Pylon
Pronunciation: PY-lon
A structural tube or post connecting the socket of a lower-limb prosthesis to the terminal device or prosthetic foot.
Full Definition
In lower-limb prosthetics, a pylon is the tubular structural component that connects the socket (at the proximal end) to the prosthetic foot or terminal device (at the distal end). It serves as the 'shank' of the prosthesis and may be exposed (endoskeletal/modular design) or covered with cosmetic foam (exoskeletal design). Pylons are typically made of aluminium, titanium, or carbon fibre. Editors should note that 'pylon' in this context is a prosthetics-specific usage unrelated to its architectural or aviation meanings.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from the architectural or engineering use of 'pylon.' In prosthetics documents, always refers to the tubular connecting component of a limb prosthesis.
In Context
- "The titanium pylon was selected to reduce overall prosthesis weight while maintaining structural integrity." — Prosthetics prescription form
- "Alignment of the pylon in the coronal and sagittal planes was documented prior to dynamic evaluation." — Gait analysis report