P&O Glossary
Welcome to OrtoPed's P&O glossary. We hope this page will prove a valuable tool for you and your patients. This glossary defines words commonly used by P&O professionals; however, it is not intended as a complete dictionary of P&O terms. Please feel free to reach us with your questions or comments at 1.800.363.8726 or by e-mailing us.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X
A
Acetabulum
Concave socket in pelvis, receiving hip joint
Acquired Amputation
Limbs that were surgically removed due to disease or trauma
Adaptive Devices
Devices for specific functions (can be attachment to tools, sporting equipment, utensils, etc.) - (bought or custom made)
Abduct
To move (a limb) away from the midline of the body
Abducted Gait
Walking with legs spread away from the midline of the body
Adduct
To move (a limb) toward the midline of the body
A-P
Anterior - Posterior, from front to back
ADL's
Aids to Daily Living
AE
Above-Elbow
AFO's
Ankle-Foot Orthoses - braces (Short Leg Brace)
AK
Above-Knee
Alignment
A triplanar positioning of the prosthetic socket in relation to foot and knee
Ambulation
Walking, human gait
Amputee
A person who has lost all or part of a limb or was born without a limb
Amelia, Phocomelia
A medical term for congenital absence of a limb or partial absence of limbs
Amputation
The loss or absence of all or part of a limb due to infection, injury, disease, trauma
Amputation abbreviations:
AE Above-Elbow
AK Above-Knee
BE Below-Elbow
BK Below-Knee
HC Hemi-Corporectomy
HD Hip-Disarticulation
HP Hemi-Pelvectomy
KD Knee-Disarticulation
SD Shoulder-Disarticulation
TK Through Knee
WD Wrist-Disarticulation
Anti-microbial
Ability to eliminate bacteria, therefore controlling odors, dermatitis and rashes
Arthritis
Acute or chronic joint inflammation
ASIS/A.S.I.S
Anterior superior iliac spine
Assistive / Adaptive Equipment
Devices that assist in function, performance, daily living or mobility, specially designed devices
Ataxia
A form of CP, inability to perform coordinated muscular movements
Atrophy
Diminishing of size and strength of muscles that are no longer used, as a result of nonuse, amputation, or paralysis
Axillary Crutch
Type of crutch that fits up under the armpit of the user. Sometimes called the "underarm" crutch
B
BE
Prosthesis after amputation below the elbow
Biceps
Muscle on upper arm that bends the elbow
Bilateral Amputee
Refers to an amputee that has lost either two upper or lower limbs or part of
Biomechanics
The study of the body ambulating, without deformities. Science combining biology and mechanics
Bi-Scapular Abduction
Prosthetic motion of bringing both shoulders forward simultaneously
BK
Prosthesis after amputation below the knee
Body Jacket
American term for symmetrical spinal orthoses
Bone Spur
Protrusion of bone
C
CAD CAM
Computer aided design, Computer aided manufacture
Calcaneous
Heel bone
CAPP Cookie Cruncher
Can be body-powered or a manual device named for the Child Amputee Prosthetics Project at UCLA, its purpose was designed to promote gross motor functioning and early grasp
Cadence
Walking speed
Canadian Crutch
Type of crutch that has metal or plastic sleeves that wrap around the forearm of the user. Also called "forearm" crutch
Cavus Foot
Foot with a very high arch
Cerebral
Related to the cerebrum, brain
Cerebral Palsy
Loss of neural muscle control by congenital brain damage
Check Socket / Test Socket
A trial socket, usually transparent, made to evaluate fit and comfort of a prosthesis or orthosis prior to final design
Chopart Amputation
Tarsal (Partial) foot amputation at the chopart joint line
CMT - Hypertrophic
Peripheral nerve fibers are thickened, myelin sheath breaks down
CMT - Neuronal
The axon or central part of the nerve cell deteriorates
Condyle
Massive rounded end of bone, basis for forming a joint surface
Congenital
From birth
Congenital Amputee
Refers to a defect from birth, "the baby was born without a hand"
Congenital Defiency
A condition present at birth, when all or part of a limb fails to develop normally
Control Cable
Stainless Steel cable used to move and to operate a body-powered prostheses. Can also lock and unlock mechanical joints
Coolmax
DuPont manufactured and trademarked yarn. Helps to wick moisture away from the skin and allows material breathability
Cosmesis
Appearance
Cosmetic Cover
Can be a foam or rubber material, a hard laminate, sprayed or rolled on protective skin, or prosthetic nylon stocking that gives a prosthetic device a more natural appearance
CVA
Cerebral Vascular Accident, stroke
D
Delrin
Plastic Material
Deformity
Abnormal alignment
Definitive
The finished prosthesis
Diabetes Mellitus
Carbohydrate metabolism disorder
Diplegia
Paralysis affecting both sides of the body
Disarticulation
Limb is amputated through the joint
Doffing
Taking the prosthesis off
Donning
Putting the prosthesis on
Dorsiflexion
To flex the foot upward, lifting forefoot
Durometer
Hardness, stiffness
Dystrophy
Pathologic loss of muscle mass
E
Edema
Swelling of the tissues
Endo
The rigid support structure is on the inside
Endoskeletal
Pylon prosthetic components covered by external cover
Energy-Storing Feet
Prosthetic feet that adds life to the step, a material is usually deflected upon weight bearing and the foot springs back designed to help move the prosthesis forward with less energy
Epicondylitis
Inflammation of the elbow (tennis)
Equinovalgus
Combined foot drop and valgus (tilt angle away from midline) deformity
Equinovarus
Combined foot drop and varus (tilt angle towards midline) deformity
E.V.A.
