational Therapist (OT):Occupational therapists assess functioning in activities of everyday living that are essential for independent living, including dressing, bathing, grooming, meal preparation, writing and driving.
Occupational Therapy: Treatment to maximise independence and function in daily living. This includes evaluation and training.
Oedema: Excessive accumulation of fluid in the body tissues: popularly known as dropsy. The resultant swelling may be local, as with an injury or inflammation, or more general, as with heart or kidney failure.
opcare: UK service provider in orthotics and prosthetics.
Ortho Europe: Supplier of components.
Orthoses: The plural of orthosis (orthopaedic brace).
Orthosis: An orthopaedic brace or appliance. Usually a plastic or metal device used to straighten and/or Support a body part, improve function, or aid recovery.
Orthotics: The art and science of fitting orthoses (orthopaedic braces). Also a term for Foot Orthoses or arch supports. Also refers to the profession of providing orthotic services.
Orthotist: A professional practitioner who evaluates, designs, supplies, and fits orthotic braces.
Otto Bock: UK service provider and supplier of components.
Out-patient: A patient that is treated in a hospital without being admitted to a bed in a hospital ward.
PACE Rehab: Independent rehabilitation clinic based in Manchester.
Paralysis: Inability to use muscles because of nerve damage.
Paraplegia: Partial or complete paralysis of both legs.
Paraplegic: One who has paraplegia; paralyzed from the waist down.
Partial foot amputation: Amputation of the lower limb distal to the ankle joint.
Partial hand amputation: Amputation of the upper limb distal to the wrist joint.
Patella Tendon Super Condylar Socket(PTS socket): A type of socket for a below-knee amputees with trim lines, which provide suspension by enclosing the bones of the knee.
Patella: The lens shaped that forms the kneecap.
Pathology: The disease or trauma.
Pathomechanics: The scientific study of faulty body movement.
Peripheral vascular disease: Disease of the small blood vessels near the skin surface.
Pes Planus: A foot with a low or flat arch.
Phalanges: Fingers or toes.
Phantom limb pain: The feeling of pain in the missing limb. This pain may feel like stabbing, burning, squeezing or unnatural positioning.
Phantom limb sensation: Sensory awareness of the part of an amputated limb that is no longer present : a normal and non-painful condition.
Phantom Limb: The sensation that an arm or leg, or part of an arm or leg, is still attached to the body after it has been amputated. Pain may seem to come from the amputated stump. See phantom pain.
Physical Therapy: The evaluation and treatment of disease, injury or disability through the use of therapeutic exercises and modalities to restore function through strengthen muscles, improve range of motion and decrease pain.
Physiotherapist (PT): A therapist who specialises in physical methods of treatment to promote healing and return to health
Pistoning: When the residual limb (stump) pulls slightly into and out of the socket like a piston.
Planarflexed (planar flex): Means the toe is pointing down, toward the sole. Almost like pushing the gas pedal down and simulating that position or alignment.
Plantar: The bottom surface of the foot; the sole.
Planter Flexion: Is the bending of the toes (or fingers) downwards, towards the sole (or palm).
Plantigrade: Walking on the entire sole of the foot .
Pneumatic post amputation mobility aid (PPAM Aid): A tool typically used by physiotherapists for early mobilisation, alternatively it can be used as an assessment tool with a view to the likely hood of an individual progressing in rehabilitation with a prosthesis.
Pneumatic: A knee mechanism which provides controlled changes in the speed of walking.
Polycentric knee: A prosthetic knee component with more than one axis of rotation to increase knee stability. It is helpful for fitting amputees with long residual limbs because it improves cosmesis by minimizing the length of the thigh section.
Popliteus: The area at the back of the knee.
Post-operative prosthesis: A prosthesis which is fitted to the patient immediately following surgery .
Posterior: Toward the back of the body.
Prehension: To hold or grasp.
Preparatory (temporary) 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.
ProActive Prosthetics: Private rehabilitation clinic in Surrey.
Prognosis: Prediction of the medical outcome.
Proprioceptor: A specialised sensory nerve ending that monitors internal changes in the body brought about by movement and muscular activity. Proprioceptors located in muscles and tendons transmit information that is used to coordinate muscle activity.
