20 Orthotics, Prosthetics and Orthopedic care terms
This glossary will help people to have a better understanding of the technical terms in the program. I made it so that people can learn more about the program.
ankle-foot orthosis (AFO)
noun
A custom-made or prefabricated external brace that fits below the knee, extending down to the foot, designed to support the ankle, maintain proper alignment, and improve gait.
Example: The therapist recommended an ankle-foot orthosis to support the patient’s ankle and improve walking ability.
fr: orthèse tibio-pédieuse
clinic
noun
An establishment or hospital department where outpatients are given medical treatment or advice, especially of a specialist nature.
Example: I'm going to the clinic tomorrow.
fr: clinique
cranial orthosis
noun
A custom-made, rigid, or semi-rigid medical device used to correct moderate-to-severe infant head shape abnormalities.
Example: The infant was prescribed a cranial orthosis to correct plagiocephaly.
fr: orthèse crânienne
crutch
noun
A long stick with a crosspiece at the top, used as a support under the armpit by a person with an injury or disability.
Example: I have to use crutches for a few weeks.
fr: béquille
halo orthosis
noun
A highly rigid medical device used to immobilize the cervical spine (neck) following severe fractures, dislocations, or surgery.
Example: The patient was placed in a halo orthosis to stabilize the cervical spine after the trauma.
fr: orthèse halo
knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO)
noun
a custom-made, long-leg brace designed to stabilize the lower limb by supporting the knee, ankle, and foot
Example: The patient uses a knee-ankle-foot orthosis to maintain knee stability and improve walking safety.
fr: orthèse genou-cheville-pied (KAFO)
material
noun
The matter from which a thing is or can be made.
Example: Different materials are used to make prosthetic devices.
fr: matériaux
orthopedic
adjective
Relating to the branch of medicine dealing with conditions affecting the bones or muscles.
Example: After injuring her knee during practice, Simon scheduled an appointment with an orthopedic specialist to evaluate the damage.
fr: orthopédique
orthotic corset
noun
A fabric and reinforced medical device worn around the torso to support, immobilize, or correct spinal disorders like scoliosis or kyphosis.
Example: The patient was fitted with a custom orthotic corset to support her spine.
fr: corset orthétique
orthotics
noun
The branch of medicine that deals with the provision and use of artificial devices such as splints and braces.
Example: The clinic specializes in custom orthotics for lower-lomb conditions.
fr: orthèse
pathology
noun
The science of the causes and effects of diseases, especially the branch of medicine that deals with the laboratory examination of samples of body tissue for diagnostic or forensic purposes.
Example: The biopsy sample was sent to pathology for analysis.
fr: pathologie
patient
noun
A person receiving or registered to receive medical treatment.
Example: The clinician explained the treatment plan carefully so the patient would feel reassured and informed.
fr: patient
plagiocephaly
plagiocephaly
noun
A flat spot on one side or the back of an infant's head.
Example: The pediatrician diagnosed the infant with plagiocephaly after noticing a flattening on one side of the head.
fr: plagiocéphalie
prosthetics
noun
an artificial body part; a prosthesis.
Example: After the accident, she learned to walk again with the help of advanced prosthetics.
fr: prothèse
reeducation
noun
Is a therapeutic process designed to retrain the body's nervous and muscular systems to function correctly after injury, surgery, or neurological conditions.
Example: After his injury, the patient underwent several weeks of physical reeducation to regain full mobility in his leg.
fr: rééducation
stroke
noun
A medical emergency occurring when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked (ischemic stroke) or a blood vessel ruptures (hemorrhagic stroke).
Example: She is undergoing rehabilitation after having a stroke.
fr: accident vasculaire cérébral
thermoforming
noun
A manufacturing process that converts thermoplastic sheets into 3D shapes by heating them to a pliable state, forming them over a mold using vacuum, pressure, or mechanical force, and cooling them into a finished part.
Example: Thermoforming is commonly used to shape plastic orthotic components.
fr: thermoformage
wheelchair
noun
A chair fitted with wheels for use as a means of transport by a person who is is unable to walk, or finds walking difficult, as a result of illness, injury, or disability.
Example: She uses a wheelchair to move around comfortably.
fr: chaise roulante
wrist orthosis
noun
A medical device used to support, stabilize, or immobilize the wrist, hand, and forearm.
Example: The patient was fitted with a wrist orthosis to stabilize the joint after the injury.
