Terms

When you become a new amputee, you are introduced to a whole new vocabulary.  As you begin your rehabilitation, our hope is that the following terms and definitions allow you to better understand the information and improve communication with your physician, prosthetist, and therapist.  Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.

AE:  (above elbow) an above the elbow amputation.  Also known as a trans humeral amputation

AK:  (above knee) an above the knee amputation.  Also known as a trans femoral amputation.

APOPP:  an Adjustable Post-operative Protective Prosthesis

AMPUTATION:  the removal of all or part of a limb due to infection, disease, injury, or trauma.

BILATERAL:  a term describing a condition that affects both sides of the body

BE: (below elbow) a below the elbow amputation.  Also known as a trans radial amputation.

BK: (below knee) a below the knee amputation.  Also known as a trans tibial amputation

CHECK SOCKET:  a temporary socket used to "pre-fit" a prosthesis before it is made out of a stronger material that is difficult to adjust.  They can also be referred to as a test socket or diagnostic socket.

CONTRACTURE: tightening of the muscle(s).  Contractures in trans femoral amputees most commonly occurs in the hip muscles, or the muscles in the front of your hip.  If not managed properly, these muscles can quickly tighten up or become contracted, preventing full extension (straightening) of the hip joint and residual limb.  When these muscles are too tight, they can even prevent a person from walking correctly once they receive a prosthesis.  It is very important for you to periodically lie on your stomach, several times per day, to help keep these muscles stretched out.  Muscle tightness is a factor of time, so if you spend 70% of your time with your hips in a flexed position such as sitting in a reclined bed or a chair, the hip muscles will eventually become contracted.

COSMETIC COVERING:  foam material that is applied to your definitive prosthesis.

CP/CPO:  a Certified Prosthetist and/or Orthotist.  This is a professional certified through a national certification board.

DEFINITIVE PROSTHESIS:  a prosthesis that employs a more advanced and lighter-weight prosthetic components (feet, knees, etc).  It is usually the second or third prosthesis.

DISTAL END:  the furthest point away from your torso or the very end or bottom of your residual limb.

DOFFING: taking off the prosthesis

DONNNG:  putting on the prosthesis

ELBOW DISARTICULATION:  an amputation through the joint at the elbow without cutting any bone

GATE:  the process of walking

HEMI CORPORECTOMY:  the surgical procedure which cuts through the spine and removes the lower half of the body from the waist down.  Also called a trans lumbar amputation.

HEMI PELVECTOMY: the surgical removal of half of the pelvis and the leg on that side (through the sacroiliac joint)

HIP DISARTICULATOIN:  similar in scope to the hemi pelvectomy

KNEE DISARTICULATION: 

an amputation through the joint at the knee without cutting any bone.

LINER:  the innermost part of the socket that is padded.  The pan can be made of various materials such as gel or pelite.  The gels are usually silicone, urethane, or a thermoplastic elastomer.
*PLEASE LET YOUR PROSTHETIST KNOW OF ANY ALLERGIES TO THESE MATERIALS.*

PHANTOM SYMPTOMS:  the sensation that your amputated limb is still attached.  Phantom pain is usually when you foot, leg, arm, hand, etc hurts.  While for most people these symptoms subside within the first few months following amputation, some people continue to experience these sensations for much longer.  You may ask your physician about medications to treat phantoms symptoms  if yours are severe.

PREPARATORY PROSTHESIS:  the first prosthesis you will receive.  This prosthesis is temporary and usually lasts until it no longer fits properly.  It contains less expensive, low-tech prosthetic components.  Cosmetic covers are not usually permitted as they prevent frequent adjustments as your gate improves.

PROSTHESIS:  the artificial replacement of any portion of the body.

PROSTHETIST:  an individual who specializes in designing, fabricating, and fitting artificial limbs with the credentials CP or CPO.

PYLON:  a pole connecting the socket to the foot.

RESIDUAL LIMB: (stump) the remaining part of an amputated extremity

RRD: a Rigid Removable Dressing

SHRINKER:  tight, stretchable garments that reduce swelling of a residual limb following surgery.  Shrinkers are usually provided within 1-2 weeks after the amputation.  If you have vascular problems, you may need to continue wearing a shrinker long after preparatory prosthesis fit as it helps maintain a stable residual limb volume and ensures the prosthesis will fit properly each day.  Shrinkers are not provided to every new amputee as there are other post-operative treatments available.
*Shrinkers only eliminate post-operative swelling.  The only way to shrink the post-operative swelling is gone is to wear a well-fitting prosthesis.  Shrinkers may be worn at night to control daily or overnight volume fluctuations.*

SHOULDER DISARTICULATION:  an amputation through the joint at the shoulder without cutting bone.  Also called an inter scapular thoracic amputation.

SYMES AMPUTATION:  an amputation through the ankle joint that retains the fatty heel pad portion.

WRIST DISARTICULATION: 

an amputation through the wrist joint.  Also referred to as a trans carpal amputation