Prostheses: The plural of prosthesis (artificial limb).
Prosthesis: An artificial body part or device which replaces a missing body part; an artificial limb.
Prosthetics: The profession of providing cosmetic and/or functional restoration of missing human parts.
Prosthetist: A professional person involved in the science and art of prosthetics; specializing in designing, fitting and fabricating artificial limbs.
Proximal: Situated close to the origin or close to the median line 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.
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.
Quadriplegia: Partial or complete paralysis of both the arms and legs.
Quadruple amputation: Amputation of all four limbs.
Radius: One of the two bones between the elbow and hand; the radius joins the hand nearest the thumb.
Range of motion (ROM): The extent of the ability to move a joint.
Ray: Metatarsal bone, or a metacarpal bone, and its corresponding phalanges.
Reciprocating Gait Orthosis (RGO): A Hip-Knee-Ankle-Foot-Orthosis (HKAFO) or Knee-Ankle-Foot-Orthosis (KAFO) that links the legs so that a paralyzed person is able to step forward to walk : crutches are commonly required for balance.
Residual limb (stump): That part of the limb which remains after amputation.
Rigid dressing: A cast or device applied after amputation, which controls swelling and reduces pain. 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.
RSLSteeper: UK service provider and supplier of components.
Scapula: The bone referred to as the shoulder blade
Scoliosis: Lateral curvature of the spine; S shaped spine.
Sheath: A thin nylon prosthetic sock (0 ply) that allows the stump to slip more easily into the socket.
Shoulder disarticulation (SD): Amputation of the upper limb at 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.
Silesian bandage or belt: A flexible belt which can be used to assist the suspension of a transfemoral prosthesis : “bandage” is used in the older sense of the word, meaning “something that binds” .
Silicone Cosmesis: A method of providing a more realistic cosmetic finish to a limb.
Single Axis foot: A prosthetic foot with only one pivot point which allows movement in one plane. 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 swinging knee with small amount of friction.
Sleeve: a tube of material that suspends the prosthesis, by sticking to the socket and thigh .
Socket: A 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.
Solid Ankle Cushion Heel (S.A.C.H. foot): A prosthetic foot that has no mechanical axis and simulate normal foot function by compression of the heel and flexibility of the toe.
Spasm: Involuntary muscle contraction.
Spastic: Subject to involuntary muscular contractions or spasms .
Spinal orthosis: Brace applied to all or part of the trunk, head and neck, and their intermediate joints.
Split hooks: A terminal devices with two hook-shaped fingers operated through the action of harness and cable systems.
Stance control knee: A prosthetic knee component with a mechanism which increases the safety and stability of the knee.
Stance control: Friction device with an adjustable brake mechanism to add stability.
Stance flexion: Mimics normal knee flexion at heel strike.
Static alignment: Alignment of the prosthesis or orthosis while the patient is standing but not walking.
Stockinette: A tubular pen-ended cotton or nylon fabric which is sometimes used to don a prosthetic socket.
Stroke: Rupturing of a blood vessel in the brain.
Stump shrinker: A compressive wrapping or elastic sock applied to the residual limb to prevent swelling and shape the limb, commonly used during the first postoperative months.
Stump sock: Wool or cotton sock worn over residual limb to provide a cushion between the skin and socket interface.
Stump: A word commonly used to refer to the residual limb, the remaining part of the limb after amputation. (SEE RESIDUAL LIMB)
Suction socket: A type of prosthetic socket that is held on the limb with negative pressure.
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.
Sulcus: Infoldings of soft tissue : groove.
Sum-epidermoidal Cyst: An abnormal sac or closed tract lined with epithelium and filled with liquid or semi-solid matter that lies beneath the epidermis.
Supercondular suspension: A method of holding on a prosthesis by clamping on the bony prominence above a joint, called “Condyles” .
Supracondylar Socket: The proximal trimline on a tenastibial socket are extended up around the knee to provide suspension around the femoral condyles and increases mediolateral stability about the knee.
Suspension sleeve: An elastic tubular sleeve that is pulled over the upper part of the prosthesis and then rolled up on the thigh once the prosthesis has been donned.
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.
