Common Terms used in Prosthetics

Above-elbow (AE) Amputation

Amputation through the humerus between the shoulder joint and elbow joint, also referred to as transhumeral.

Above-knee (AK) Amputation

Amputation through the femur between the hip joint and knee joint, also referred to as transfemoral.

Acquired Amputation

The surgical removal of one or more limbs due to complications associated with disease or trauma.

Alignment

The position of the components of a prosthesis relative to one another and the user, ensuring proper function and comfort.

Assistive/Adaptive Device

A product that helps an individual perform an activity or assists with mobility, such as crutches, wheelchairs, or prosthetic limbs.

Below-elbow (BE) Amputation

Amputation of the upper limb between the elbow joint and wrist joint, also referred to as transradial.

Below-knee (BK) Amputation

Amputation of the lower limb between the knee joint and the ankle joint, also referred to as transtibial.

Bilateral Amputation

Amputation of both lower limbs or both upper limbs, left and right side involvement.

Body-Powered Prosthesis: A type of prosthesis that uses the user’s body movements to control the prosthetic limb, often through cables or harness systems.

Case Manager

A healthcare professional who helps coordinate insurance coverage, follow-up rehabilitation, prescriptions, and other aspects of recovery.

Congenital Amputation

the absence or partial absence of a limb at birth

Contracture

The development of soft-tissue tightness that limits joint motion and can impede prosthetic use if not addressed.

Contralateral

Originating in or affecting the opposite side of the body. For example, the contralateral side of the body refers to the side opposite to the amputation.

Desensitization

A process for reducing or removing sensitivity in the residual limb, often involving massaging, tapping, or applying vibration.

Disarticulation

Amputation directly through a joint, such as at the knee or wrist, as opposed to through the bone.

Distal

Situated away from the point of reference, typically used to describe the farthest parts of the limb (e.g., the fingers or toes).

Doffing

 The act of removing a prosthesis.

Donning

The act of putting on a prosthesis.

Edema

A type of localized swelling characterized by an excess of fluid in body tissues, often seen in the residual limb after surgery.

Gait

A manner of walking that is specific to each individual, influenced by the prosthesis and rehabilitation process.

Gait Training

Education and instruction provided by healthcare professionals to improve an individual’s walking pattern, particularly when using a prosthesis.

Grip Strength

 The force an amputee can exert using a prosthetic hand or arm, important for tasks like holding objects.

Harness

A system used to control body-powered prostheses, typically consisting of straps worn by the user.

Hydraulic Knee

 A type of prosthetic knee that uses hydraulic fluid to control the movement of the knee, often for more stable walking.

Interface

 The portion of the prosthesis that makes contact with the residual limb. This could be a liner, socket, or sleeve.

Inpatient Rehabilitation

 A rehabilitation process where an amputee stays at a hospital or care facility for intense therapy after amputation.

K-level

A classification system used by Medicare and other insurance companies to assess an individual's potential for using a prosthetic device, ranging from K0 (non-ambulatory) to K4 (high-impact activities)

Liner

An interface component that rolls onto the residual limb and provides a soft barrier between the skin and the prosthetic socket, often used as part of a suspension system to hold the prosthesis in place.

Maturation

In prosthetics, the process by which the shape and condition of the residual limb tissues stabilize and become less susceptible to fluctuation.

Myoelectric Prosthesis

A prosthetic limb controlled by electrical signals generated from the user's muscles, allowing more natural movement.

Neuroma

A mass of nerve endings in the residual limb, resulting from abnormal regrowth of nerves that are severed during amputation. It can cause pain or discomfort.

Occupational Therapist

A healthcare professional who helps individuals improve or develop skills necessary for daily living, often by teaching new techniques and adaptive strategies.

Orthotics

A health field concerned with the design, fabrication, and use of devices (like braces or splints) that support or correct the function of limbs or joints.

Osseointegration

A process where a prosthetic limb is directly attached to the bone via an implant, allowing for prosthesis use without a socket.

Phantom Limb Pain

Painful sensations that originate in the amputated portion of the limb, despite the limb no longer being physically present.

Phantom Limb Sensation

Non-painful sensations that make it feel as if the amputated limb still exists. This sensation can include itching, tingling, or the feeling of movement.

Physiatrist

A doctor of rehabilitation medicine who specializes in restoring function to individuals with physical impairments, including amputations.

Physical Therapist

A licensed healthcare provider trained to help individuals improve or restore movement, prevent injury, and reduce pain, often working on mobility after amputation.

Pistoning

Undesirable up-and-down motion of the residual limb inside the prosthetic socket, which can lead to discomfort and an improper fit.

Ply

The thickness of the sock material; a higher ply number indicates a thicker sock, which can help adjust fit or provide added comfort.

Prosthesis

An artificial device used to replace part or all of a missing limb, including the socket, pylon, and terminal device (e.g., foot, hand).

Prosthetist

An allied healthcare professional trained to manage comprehensive prosthetic patient care, including evaluation, prosthesis design, fabrication, fitting, and modifications.

Pylon

The central support structure of a prosthetic limb, often made of metal (titanium or aluminum) or carbon fiber, which connects the socket to the foot or hand.

Rehabilitation

A process designed to help individuals regain physical, sensory, intellectual, psychological, and social functionality after amputation or injury.

Residual Limb

The portion of the limb that remains after amputation. The fit of the prosthesis is typically customized based on the shape and condition of the residual limb.

Revision

Surgical remodification of the residual limb, typically done when the limb shape changes over time or there is a need for a better fit with a prosthesis.

Shrinker

A compression garment, sock, or liner designed to reduce swelling and help shape the residual limb, often used in the early stages after amputation.

Social Worker

A professional who offers counseling and support services to patients and their families, helping to navigate the emotional, financial, and social challenges of amputation and recovery.

Socket

The prosthetic component that serves as the container for the residual limb. It’s custom-fitted and plays a key role in the comfort and function of the prosthesis.

Suspension System

A system used to secure the prosthesis to the residual limb. This can include suction, pin-and-lock, or harness systems.

Terminal Device

The part of a prosthesis that replaces the function of a hand or foot, such as a prosthetic hand, hook, or foot.

Test Socket

A temporary, adjustable socket used to assess the fit of a prosthesis before creating a permanent socket. It helps in refining the prosthetic design.

Transradial

Amputation of the upper limb between the elbow joint and wrist joint, also referred to as below-elbow amputation.

Transfemoral

Amputation through the femur between the hip joint and knee joint, also referred to as above-knee amputation.

Transtibial

Amputation of the lower limb between the knee joint and the ankle joint, also referred to as below-knee amputation.

Transhumeral

Amputation through the humerus between the shoulder joint and elbow joint, also referred to as above-elbow amputation.

Volume Fluctuation

The swelling and shrinking of residual limb tissue, which can change throughout the day and affect prosthetic fit.

Weight Bearing

The act of accepting and transferring weight in a prosthetic socket, often referring to the prosthetic limb's role in supporting body weight while standing or walking.