CPO Clinical Application & Fitting 5

Question 1

A patient with a transtibial amputation using a vacuum-assisted socket suspension (VASS) reports that the vacuum alarm triggers frequently during activity. The clinician should first check:

Accepted Answer

Socket fit and liner integrity for air leaks

Answer

Frequent vacuum alarms indicate air is entering the system, most commonly due to a compromised liner seal, liner tears, or an ill-fitting socket.

Question 2

When fabricating a custom AFO for a patient with mild spastic equinovarus, the trim lines should be:

Accepted Answer

Posterior to the malleoli to provide maximum rigidity

Answer

Posterior trim lines increase the rigidity of the AFO, providing necessary mediolateral stability and tone management for equinovarus deformity.

Question 3

During assessment for a new transfemoral prosthesis, the clinician measures the patient's residual limb and notes a circumference decrease of 2 cm proximally since the last visit. This most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

Significant volume loss requiring socket modification or replacement

Answer

A 2 cm circumference decrease proximally suggests significant residual limb volume loss, which compromises socket fit and requires socket modification or replacement.

Question 4

Which combination of features characterizes an ischial containment socket (ICS) for a transfemoral amputation?

Accepted Answer

Narrow ML dimension with the ischium contained inside the socket walls

Answer

The ICS features a narrow mediolateral dimension that captures the ischium inside the socket, improving femoral adduction and proximal control.

Question 5

A pediatric patient with myelomeningocele at the L4 level presents for orthotic fitting. The expected motor function preserved includes:

Accepted Answer

Hip flexion, knee extension, and partial foot dorsiflexion

Answer

L4 sparing preserves hip flexors, quadriceps (knee extension), and partial tibialis anterior function, giving dorsiflexion and some medial foot control.

(CPO) Certified Prosthetist Orthotist Practice Test

(CPO) Certified Prosthetist Orthotist Practice Test

CPO Clinical Application & Fitting 5