Suspension: To hold up or suspend; used to describe the method of holding a prosthesis in place.
Swing phase: The process of the prosthesis moving from full flexion to full extension.
Symes: A disarticulation amputation through the ankle joint named for the physician who invented it; that retains the fatty heel pad portion for cushioning. The bulbous end of the limb is often able to bear weight. Also, a prosthesis for a Syme amputee.
T:Ring: An instantaneous electronic way of measuring.
Talus: The ankle bone. It forms part of the tarsus, articulating with the tibia above, with the fibula to the lateral (outer) side, and with the calcaneus below.
Tarsals: The bones between the metatarsals and the bones of the ankle joint and heel.
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 device: Term used to describe portion of upper extremity prosthesis which replaces the hand: a prosthetic hand or hook.
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.
Test socket: A temporary socket, usually transparent, made over the plaster model to aid in obtaining a proper fit, which is used to evaluate the socket fit before the fabrication of the definitive socket. Also called a check socket.
Thermoplastic: A type of plastic that can be heated and formed.
Thoracic vertebra: The 12 spinal vertebra to which ribs are attached.
Thoracolumbar-Sacral Orthosis (TLSO): A brace which supports the spine from pelvis to armpits.
Tibia: The larger and inner of the two bones of the lower leg, from knee to ankle joint : the shin bone.
Torso: The chest and abdominal area; the trunk.
Total contact: A socket design that provides contact with all parts of the residual limb.
Traction: External force used to pull a body member.
Trans-femoral (TF) amputation: Amputation of the lower limb between the hip joint and the knee joint.
Trans-humeral (TH) amputation: Amputation of the upper limb between the shoulder joint and the elbow joint.
Trans-metasatal (TM): A partial foot amputation through the metatarsal bones.
Trans-pelvic (TP) amputation: Amputation of the whole lower limb together with all parts of the hemipelvis, where approximately half of the pelvis is removed.
Trans-radial (TR) amputation: Amputation of the upper limb between the elbow joint and the wrist joint.
Trans-tibial (TT) amputation: Amputation of the lower limb between the knee joint and the ankle joint, dividing the shin bone.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Machine (TENS Machine): TENS is a method of electrical stimulation which primarily aims to provide a degree of pain relief (symptomatic) by specifically exciting sensory nerves and thereby stimulating either the pain gate mechanism and/or the opioid system.
Transfemoral Alignment: The orientation of a prosthetic socket in relation to foot and knee components in all three planes.
Transradial Bench alignment: The basic alignment of a socket and other components which is established before the prosthetist begins to align the prosthesis on the client
Transtarsal amputation: Through the tarsal (tarsus) or foot bones. (PARTIAL FOOT AMPUTATION.)
Transtibial (TT) Amputation below the knee
Transverse deficiency: Deficiency in which all bones distal to a transverse plane of the limb are totally absent.
Transverse: Situated at right angles to the long axis of the body.
Traumatic amputation: The removal of a limb as a result of an accident or injury.
Tremor: Involuntary shaking.
Triple amputation: Amputation of three limbs.
Ulcer: Lesion or opening of the skin.
Ulna: One of two bones between the elbow and hand : the ulna joins the hand nearest the little finger .
Unilateral: One side only; used to describe an amputee missing one extremity.
Upper extremity: Same as upper limb : having to do with the arms.
Upper Limb: The shoulder, arm, forearm, wrist, and hand (also referred to as the upper extremity)
Valgus: Describing any deformity that displaces the hand or foot away from the midline: Bent or angled outward. Clubfoot (talipes valgus) and Knock-knee (genu valgum).
Vascular amputation: Amputation surgery performed as a result of impaired blood circulation.
Vascular: Relating to or containing blood vessels.
Vertical alignment:
Voluntary-closing device: Terminal devices that are closed by forces on a control cable; grasp is proportional to the amount of pull on the cable.
Voluntary-opening device: Terminal devices that are opened by body motion and closed by elastic bands or springs.
Wrist disarticulation: Amputation of the upper limb at the wrist joint.
Wrist unit: An upper limb prosthetic component that allows the amputee to position the terminal device for optimum function.
Wrist-Hand Outhouses (WHO): An orthosis which supports the wrist and hand.
