| ABC |
American
Board for Certification in Orthotics & Prosthetics. The
governing body of the Orthotics and Prosthetics field. They impose
strict guidelines and testing for a facility or practitioner to become
ABC certified. All BioMetrics offices are ABC certified, as are the
clinicians. |
| ADA |
Americans
With Disabilities Act. A Federal Act which requires employers
make reasonable accommodations for employees who are disabled. The
Act also prohibits discrimination in many public spaces. If you are
a person with a disability, it is important to know the laws in place
to protect you. You can learn more at: http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm |
| AK
|
An
above the knee amputation.
|
| Amputees
|
Individuals
who have had a limb, or part of a limb surgically removed.
|
| BK |
A
below the knee amputation. |
| BOC |
An independent
organization that certifies a person in orthotics and prosthetics.
The requirements and testing are not as strict as the American Board
for Certification (ABC). |
| CAD |
Computer
Aided Design. A sophisticated computer program that allows the clinician
to design a prosthesis and/or orthosis using a computer. |
| Contractures |
Tightening
of the muscles resulting in restricted range of motion. This can hinder
the use of a prosthesis and/or orthosis. Physical therapy and proper
body positioning following an amputation can greatly reduce the risk
of contractures. |
|
CO |
ABC
Certified orthotist. A professional who designs and fits orthoses. |
| CPO |
ABC
Certified prosthetist & orthotist. |
| CP |
ABC
Certified prosthetist. A professional who designs and fits prostheses. |
| Definitive
Prosthesis |
Sometimes referred to as a permanent prosthesis.
Fitted once the stump area of the amputation has normalized. This
term does not mean the prosthesis will not need replacing in the future. |
| Depression |
Depression
can often occur following an amputation or trauma and is considered
a normal part of the process. If you or someone in your life shows
signs of clinical depression, speak with a physician or mental health
professional. For more information visit http://www.nmha.org/infoctr/factsheets/21.cfm |
| Extremities |
Arms
and or legs. Limbs. |
| Gait |
Walking. |
| Geriatrics |
Dealing
with an older, or senior population. |
| IPSF |
Immediate
Post-Surgical Fitting. A cast or other rigid material placed on the
patient immediately following the amputation surgery. Generally left
in place for 2 weeks following surgery. |
| Lower
Extremities |
Legs. |
| Myoelectric |
Artificial electronic
arm or hand system. Uses electrical impulses generated by muscles
to operate. |
| O
& P |
Industry
abbreviation for Orthotics and Prosthetics. |
| Orthosis |
A
device designed to control, correct, or compensate for a physical
impairment or disability. Orthopedic braces. |
| Orthotist |
A
professional who makes and fits orthoses/orthopedic braces. |
Pediatrics |
Dealing
with infants and children. |
| Phantom
Pain |
Most often a temporary
issue where amputees experience physical pain either in their residual
limb or the now missing limb. Sensations may include: burning, shocks,
sharp pain, or cramping. |
| Phantom
Sensations |
Very
common occurrence where an amputee has sensations as if the amputated
limb were still present. Sensations may include tingling, itching,
or movement of the now missing limb. |
| Preparatory
Prothesis |
Sometimes referred to
as temporary prosthesis. Usually used for 3-6 month following amputation
surgery to get the patient up and moving which is beneficial for both
the patient and the healing of the stump. |
| Prosthesis |
A
device that replaces a part of the body such as an artificial limb. |
| Prosthetist |
A
professional who makes and fits a prosthesis/artificial limb. |
| Recreational
Prosthesis |
A
special or additional prosthesis that allows the user to pursue their
specific interests such as swimming, skiing, and a range of other
activities. |
| Residual
Limb |
The
portion of the limb remaining after an amputation. |
| Socket |
The
part of the prosthesis in contact with the residual limb. |
| Stump |
A
commonly used term which means residual limb. |
| Suspension |
The method used to hold
the prosthesis onto the residual limb. Some examples are: suction,
straps, sleeves or, locking liners. |
| Upper
Extremities |
Arms. |