top of page
Image by Iñaki del Olmo

GLOSSARY

Alignment - Positioning the prosthetic socket, prosthetic foot and other prosthetic joints in relation to each other as well as in relation to the residual limb. 

Amputation - The surgical removal of a body part, either partially or completely, commonly occurring due to trauma, tumors, diabetes, burns, frostbites among other reasons.

 

Bunions (also called hallux valgus) - A bump like bony prominence that occurs due to realignment of the joint at the base of the big toe. 

 

Congenital Limb Deficiency - Shortened, different or absent part of the body, present at birth.

 

Decubitus Ulcer - An ulcer is an open wound or sore that occurs due to increased and continuous pressure on the skin and its underlying tissues. Commonly occurs in diabetic patients who have reduced sensations in feet or those who wear ill fitted footwear.

 

Deep Vein Thrombosis - Formation of one or more blood clots (thrombus) in the deep veins of the legs.

 

Disarticulation - Amputations occurring through the joint (wrist, elbow, shoulder, ankle, knee, hip).

 

Edema - Fluid buildup in any part of the body that causes swelling and inflammation.

 

Gait - The way in which an individual walks.

 

Hammer Toes - This is a foot deformity characterized by bending of the middle portion of the toe, due to muscle weakness.

 

Hypertrophic Scar - Thick, raised and wide scars that develop during the healing process, in areas where the skin is injured. 

 

Liposuction - It is a surgical procedure that is done to remove fat from specific areas of the body.

 

Neuropathy - It is a condition where the nerves are damaged leading to tingling, burning, numbness, weakness and pain. Patients with diabetes are often seen with motor neuropathy (muscles are involved), autonomic neuropathy (skin is involved) or sensory (peripheral) neuropathy (involvement of nerves providing sensory feedback, common in the foot).

 

Orthosis (plural : orthoses) - External devices that support, stabilize, protect an affected limb and also correct and/or prevent deformities of the limb. 

 

Prosthesis (plural : prostheses) - The artificial replacement of the amputated body part, made up of different components corresponding to the missing anatomical body part. 

 

Prosthetic Socket - The part of the prosthesis that is in contact with the amputated limb by encapsulating the limb within itself.

 

Residual Limb - Description of remaining limb from joint to amputation site.

 

Stump - The remaining part of the amputated limb.

 

Varicose Veins - Veins filled with blood that become enlarged and dilated, occurring due to weak or damaged walls, very commonly affecting the legs. 

bottom of page