Glossary of Terms
We understand that it can be overwhelming or confusing to tackle something new, especially when it comes to your body and health. To make your time with us easier, we have compiled a list of terms we commonly use in the orthotics and prosthetics world. We hope that this will be helpful to you as you embark on this challenge.
If at any time you have questions about terminology or your treatment plan, please don’t hesitate to ask us.
Amputation
The surgical removal of all or part of a limb due to disease or injury
AE Amputee
Above-elbow, or transhumeral, amputee
AK Amputee
Above-knee, or transfemoral, amputee
BE Amputee
Below-elbow, or transradial, amputee
BK Amputee
Below-knee, or transtibial, amputee
Bilateral Limb
Loss involving two limbs.
Body image
Awareness and perception of one’s body related to both appearance and function
Chopart
Also known as a partial foot amputation
Congenital Limb Deficiency
An absent, shortened or abnormal limb present at birth
Disarticulation
Amputation through the joint – i.e., hip, wrist, shoulder, knee, etc.
Extremity
Relating to arm or leg
Gait
Referring to the manner or style of walking.
Hip Disarticulation
Amputation of entire lower limb at hip level, or ischial tuberosity, also called the ischial bone or ischium; located in the pelvis and used for weight-bearing
Lower extremity (LE)
Relating to the leg
Myoelectric
Type of upper extremity prosthesis that uses biofeedback to control the function
Orthosis/ Orthotic
A brace/device that is used to straighten and provide support to a limb or the spine (plural: orthoses)
Orthotist
One who fits braces and devices designed to straighten or support extremities/spine.
Partial Foot
Amputation through any part of the foot leaving the ankle intact.
PFFD Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency
Shortened femur bone
Preprioception
A sense of the location/orientation of one’s limb in space.
Prosthesis/ Prosthetic
An artificial replacement for a body part (plural: prostheses)
Prosthetist
One who fits and makes prostheses.
Quadrilateral
Limb loss involving four limbs
Residual Limb
Description of remaining limb from joint to amputation siteSocket
Part of the prosthesis that encapsulates the residual limb
Symes
Amputation through the ankle
Transpelvic
Amputation of entire lower limb, plus a portion of the pelvic bone; may also be referred to as a hemipelvectomy
Trilateral
Limb loss involving three limbs
Upper extremity (UE)
Relating to the arm
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