Getting in Shape
This wrapping material is applied over the residual limb before casting to protect the skin and allow easy cast removal.
What is stockinette?
This measurement is taken from the medial tibial plateau to the distal end of the residual limb.
What is residual limb length?
Adjusting the prosthesis before it is tried on the patient for the first time.
What is bench alignment?
These sock materials, available in different thicknesses or "ply," are used to adjust socket fit as residual limb volume changes.
What are prosthetic socks (accept: wool, cotton, or synthetic socks)?
This skin condition, characterized by persistent redness that doesn't blanch or disappear after 20 minutes, indicates excessive pressure.
What is pressure injury (or pressure sore/ulcer)?
When taking a cast, you should maintain firm pressure over this tendon to create the primary weight-bearing area.
What is the patellar tendon?
This circumferential measurement is typically taken at the widest part of the residual limb, often over the gastrocnemius muscle belly.
What is maximum circumference (or proximal circumference)?
When a patient's foot is too far posterior, they will experience this problem with their knee during stance phase.
What is excessive knee flexion (or knee buckling)?
This type of liner creates a seal against the socket wall and uses negative pressure to achieve suspension without external sleeves or straps.
What is a suction liner (or seal-in liner)?
This complication occurs when fluid accumulates in the residual limb due to poor circulation, prolonged sitting, or inadequate socket fit.
What is edema (or swelling)?
This joint should be kept at 90 degrees flexion during casting to ensure proper socket alignment and prevent knee hyperextension.
What is the knee joint?
To determine the proper prosthesis height, measure from the floor to this anatomical landmark on the sound side to ensure equal leg lengths.
What is the medial tibial plateau?
This system facilitates both a reliable and adjustable connection between prosthetic components.
What is the pyramid adapter system?
This flexible material is often used in liners with the aim of providing cushioning, evenly distributing pressure, and reducing shear forces.
What is a gel liner (accept: (poly-) urethane, or thermoplastic elastomer)?
This painful nerve condition presents as burning, tingling, or shooting sensations and can occur if socket pressure is applied over the fibular head.
What is nerve compression (or neuropathy, accept: common peroneal nerve injury)?
These two bony prominences must be clearly palpated and marked during casting to ensure proper socket trim lines and avoid pressure points.
What are the fibular head and tibial tubercle (medial tibial flare)?
This measurement compares the circumference at multiple levels along the residual limb and helps determine if the limb is conical, cylindrical, or bulbous in shape.
What are serial circumferences (or circumferential measurements at intervals)?
This alignment change, moving the foot relative to the socket, affects the knee's frontal plane stability and can correct valgus or varus thrust.
What is medial-lateral translation?
This material, used in dynamic response feet and some socket designs, provides excellent strength-to-weight ratio and stores/returns energy during gait.
What is carbon fiber (or graphite composite)?
This gait deviation, often indicates the prosthesis is too long or the suspension is inadequate.
What is hip hiking (also accept: vaulting and circumduction)?
This casting process involves manipulating soft tissues under controlled pressure to create a socket that enhances suspension and improves gait by supporting all tissues uniformly.
What is total contact casting (or total surface bearing casting)?
This measurement determines the anterior-posterior versus medial-lateral proportions of the residual limb and influences socket shape decisions between more oval or more circular designs.
What is the aspect ratio (or A-P to M-L ratio)?
This force vector should pass slightly anterior to the knee joint center during mid-stance to create a stable knee extension moment.
What is the ground reaction force?
This lightweight thermoplastic material to create a prosthetic socket is sold under the trade name Vivak.
What is PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)?
This chronic condition develops when repetitive pressure and friction cause the skin to thicken and form painful, wart-like growths, most commonly occurring over bony prominences at the distal end of the residual limb.
What is a verrucous hyperplasia (accept: epidermal hyperplasia)?