Ethylene Vinyle Acetate
Eversion
Turning foot outward and up
Exoskeletonal
The rigid support structure is on the outside
Extension Assist
Spring, strap or some means of assisting joint extension
Extension Stop
Bumper or other means of extension limitation
Extensor
Muscle causing extension
Extremity
Limb
F
Femur
The bone in the thigh region
Fibula
Small support bone next to the tibia in the calf
Flat Foot
Foot deformity, loss of medial longitudinal arch height
Flexion
To bend a joint
FO
Foot orthosis
Forequarter
Amputation of shoulder girdle
G
Gait
Ambulating, walking
Gait Training
Learning to walk
Galvanization
Surface protection of metals
Gel
Man made or natural material with consistency similar to gelantine
Genu
Knee
Geriatric
Elderly, old
H
Hallux
Big toe
Hand / Mitt
Either passive or active (terminal) device used to replace the hand
Hard Socket
A prosthetic socket made of rigid materials
HC
Hemi-Corprectomy
HD
Hip-Disarticulation
Heel Spur
Bony protrusion at the distal-medial aspect of calcaneous
Hemi-Corporectomy
Amputation of both hips, and lower spine, usually the lumbar spine
Hemi-Pelvectomy
Amputation surgery removing one half of the pelvis including the extremity on that side (usually for cancer)
Hindfoot
Posterior 1/3 of foot (heel and tarus)
Hip Spica
Wrap applied to pelvis and leg
HKAFO
Hip-Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthosis; device that encompasses the joints described
HO
Hip Orthosis
HP
Hemi-Pelvectomy
Humerus
Bone in upper arm
Hypotonia
Loss of muscle tone, and consequently muscles may be stretched beyond their normal limits
I
Idiopathic
Latin word for "I don't know," unknown cause
Ilium
The medial or lateral bone in the pelvis
Immediate Post-Surgical Fitting (IPSF)
Application of a protective cast/rigid dressing immediately after surgery
Initial Prosthesis
First one
Interface
Inner surface of socket, Contact surface between body part and O&P device
Inversion
Turning foot inward and down
Ischial
Related to the seat bone
Ischium
Seat bone
J
Jig
Alignment transfer and clamping tool
K
KAFO
Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthosis - device that encompasses all the joints described which would include the entire leg
Keel
Inner component of prosthetic feet
KD
Knee-Disarticulation
Krukenburg Procedure
Surgical splitting of the lower forearm longitudinally into two parts to improve function by providing a sensate wedge grip. They are more common in Europe, and used for long bilateral transtibial amputees that are blind
KO
Knee Orthosis
L
Laminate
Lay-up of resins and composite reinforcements
Ligaments
Tissue that connects bone to bone
Liner
Unique interface rolled over the stump used for skin protection, comfort and suspension
Lordosis
Spinal lumbar curve, when viewed from posterior concave shaped
Lower Extremity
Lower limb
LSO
Lumbo Sacral Orthosis; device that encompasses the lumbosacral region. It can be soft or hard or combination of both
Lumbar Spine
Five vertebra in the lower back
M
Manual Locking Knee
Device that automatically locks the knee when brought in complete extension to prevent buckling and falls
Metacarpals
Bones in the middle of the hand
Metatarsals
Bones in the middle of the foot
Mid Stance
During gait cycle middle of stance phase
Mid Swing
During gait cycle middle of swing phase
Muscular Atrophy
Wasting of the muscles due to diseased or injured nerves
Muscular Dystrophy
Wasting of the muscle due to a defect in the muscle itself
Myelin Sheath
Fatty outer covering the surrounds the nerve
Myodesis Procedure
Performed during an amputation, by sewing the opposing bundles of cut muscle tissue to small holes drilled into the end of the bone of the residual limb. Adds to performance of the muscles since it is a more secure attachment for the muscles to act on and also helps to prevent future atrophy
Myoelectric Prosthesis
Is a electrically controlled prosthesis that uses electrodes mounted within the socket to receive electrical signals from the muscle contraction to control a motor in the terminal device, wrist rotator or elbow, there are different types
Myoplasty Procedure
Performed during an amputation, by connecting the opposing bundles of cut muscle tissue together. It adds good protection to the end of the cut bone and to prevent future atrophy
N
Neuromas
Ball or network of exposed nerve underlying the skin
Night Splint
Orthosis allowing postural correction during sleep
Nudge Control
A prosthetic mechanical switch control that operates one or more joints of the prosthesis
O
Occupational Therapy / OT
