Donning
The act of putting on a prosthetic or orthotic device, including the application of the liner, sock, and socket in the correct sequence.
Full Definition
Donning is the clinical and patient-education term for the process of applying a prosthetic device, encompassing all preparatory steps such as rolling on a liner, managing residual limb volume with prosthetic socks, and achieving correct socket seating. Its antonym, 'doffing,' refers to removal. Both terms are standard in prosthetic clinical documentation, patient instruction sheets, and device training records. Editors should retain 'donning' and 'doffing' as the preferred technical pair rather than substituting informal alternatives such as 'putting on' or 'taking off.' The terms are not capitalised and do not require hyphenation.
Usage
Usage note: Always pair with 'doffing' when both actions are described. Do not substitute with lay language in clinical or insurance documents.
In Context
- "The patient instruction sheet detailed a five-step donning sequence, beginning with rolling the silicone liner onto the residual limb." — Patient education handout
- "The clinical note recorded that the patient achieved independent donning and doffing within three therapy sessions." — Occupational therapy progress note