If you’re new to the amputee world, it can be daunting trying to keep up with all the ‘lingo’.
Here’s some of the common words and abbreviations you might see or hear when you first have your amputation.
AE: (above-the-elbow): A specific level of amputation—aka transhumeral of upper arm bone.
AFO: Ankle-Foot Orthosis; device that encompasses the lower leg and foot.
AK: (above-the-knee): A specific level of amputation—also known as transfemoral.
Hip Disarticulation (HD): Amputation which removes the leg at the hip joint, leaving the pelvis intact.
HP (hemipelvectomy): Similar in scope to the hip disarticulation, the HP also removes approximately half of the pelvis.
KD: Knee disarticulation. Amputation through the knee joint.
BK – Below Knee (Again R or L could be added depending on which side your amputation is on)
BAK: Bilateral above knee. Also referred to as Bilateral transfemoral or above knee (AK).
BE (below-the-elbow): A specific level of amputation—aka transradial or bones between wrist and elbow.
Bi-Lateral Amp – Someone who has both legs amputated
BK (below-the-knee): A specific level of amputation—aka transtibial or bones between ankle and knee.
Transfemoral (TF) – Amputation above the knee (Through the femur bone)
Transmetasatal (TM) – Amputation through the metatarsal foot bones (Partial foot amputation)
Transtibial (TT) – Amputation below the knee (Through the tibia and fibula bones)
Transhumeral – Amputation above the elbow (Through the humerus bone)
Upper extremity – Upper limb
Vascular amputation – Amputation surgery performed as a result of impaired circulation of blood through the blood vessels of the limb.
osseointegration: The growth action and adhesive nature of bone tissue with titanium, which allows an individual to have a prosthesis attached so as to become part of their body’s own structure. The process was developed by Professor Ingvar Bränemark of Sweden in the 1950’s and is commonly used in dentistry and metacarpo-phalangeal (MCP) joint replacement in the hand. dysvascular amputation: The word is used to denote amputations that are caused or acquired from poor vascular status of a limb (i.e., ischemia). The prefix dys is Greek in origin and means abnormal, difficult, impaired or bad.
forequarter amputation: An amputation of the arm, shoulder, clavicle, and scapula.
SD (shoulder disarticulation): An amputation through the shoulder joint.
Congenital Amputee: Individual born missing a limb(s). Technically, these individuals are not Amputees, but are considered to be “Limb Deficient.”
congenital anomaly: A birth malformation such as an absent or poorly developed limb. (See amelia and phocomelia)
Congenital Deficiency: Condition present at birth, when all or part of a limb fails to develop normally.
Symes amputation: An amputation through the ankle joint that retains the fatty heel pad portion and is intended to provide cushioning for end weight bearing.
Disarticulation – This is when the amputation is through a joint. Most commonly the hip or knee.
People
ISPO: International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO) has worked to develop the prosthetics and orthotics sector worldwide since its inception in the 1970s.
Occupational Therapy (OT): The teaching of how to perform activities of daily living as independently as possible, or how to maximize independence in the case of disability.
Prosthetist, Prosthetic, Prosthesis… These 3 words often have people confused! Your prosthetist is the person who fits you with the prosthesis. And as an amputee writing this, I still find the difference between Prosthetic and Prosthesis confusing! Technically a Prosthetic refers to the formal process of creating the limb. Prosthesis is the end product made to replace your missing limb. From experience, most amputees would refer to their new leg as
their prosthetic, however, your prosthetist is more likely to refer to it as a prosthesis. Clear as mud!
Physio Therapy: A rehabilitative therapy that is concerned with a patient’s gross motor activities such as transfers, gait training, and how to function/mobilize with or without a prosthesis.
Physical therapy (PT): A rehabilitative therapy that is concerned with a patient’s gross motor activities such as transfers, gait training, and how to function/mobilize with or without a prosthesis. Physical therapy can overlap with Occupational Therapy and Prosthetist prosthetic training. Therapies can include putting prosthesis on and taking off, ply sock management, care, cleaning of the prosthesis; balance, strength, dexterity, gait training for
stairs, ramps and uneven surfaces and recreational activities such as riding a bicycle or running.