Evaluation and training to maximize independence and function in daily living, specializing in upper extremity
Orthotics
The profession of Orthopedic Appliances, braces
Orthosis / Brace
An orthopedic appliance or device used to prevent deformities,contractures, straighten, protect and/or support a body part. May also improve function, or aid recovery
Orthoses
The plural of orthosis
Orthotist
Practitioner of Orthotics, ABC certified preferred; 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
Palsy
A condition marked by loss of power to feel or to control movement in the effected part of the body
Patella
Knee cap
Pathomechanics
Is biomechanics gone bad, with deformity
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Disease of the blood vessels
Peroneal Muscle
Located on the outside of the leg below the knee to the ankle. These muscles assist to raise the foot during walking
Pes Planus
Foot with little or no arch, collapse of arch
Phantom Limb
Sensing the presence of the limb that has been amputated
Phantom Pain
Feeling pain in the part of extremity that has been amputated
Phocomelias
Refers to a missing segment or under developed, "the baby was born with out a femur" - usually presents itself as very small, deformed versions of normal limbs
Physical Therapy / PT
The rehab specialist, 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
When a liner stretches so that the stump elongates
Plantarflexion
To extend or point the foot downward
Pneumatic / Hydraulic
Air filled units provides controlled changes in the speed of walking
Polycentric
Multiple-axis joint
Post-Op Rigid Dressing
A protective cast applied in surgery or very soon after amputation to control swelling and pain; used to promote shrinkage and shaping of the residual limb in preparation for a prosthetic fitting
Prehension
To hold, grasp or pinch
Preparatory prosthesis
A short-term prosthesis, usually 2-6 months, generally without cosmetic finishing, which is provided in the early phase of fitting to expedite prosthetic wear and use; it also aids in the evaluation of amputee adjustment and component selection
Prosthetics
The profession of Artificial Limbs
Prosthesis
An artificial replacement for a body part that is missing
Prostheses
Plural of prosthesis
Prosthetist
Practitioner of Prosthetics - A patient-care practitioner who evaluates, designs, fabricates and fits artificial limbs
Q
Quadriplegia
Partial or complete paralysis of all four extremities
R
Range of Motion
(ROM) limits of a joint
Residual Limb
The portion of limb remaining after amputation, sometimes referred to as a stump
RGO
Reciprocating Gait Orthosis - special HKAFO that mechanically allows paralyzed persons to walk step over step; generally used with crutches or sometimes a walker for balance
Rigid Dressing
See Post-Op Rigid Dressing
S
SACH Foot
"Solid Ankle, Cushion Heel" prosthetic foot , Prosthetic foot without any mechanical joints providing a heel wedge cushion
Sacrum
Connector to iliac bones of the pelvis, basis of vertebral column
Sagittal Plane
Reference plane seen from the side (not frontal, not horizontal)
Scapular Abduction
Pushing one shoulder forward in prosthetic motion control
Scoliosis
Spinal disease, vertebral rotation, column rotation
SD
Shoulder-Disarticulation
Shank
Lower leg
Sheath
Very thin stump sock made of nylon
Shear
Motion/force in soft tissue trapped between two harder surfaces
Silesian Belt or Bondage
Suspension belt used in lower extremity prosthetics
Single Axis
A prosthetic knee that rotates around a single pivot
Single Axis Foot
Prosthetic foot with only plantar-dorsiflexion axis
Socket
Portion of prosthesis that the residual limb/stump fits into and to which prosthetic components are attached
Soft Inner Liner
Can be made of closed cell foam, silicone, gel, leather, other materials for cushioning the residual limb. They are used between the socket and the residual limb
Soft Socket
Inner socket liner of foam, rubber, leather, other material for cushioning the residual limb
Spina Bifida
Paralysis caused by congenital defect of spinal column
Spinal Column
Vertebral column, backbone
Splay Foot
Foot deformity, flattening of anterior transverse arch
Split Hooks
A type of terminal device with two hook-shaped fingers operated through the action of harness and cable systems. Many different varieties designed for different functions
Stance
Act of standing
Stance Control
A braking or locking mechanism within a prosthetic knee unit to add stability and to prevent buckling of the knee when weight is transferred onto the prosthesis
Stance Phase
