Alliance P&O offers all available types of external prosthetic devices for upper and lower extremities.  The following is a list and defintions of common prosthetic devices/terms.

LOWER LIMB

BK-  Below the Knee- signifying the amputation occurred at the shin region, also known as a TT (Trans-Tibial).

AK-  Above the Knee- signifying the amputation occurred at the thigh region, also known as a TF (Trans-Femoral).

KD-  Knee Disarticulation- signifying the amputation occurred between the shin and thigh section of leg at the knee joint.

AD-  Ankle Disarticulation- signifying the amputation occurred between the shin and foot at the ankle joint, also known as a symes.

HD-  Hip Disarticulation- signifying the amputation of the complete leg from the pelvis at the hip joint.

Partial Foot-  Commonly refered to the various levels of amputations within the foot.

IPOP- Immediate Post Operative Prosthesis- A prosthesis fit to patient directly following an amputation with many benefits.

Rigid Dressing-  A cast fit to patient post operatively to protect limb and reduce swelling of amputation.

Shrinker-  A tight nylon that gives compression which pushes swelling away from amputation area to expedite healing.

K-Levels-  The potential level of use an amputee will achieve with a prosthesis, also known as an activity level, the possible levels are 0-4.

Endoskeletal-  A term similar to the human body, a prosthesis that is supportive internally.

Exoskeletal-  Similar to that of a crustacean, the supportive skeleton is on the outside of a prosthesis.

Temporary-  The first prosthesis for a new amputee, it is made knowing that it will be replaced in approximately 6 months.

Definitive-  A prosthesis that will last approximately 5 years if there are no major anatomical changes that occur.

Check Socket-  A transparent socket used to diagnose the fit of the prosthesis befor final lamination.

Myoelectric-  The use of a power source to control the prosthesis.

UPPER LIMB

BE-  Below the Elbow- signifying the amputation occured at the lower arm, also known as a TR (Trans-Radial).

AE-  Above the Elbow- signifying the amputation occured at the upper arm, also known as a TH (Trans-Humeral).

WD-  Wrist Disarticulation- signifying the amputation is between the lower arm and the hand at the wrist joint.

ED-  Elbow Disarticulation- signifying the amputation of the lower arm at the elbow joint.

SD-  Shoulder Disarticulation- signifying the amputation of the arm from the shoulder joint. 

Partial Hand-  Commonly refered to the various levels of amputation within the hand.

Terminal Device-  Common professional term for a prosthetic hand or hook.

Harness-  Common means of suspension for an upper extremity prosthesis.

Myoelectric-  The use of a power source to control the prosthesis.

Endoskeletal-  A term similar to the human body, a prosthesis that is supportive internally.

Exoskeletal-  Similar to that of a crustacean, the supportive skeleton is on the outside of a prosthesis.

Temporary-  The first prosthesis for a new amputee, it is made knowing that it will be replaced in approximately 6 months.

Definitive-  A prosthesis that will last approximately 5 years if there are no major anatomical changes that occur.

Check Socket-  A transparent socket used to diagnose the fit of the prosthesis befor final lamination.

Passive-  Term used for a prosthesis that does nothing functionally.