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Prosthetics Glossary

100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026

Microprocessor Knee

Advanced Technical IVT

A prosthetic knee joint unit that uses an onboard computer processor to continuously adjust resistance and swing-phase control in response to sensor data from the user's gait.

Showing 73–96 of 100

Residual Limb Volume Fluctuation

Advanced Technical IVT

Natural changes in the size and shape of the residual limb over time, affecting socket fit and often requiring sock ply...

Technical Term Full entry →

Rotationplasty

Professional Technical IVT

A limb-salvage surgical procedure in which the distal limb is rotated 180° and reattached so that the ankle joint functi...

Technical Term Full entry →

SACH Foot

Basic Technical IVT

Solid Ankle Cushion Heel foot; a non-articulated prosthetic foot with a cushioned heel wedge that compresses on heel str...

Abbreviation Full entry →

Shrinker Sock

Basic Semi-formal IVT

An elastic compression garment worn over the residual limb post-amputation to reduce oedema and promote limb shaping pri...

Technical Term Full entry →

Sock Ply

Basic Semi-formal IVT

The thickness denomination of a prosthetic sock, measured in plies, used to accommodate minor changes in residual limb v...

Technical Term Full entry →

Socket

Intermediate Technical IVT

The custom-fitted, hollow receptacle forming the interface between a residual limb and the prosthetic structure.

Technical Term Full entry →

Suspension System

Intermediate Technical IVT

The mechanism or combination of mechanisms that secures a prosthesis to the residual limb and prevents it from slipping...

Technical Term Full entry →

Syme Amputation

Advanced Technical IVT

An ankle disarticulation with removal of the malleoli and preservation of the heel pad, providing an end-bearing residua...

Technical Term Full entry →

Targeted Muscle Reinnervation

Professional Technical IVT

A surgical procedure in which residual peripheral nerves are redirected to reinnervate spare muscle segments, enabling i...

TMR
Technical Term Full entry →

Terminal Device

Intermediate Technical IVT

The functional end component of an upper-limb prosthesis, such as a hook, mechanical hand, or myoelectric hand.

Technical Term Full entry →

Test Socket

Intermediate Technical IVT

A transparent or semi-transparent provisional socket fabricated to assess fit, alignment, and tissue loading before the...

Technical Term Full entry →

Timed Up and Go Test

Intermediate Technical IVT

A standardised mobility assessment in which a patient rises from a chair, walks three metres, returns, and sits down; us...

Technical Term Full entry →

Total-Surface-Bearing Socket

Intermediate Technical IVT

A socket design in which pressure is distributed uniformly across the entire residual limb surface rather than concentra...

Technical Term Full entry →

Transfemoral

Basic Formal IVT

Relating to or describing an amputation or prosthesis at the level of the femur, colloquially known as above-knee.

Technical Term Full entry →

Transfemoral Amputation

Intermediate Technical IVT

Surgical removal of the lower limb above the knee, at a level through the femur.

Technical Term Full entry →

Transfemoral Socket

Advanced Technical IVT

The custom-fabricated receptacle that encases the residual limb of an above-knee amputee, forming the primary interface...

Technical Term Full entry →

Transfemoral Suspension

Intermediate Technical IVT

The method by which an above-knee prosthetic socket is secured to the residual limb, encompassing suction, locking liner...

Technical Term Full entry →

Transhumeral Amputation

Intermediate Technical IVT

Amputation through the shaft of the humerus, resulting in loss of the forearm and hand while retaining part of the upper...

Technical Term Full entry →

Transmetatarsal Amputation

Intermediate Technical IVT

Surgical removal of the forefoot across the metatarsal bones, leaving the hindfoot and ankle intact.

Technical Term Full entry →

Transradial Amputation

Intermediate Technical IVT

Amputation performed through the shaft of the radius and ulna, resulting in loss of the hand and part of the forearm, hi...

Technical Term Full entry →

Transtarsal Amputation

Advanced Technical IVT

A partial-foot amputation performed through the tarsal bones, preserving the heel pad and some midfoot structures.

Technical Term Full entry →

Transtibial

Basic Technical IVT

Relating to, or denoting, an amputation or prosthetic fitting at a level through the tibia, commonly referred to as belo...

Technical Term Full entry →

Transtibial Amputation

Intermediate Technical IVT

Surgical removal of the lower limb below the knee, preserving the tibia and fibula remnant.

Technical Term Full entry →

Trifluoroethylene Laminate

Professional Technical

A fluoropolymer-based composite laminate used in prosthetic socket and structural component fabrication for its strength...

Technical Term Full entry →
Showing 73–96 of 100

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