Equipment
PPAM – Pneumatic Post Amputation Mobility Aid is an inflatable device (not a prosthesis) that is used by some physiotherapists as part of the rehabilitation programme prior to prosthetic rehabilitation bumper: Rubber like, polymer based devices that are available in varying degrees of density,
depending on an amputee’s desired level of stiffness in a prosthetic knee or heel. As with other prosthetic componentry, basic maintenance or replacement may be required as a result of wear and tear.
Pistoning – When a liner stretches so that the stump elongates – or the vertical motion of a residual limb inside a prosthetic socket
check or test socket: A temporary socket, often transparent, made over the plaster model to aid in obtaining proper fit and alignment for patient specific function of a prosthesis.
alignment: Position of the prosthetic socket in relation to the components and body weight line. Alignment can be adjusted to accommodate patient specific needs.
ambulation: The action of walking or moving. For lower extremity amputees, rehabilitation is primarily concerned with helping the patient achieve proper gait and/or ambulation.
split hooks: Terminal devices with two hook-shaped fingers operated through the action of harness and cable systems.
stance control knee: These prosthetic knee joints typically offer a weight-activating friction brake that locks the knee into place during pivotal points of ambulation, offering stability and balance where needed.
desensitization: To reduce or remove any form of sensitivity in the residual limb by massaging, tapping, applying heat or cold or applying vibration.
donning and doffing: Putting on and taking off a prosthesis.
Dorsiflexion: Pointing the toe/foot upward, toward the body.endoskeletal prosthesis: A prosthesis built using modular adjustable componentry housed inside a soft, cosmetic covering.
functional prosthesis: Designed with the primary goal of controlling an individual’s
anatomical function, such as providing support or stability or assisting ambulation.
gait: A manner of walking that is specific to each individual.
gait training: Part of ambulatory rehabilitation, or learning how to walk with your prosthesis or prostheses. Initial training is provided by prosthetist and later physical and occupational therapists for strength, coordination, balance, endurance and patient specific needs.
Liner (roll-on liner): Suspension method used to hold the prosthesis to the residual limb and to provide additional comfort and protection for the residual limb. Roll-on liners can also accommodate some volumetric changes in the residual limb. These liners may be made of
silicon, pelite, or gel substances.
Manual Locking: User controlled mechanism to lock a device into a position; such as a manual locking prosthetic knee in complete extension (straight) to prevent buckling and falls.
medial: Motion of a body part toward the center plane of the body.
microprocessor-controlled knee: These devices are often equipped with an onboard computer and sensors that detects full extension of the knee and automatically adjusts the swing phase of ambulation, allowing for a more natural gait.
modular prosthesis: An artificial limb assembled from components or modules usually of the endoskeletal type, where the supporting member (pylon) may have a cosmetic covering (cosmesis) shaped and finished to resemble the natural limb.
multiaxis foot: The multi-rotational axis allows for inversion and eversion of the foot, and it
is effective for walking on uneven surfaces.
myoelectrics: Basically, this is muscle electronics. It is a technology used mainly in upper extremity prosthetics to control the prosthesis via muscle contraction using electrical signals from the muscles to power the prosthesis.
endoskeletal prosthesis: A prosthesis built to imitate the movements and functional capabilities of the human skeleton, with all parts and componentry housed inside a soft, cosmetic covering.
energy storing foot: A prosthetic foot designed with a flexible heel. The heel stores energy when weight is applied to it and releases this energy when weight is transferred to the other foot.
exoskeletal prosthesis: A prosthesis made of a hard, hollow outer shell designed for weight bearing. It is a fully functional, complete prosthesis unoccupied with cosmetic concern. assistive/adaptive equipment: Devices that assist in activities or mobility (i.e., wheelchair ramps, hand bars/rails, car and home modifications, canes, crutches, walkers, adaptive utensils and other similar devices). Devices that assist in performance or mobility, including
ramps and bars, changes in furniture heights, environmental control units and specially designed devices.
C-Leg: The Otto Bock C-Leg features a swing and stance phase control system that senses weight bearing and positioning to provide the knee’s microprocessor information about the amputee’s gait, thus promoting smoother ambulation. The outer shell houses a hydraulic cylinder, microchip, and rechargeable battery. The first of what is now of many computerized prosthetic knees. Another computerized prosthetic knee is Ossur’s Rheo.
stockinette: Tubular open-ended cotton or nylon material.
supercondular suspension: A method of holding on a prosthesis by clamping on the bony prominence above a joint, called “Condyles”.
