5.1- Amputation Glossary of Terms

Question 1

Wearing away of the skin through rubbing or friction

Answer 1

Abrasion

Question 2

An above the elbow amputation

Answer 2

AE

Question 3

An above the knee amputation

Answer 3

AK

Question 4

Stairs, ramps, curbs or anything which obstructs your walking or wheelchair mobility

Answer 4

Architectural barrier

Question 5

A below the elbow amputation

Answer 5

BE

Question 6

Refers to a person missing both arms or legs

Answer 6

Bilateral Amputee

Question 7

A below the knee amputation

Answer 7

BK

Question 8

A temporary socket, often transparent, made over the plaster model to aid in obtaining the proper fit

Answer 8

Check socket

Question 9

Tightening of muscles around a joint which restricts the range of motion

Answer 9

Contracture

Question 10

The process of making the residual limb less sensitive to touch by massaging, tapping or using a vibrator Buzzzzzzzz

Answer 10

Desensitization

Question 11

A replacement for a missing limb, which meets accepted standards for comfort, fit, alignment, function, appearance and durability

Answer 11

Definitive Prosthesis

Question 12

A local or generalized condition in which the body tissues contain an excess of fluid

Answer 12

Edema

Question 13

A prosthesis which derives its strength from an internal structure (pylon); this design has a soft outer surface

Answer 13

Endoskeletal Prosthesis

Question 14

A prosthesis which derives its strength from its outer structure, typically reinforced plastic; heavier but more durable than endoskeletal

Answer 14

Exoskeletal prosthesis

Question 15

Learning how to walk with your prosthesis or prostheses

Answer 15

Gait training

Question 16

A therapist who is concerned with teaching you how to perform activities of daily living such as feeding, grooming, bathing and dressing as independently as possible

Answer 16

Occupational therapist

Question 17

An external device applied to limit or assist motion of any given part of the human body

Answer 17

Orthosis (Brace)

Question 18

A skilled professional who fabricate orthotic devices which are prescribed by a physician

Answer 18

Orthotist

Question 19

Usually refers to the socket of an above the knee prosthesis which has been modified to allow the wearing of prosthetic socks while wearing the prosthesis

Answer 19

Partial Suction

Question 20

Pain which seems to originate in the portion of the limb which was removed

Answer 20

Phantom Pain

Question 21

The normal ghost image of the absent limb may feel normal at times and at other times, be uncomfortable

Answer 21

Phantom sensation

Question 22

A doctor of rehabilitation medicine who specializes in the comprehensive management of patients with impairments and disabilities arising from neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and vascular disorders

Answer 22

Physiatrist

Question 23

A therapist who is concerned with your gross motor activities such as transfers, gait training, and how to function with or w/o a prosthesis

Answer 23

Physical therapist

Question 24

Refers to the residual limp slipping up and down inside the prosthetic socket while walking

Answer 24

Pistoning

Question 25

Thickness of prosthetic sock material; the higher the number the thicker the sock

Answer 25

Ply

Question 26

More than one prosthesis

Answer 26

Prostheses

Question 27

Any artificial part of the human body

Answer 27

Prosthesis

Question 28

A skilled professional who fabricates a prosthesis prescribed by a physician

Answer 28

Prosthetist

Question 29

A rigid central shaft, usually tubular, that is attached to the socket or knee unit of an endoskeletal prosthesis; the lower end should be connected to a foot-ankle assembly; also used to refer to a simple temporary prosthesis

Answer 29

Pylon

Question 30

The amount of movement a limb has in a specific direction at a specific joint such as your hip or knee

Answer 30

Range of motion

Question 31

The process of restoring a person who has been debilitated by a disease or injury to a functional life

Answer 31

Rehabilitation

Question 32

The portion of the arm or leg remaining after the amputation; some people refer to it as a "stump"

Answer 32

Residual limb

Question 33

Surgical modification of the residual limb

Answer 33

Revision

Question 34

A professional who assists you by helping to coordinate your discharge from the hospital and oversees appropriate contact with other services or organizations; will help to facilitate your re-entry into family and community life

Answer 34

Social worker

Question 35

Cup shaped form which fits inside the socket of a BK prosthesis

Answer 35

Soft insert liner

Question 36

Soft liner built into a prosthetic socket to provide cushioning or permit muscle function

Answer 36

Soft socket

Question 37

Provides instruction in returning to leisure activities

Answer 37

Therapeutic Recreation

Question 38

This type of socket permits the prosthesis to be held on the residual limb by outside air pressure; may often eliminate straps and belts

Answer 38

Total suction socket

Question 39

Moving from one position to another

Answer 39

Transfers

Question 40

An amputation which is the result of injury

Answer 40

Traumatic amputation