Limb loss and prosthetics, translated.

The part of the limb that remains after amputation. Clinicians usually say residual limb; some people say stump, and plenty use both. Follow your own preference.

An amputation through the lower leg, between the knee and the ankle. The natural knee stays.

An amputation through the thigh. The prosthesis generally needs its own knee component.

An amputation through the knee joint itself, rather than through the shin or thigh bone.

An amputation at the hip joint, with the whole leg removed from the pelvis.

An amputation at the ankle joint. The end of the limb can often be loaded differently from higher levels, which affects socket and foot choices.

An amputation through part of the foot, such as the toes or the front of the foot. Options and coverage depend on what remains.

An amputation through the forearm. The natural elbow stays.

An amputation through the upper arm. The prosthesis generally needs an elbow component.

An amputation of part of the hand, including one or more fingers or the palm. A separate set of device options applies.

Involving both limbs of a pair, such as both legs or both arms.

A limb that formed differently before birth, so there was no amputation. It overlaps with, but is not the same as, limb loss.

The custom-made cup that your residual limb goes into. It is the connection between your body and the rest of the prosthesis, which is why fit matters so much.

A soft sleeve, often silicone or gel, worn over the residual limb inside the socket for cushioning and, in some systems, for holding the prosthesis on.

The method that keeps the prosthesis attached to you, such as a pin lock, suction, a vacuum system or a strap.

A sock of a stated thickness, measured in ply, worn over the limb or liner to adjust fit as limb size changes during the day.

A trial socket, often clear or lightweight, used to check fit and comfort before the final socket is made.

The longer-term prosthesis made after fit has settled, as opposed to a first or interim one.

A snug elastic sleeve worn on the residual limb to control swelling and shape it, typically before and between prosthetic fittings.

The tube or rod that connects the socket, and a knee if there is one, to the foot. It sets the length of the leg.

A mechanical or electronic joint used at transfemoral and higher levels. Designs differ in how they control bending and stability.

A prosthetic knee with sensors and a processor that adjust resistance as you move. Coverage rules for it tend to be specific.

The part at the end of an upper limb prosthesis that does the job of the hand, such as a hook, a gripper or a hand.

An upper limb prosthesis operated by cables and body movement, such as shrugging or reaching forward, instead of by batteries.

Controlled by electrical signals from the muscles in your residual limb, picked up by sensors in the socket.

A prosthesis built for one purpose, such as running, swimming or cycling, rather than for everyday walking.

A structured look at how you walk, by observation or measurement, used to guide alignment and component choices.

A surgical approach in which an implant anchors into the bone and connects to the prosthesis through the skin, so no socket is used.

A surgery that redirects severed nerves to nearby muscle. It is used for pain management and to give prosthetic control more usable signals.

A clinician who evaluates, designs, fits and adjusts prostheses. Many clinics list this person as a certified prosthetist.

A clinician who makes braces and supports. Many practitioners hold both prosthetic and orthotic credentials.

The professional field covering braces and artificial limbs. Clinics, suppliers and insurers often use it in their names and forms.

A physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. They often write the prescription that starts the prosthetic process.

A therapist who works on strength, balance, walking and mobility, including learning to use a prosthesis.

A therapist who works on daily tasks such as dressing, cooking, work and home set-up, including one-handed techniques and upper limb training.

Contact with other people who live with limb loss, through a group, a mentor or an online community.

Feeling the missing part of the limb as if it were still there. It is common and not always painful.

Pain that seems to come from the part of the limb that is no longer there.

Pain in the remaining limb itself, as distinct from phantom pain.

A tangle of nerve tissue that can form at the end of a cut nerve and sometimes causes pain.

The residual limb changing size over a day, a week or a season. It is a main reason socket fit changes.

Swelling from fluid build-up in the tissue.

Swelling caused by a problem with lymph drainage rather than ordinary fluid build-up. It can need different management.

Redness, blisters, sores or open skin from pressure, friction or moisture. A prompt call to your clinic is a normal response.

The limb you still have on the other side. It often carries extra load, so its care matters too.

A K0 to K4 rating of your expected ability to use a prosthesis. Medicare uses it when deciding which lower limb components to cover.

The standard a payer applies when deciding whether to cover a device or service. Your records and your clinician’s notes are the evidence.

Approval a payer requires before it will pay for a device or service. Waiting for it is a common cause of delay.

Medicare coverage delivered through a private plan. Its approval rules can differ from traditional Medicare.

A billing code that identifies a specific prosthetic or orthotic item or service. You will see them on quotes and claims.

The first level of appeal for a denied Medicare claim, decided by the Medicare contractor that issued the denial.

A state law that sets coverage requirements for prosthetics on certain plans. What it covers and which plans it reaches vary by state.

A joint federal and state program. Prosthetic coverage under it varies from state to state.

Two Social Security disability programs. SSDI is tied to work history; SSI is based on financial need.

State programs that help people with disabilities prepare for, find or keep work. Some fund equipment connected to employment.

The US civil rights law covering disability discrimination, including workplace accommodations.