Phase of gait cycle where leg is in ground contact
Stockinette
Tubular open-ended cotton or nylon material that comes in different sizes. It is used for casting, interface, and fabrication processes
Stump / Residual Limb
The portion of limb remaining after amputation
Stump Shrinker
A compression sock worn on a residual limb to reduce swelling and shape the limb. An elastic wrap (Ace) when wrapped properly makes the best shrinker
Stump Sock
Wool, cotton, or blended materials used as a sock worn over residual limb to provide a cushion between the skin and socket interface. They come in different sizes, shapes and thicknesses called plys
Subtalar Joint
Joint between talus and calcaneous allowing inversion/eversion of foot
Suction
A system that provides suspension by means of negative pressure or a vacuum in a socket. This is achieved by forcing air out of the socket through a one-way valve when donning and using the prosthesis
Suction Socket
A socket on an artificial leg that is held to the residual limb by the suction of negative pressure maintained within the socket
Suspension
Usually refers to how the prosthesis is held on and sometimes the orthosis; which may include suction, a strap or belt, a wedge, a silicone or neoprene sleeve or other method
Suspension Sleeve
Type of prosthetic suspension, to hold on a prosthesis, made of different materials
Switch Control
A manual use of electric switches to control and operate an electric elbow, wrist rotator or terminal device (hand)
Symes
Type of amputation at the level of the ankle. It is a type of ankle disarticulation where the maleoli are reduced to make a less bulbous distal end. Most often done on a two stage operation
T
Talus Joint
Joint between Talus and Shank (Lower Leg) of Foot (Tibia, Fibula, Talus)
Tendon
Tissue which connects muscles to bones
Tennis Elbow
Inflammation of the elbow (Epicondylitis)
Terminal Devices
Hand, hook, or special attachment to be attached to the wrist unit of an upper extremity prosthesis. Many different varieties are designed for different functions. (grasp, release, cosmesis, etc.)
Thermoplast
Plastic material reshapeable with heat applied
Thermoplastic
Heat moldable plastic material
Thermosetting
Cure under heat dissipation
Thorax
Trunk, rib cage
Thoracic
Related to trunk, rib cage
Tibia
Shin bone
Tibial Condyle
Proximal end of tibia
Tibial Crest
Anterior edge of tibia
TK
Through knee
TLSO
ThoracoLumbar-Sacral Orthosis, any orthotic device that encompasses the entire torso. A bodyjacket is considered a TLSO
Toe Box
Space provided for the toes in a shoe
Total Contact
Total contact between the limb and the socket at all points
Transfemoral (TF)
Amputation above the knees, through the thigh bone
Transhumeral
Amputation above the elbow
Transradial
Amputation below the elbow
Transtibial (TT)
Amputation below the knee
Traumatic Amputation
A spontaneous removal of a limb
Transverse Plane
Horizontal reference plane, reference plane as seen from the top
Trocanter
Bony protrusion lateral-proximally at the femur, muscle insertion point
U
Upper Extremity
Upper limb
Upright
Vertical side bar
V
Valgus
Tilt/angle away from midline of body
Varus
Tilt/angle toward midline of body
Vascular Amputation
Amputation surgery performed due to impaired circulation of blood through the blood vessels of the limb
Visco-Elastic
Displaying properties of liquids
Volume Fluctuation
Swelling and shrinking
Voluntary-Closing Devices
A type of terminal device that when relaxed is in the open position and is closed on an object by a conscious effort by pulling on the control cable
Voluntary Control
Ablility of user to control mechanical parts of the prosthesis
Voluntary-Opening Devices
A type of terminal device that is opened by a conscious effort by pulling on the control cable with body motion and closed by elastic bands
Vulcanization
Curing rubber in a heat process
W
WD
Wrist-Disarticulation
Weight Bearing
Accepting weight
WHO
Wrist-Hand Orthosis is a device that encompasses the wrist and hand. They can be static or dynamic devices
Wicking
The ability to move moisture away from the skin, to keep the skin dry and comfortable
Wrist Unit
Attaches terminal devices onto the prosthesis. There are different types used in upper extremity prosthetics. Some allows quick interchanging or repositioning of terminal device
X
X-Static
Yarn manufactured and trademarked by Noble Fibers, made of 99.9% pure silver. Silver is a natural anti-microbial, therefore helping to control odors, dermatitis and rashes
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