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Lower Limb Amputee Guide
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ForMotion Newsletter | Moving Forward
'Moving Forward', is the first ForMotion US Patient Newsletter, a new quarterly resource designed to educate, support, and inspire the community we serve.
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Prosthetics & Orthotics Residency Program
The mission of the ForMotion Clinic Residency Program is to be the national program of choice for residency education in orthotics and prosthetics, training competent, compassionate, and autonomous clinicians as part of the healthcare team for our patients.
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Prosthetics & Orthotics Glossary of Terms
Common O&P Terms Explained
Navigating orthotic and prosthetic care can come with a lot of unfamiliar terminology. Our glossary breaks down common O&P terms into clear, easy-to-understand definitions to help you feel more informed and confident throughout your care journey. Thank you to My Prosthetic Priorities as well as Amputee Coalition for many of these definitions.
A
- Ablation: A surgical technique for the targeted removal of abnormal cells or body tissues
- Above-the-Knee (AK) Amputation: A specific level of amputation in which the leg is removed above the knee. Also known as transfemoral amputation.
- Abduction: Motion of a limb or body part away from the midline of the body. Opposite of adduction.
- Acquired Amputation: Surgical removal of all or a part of one or more limbs.
- Adduction: Motion of a limb or body part towards the midline of the body. Opposite of abduction.
- Adherent Scar Tissue: Scar tissue that sticks to underlying structures like muscle or bone during the healing process, which may cause pain or restrict range of motion.
- AFO: Ankle-foot orthosis; a supportive brace or device that supports the lower leg and foot.
- Alignment: The position of the prosthetic socket in relation to the components and body weight line. Alignment is adjusted to accommodate patient specific needs.
- Alternative Therapy: A treatment that is used in place of or in conjunction with traditional medicine (i.e. acupuncture, yoga, TENS units).
- Ambulation: The act of walking or moving.
- American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthic (ABC): The leading credentialing body in the United States for certified prosthetists and orthotists.
- Anterior: Near the front of the body. Opposite of posterior.
- Assistive/Adaptive Equipment: Devices that assist in activities or mobility. Examples include wheelchair ramps, hand bars/rails, car and home modifications, canes, crutches, walkers, adaptive utensils, and other similar devices.
- Atrophy: Decrease in the size of a muscle or other body part as a result of decreased function.
B
- Balance: The 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.
- Below-the-Knee (BK) Amputation: A specific level of amputation in which the leg is removed below the knee. Also known as transtibial amputation.
- Bilateral Above Knee Amputee (BAKA): Someone who has had both legs amputated at or above the femur. Also referred to as bilateral transfemoral amputee.
- Bilateral Amputation: Amputation affecting the same limb on both sides of the body.
- 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 an injury.
- Bursa: A small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones, tendons, muscles, and skin to reduce friction and allow smooth movement.
C
- Carbon Fiber: A high-strength, lightweight material used to reinforce resin structures, such as prosthetic components and sockets, for durability.
- Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist (CPO): A person who has passed certification standards to practice as a prosthetist and orthotist as set by a certifying body.
- Check Socket: A temporary socket, often transparent, used to aid in obtaining proper fit and function of the prosthesis. Also known as a test socket or a diagnostic socket.
- Congenital Anomaly / Deficiency: A physical, structural, or functional difference or absence in a part of the body that develops before birth.
- Congenital Amputee: An individual born missing all or part of one or more limbs.
- Contracture: Tightening of a muscle around a joint which restricts range of motion.
- Contralateral: Referring to the side of the body opposite from where a condition occurs. Opposite of ipsilateral.
- Cosmesis: The outer, aesthetic covering of a prosthesis, often made of foam or a rubber-like material.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A neurological condition that causes persistent, severe, and often burning pain in a specific part of the body after an initial injury or trauma.
D
- Debridement: The removal of necrotic, infected, or foreign material from a wound.
- Definitive Prosthesis: The final prosthesis that is delivered to the patient.
- Desensitization: To reduce or remove any form of sensitivity in the residual limb by massaging, tapping, applying heat or cold or applying vibration.
- Disarticulation: Amputation through the joint of a limb without cutting through a bone.
- Distal: Situated away from the torso of the body. Opposite of proximal.
- Doffing: Taking off a prosthesis.
