Assessment & Evaluation Flashcards

Which assessment tool is specifically designed to evaluate the functional outcomes of upper limb prosthesis users?

Answer: DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) questionnaire

The DASH questionnaire is a validated outcome measure assessing physical function and symptoms in persons with upper extremity musculoskeletal conditions and prosthesis users.

Subtalar neutral position is clinically important in orthotic casting because it:

Answer: Represents the point of minimal stress on periarticular structures for cast-based prescription

Casting in subtalar neutral captures the foot in its theoretically most balanced position, reducing stress on soft tissues and forming the basis for functional foot orthotics.

A positive Romberg test (increased sway with eyes closed vs. open) indicates that a patient is relying primarily on which sensory system for balance?

Answer: Vision, with deficient somatosensory or vestibular input

When closing the eyes dramatically worsens balance, it reveals dependence on visual input to compensate for deficits in somatosensory or vestibular systems.

During a lower limb prosthetic evaluation, lateral trunk bending over the prosthetic side in mid-stance most commonly indicates:

Answer: Prosthetic limb is too short, or the socket is abducted, or abductor weakness

Lateral trunk lean toward the prosthetic side reduces the demand on the hip abductors or compensates for a short limb by lowering the center of mass.

The L-code system in the United States is used in O&P for:

Answer: Billing and coding of orthotic and prosthetic devices for Medicare reimbursement

The HCPCS Level II L-codes are the standard billing codes for orthotic and prosthetic devices used in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement claims.

Which standardized measure assesses pediatric functional performance in daily activities and is commonly used in pediatric orthotics?

Answer: Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI)

PEDI measures functional capability and caregiver assistance in self-care, mobility, and social function for children, commonly used to document outcomes in pediatric O&P.