Cosmesis: The outer, aesthetic covering of a prosthesis, usually made of foam or a rubber like material. Foam cosmeses are almost always covered by a cosmetic stocking. Used to describe the outer, aesthetic covering of a prosthesis.
Shuttle Lock (Pin Lock): A mechanism that has a locking pin attached to the distal end of the liner, which locks or suspends the residual limb into the socket
Suction Liner: This liner holds the prosthetic in place by forcing air out of the socket through a one-way valve when putting the prosthetic on. A button is then used to let the air back in when you want to remove it.
Liners are the base layer which goes on your residual limb. They act as a suspension system which is used to hold your prosthetic in place and provide additional comfort and protection of the residual limb when walking. These liners are often made of a silicon, pelite, or gel
substance and there are different styles depending on your level of amputation.
Foam Cover Some people prefer to have the metal pole (shank) of the prosthetic covered over. This is usually done using a foam cover to make the body of the prosthetic more ‘leg shaped’.
Pistoning (or Milking): Refers to the residual limb slipping up and down inside the prosthetic socket like a “piston”, most obvious while walking.
Suspension Sleeve are sometimes used by below knee amputees. They go over the socket and roll up your thigh. They are another way of creating suction to hold the prosthetic in place.
Stubbies are used by double amputees. They are shortened prosthetics which are helpful for people to learn to walk, without the fear or falling from a higher height.
Shrinker A shrinker sock (also sometimes known as Juzo Compression Stocking) is made of elastic material and designed to help control swelling of the residual limb or o shrink it in preparation for a prosthetic fitting.
Socket The socket is the part of the prosthesis where you put your residual limb into. The socket is made of plastic and is designed to fit your residual limb as comfortably as possible. Suspension Systems are designed to hold the socket on the stump. There are various designs including; pelvic bands, belts and liners. Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages. Individual preference will also be considered when choosing a particular
suspension system for the prosthesis.
Nudge Control: A mechanical switch that operates one or more joints of the prosthesis.
nylon sheath: A sock interface worn close to the skin on the residual limb to add comfort and deter perspiration.
Outer protective cover: A cover that goes over a custom shaped cover often that is flesh toned to match patient’s skin tone that is used to protect the prosthetic components from the elements or moisture. Covers can be made of different materials such as fabric or silicone.
partial suction: Usually refers to the socket of an AK prosthesis that has been modified to allow the wearing of prosthetic socks.
Sock: Wool or cotton sock worn over residual limb to provide volume adjustment to maintain total contact between the socket interface and residual limb.
Lower extremity – Lower limb
Residual limb – The remaining part of the limb after amputation (the stump)
DID YOU KNOW?
A half-stone weight change (7 lbs/3.2 kg) significantly impacts amputees
Prosthetic Fit: Weight changes affect the comfort and functionality of prosthetics, requiring adjustments.
Balance: Alters stability and energy usage, making mobility harder.
Joint Health: Increased weight stresses joints; weight loss relieves it.
Psychological Impact: Influences confidence and body image.
Overall Health: Stable weight supports cardiovascular health and rehabilitation.
Maintaining a consistent weight is key for comfort, mobility, and long-term well-being.
Amputees use 10-40% more energy than non-amputees during walking, depending on their prosthetic and fitness level.
70-80% of sensory input from the body is processed through our hands
1.Above-Knee Amputation (Transfemoral):
Energy use increases significantly, with amputees requiring 60-100% more energy than fully limbed individuals due to the loss of both the knee joint and
surrounding muscle function.
2. Bilateral Amputees (Both Legs):
Energy expenditure can be 200% or more compared to non-amputees. This is due to the higher demand on remaining muscles and the mechanics of using two prosthetic limbs.
Factors Affecting Energy Use:
• Prosthetic Quality: Advanced prosthetics can reduce energy demands but not eliminate the difference.
• Rehabilitation: Proper gait training and muscle conditioning help minimize energy inefficiency.
• Terrain and Activities: Walking on uneven surfaces or inclines increases the energy needed.
MEDICAL TERMS
Nerve decompression is a surgical or non-surgical technique used to alleviate pressure on a nerve that may be damaged or impaired due to swelling, trauma, scar tissue, or anatomical constraints (such as tight fascia or bone structures).