- Donning: Putting on a prosthesis.
- Dorsiflexion: An upward movement of the foot bringing the toes towards the shin. Opposite of plantarflexion.
- Dysvascular Amputation: Amputations that are caused or acquired from poor vascular status of a limb.
E
- Edema: Localized swelling caused by excess fluid in the tissues.
- Electro-Cardiograph (ECG): Recording of the electrical activity of the heart
- Endo: Inside. As in: endoskeletal prosthesis - one with internal supporting structures.
- 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.
- Exo: Outside. As in exoskeletal prosthesis - one with external rigid fiberglass structure.
- 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.
- Extremity: Synonymous with limb.
F | G | H | I | J | K
- Foam Cover: A cover for the metal pole (shank) of the prosthetic which some find to make the body of the prosthetic more “leg shaped”.
- 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 or stepping that is unique to everyone.
- Gait Training: Part of ambulatory rehabilitation or learning how to walk with your prosthesis or prostheses. Initial training is provided by a prosthetist and later physical and occupational therapists for strength, coordination, balance, endurance and patient specific needs.
- Hemipelvectomy (HP): A specific level of amputation in which the leg is removed at the pelvis.
- Hip Disarticulation (HD): Amputation which removes the leg at the hip joint, leaving the pelvis intact.
- Ipsilateral: Referring to the side of the body on which a condition occurs. Opposite of contralateral.
- International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO): Non-governmental organization of people who have worked to develop the prosthetics and orthotics sector worldwide since its inception in the 1970s.
- Knee Disarticulation (KD): Amputation through the knee joint.
L | M
- Lateral: To the side, away from the midline of the body. Opposite of medial.
- L-codes: Reimbursement codes used in the O&P industry to identify what services and/or devices were provided.
- Liner: A gel layer used between the skin and the prosthetic socket to provide comfort and protection of the residual limb.
- Limb Difference: Refers to a variation in the structure, size, or presence of an arm or leg, which can be present at birth or occur later in life.
- Locking Suspension: A suspension mechanism in which a serrated pin extending from the liner locks into the prosthetic socket, keeping the prosthesis connected to the residual limb.
- Lower Extremity: Lower Limb
- 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: Situated in the middle or towards the midline of the body. Opposite of lateral.
- Microprocessor-Controlled Knee: These devices are often equipped with an onboard computer and sensors that detect full extension of the knee and automatically adjust 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.
- Myoelectric: 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.
N | O
- Nerve Decompression: 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).
- Neuroma: 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.
- Neuropathy: An abnormal state of nerves that commonly results in loss of feeling, numbness, or tingling, especially in individuals with diabetes.
- 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.
- Occupational Therapist: A healthcare professional who teaches individuals how to perform activities of daily living with maximum independence.
- Occupational Therapy (OT): Helps people of all ages regain independence and perform daily activities safely and effectively, addressing physical, mental, and social challenges.
- Orthosis: A device that is used to protect, support, or improve function of parts of the body that move. Also known as braces, splints, slings, etc.
- Orthotist: A healthcare professional who designs, fabricates, and fits orthoses as prescribed by a physician.
- Osseointegration: Direct connection between bone and artificial implant.
- Outer Protective Cover: A cover that goes over a custom shaped cover often that is flesh toned to match a 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.
P
- Partial Foot Amputation: Removal of any portion of the foot.
- Partial Suction: Usually refers to the socket of an AK prosthesis that has been modified to allow the wearing of prosthetic socks.
- Phantom Pain: Painful sensations in an amputated portion of the limb, such as burning, tingling, or itching.
- Phantom Sensation: The feeling that an amputated body part is still present.
- Physiatrist/PM&R Doctor: A healthcare professional who specializes in comprehensive management of patients with impairments and disabilities,
including neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and vascular disorders. - Physical Therapist: A healthcare professional trained to evaluate and treat individuals with conditions or injuries that limit their ability to move and do physical activities.
- 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 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.
- Physiotherapy: 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.
- Pistoning: Also known as milking, refers to the residual limb slipping up and down inside the prosthetic socket like a "piston", most obvious while walking.
- Plantar: The bottom section or sole of the foot.
- Plantarflexion: A downward movement of the foot bringing the toes towards the floor. Opposite of dorsiflexion.
- Posterior: Near the back of the body. Opposite of anterior.
