5.1- Amputation Glossary of Terms Flashcards
Wearing away of the skin through rubbing or friction
Abrasion
An above the elbow amputation
AE
An above the knee amputation
AK
Stairs, ramps, curbs or anything which obstructs your walking or wheelchair mobility
Architectural barrier
A below the elbow amputation
BE
Refers to a person missing both arms or legs
Bilateral Amputee
A below the knee amputation
BK
A temporary socket, often transparent, made over the plaster model to aid in obtaining the proper fit
Check socket
Tightening of muscles around a joint which restricts the range of motion
Contracture
The process of making the residual limb less sensitive to touch by massaging, tapping or using a vibrator Buzzzzzzzz
Desensitization
A replacement for a missing limb, which meets accepted standards for comfort, fit, alignment, function, appearance and durability
Definitive Prosthesis
A local or generalized condition in which the body tissues contain an excess of fluid
Edema
A prosthesis which derives its strength from an internal structure (pylon); this design has a soft outer surface
Endoskeletal Prosthesis
A prosthesis which derives its strength from its outer structure, typically reinforced plastic; heavier but more durable than endoskeletal
Exoskeletal prosthesis
Learning how to walk with your prosthesis or prostheses
Gait training
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
Occupational therapist
An external device applied to limit or assist motion of any given part of the human body
Orthosis (Brace)
A skilled professional who fabricate orthotic devices which are prescribed by a physician
Orthotist
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
Partial Suction
Pain which seems to originate in the portion of the limb which was removed
Phantom Pain
The normal ghost image of the absent limb may feel normal at times and at other times, be uncomfortable
Phantom sensation
A doctor of rehabilitation medicine who specializes in the comprehensive management of patients with impairments and disabilities arising from neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and vascular disorders
Physiatrist
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
Physical therapist
Refers to the residual limp slipping up and down inside the prosthetic socket while walking
Pistoning
Thickness of prosthetic sock material; the higher the number the thicker the sock
Ply
More than one prosthesis
Prostheses
Any artificial part of the human body
Prosthesis
A skilled professional who fabricates a prosthesis prescribed by a physician
Prosthetist
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
Pylon
The amount of movement a limb has in a specific direction at a specific joint such as your hip or knee
Range of motion
The process of restoring a person who has been debilitated by a disease or injury to a functional life
Rehabilitation
The portion of the arm or leg remaining after the amputation; some people refer to it as a “stump”
Residual limb
Surgical modification of the residual limb
Revision
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
Social worker
Cup shaped form which fits inside the socket of a BK prosthesis
Soft insert liner
Soft liner built into a prosthetic socket to provide cushioning or permit muscle function
Soft socket
Provides instruction in returning to leisure activities
Therapeutic Recreation
This type of socket permits the prosthesis to be held on the residual limb by outside air pressure; may often eliminate straps and belts
Total suction socket
Moving from one position to another
Transfers
An amputation which is the result of injury
Traumatic amputation
