ABC	American Board for Certification in Orthotics & Prosthetics. The governing body of the Orthotics and Prosthetics field. They impose strict guidelines and testing for a facility or practitioner to become ABC certified. All BioMetrics offices are ABC certified, as are the clinicians.
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ADA	Americans With Disabilities Act. A Federal Act which requires employers make reasonable accommodations for employees who are disabled. The Act also prohibits discrimination in many public spaces. If you are a person with a disability, it is important to know the laws in place to protect you. You can learn more at:http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm
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AK	An above the knee amputation.
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Amputees	Individuals who have had a limb, or part of a limb surgically removed.
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BK	A below the knee amputation.
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BOC	An independent organization that certifies a person in orthotics and prosthetics. The requirements and testing are not as strict as the American Board for Certification (ABC).
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CAD	Computer Aided Design. A sophisticated computer program that allows the clinician to design a prosthesis and/or orthosis using a computer.
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Contractures	Tightening of the muscles resulting in restricted range of motion. This can hinder the use of a prosthesis and/or orthosis. Physical therapy and proper body positioning following an amputation can greatly reduce the risk of contractures.
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CO	ABC Certified orthotist. A professional who designs and fits orthoses.
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CPO	ABC Certified prosthetist & orthotist.
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CP	ABC Certified prosthetist. A professional who designs and fits prostheses.
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Definitive Prosthesis	Sometimes referred to as a permanent prosthesis. Fitted once the stump area of the amputation has normalized. This term does not mean the prosthesis will not need replacing in the future.
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Depression	Depression can often occur following an amputation or trauma and is considered a normal part of the process. If you or someone in your life shows signs of clinical depression, speak with a physician or mental health professional. For more information visit http://www.nmha.org/infoctr/factsheets/21.cfm
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Extremities	Arms and or legs. Limbs.
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Gait	Walking.
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Geriatrics	Dealing with an older, or senior population.
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IPSF	Immediate Post-Surgical Fitting. A cast or other rigid material placed on the patient immediately following the amputation surgery. Generally left in place for 2 weeks following surgery.
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Lower Extremities	Legs.
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Myoelectric	Artificial electronic arm or hand system. Uses electrical impulses generated by muscles to operate.
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O & P	Industry abbreviation for Orthotics and Prosthetics.
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Orthosis	A device designed to control, correct, or compensate for a physical impairment or disability. Orthopedic braces.
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Orthotist	A professional who makes and fits orthoses/orthopedic braces.
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Pediatrics	Dealing with infants and children.
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Phantom Pain	Most often a temporary issue where amputees experience physical pain either in their residual limb or the now missing limb. Sensations may include: burning, shocks, sharp pain, or cramping.
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Phantom Sensations	Very common occurrence where an amputee has sensations as if the amputated limb were still present. Sensations may include tingling, itching, or movement of the now missing limb.
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Preparatory Prothesis	Sometimes referred to as temporary prosthesis. Usually used for 3-6 month following amputation surgery to get the patient up and moving which is beneficial for both the patient and the healing of the stump.
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Prosthesis	A device that replaces a part of the body such as an artificial limb.
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Prosthetist	A professional who makes and fits a prosthesis/artificial limb.
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Recreational Prosthesis	A special or additional prosthesis that allows the user to pursue their specific interests such as swimming, skiing, and a range of other activities.
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Residual Limb	The portion of the limb remaining after an amputation.
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Socket	The part of the prosthesis in contact with the residual limb.
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Stump	A commonly used term which means residual limb.
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Suspension	The method used to hold the prosthesis onto the residual limb. Some examples are: suction, straps, sleeves or, locking liners.
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Upper Extremities	Arms.