Resources

1400 E. Pike St.
Seattle, WA 98122

+1 206 324 1222Telephone:
+1 206 324 0070FAX:
E-mail: office@aalimb.com

Terminology...

Information for Referring Providers

Please contact our office staff to request prescription pads for the purpose of referring your patients to us for prosthetic/orthotic care.  A complimentary evaluation will be scheduled that is convenient for your patient and we will communicate our plan with you. 

We enjoy a team approach to solving your patient’s particular needs. Consultations can be arranged in your office, at a hospital, or in our clinic.

Call or email us at any time.

P & O Terminology

AFO: (Ankle Foot Orthosis) A brace designed to control motion at the ankle, encompassing the lower leg.

Alignment: The relationship between the socket and the foot or other applicable components.
 
Atrophy: The wasting away of muscle due to a lack of use.

Check (test) socket: A preliminary socket usually made of clear plastic used to evaluate the accuracy of the socket design to the residual limb.  It could also be used to determine the comfort or alignment of the socket prior to fabricating the definitive prosthesis.

Contracture: When the muscles around a joint shorten or tighten, restricting range of motion.

Control cable: Used in upper extremity prosthetics, in combination with some type of harnessing.  It allows the patient to use available body movements to control the prosthesis.

Definitive prosthesis: The device fabricated for the patient following a thorough fitting and alignment process.

Elevated vacuum suspension: (negative pressure) The prosthesis is suspended by creating and maintaining a vacuum environment using a mechanical or battery powered, sensor controlled pump.  Reported advantages include improved suspension, increased proprioception and decreased residual limb volume fluctuations.

Endoskeletal prosthesis: Design of a prosthesis such that the modular components are covered by a soft foam cover shaped like the limb it is replacing.  The systems allow for future adjustments or servicing of components.

Exoskeletal prosthesis: Design of a prosthesis consists of a hard outer laminate shell.  The shell acts as both the structure and the cosmesis of the prosthesis.  It is more durable, but generally heavier than the endoskeletal design.

Gel socket insert: This acts as a protective interface between the residual limb and the hard surface of the prosthetic socket.  Often referred to as a: “gel liner,” “silicone liner,” “locking liner,” or “cushion liner.”  In the case of a locking liner, it is used in conjunction with a lock mechanism located within the socket which acts as a means of suspending the prosthesis on the residual limb.  When using a cushion liner some other means of suspension is necessary.

IPOP: (Immediate Post-operative Prosthesis) This device is used immediately following an amputation surgery, usually applied in the operating room.  It consists of a rigid dressing and if appropriate, a foot and pylon.  It accomplishes several objectives: 1. Control edema, 2. Maintain range of motion, 3. Protect the wound site, 4. As a psychological benefit, readies the patient for prosthesis use.  The rigid dressing is usually changed every 7 to 14 days to accommodate changes in edema and to check status of surgery site.

Phantom limb pain: Pain that seems to be coming from a limb that is no longer there, typically a burning or crushing sensation.

Phantom limb sensation: The feeling that the amputated limb is still intact.

Preparatory prosthesis: (also intermediate prosthesis) Used if residual limb volume or flexion contractures are anticipated to change in the near future.

Prosthetic sock: (also stump sock) A knitted sock of varying thicknesses and shapes used an interface between the residual limb and the socket or to compensate for lost volume, maintaining an appropriate fit.

Pylon: Pipe-like component often used to connect the prosthetic socket to the foot.

Socket: The term used when referring to the component of a prosthesis that contains the residual limb.  This must be custom made.  Various designs and fitting principles are employed depending on the level of amputation, activity, means of suspension, body shape, etc.

Stump shrinker: Shrinkers are used to prevent, control or reduce swelling of the residual limb often following surgery.  Donning instructions should be provided by your clinician.

Suction suspension: A method of suspending the prosthesis using negative air pressure.  The socket can be sealed around the residual limb directly against the skin using an expulsion valve or sealing above the socket using a sleeve.

Suspension sleeve: One method of suspending a prosthesis, typically a below knee prosthesis.  This is a flexible material, such as silicone, neoprene which creates a suction environment between the socket and the user’s skin.

Terminal device: Component that is attached to the wrist portion of an upper extremity prosthesis.  These typically provide grasp, pinch, cosmesis or specific activity.