BONE SPURS: an abnormal outgrowth of bone that typically forms in response to pressure, friction, or stress over time, often due to conditions like arthritis, joint degeneration, or after injury.
BURSURS a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones, tendons, muscles, and skin to reduce friction and allow smooth movement.
NEUROMA: is an abnormal growth or thickening of nerve tissue, often caused when the end of a cut nerve forms a tangled mass during healing. Instead of reconnecting to its original pathway, the nerve endings misfire — which can cause pain, tingling, or burning sensations.
TMR SURGERY: stands for Targeted Muscle Reinnervation — a surgical procedure that reassigns nerves that once controlled the amputated limb to remaining muscles in the residual limb.
CRPS a condition where the nervous system overreacts to an injury or trauma, causing persistent, severe, and often burning pain that is disproportionate to the original injury.
Body balance refers to your body’s capacity to stay upright and steady, whether you’re standing, walking, or shifting positions. It involves a combination of muscle control, joint stability, sensory input, and brain coordination.
acupuncture: An ancient Asian mode of therapy used to cure disease or relieve pain; the process employs long, thin needles that are inserted into the body at specific points.
Neuropathy: An abnormal and usually degenerative state of the nervous system or nerve that can lead to loss of feeling in the feet or other extremities, especially in the diabetic patient.
phantom pain: Painful sensations, usually moderate, that originate in the amputated portion of the limb.
phantom sensation: This is the feeling that the missing body part is still there. It may involve uncomfortable but not necessarily painful sensations such as burning, tingling and/or itching.
plantar: The bottom section or sole of the foot.
plantarflexion: When the toe/foot is pointing down, like pushing the gas pedal down, away from the median plane of the body.
posterior: The back side of the body or part in question, i.e., posterior knee or patellar region.
prehension: The primary functions of the hand, i.e., to hold, grasp, or pinch.
pressure points: Contact against skin or residual limb that produces pressure, sheer, torsion or other forces that lead to tissue injuries. Pressure points need to be addressed to avoid skin irritation such as rubbing or blocked pores or hair follicles or more serious pressure bursas, sores, and ulcers.
rehabilitation: The process of restoring a person who has been debilitated by a disease orinjury to a normal, functional life.
residual limb: The portion of the arm or leg remaining after an amputation, sometimes referred to as a residuum or the archaic term stump.
stance Flexion: Mimics normal knee flexion at heel strike.
TENS Unit (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation): The units are small, battery powered, and weigh only a few ounces. Electrodes are placed on the skin near the area of pain and are attached to the TENS unit. The idea is to disrupt the pain signal so that the pain is no longer felt.
terminal devices: Devices attached to the wrist unit of an upper extremity prosthesis that provide some aspect of normal hand function, i.e., grasp, release, etc.
TES belt: A neoprene or Lycra suspension system for an AK prosthesis, which has a ring that the prosthesis slides into. The neoprene belt attaches around your waist by Velcro/hook and loop fastener. It is used to provide added suspension and/or control rotation.
Telemedicine: Doctor office appointment via HIPAA compliant communication such as video chat that fulfills insurance provider’s face to face visit requirement.
therapeutic custom shoe: A shoe designed and fabricated to address an individual’s medical condition. A therapeutic custom shoe is made over a modified positive model of an individual’s foot and can be either custom-molded or custom-made.
therapeutic recreation: This mode of rehabilitation provides instruction in returning to leisure activities.
Carbon Fiber – Non-stretch carbon fabric used to reinforce lightweight composite resin structures, such as prosthetic components and socket
ECG – Electro-Cardiograph, recording of the electrical activity of the heart
Edema – Swelling of the tissues (also spelled oedema)
Endo – Inside (as in: Endoskeletal Prosthesis – one with internal supporting structures)
Exo – Outside (as in: Exoskeletal Prosthesis – one with external rigid fiberglass structure)
Gait training – Learning to walk with a prosthesis
Interface – Inner surface of socket, or portion of prosthesis closest to the skin acupuncture : An ancient Asian mode of therapy used to cure disease or relieve pain; the process employs long, thin needles that are inserted into the body at specific points.
alternative therapy: A treatment that is used in place of or in conjunction with traditional edicine (i.e., acupuncture, yoga and Tens units).
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