Amputee:

The key to self-advocacy is good communication and personal knowledge. The following list to definitions is offered to help you understand some of the medical jargon you may come across. This is not intended to be all-inclusive, but rather a primer of information. Remember to ask for clarification OT things you do not understand.

• alignment = position of prosthetic socket in relation to foot and knee.
• amputation = the loss or absence of all or part of a limb.
• acquired amputation = limbs surgically removed due to disease or trauma.
• congenital deficiancy = condition present at birth, when all or part of a limb fails to develop normally.
• 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.
• check socket/test socket = a trial socket, often transparent, made to evaluate comfort and fit prior to final prosthesis design.
• control cable = steel cable used to move and lock mechanical joints and to operate body-powered prostheses.
• cosmetic cover = a plastic foam or rubber material, laminate or stocking that gives a prosthetic device a more natural appearance.
• definitive prosthesis = the finished prosthesis that meets accepted clinical standards for comfort, fit, alignment, function, appearance and durability.
• edema = swelling of the tissues.
• endoskeletal = prosthesis that consists of a lightweight plastic or metal tube encased in a foam cover.
• exoskeletal = prosthesis made of plastic over wood or rigid foam.
• energy-storing feet = prosthetic feet with plastic springs or carbon fibers designed to help move the prosthesis forward.
• immediate post-surgical fitting (IPSF) = application of a cast/rigid dressing immediately after surgery and gradual weight bearing on a preparatory prosthesis 2 or 3 days after surgery.
• knee components = devices designed to create a safe, smooth walking pattern.
• single axis = free singing knee with small amount of friction.
• stance control = friction device with an adjustable brake mechanism to add stability.
• polycentric = multiple-axis joint, particularly useful with a very long residual limb.
• manual locking = device that locks the knee in complete extension to prevent buckling and falls.
• myoelectric prosthesis = uses electrodes mounted within the socket to receive signals from muscle contraction to control a motor in the terminal device, wrist rotator or elbow
• pneumatic/hydraulic = provides controlled changes in the speed of walking.
• occupational therapy/OT = evaluation and training to maximize independence and function in daily living.
• orthosis/brace = a device used to straighten and/or Support a body part, improve function, or aid recovery.
• 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.
• 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.
• prosthesis = an artificial replacement for a body part.
• preparatory prosthesis = a short-term prosthesis, 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.
• prosthetist = a patient-care practitioner who evaluates, designs, fabricates and fits artificial limbs.
• residual limb = portion of limb remaining after amputation, sometimes referred to as a stump.
• rigid dressing = a cast applied soon after amputation to control swelling and pain; used to promote shrinkage and shaping of the residual limb in preparation for a prosthetic fitting.
• socket = portion of prosthesis that fits around residual limb/stump and to which prosthetic components are attached.
• stump = portion of limb remaining after amputation.
• 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.
• suspension = refers to how the orthosis/prosthesis is held on; may include suction, a strap or belt, a wedge, a neoprene sleeve or other method.
• terminal devices = devices attached to the wrist unit of an upper extremity prosthesis that provide some aspect of the function (grasp, release, cosmesis, etc.).