- Post-op Dressing: Used to protect the limb, reduce swelling, and prevent contractures after amputation.
- Pneumatic Post Amputation Mobility aid (PPAM): An inflatable device (not a prosthesis) that is used by some physiotherapists as part of the rehabilitation program me 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.
- 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.
- Prosthetic Foot: The part of the prosthesis that replicates the function, shape, and size of the limb’s missing foot. There are many prosthetic feet available made of different materials and structural designs. Patients and their prosthetists select prosthetic feet according to the user’s activity level and prosthetic goals. They are usually covered by a spectra sock and rubber foot shell to protect the structural components of the mechanical foot.
- Prosthetic Knee: The part of the prosthesis that replicates the function of a knee for individuals with above-the-knee amputations. There are many prosthetic knees available with different designs and technology and are selected by the patient and prosthetist according to the patient’s activity level and prosthetic goals.
- Prosthetist, Prosthetic, Prosthesis: A prosthetist is your clinician, a prosthesis is the device you wear, and prosthetics are the specialized field that makes it all possible.
- Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency (PFFD): A congenital anomaly in which the hip did not develop normally during the embryological phase.
- Proximal: Situated towards the torso of the body.
- Psychiatrist: A doctor of rehabilitation medicine who specializes in the comprehensive management of patients with neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, or vascular disorders.
- Pylon: A rigid, tubular component connecting the socket or prosthetic knee to the prosthetic foot.
R
- Range of Motion: The amount of movement a limb has in a specific direction.
- Rehabilitation: A set of interventions designed to optimize function of individuals with health conditions.
- Residual Limb: The portion of the arm or leg remaining after an amputation, sometimes referred to as a residuum.
- Roll-On Liner: The 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.
S
- Stance Flexion: Mimics normal knee flexion at heel strike.
- Shrinker Sock: A shrinker sock is made of elastic material and designed to help control swelling of the residual limb or shrink it in preparation for a prosthetic fitting.
- Shrinker: A soft sock made of elastic material designed to reduce swelling of the residual limb in preparation for prosthetic fitting.
- 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.
- Social Worker: A professional who assists and prepares an individual for re-integration with family and community life.
- Sock Ply: Worn over the liner to increase the volume of the residual limb after swelling has reduced. Ply refers to the thickness of the sock worn.
- Sock: Wool or cotton sock worn over residual limb to provide volume adjustment to maintain total contact between the socket interface and residual limb.
- Socket: The prosthetic component that encompasses the residual limb. The socket is custom fabricated to accommodate each user’s anatomy and shape for comfort and weight bearing.
- Sound Limb: The intact limb opposite the side of the amputation.
- 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.
- Stockinette: Tubular open-ended cotton or nylon material.
- Stubbies: Used by double amputees. They are shortened prosthetics which are helpful for people to learn to walk, with reduced fear of falling from a higher height.
- Suction Suspension: A suspension mechanism in which the prosthetic socket is kept on the residual limb through a net zero pressure system.
- Suction 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 silicon, pelite, or gel substance and there are different styles depending on your level of amputation.
- Supercondular Suspension: A method of holding on a prosthesis by clamping on the bony prominence above a joint. Called "condyles".
- Suspension Mechanism: The system by which the prosthesis maintains attachment to the user's residual limb throughout all activities.
- Suspension Sleeve: A gel sleeve worn over the prosthetic socket to seal the system from allowing air into the socket. Used in suction and vacuum suspension mechanisms.
- Suspension Systems: Designed to hold the socket. 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.
- 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.
T | U | V
- Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR) Surgery: A surgical procedure that reassigns nerves that once controlled the amputated limb to remaining muscles in the residual limb.
- Telemedicine: Doctor office appointment via HIPAA compliant communication such as video chat that fulfills insurance providers' face to face visit requirements.
- 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.
- 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)
- Unilateral Amputation: Amputation affecting only one side of the body.
- Vacuum Suspension: A suspension mechanism in which the prosthetic socket is kept on the residual limb through a negative pressure system, usually by way of a pump expelling air from the socket.
- Van Ness Rotationplasty: Amputation technique in which the ankle joint is used to substitute the knee.
- Vascular Amputation: amputation surgery performed as a result of impaired circulation of blood through the blood vessels of the limb.
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