Common Terms

What are some common terms used when discussing congenital limb deficiencies or amputations?< br> Residual limb:  term used for the amputated or congenitally abnormal limb; it is the preferred term rather than the older term “stump.”

Bilateral:  both sides of the body are involved.

Unilateral:  only one side is affected.

Neuropathy:  a condition where the nerves in the limbs become sick. This can lead to numbness, tingling, pain and weakness of the limbs.

Disarticulation:  a type of amputation that goes through a joint. Typically the end of the remaining bone remains intact and may serve as an excellent attachment for a socket. The type of disarticulation depends on which joint is involved (i.e., ankle or knee disarticulation).

Transradial amputation:  an amputation that goes through the bones of the forearm. This can either be short or long depending on how much of the residual limb remains.

Wrist disarticulation:  a type of upper-limb amputation where the hand is amputated through the bones of the wrist.

Elbow disarticulation:  a type of upper-limb amputation through the elbow joint.

Shoulder disarticulation:  a type of upper-limb amputation that goes through the shoulder joint.

Forequarter amputation:  a type of upper-limb amputation that involves removing not only the entire upper limb but also the shoulder blade. It is usually performed to treat cancers.

Below-knee amputation:  any amputation that involves the structures below the level of the knee. Types of these include transtibial (across the tibia or shin bone), Syme’s or partial-foot amputations.

Transtibial amputation:  amputation of the lower limb that goes across the shin bone or tibia. This amputation may either be short or long depending on the length of the residual limb.

Syme’s amputation:  a type of amputation just at or right above the ankle joint.

Chopart amputation:  a partial foot amputation located just past the ankle joint.

Lisfranc amputation:  a partial foot amputation located through the middle of the foot.

Above-knee amputation:  any amputation that involves structures above the knee, typically across the thigh bone or femur (transfemoral).

Transfemoral amputation:  a type of lower-limb amputation that occurs through the thigh bone or femur. These amputations can either be short or long depending on the length of the residual limb.

Hip disarticulation:  an amputation that removes the entire lower limb from the hip joint.

Hemipelvectomy:  an amputation of the lower limb that extends through part of the pelvis.

Hemicorpectomy:  an amputation of the lower limb that also removes the entire pelvis.

 

Additional important terms an amputee should know:

Donning:  the act of putting a prosthesis on.

Doffing:  the act of taking a prosthesis off.

Prosthesis:  any device that serves as an artificial substitute or replacement of a part of the body. Sometimes this is referred to as an artificial limb and may be used for appearance and/or function.

Componentry:  parts that make up the prosthesis.

Prosthetist:  someone who makes a prosthesis.

Socket:  the part of the prosthesis that holds it onto the residual limb. There are various types of sockets depending on the type and shape of the residual limb.

Supracondylar Cuff:  a type of socket and suspension used when a limb deficiency occurs below the knee. It typically involves a socket that extends over the bony prominences at the end of the thigh bone, which are called condyles (hence supracondylar). Occasionally, this is referred to as a patellar tendon-bearing brace because the person’s weight is borne on the tendon running from the kneecap (patella) to the shin bone.

Liners:  usually a synthetic material placed over the residual limb that will help to improve contact between the residual limb and the prosthesis. These are also used to keep the limb in the prosthesis when using a suction suspension.

Ischial containment socket:  a type of socket used in above-knee amputations or congenital deficiencies. The ischium, a bone of the pelvis, is often held within the socket together with the residual limb. The ischium is the part of the pelvis that we sit on and is good for weight bearing

Quadrilateral socket:  a type of socket used in above-knee amputations or congenital deficiencies. It is named because it typically has four walls (hence quad).

SACH foot:  acronym for Solid Ankle Cushioned Heel or SACH. This is a basic type of foot used in many lower-limb prostheses. Usually it is used in people who are less active.

Suspension system:  the way in which the prosthesis is held onto the residual limb. This may involve a belt or suction to hold the prosthesis on the limb

Exoskeleton:  usually a type of prosthesis made of wood or plastic, shaped to look like the other normal limb.

Endoskeleton:  usually a prosthesis made of a rigid metal or plastic. Typically, there is a long tube or pylon that makes up most of the prosthesis. This pylon can be covered with synthetic material so that it looks more natural.

Terminal device:  refers to the end of an upper-limb prosthesis that is used to carry out functional activities. It is easier to think of the terminal device as the working “hand” of the upper-limb prosthesis.

Control system:  refers to how an upper-limb prosthesis is powered or moved. The two most common forms are either body powered or myoelectric.

Body-powered prosthesis:  with a body-powered prosthesis in the upper limb, movement of the terminal device, elbow or shoulder occurs by moving some other part of the body. For instance, when the individual’s shoulder and shoulder blades are moved they pull cables that control the terminal device (hand) and/or elbow.

Myoelectric prosthesis:  a prosthesis that has sensors inside the socket that detect muscle activity created by the child’s voluntary movement. The sensors detect this electrical activity and then amplify the signal, which in turn causes the terminal device to open or close.

Voluntary opening device:  a type of terminal device or “hand” in an upper-limb prosthesis where the terminal device is held forcibly in a closed position. It is then opened either by manually opening the device by the opposite hand or by using body power or electricity (i.e., myoelectric).

Neuropathy:  sickness of the nerves of the limbs. Although this condition may be painful, it also often results in decreased sensation, leaving a limb at risk for infection due to minor trauma.

Rotationplasty:  a surgery where the affected part of the limb is removed, but the remaining limb is then rotated and reattached. This procedure is sometimes used in orthopedic cancer surgery to spare some of the limb, often using the ankle joint as a knee joint and is referred to as a VanNess Rotationplasty. This procedure is usually used in children with congenital leg problems.

Transfers:  term used to describe moving from lying to sitting and sitting to standing positions.

Activities of Daily Living:  often referred to as ADLs. These activities consist of bathing, dressing, toileting and dressing oneself. It also involves mobility issues such as getting in and out of a tub or out of bed. Usually occupational therapists help show people how to do ADLs

Physical therapist:  an individual within the rehabilitation team who uses exercises and other treatments to help individuals with disabilities regain mobility and function, such as walking.

Occupational therapist:  an individual within the rehabilitation team who uses exercises and modalities to help individuals perform activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, toileting and transferring.